Consumption Of Virgin Olive Oil Research Articles

Ultrasonic-assisted extraction method of phenolic compounds in Extra-Virgin Olive Oils (EVOOs) by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS)

ABSTRACT There is an increasing trend in the consumption of extra virgin olive oil, owing to its health benefits. These health benefits are mainly correlated to health-promoting phenolic components. The aim of this study was to characterize the phenolic compositions of extra virgin olive oils (EVOOs) obtained from Delice and Memecik olive varieties from the south Aegean coastal area of Turkey by ultrasonic-assisted extraction method using ultra performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). EVOO samples were analyzed by a rapid and effective UPLC-MS/MS equipped with electrospray ionization. UPLC analysis results showed that luteolin was high quantity, and p-coumaric acid, vanillic acid, and caffeic acid were detected in abundant amounts.

Protective effect of olive oil polyphenol phase II sulfate conjugates on erythrocyte oxidative-induced hemolysis.

The consumption of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) has been associated with a lower incidence of cardiovascular diseases partly due to its polyphenol content. The metabolites hydroxytyrosol sulfate and hydroxytyrosol acetate sulfate were shown to be the most concentrated polyphenol metabolites found in plasma after EVOO consumption. Therefore, the capacity of hydroxytyrosol, hydroxytyrosol acetate, homovanillyl alcohol, homovanillyl alcohol acetate and tyrosol sulfate metabolites, to protect red blood cells (RBCs) from oxidative injury induced by the radical initiator 2,2'-azo-bis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH) was evaluated. In the presence of AAPH, all non-sulfated compounds and the hydroxytyrosol and hydroxytyrosol acetate monosulfate metabolites showed a significant protective activity against RBCs induced oxidative hemolysis. Moreover, even at 5 μM, the protection was highly significant for hydroxytyrosol acetate, hydroxytyrosol and hydroxytyrosol acetate 3' and 4' monosulfates. The morphological changes of RBC and the nature of their hemoglobin were in accordance with the hemolysis assay. Results showed that a free phenolic hydroxyl group is needed for the antioxidant protection given by compounds. Hydroxytyrosol metabolites present as phase II sulfate conjugates are actually able to protect RBC from oxidative injury by a non-transcriptional mechanism and are likely to contribute for the anti-atherosclerosis properties of regular EVOO consumption.

Influence of olive oil and its components on mesenchymal stem cell biology.

Extra virgin olive oil is characterized by its high content of unsaturated fatty acid residues in triglycerides, mainly oleic acid, and the presence of bioactive and antioxidant compounds. Its consumption is associated with lower risk of suffering chronic diseases and unwanted processes linked to aging, due to the antioxidant capacity and capability of its components to modulate cellular signaling pathways. Consumption of olive oil can alter the physiology of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). This may explain part of the healthy effects of olive oil consumption, such as prevention of unwanted aging processes. To date, there are no specific studies on the action of olive oil on MSCs, but effects of many components of such food on cell viability and differentiation have been evaluated. The objective of this article is to review existing literature on how different compounds of extra virgin olive oil, including residues of fatty acids, vitamins, squalene, triterpenes, pigments and phenols, affect MSC maintenance and differentiation, in order to provide a better understanding of the healthy effects of this food. Interestingly, most studies have shown a positive effect of these compounds on MSCs. The collective findings support the hypothesis that at least part of the beneficial effects of extra virgin olive oil consumption on health may be mediated by its effects on MSCs.

The possible protective effects of virgin olive oil and Nigella sativa seeds on the biochemical and histopathological changes in pancreas of hyperlipidaemic rats.

