Beneficial effects of dietary supplementation with olive oil, oleic acid, or hydroxytyrosol in metabolic syndrome: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Biomarkers of food intake and their relevance to metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) constitutes a prevalent risk factor associated with non communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. A major factor impacting the etiology of MetS is diet. Dietary patterns and several individual food constituents have been related to the risk of developing MetS or have been proposed as adjuvant treatment. However, traditional methods of dietary assessment such as 24 h recalls rely greatly on intensive user-interaction and are subject to bias. Hence, more objective methods are required for unbiased dietary assessment and efficient prevention. While it is accepted that some dietary-derived constituents in blood plasma are indicators for certain dietary patterns, these may be too unstable (such as vitamin C as a marker for fruits/vegetables) or too broad (e.g. polyphenols for plant-based diets) or reflect too short-term intake only to allow for strong associations with prolonged intake of individual food groups. In the present manuscript, commonly employed biomarkers of intake including those related to specific food items (e.g. genistein for soybean or astaxanthin and EPA for fish intake) and novel emerging ones (e.g. stable isotopes for meat intake or microRNA for plant foods) are emphasized and their suitability as biomarker for food intake discussed. Promising alternatives to plasma measures (e.g. ethyl glucuronide in hair for ethanol intake) are also emphasized. As many biomarkers (i.e. secondary plant metabolites) are not limited to dietary assessment but are also capable of regulating e.g. anti-inflammatory and antioxidant pathways, special attention will be given to biomarkers presenting a double function to assess both dietary patterns and MetS risk.

Oxidative Stress as a Target for Non-Pharmacological Intervention in MAFLD: Could There Be a Role for EVOO?

Oxidative stress plays a central role in most chronic liver diseases and, in particular, in metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), the new definition of an old condition known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The mechanisms leading to hepatocellular fat accumulation in genetically predisposed individuals who adopt a sedentary lifestyle and consume an obesogenic diet progress through mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum dysfunction, which amplifies reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, lipid peroxidation, malondialdehyde (MDA) formation, and influence the release of chronic inflammation and liver damage biomarkers, such as pro-inflammatory cytokines. This close pathogenetic link has been a key stimulus in the search for therapeutic approaches targeting oxidative stress to treat steatosis, and a number of clinical trials have been conducted to date on subjects with NAFLD using drugs as well as supplements or nutraceutical products. Vitamin E, Vitamin D, and Silybin are the most studied substances, but several non-pharmacological approaches have also been explored, especially lifestyle and diet modifications. Among the dietary approaches, the Mediterranean Diet (MD) seems to be the most reliable for affecting liver steatosis, probably with the added value of the presence of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), a healthy food with a high content of monounsaturated fatty acids, especially oleic acid, and variable concentrations of phenols (oleocanthal) and phenolic alcohols, such as hydroxytyrosol (HT) and tyrosol (Tyr). In this review, we focus on non-pharmacological interventions in MAFLD treatment that target oxidative stress and, in particular, on the role of EVOO as one of the main antioxidant components of the MD.

Natural products for managing metabolic syndrome: a scoping review

Introduction

Metabolic syndrome comprises a collection of metabolic disorders stemming from factors like genetic predisposition, inadequate nutrition, stress, decreased physical activity, aging, and ethnicity. Although traditional pharmaceutical treatments exist for metabolic syndrome, their limited popularity is attributed to high costs and adverse effects. Consequently, natural products with fewer side effects have been explored for managing this condition. This literature review aims to explore the role of natural products including herbs, botanicals, vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and dietary supplements in managing metabolic syndrome.

Methods

This scoping review was conducted in five steps, involving the formulation of a research question, the retrieval and extraction of relevant studies, the selection of pertinent studies, the organization of information into tables, and the reporting of results. Data was collected from various databases including Embase, Science Direct, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science, with a focus on studies published from 2010 to the present, available in English and with full-text accessibility.

Results

We identified 1,259 articles, screened their titles, abstracts, and full texts, ultimately incorporating 169 pertinent articles into this review (comprising 90 review articles, 32 trial articles, 6 in vitro articles, 38 in vivo articles, 1 experimental article and 2 observational articles). The study's outcomes revealed that natural products, encompassing plants and their derivatives, vitamins and supplements, as well as probiotics, can exert a beneficial influence on metabolic syndrome by regulating blood sugar, blood pressure, lipid profiles, obesity, and abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Conclusion

The current study underscores the significance of natural products in addressing metabolic syndrome. Consequently, it is advisable to conduct further extensive research to assess the efficacy of these products, potentially integrating them into treatment regimens for individuals with metabolic syndrome.

