Marine Fish-Derived Lysophosphatidylcholine: Properties, Extraction, Quantification, and Brain Health Application

Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids esterified in lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC-omega-3) are the most bioavailable omega-3 fatty acid form and are considered important for brain health. Lysophosphatidylcholine is a hydrolyzed phospholipid that is generated from the action of either phospholipase PLA1 or PLA2. There are two types of LPC; 1-LPC (where the omega-3 fatty acid at the sn-2 position is acylated) and 2-LPC (where the omega-3 fatty acid at the sn-1 position is acylated). The 2-LPC type is more highly bioavailable to the brain than the 1-LPC type. Given the biological and health aspects of LPC types, it is important to understand the structure, properties, extraction, quantification, functional role, and effect of the processing of LPC. This review examines various aspects involved in the extraction, characterization, and quantification of LPC. Further, the effects of processing methods on LPC and the potential biological roles of LPC in health and wellbeing are discussed. DHA-rich-LysoPLs, including LPC, can be enzymatically produced using lipases and phospholipases from wide microbial strains, and the highest yields were obtained by Lipozyme RM-IM®, Lipozyme TL-IM®, and Novozym 435®. Terrestrial-based phospholipids generally contain lower levels of long-chain omega-3 PUFAs, and therefore, they are considered less effective in providing the same health benefits as marine-based LPC. Processing (e.g., thermal, fermentation, and freezing) reduces the PL in fish. LPC containing omega-3 PUFA, mainly DHA (C22:6 omega-3) and eicosapentaenoic acid EPA (C20:5 omega-3) play important role in brain development and neuronal cell growth. Additionally, they have been implicated in supporting treatment programs for depression and Alzheimer’s. These activities appear to be facilitated by the acute function of a major facilitator superfamily domain-containing protein 2 (Mfsd2a), expressed in BBB endothelium, as a chief transporter for LPC-DHA uptake to the brain. LPC-based delivery systems also provide the opportunity to improve the properties of some bioactive compounds during storage and absorption. Overall, LPCs have great potential for improving brain health, but their safety and potentially negative effects should also be taken into consideration.