Hyperlipidaemia is a risk factor for the development and progression of atherosclerosis and is linked to various diseases. This study was done to evaluate the possible protective effects of virgin olive oil and Nigella sativa seeds on the biochemical and histopathological changes which occurred in the pancreas of the rats. The study lasted 8 weeks and included 24 albino rats that were divided into four groups (6 rats each); Group I - control group, fed with normal standard diet, Group II - fed with high fat diet (HFD), Group III - fed with HFD and virgin olive oil, Group IV - fed with HFD and Nigella sativa seeds powder. After finishing the experiment, blood samples were collected and assessed for the lipid profile, fasting blood glucose, pancreatic amylase and insulin levels. Then, the rats were sacrificed and the pancreata were extracted and slices of them were processed for histological examination using haematoxylin stain and Masson's trichrome stain. Small fragments from the tail of the pancreata were extracted and processed for electron microscopic examination. The statistical analysis of the data using the appropriate statistical tests was also conducted. In the present study, the serum lipid profile in hyperlipidaemic rats was ameliorated in rats fed on high fat diet with virgin olive oil or Nigella sativa seed powder, which was reflected by a significant decrease in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and triglycerides. Moreover, Nigella sativa decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL), while virgin olive oil significantly increased HDL. Also a significant decrease in the serum levels of blood glucose and amylase and a significant increase in insulin levels were present in these groups. The histological and ultrastructural results revealed regeneration of the exocrine and endocrine parts of the pancreatic tissues from the hyperlipidaemic rats fed with virgin olive oil or Nigella sativa seeds. In this study, the biochemical results were paralleled to the histological and ultrastructural results; therefore, it could be concluded that virgin olive oil and Nigella sativa seeds had antihyperlipidaemic and hypoglycaemic effects and they could protect the pancreas from hyperlipidaemia-induced injury. Daily consumption of virgin olive oil and Nigella sativa seeds in the diet is highly recommended.

The Nutrient Trial (NUTRitional Intervention among myEloproliferative Neoplasms): Feasibility Phase

The Mediterranean diet, characterized by increased consumption of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), nuts, legumes, vegetables, fruits, fish, and whole grain products, has proven to be beneficial in diseases where chronic subclinical inflammation plays a key role (Calder et al., 2011). For example, the PREDIMED (Prevención con Dieta Mediterránea) study demonstrated that a Mediterranean diet supplemented with EVOO or nuts reduced the incidence of major cardiovascular events (Estruch et. al, 2010). The Mediterranean diet's anti-inflammatory properties are attributed to its richness in phenolic compounds and main nutrients, such as: fiber, monounsaturated fatty acids, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins C and E, and carotenoids (Casas et al., 2017). Overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-α is a characteristic feature of Myeloproliferative Neoplasm (MPN) and correlates with high symptom burden and may also play a role in disease progression (Craver et al., 2018). Therefore, reduction of inflammation at the early stages of disease through low-risk interventions such as diet could lessen symptom burden and potentially blunt disease progression. To date, this nutrition trial will be the first to study the effects of the Mediterranean dietary pattern in MPN patients. To initially assess the feasibility of a Mediterranean diet intervention among MPN patients, we developed a prospective interventional proof-of-concept study of 30 MPN patients randomized (1:1) to either a Mediterranean diet supplemented with EVOO or the United States Dietary Guidelines for Americans (USDA). Inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in Table 1 and study schematic is shown in Figure 1. The primary endpoint for this study is adherence to a Mediterranean diet with our diet curriculum. Exploratory endpoints include reduction in inflammatory biomarkers, reduction in symptom burden, and change in the gut microbiome. All participants meet once at the start of the intervention period (week 3) with a dietician for one-on-one counseling to educate the participant on the central components of the Mediterranean diet or the US Dietary guidelines and tailor the diet to meet each participant's medical needs and or cultural preferences. Participants are emailed 10 weekly installments of educational materials on their respective diet. At weeks 3 and 9, participants in the Mediterranean diet arm are given 750ml of EVOO and participants in the USDA arm receive a $10 grocery gift card. Six unannounced surveys and 24-hour food recalls are collected throughout the duration of the 15-week study. Conformity with the Mediterranean dietary pattern is assessed by the 14-item Mediterranean diet adherence score. Symptom burden is assessed using the MPN symptom assessment form (MPN-SAF). Four biological sample data points are collected during the 15-week study which includes collection of blood, stool, and urine. Complete blood count, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, Lipid Panel, hsCRP are measured, and plasma is stored for cytokine analysis. Urine is used to quantify urine total polyphenol excretion. Stool samples are used to measure changes in the gut microbiome with diet. Since opening in October 2018, we have screened 44 potential participants. Four did not meet the inclusion criteria, 8 participants did not respond to initial surveys, and thus, did not progress to the intervention phase and were not randomized. Of the 32 participants who were randomized, 2 withdrew due to family illness. Eighteen participants have completed the 15-week study and 12 participants are currently in the active intervention phase. Demographics of the 30 participants who have completed this study or are currently receiving active intervention are shown in Table 2. In summary, this is a feasibility study to evaluate if MPN patients can adhere to a Mediterranean diet when given written curriculum and verbal counseling, and to explore whether a diet rich in anti-inflammatory properties can improve MPN symptoms. Geography was a limitation for this study, participants who were not in Southern California found it difficult to arrange travel for in-person visits. Patients who self-referred were more responsive and engaged than those recruited from clinic. Subsequent trials will test the impact of diet in a larger group of MPN patients, likely with a remotely administered intervention to obviate the need for travel. Disclosures Scherber: Incyte: Consultancy; Blueprint: Other: Ad board; Gilead: Consultancy. Mesa:Genotech: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Promedior: Research Funding; CTI Biopharma: Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding; Samus: Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy; La Jolla Pharma: Consultancy; AbbVie: Research Funding; Sierra Onc: Consultancy. Fleischman:incyte: Speakers Bureau.