Natural products for managing metabolic syndrome: a scoping review

Introduction

Metabolic syndrome comprises a collection of metabolic disorders stemming from factors like genetic predisposition, inadequate nutrition, stress, decreased physical activity, aging, and ethnicity. Although traditional pharmaceutical treatments exist for metabolic syndrome, their limited popularity is attributed to high costs and adverse effects. Consequently, natural products with fewer side effects have been explored for managing this condition. This literature review aims to explore the role of natural products including herbs, botanicals, vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and dietary supplements in managing metabolic syndrome.

Methods

This scoping review was conducted in five steps, involving the formulation of a research question, the retrieval and extraction of relevant studies, the selection of pertinent studies, the organization of information into tables, and the reporting of results. Data was collected from various databases including Embase, Science Direct, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science, with a focus on studies published from 2010 to the present, available in English and with full-text accessibility.

Results

We identified 1,259 articles, screened their titles, abstracts, and full texts, ultimately incorporating 169 pertinent articles into this review (comprising 90 review articles, 32 trial articles, 6 in vitro articles, 38 in vivo articles, 1 experimental article and 2 observational articles). The study’s outcomes revealed that natural products, encompassing plants and their derivatives, vitamins and supplements, as well as probiotics, can exert a beneficial influence on metabolic syndrome by regulating blood sugar, blood pressure, lipid profiles, obesity, and abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Conclusion

The current study underscores the significance of natural products in addressing metabolic syndrome. Consequently, it is advisable to conduct further extensive research to assess the efficacy of these products, potentially integrating them into treatment regimens for individuals with metabolic syndrome.

Comparison among Different Green Extraction Methods of Polyphenolic Compounds from Exhausted Olive Oil Pomace and the Bioactivity of the Extracts

The use of by-products as a source of bioactive compounds with economic added value is one of the objectives of a circular economy. The olive oil industry is a source of olive pomace as a by-product. The olive pomace used in the present study was the exhausted olive pomace, which is the by-product generated from the air drying and subsequent hexane extraction of residual oil from the olive pomace. The objective was to extract bioactive compounds remaining in this by-product. Various types of green extraction were used in the present study: solvent extraction (water and hydroalcoholic); ultrasound-assisted extraction; Ultra-Turrax-assisted extraction; and enzyme-assisted extraction (cellulase; viscoenzyme). The phenolic profile of each extract was determined using HPLC-DAD and the total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (ABTS, DPPH, and ORAC) were determined as well. The results showed significant differences in the yield of extraction among the different methods used, with the enzyme-assisted, with or without ultrasound, extraction presenting the highest values. The ultrasound-assisted hydroethanolic extraction (USAHE) was the method that resulted in the highest content of the identified phenolic compounds: 2.021 ± 0.29 mg hydroxytyrosol/100 mg extract, 0.987 ± 0.09 mg tyrosol/100 mg extract, and 0.121 ± 0.005 mg catechol/100 mg extract. The conventional extraction with water at 50 °C produced the best results for TPC and antioxidant activity of the extracts. The extracts from the USAHE were able to inhibit Gram-positive bacteria, especially Bacillus cereus, showing 67.2% inhibition at 3% extract concentration.

Matcha Green Tea: Chemical Composition, Phenolic Acids, Caffeine and Fatty Acid Profile

Matcha-Japanese powdered tea-is a variety of green tea (Camellia sinensis L.), one of the most popular beverages in the world. Due to the unique way it is grown, it contains high concentrations of health-promoting phytochemicals. The aim of this study was to determine the basic nutritional and phenolic composition of dry matcha green tea powder. The fibre content was determined according to the enzymatic-gravimetric method. Crude protein was measured by the Kjeldahl method. The total fat content was measured by the Soxhlet method, and the fatty acid profile was defined by the GC method. The determination of the phenolic acid and caffeine content was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography. The total fibre content of matcha was 56.1 g/100 g, with 52.8 g/100 g (94.1% of total fibre) of insoluble dietary fibre and 3.3 g/100 g of soluble fibre (5.9% of total fibre). The total protein content was 17.3 g/100 g. The total fat content in dry matcha was 7.285 g/100 g, comprising varying proportions of individual fatty acids, the highest ones being those of linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid. The caffeine content of matcha tea was 2213.492 µg/g. With regard to phenolic acids, the highest content was estimated for gallic acid (252.3755 µg/g). Matcha showed a particularly high content of total dietary fibre, with a predominance of the insoluble fraction. Matcha was found to be a valuable source of plant protein and unsaturated fatty acids, mostly of the omega-3 fatty acid family.

