Abstract
Extra virgin olive (EVO) oil and Nigella sativa (NG) oil are two well-known Mediterranean foods whose consumption has been associated with beneficial effects on human health. This study investigates the nutrigenomic properties of two high quality EVO and NG oils in an in vitro model of low-grade inflammation of human macrophages (THP-1 cells). The aim was to assess whether these healthy foods could modulate inflammation through antioxidant and epigenetic mechanisms. When THP-1 cells were co-exposed to both lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced inflammation and oils, both EVO and NG oils displayed anti-inflammatory activity. Both oils were able to restore normal expression levels of DNMT3A and HDAC1 (but not DNMT3B), which were altered under inflammatory conditions. Moreover, EVO oil was able to prevent the increase in TET2 expression and reduce global DNA methylation that were measured in inflamed cells. Due to its antioxidant properties, EVO oil was particularly efficient in restoring normal levels of membrane fluidity, which, on the contrary, were reduced in the presence of inflammation. In conclusion, these data support the hypothesis that these Mediterranean oils could play a major role in the modulation of low-grade inflammation and metabolic syndrome prevention. However, NS oil seems to be more efficient in the control of proinflammatory cytokines, whereas EVO oil better helps to counteract redox imbalance. Further studies that elucidate the nutrigenomic properties of local produce might help to promote regional the production and consumption of high-quality food, which could also help the population to maintain and promote health.
Highlights
Inflammation is an essential component of innate immunity, but it can act as both a “friend and foe”
The MTT assay on THP-1 cells confirmed that a thymoquinone concentration >5 μM reduces cell viability at 24, 48, 72 h (DMSO vs. A, B, C; p < 0.001)
In the region remarkable anti-inflammatory properties. This oilMarche produced in displayed the Marche region displayed remarkable antiand high amounts of thymoquinone compared to those from other inflammatory properties and high amounts of thymoquinone compared to those from other This study investigated the nutrigenomic properties of two different oils, both produced in Mediterranean countries [35]
Summary
Inflammation is an essential component of innate immunity, but it can act as both a “friend and foe”. Antioxidants 2020, 9, 20 to modulate the predisposition to chronic low-grade inflammatory conditions, and they might play a role in the prevention and treatment of numerous complex diseases [7,8] These food components (including, for instance, omega-3 fatty acids, plant flavonoids, vitamins, pre and probiotics) act through different kinds of mechanisms ranging from antioxidant effects to gene expression (nutrigenomic) and cell-signaling modulation, to promoting the function of the gut barrier and anti-inflammatory responses [7]. Growing evidence associates epigenetic marks (DNA methylation, histone modifications, non-coding RNA and chromatin structure) with chronic inflammatory diseases [11,12] In this context, the potential role of many bioactive nutrients in regulating human health ( through effects on epigenetics) has become evident, and nutri(epi)genomics has emerged as a new and promising field in current nutritional research [13,14]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