Development of a LC-MS/MS method for urinary hydroxytyrosol as a marker for consumption of olive oil

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a LC-MS/MS method to quantitate hydroxytyrosol in urine for clinical studies to monitor compliance of consumption of dietary extra virgin olive oil. Both pre-analytical and analytical issues were examined. The stability of hydroxytyrosol was monitored in both urine and synthetic urine at four different temperatures (room temperature, 4 °C, −20 °C, or −80 °C) for four weeks either with or without the additive acetic acid. The LC-MS/MS method was validated by performing linearity, imprecision, recovery, and carryover studies.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Lesson from Nutrigenomics.

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) consumption has a beneficial effect on human health, especially for prevention of cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders. Here we underscore the peculiar importance of specific cultivars used for EVOO production since biodiversity among cultivars in terms of fatty acids and polyphenols content could differently impact on the metabolic homeostasis. In this respect, the nutrigenomic approach could be very useful to fully dissect the pathways modulated by different EVOO cultivars in terms of mRNA and microRNA transcriptome. The identification of genes and miRNAs modulated by specific EVOO cultivars could also help to discover novel nutritional biomarkers for prevention and/or prognosis of human disease. Thus, the nutrigenomic approach depicts a novel scenario to investigate if a specific EVOO cultivar could have a positive effect on human health by preventing the onset of cardiovascular disease and/or chronic inflammatory disorders also leading to cancer.

Cardioprotective Effect of a Virgin Olive Oil Enriched with Bioactive Compounds in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats.

Olive oil and its derivatives have been described to exert beneficial effects on hypertensive states and cardiovascular disease prevention. We studied the effects of chronic consumption of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), enriched in bioactive compounds from olive fruit and leaves, on blood pressure, endothelial function, oxidative and inflammatory status, and circulating cholesterol levels, in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Thirty SHR were randomly assigned to three groups: a control untreated SHR group, an SHR group (1 mL/rat/day) of a control olive oil (17.6 mg/kg of phenolic compounds), and an SHR group (1 mL/rat/day) of the enriched EVOO (750 mg/kg of phenolic compounds) for eight weeks. Ten Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) were included as healthy controls. Long-term administration of the enriched EVOO decreased systolic blood pressure and cardiac hypertrophy, and improved the ex vivo aortic endothelial dysfunction measured in SHR. Moreover, enriched oil supplementation reduced the plasma levels of Angiotensin II and total cholesterol, and the urinary levels of endothelin-1 and oxidative stress biomarkers, while pro-inflammatory cytokines were unaffected. In conclusion, sustained treatment with EVOO, enriched in bioactive compounds from the olive fruit and leaves, may be an effective tool for reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels alone or in combination with pharmacological anti-hypertensive treatment.

