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Essential Fatty Acids in the Treatment of Mental Disorders, A Workshop
A recent workshop on essential omega-3 fatty acids and psychiatric disorders was
organized by National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and the National Institute of
Mental Health and co-sponsored by the ODS and the Office of Research on Women’s Health.
This workshop brought together international scholars to discuss new areas of research on
omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, with a focus on metabolic and clinical studies related to
psychiatric disorders. The proceedings and a summary of this workshop will be published.
Workshop held: September 2–3, 1998, Bethesda, MD.
Phospholipids in Health and Disease, A Conference
The ODS Director cochaired a session at the Seventh International Congress on
Phospholipids in Brussels, Belgium. The meeting focused on choline and choline phospholipids
and included the following topics: cell signaling, cell suicide pathways, phosphatidylcholine
biosynthesis, and various issues related to choline and health. Of particular interest to the ODS
were the sessions on choline and brain function. Animal model studies have shown consistent
results in choline-induced memory improvements in young as well as aged animals. Sex
differences were observed with perinatal treatment that demonstrated long-lasting improvement
in memory capacity in male animals, but the effects were of smaller magnitude and shorter
duration in female animals. These data, coupled with the basic science studies, presented a wellrounded
overview of the recent findings in phospholipid research and identified areas for future
study of importance to the ODS. Conference held: September 8–10, 1996, Brussels, Belgium.
Approach to the Prevention of Orofacial Clefts, A Workshop
The director of ODS participated in a workshop, “Approach to the Prevention of
Orofacial Cleft,” with the Director, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. The
workshop was co-sponsored by the March of Dimes Foundation, California Birth Defects
Monitoring Program, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to evaluate recent
research findings and discuss future research possibilities. This first meeting focused on the
potential role for ingestion of periconceptual folic acid supplements to reduce the risk of cleft lip
with or without cleft palate. Additional meetings are planned to further review the literature and
plan possible joint activities. Workshop held: March 17–18, 1996, Emeryville, CA.
Melatonin and Aging, A Workshop
The ODS co-sponsored a workshop initiated by the National Institute on Aging to assess
the current status of research on melatonin and aging and to recommend future research
opportunities. Topics discussed included the effects of melatonin on the processes of aging and
on the circadian clock system, as well as age-related changes in melatonin levels. Workshop
held: August 14–16, 1996, Berkeley, CA.
Melatonin and Sleep, A Workshop
A workshop on melatonin and sleep was initiated by the National Institute on Aging and
co-sponsored by the ODS. Research studies that focus on the biochemistry, pharmacology, and
neuroendocrinology of melatonin and its effects on various sleep parameters were presented.
Research areas that need further study were also identified. Workshop held: August 12–13, 1996,
Bethesda, MD.
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