193-LB: Levels of Adherence to a Mediterranean Diet and Risk of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Modulation Effects of MTNRB1_rs10830963, TCFTL2_rs7903146, and MC4R_rs17782313 Gene Polymorphisms

Background: A high adherence (adh.) to a MedDiet pattern was associated with a reduced GDM risk. Studies have shown associations between MTNR1B rs10830963, TCF7L2 rs7903146, MC4R rs17782313 SNPs and GDM risk. The conferring risk could be modified by a MedDiet. This study’s aim was to investigate if the association between the degree of adh. to a MedDiet and GDM incidence is modulated by MTNR1B rs10830963 C>G, TCF7L2 rs7903146 C>T and MC4R rs17782313 T>C polymorphisms. Methods and Findings: 874 women were stratified into 3 groups defined as high, moderate or low adh. according to late first-trimester (>12 gestational weeks) compliance with 6 food targets: vegetables >12 s/w, fruits >12 s/w, juice <2 s/w, nuts> 3 s/w, consumption of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) >6 d/w and 40 mL/d EVOO. High adh. was defined as complying with 5-6 targets; moderate 2-4 targets and low 0-1 targets. Patients were genotyped for rs10830963, rs7903146 and rs17782313. Logistic regression analysis was adjusted for ethnicity, age, parity and BMI. Results: There was a significant association between rs10830963 risk allele G and GDM risk (OR) 1.87(1.29-2.73); and fasting 1.77(0.88-2.66) and 1 h glycaemia 6.27 (1.72-10.83) during 75g OGTT (all p<0.0001). Subjects with rs10830963 G allele who had low adh. had higher fasting glucose (mg/dL) compared to carriers with high adh. (88.24±0.93 vs. 84.59±0.85, p inter< 0.05). For T carriers of rs7903146 and C carriers of rs17782313 the genetic risk for GDM was significantly lower in women with high adh. 0.43 (0.23-0.80) compared to low adh. 0.2 (0.14-0.99), p-inter <0.01. The genetic risk score confirmed a significant gene-MedDiet interaction (p=0,05) for GDM. There was no effect in non-risk genotype carriers for the 3 SNPs. Conclusions: MTNR1B, TCF7L2, MC4R genes modulate the effect of a DietMed on the development of impaired glucose metabolism and GDM. Disclosure A. Barabash: None. J. Valerio Deogracia: None. C. Assaf-Balut: None. L. Del Valle: None. N. Garcia de la Torre: None. E. Bordiu: None. A. Duran: None. M. Fuentes: None. J. Ines: None. M. Cuesta: None. M.A. Rubio: None. A.L. Calle: None. Funding Instituto de Salud Carlos III of Spain; Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional; Sociedad de Endocrinolog?a Nutrici?n y Diabetes de la Comunidad de Madrid (IPI/2017/NR2)

Effects of Virgin Olive Oils Differing in Their Bioactive Compound Contents on Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial.

A regular consumption of virgin olive oil (VOO) is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. We aimed to assess whether the raw intake of an optimized VOO (OVOO, 490 ppm of phenolic compounds and 86 ppm of triterpenes), and a functional olive oil (FOO, 487 ppm of phenolic compounds and enriched with 389 ppm of triterpenes) supplementation (30 mL per day) during three weeks would provide additional health benefits to those produced by a standard VOO (124 ppm of phenolic compounds and 86 ppm of triterpenes) on oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers. Fifty-one healthy adults participated in a randomized, crossover, and controlled study. Urinary 8-hidroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine, plasma interleukin-8 (IL-8), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF- α) concentrations were lower after the intervention with the FOO than after the OVOO (p = 0.033, p = 0.011 and p = 0.020, respectively). In addition, IL-8 was lower after the intervention with FOO than after VOO intervention (p = 0.002). This study provides a first level of evidence on the in vivo health benefits of olive oil triterpenes (oleanolic and maslinic acids) in healthy humans, decreasing DNA oxidation and plasma inflammatory biomarkers. The trial was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02520739.

Increased Consumption of Virgin Olive Oil, Nuts, Legumes, Whole Grains, and Fish Promotes HDL Functions in Humans.

To evaluate whether increases in the consumption of cardioprotective food groups (virgin olive oil, nuts, fruits/vegetables, legumes, whole grains, fish, and wine) are associated with improvements in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) functions in high cardiovascular risk subjects. The association between 1-year changes in food group consumption and HDL functionality traits in 296 high cardiovascular risk subjects is assessed. Increases in virgin olive oil (10 gd-1 ) and whole grain consumption (25 gd-1 ) are associated with increments in cholesterol efflux capacity (+0.7%, P = 0.026, and +0.6%, P = 0.017, respectively). Increases in nut (30 gd-1 ) and legume intake (25 gd-1 ) are linked to increments in paraoxonase-1 activity (+12.2%, P = 0.049, and +11.7%, P = 0.043, respectively). Legume intake increases are also related to decreases in cholesteryl ester transfer protein activity (-4.8%, P = 0.028). Fish consumption increments (25 gd-1 ) are associated with increases in paraoxonase-1 activity (+3.9%, P = 0.030) and declines in cholesteryl ester transfer protein activity (-1.6%, P = 0.021), HDL cholesterol concentrations (-1.1%, P = 0.039), and functions related to HDL levels (cholesterol efflux capacity, -1.1%, P = 0.010). Increases in the consumption of virgin olive oil, nuts, legumes, whole grains, and fish (achievable through a regular diet) were associated with improvements in HDL functions in high cardiovascular risk subjects.

A High Adherence to Six Food Targets of the Mediterranean Diet in the Late First Trimester is Associated with a Reduction in the Risk of Materno-Foetal Outcomes: The St. Carlos Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Prevention Study.

A prenatal diet affects materno-foetal outcomes. This is a post hoc analysis of the St. Carlos gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) Prevention Study. It aims to evaluate the effect of a late first-trimester (>12 gestational weeks) degree of adherence to a MedDiet pattern—based on six food targets—on a composite of materno-foetal outcomes (CMFCs). The CMFCs were defined as having emergency C-section, perineal trauma, pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia, prematurity, large-for-gestational-age, and/or small-for-gestational-age. A total of 874 women were stratified into three groups according to late first-trimester compliance with six food targets: >12 servings/week of vegetables, >12 servings/week of fruits, <2 servings/week of juice, >3 servings/week of nuts, >6 days/week consumption of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), and ≥40 mL/day of EVOO. High adherence was defined as complying with 5–6 targets; moderate adherence 2–4 targets; low adherence 0–1 targets. There was a linear association between high, moderate, and low adherence, and a lower risk of GDM, CMFCs, urinary tract infections (UTI), prematurity, and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) newborns (all p < 0.05). The odds ratios (95% CI) for GDM and CMFCs in women with a high adherence were 0.35((0.18–0.67), p = 0.002) and 0.23((0.11–0.48), p < 0.001), respectively. Late first-trimester high adherence to the predefined six food targets is associated with a reduction in the risk of GDM, CMFCs, UTI, prematurity, and SGA new-borns.

228 - Improvement of mitochondrial function in steatohepatitis by olive oil consumption: role of nitro fatty acids

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a metabolic disease characterized by excessive fat deposition in hepatocytes in the absence of significant alcohol intake. We decided to evaluate the effects on NAFLD of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) consumption and the role that nitro-fatty acids (NO2-FA) present or formed during digestion in EVOO may have. We postulate that NO2-FA, due to its well-characterized pleiotropic anti-inflammatory properties, could spare mitochondria form the deleterious effects of high fat diet (HFD), contributing to the health benefits associated with EVOO consumption. Accordingly, we analyzed liver mitochondrial function in mice fed with HFD and supplemented with 10% EVOO (w/w) in the absence or presence of nitrite. We have been demonstrated that gastric conditions i.e EVOO plus nitrite at acidic pH favor NO2-FA formation (PLOS One 2014). HFD mice supplemented with EVOO plus nitrite exhibited lower increase in body weight than HFD controls or even animals under normal diet, in addition to a decreased accumulation of fat liver. Liver mitochondrial function was studied by high resolution respirometry. The HFD mice group supplemented with EVOO plus nitrite showed the best mitochondrial respiratory control ratio (RCR). When looking for electron transport respiratory chain complexes activities, complexes II and V were significantly improved by EVOO supplementation and even better in the presence of nitrite. As part of the antioxidant/anti-inflammatory actions of NO2-FA, liver hemoxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression increased in the EVOO/nitrite condition. Plasma NO2-FA levels were lower in the condition of HFD when compared to normal diet while increased in the HFD plus EVOO/nitrite condition suggesting an association between NO2-FA formation by EVOO and the observed improvement of mitochondrial function.

Genotoxicity of heterocyclic amines (HCAs) on freshly isolated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and prevention by phenolic extracts derived from olive, olive oil and olive leaves

In this study we investigated the genotoxic potential of 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine, (PhIP); 2-amino-3-methyl-3H-imidazo[4,5-f]quinoline, (IQ); 2-amino-3,8-dimethyl-imidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline, (MeIQx) and 2-amino-3,4,8-trimethyl-3H-imidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (DiMeIQx) on human freshly isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) by the comet assay. The preventive ability of three different phenolic extracts derived from olive (O-PE), virgin olive oil (OO-PE) and olive leaf (OL-PE) on PhIP induced DNA damage was also investigated.PhIP and IQ induced a significant DNA damage at the lowest concentration tested (100 μM), while the genotoxic effect of MeIQx and DiMeIQx become apparent only in the presence of DNA repair inhibitors Cytosine b-D-arabinofuranoside and Hydroxyurea (AraC/HU). The inclusion of metabolic activation (S9-mix) in the culture medium increased the genotoxicity of all HCAs tested. All three phenolic extracts showed an evident DNA damage preventive activity in a very low concentration range (0.1–1.0 μM of phenols) which could be easily reached in human tissues “in vivo” under a regular intake of virgin olive oil. These data further support the observation that consumption of olive and virgin olive oil may prevent the initiation step of carcinogenesis. The leaf waste could be an economic and simple source of phenolic compounds to be used as food additives or supplements.

Synergistic Effect of Combined Treatment with Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Doxorubicin on squamous cell carcinoma cell line

Background: In spite of the fact that the medical care has been extremely improved, the survivalrate of patients diagnosed with Squamous cell carcinoma is still decreased . Doxorubicin (DXR)is one of the most effective anti- squamous cell carcinoma drugs. This drug has a dangerous sideeffects. Natural products can lighten the DXR- induced side effects, without compromising itsantitumor efficacy. The consumption of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO ), appeared to be related tofewer malignant tumor occurrences. Aim of the study: The objective of the present study was toevaluate the effect of EVOO when used alone and, more interestingly, when combined with DXR,for 48 hours, on lingual squamous cell carcinoma cell line (SCC25). Materials and methods: SCC25was used in this study, it was divided into four groups. Group I (control), group II (DXR treated),group III (EVOO treated) and group IV (EVOO +DXR treated). Results: there was significantdecrease in MMP-1, VEGFR-2 expressions as well as migration and invasion between the testgroups and the control group. Conclusion: EVOO is a promising anticancer compound when usedalone or in combination with DXR.

A Proteomic Approach to Uncover Neuroprotective Mechanisms of Oleocanthal against Oxidative Stress.

Neurodegenerative diseases represent a heterogeneous group of disorders that share common features like abnormal protein aggregation, perturbed Ca2+ homeostasis, excitotoxicity, impairment of mitochondrial functions, apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Despite recent advances in the research of biomarkers, early diagnosis, and pharmacotherapy, there are no treatments that can halt the progression of these age-associated neurodegenerative diseases. Numerous epidemiological studies indicate that long-term intake of a Mediterranean diet, characterized by a high consumption of extra virgin olive oil, correlates with better cognition in aged populations. Olive oil phenolic compounds have been demonstrated to have different biological activities like antioxidant, antithrombotic, and anti-inflammatory activities. Oleocanthal, a phenolic component of extra virgin olive oil, is getting more and more scientific attention due to its interesting biological activities. The aim of this research was to characterize the neuroprotective effects of oleocanthal against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in neuron-like SH-SY5Y cells. Moreover, protein expression profiling, combined with pathways analyses, was used to investigate the molecular events related to the protective effects. Oleocanthal was demonstrated to counteract oxidative stress, increasing cell viability, reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and increasing reduced glutathione (GSH) intracellular level. Proteomic analysis revealed that oleocanthal significantly modulates 19 proteins in the presence of H2O2. In particular, oleocanthal up-regulated proteins related to the proteasome, the chaperone heat shock protein 90, the glycolytic enzyme pyruvate kinase, and the antioxidant enzyme peroxiredoxin 1. Moreover, oleocanthal protection seems to be mediated by Akt activation. These data offer new insights into the molecular mechanisms behind oleocanthal protection against oxidative stress.

OliveNet™: a comprehensive library of compounds from Olea europaea.

Accumulated epidemiological, clinical and experimental evidence has indicated the beneficial health effects of the Mediterranean diet, which is typified by the consumption of virgin olive oil (VOO) as a main source of dietary fat. At the cellular level, compounds derived from various olive (Olea europaea), matrices, have demonstrated potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which are thought to account, at least in part, for their biological effects. Research efforts are expanding into the characterization of compounds derived from Olea europaea, however, the considerable diversity and complexity of the vast array of chemical compounds have made their precise identification and quantification challenging. As such, only a relatively small subset of olive-derived compounds has been explored for their biological activity and potential health effects to date. Although there is adequate information describing the identification or isolation of olive-derived compounds, these are not easily searchable, especially when attempting to acquire chemical or biological properties. Therefore, we have created the OliveNet™ database containing a comprehensive catalogue of compounds identified from matrices of the olive, including the fruit, leaf and VOO, as well as in the wastewater and pomace accrued during oil production. From a total of 752 compounds, chemical analysis was sufficient for 676 individual compounds, which have been included in the database. The database is curated and comprehensively referenced containing information for the 676 compounds, which are divided into 13 main classes and 47 subclasses. Importantly, with respect to current research trends, the database includes 222 olive phenolics, which are divided into 13 subclasses. To our knowledge, OliveNet™ is currently the only curated open access database with a comprehensive collection of compounds associated with Olea europaea.Database URL: https://www.mccordresearch.com.au

Oleuropein: Molecular Dynamics and Computation.

Olive oil and table olive biophenols have been shown to significantly enrich the hedonic-sensory and nutritional quality of the Mediterranean diet. Oleuropein is one of the predominant biophenols in green olives and leaves, which not only has noteworthy freeradical quenching activity but also putatively reduces the incidence of various cancers. Clinical trials suggest that the consumption of extra virgin olive oil reduces the risk of several degenerative diseases. The oleuropein-based bioactives in olive oil could reduce tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin-1β and nitric oxide. Therefore, the quality of olive biophenols should be preserved and even improved due to their disease-fighting properties. Understanding the molecular dynamics of oleuropein is crucial to increase olive oil and table olive quality. The objective of this review is to provide the molecular dynamics and computational mapping of oleuropein. The oleuropein molecular bond sequential breaking mechanisms were analyzed through unimolecular reactions under electron spray ionization, collision activated dissociations, and fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry. Oleuropein is a biophenol-secoiridoid expressing different functionalities such as two π-bonds, two esters, two acetals, one catechol, and four hexose hydroxyls within 540 mw. The oleuropein solvent-free reactivity is leading to glucose loss and bioactive aglycone-dialdehydes via secoiridoid ring opening. Oleuropein electron distribution revealed that the free-radical non-polar processes occur from its highest occupied molecular orbital, while the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital is clearly devoted to nucleophilic and base site reactivity. This molecular dynamics and computational mapping of oleuropein could contribute to the engineering of olive-based biomedicine and/or functional food.

Anti-inflammatory Activity of Extra Virgin Olive Oil Polyphenols: Which Role in the Prevention and Treatment of Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases?

Altered inflammatory response characterizes chronic immunemediated inflammatory diseases (IMID) such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and psoriasis. Accumulating evidence indicates that regular consumption of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), the main source of fat in the Mediterranean diet, is associated with a reduced risk of developing chronic degenerative disorders such as cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes and cancer. The beneficial effects on health of EVOO have been attributed, besides to the monounsaturated fats content, to the presence of phenolic compounds that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the effects of EVOO polyphenols on IMID highlighting the potential mechanisms of action. Scientific papers were found by searching in PubMed up to May 2017 using the following key words: rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and psoriasis also in combination with EVOO, phenolic compounds, oleuropein, oleocantal, hydroxytyrosol,tyrosol and oleochantal. In vitro and in vivo studies indicate that EVOO and its polyphenols can improve diseases symptoms in IMID, by acting both at local and systemic levels and by modulating several molecular pathways. Nevertheless, there are not sufficient data to achieve specific nutritional guidelines. Further research is needed to evaluate the real contribution of EVOO and its phenolic compounds in modulating the IMID-associated inflammatory perturbations, in order to develop appropriate nutritional recommendations.

Including pork in the Mediterranean diet for an Australian population: Protocol for a randomised controlled trial assessing cardiovascular risk and cognitive function

BackgroundThe Mediterranean diet is characterised by the high consumption of extra virgin olive oil, fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes and nuts; moderate consumption of fish, poultry, eggs and dairy; and low consumption of red meat and sweets. Cross sectional, longitudinal and intervention studies indicate that a Mediterranean diet may be effective for the prevention of cardiovascular disease and dementia. However, previous research suggests that an Australian population may find red meat restrictions difficult, which could affect long term sustainability of the diet.MethodsThis paper outlines the protocol for a randomised controlled trial that will assess the cardiovascular and cognitive benefits of a Mediterranean diet modified to include 2-3 weekly serves of fresh, lean pork. A 24-week cross-over design trial will compare a modified Mediterranean diet with a low-fat control diet in at-risk men and women. Participants will follow each of the two diets for 8 weeks, with an 8-week washout period separating interventions. Home measured systolic blood pressure will be the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcomes will include body mass index, body composition, fasting blood lipids, C-reactive protein, fasting plasma glucose, fasting serum insulin, erythrocyte fatty acids, cognitive function, psychological health and well-being, and dementia risk.DiscussionTo our knowledge this research is the first to investigate whether an alternate source of protein can be included in the Mediterranean diet to increase sustainability and feasibility for a non-Mediterranean population. Findings will be significant for the prevention of cardiovascular disease and age-related decline, and may inform individuals, clinicians and public health policy.Trial registrationACTRN12616001046493. Registered 5 August 2016.