Fats and oils - a scoping review for Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023

This scoping review for the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023 summarizes the available evidence on fats and oils from a food level perspective. A literature search for systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses was conducted in PubMed. There are few SRs and meta-analyses available that investigate the association between fats and oils (food level) and health outcomes; the majority report associations at the nutrient level (fatty acid classes). All identified SRs and meta-analyses were of low methodological quality, thus the findings and conclusions presented within this scoping review should be interpreted cautiously. Based on this limited evidence, the following results were indicated: the intake of olive oil may be associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes (T2D), and total mortality in prospective cohort studies. The intake of butter was not associated with the risk of CVD but may be related to slightly lower risk of T2D and higher risk of total mortality in prospective cohort studies. For cancer, the evidence is sparse and primarily based on case-control studies. The intake of olive oil may be associated with reduced risk of cancer, whereas the intake of butter may be associated with increased risk of certain cancer types. Butter increases LDL-cholesterol when compared to virtually all other fats and oils. Palm oil may increase LDL-cholesterol when compared to oils rich in MUFA or PUFA but may not have any effect on glucose or insulin. Coconut oil may increase LDL-cholesterol when compared to other plant oils but may decrease LDL-cholesterol when compared to animal fats rich in SFA. Canola/rapeseed oil may decrease LDL-cholesterol compared to olive oil, sunflower oil and sources of SFA and may also reduce body weight compared to other oils. Olive oil may decrease some inflammation markers but may not have a differential effect on LDL-cholesterol compared to other fats and oils. The effect on risk markers likely differs depending on the type/version of oil, for example, due to the presence of polyphenols, phytosterols and other minor components. Taken together, based on the available evidence, oils rich in unsaturated fat (e.g. olive oil, canola oil) are to be preferred over oils and fats rich in saturated fat (e.g. butter, tropical oils).

Stigmasterol and gastrodin, two major components of banxia-baizhu-tianma decoction, alleviated the excessive phlegm-dampness hypertension by reducing lipid accumulation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Banxia baizhu tianma decoction (BBTD) originated from the Qing Dynasty Chinese medicine book "Medical Xinwu", which has a clinical application history of more than 300 years. It's a classic prescription for expelling phlegm, extinguishing wind, strengthening the spleen (traditional Chinese medicine, ie, TCM, refers to the spleen channel) and dissipating excessive fluid based on TCM theory. BBTD is particularly effective in the treatment of excessive phlegm-dampness hypertension. However, the precise pharmacological effect of each herb of BBTD on hypertension treatment is not yet fully understood.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the pharmacological effects of each herb in BBTD on hypertension treatment and to explore the mechanisms behind them.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A high-fat-diet fed animal model was developed to evaluate the efficacy of different groups of drugs in BBTD for the treatment of hypertension. Untargeted metabolism was used to detect the metabolic changes after modeling and drug intervention. Then, Stigmasterol (STI) and gastrodin (GAS), major components of Pinellia Ternate Makino and Gastrodia elata Blume, were selected for treatment on HepG2 cell steatosis model. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to detect changes of corresponding gene and protein after drug intervention to explore the exam anti-hyperlipidemia mechanism of STI and GAS combination.

RESULTS

The weight gain, elevated blood pressure and increased blood lipids induced by high-fat-diet were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) after each prescription medicine intervention in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, 28 differential metabolites (DMs) were detected after modeling and were regulated to normal at varying degrees after each drug group treatment. In addition, eight of the 28 DMs were significantly different from the model group after the full prescription drug intervention, primarily related to four metabolic pathways, while only two metabolites were significantly different from the model group after the unprincipled drug intervention, related to one metabolic pathway. In HepG2 hyperlipidemia cell model, STI, GAS and their combination significantly decreased TC, TG levels and lipid accumulation (p < 0.05), and decreased sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c), fatty acid synthase (FAS), stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD1) and their protein expressions (p < 0.05), increased adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and it's protein expression (p < 0.05). The two drugs work better in combination than alone.

CONCLUSION

BBTD has been shown to be effective in reducing lipid accumulation in a high-fat rat model, as well as in restoring the model-induced abnormal metabolites to normal levels in a dose-dependent manner. Pinellia ternata Makino and Gastrodia elata Blume, the main components of BBTD, may regulate lipid metabolism through fatty acid biosynthesis, arginine and proline metabolism. Their main active agents, STI and GAS, effectively reduce lipid accumulation and lipid content in cells and regulate the expression levels of genes and proteins associated with lipid metabolism. These results suggest that BBTD may regulate lipid metabolism via AMPK/SREBP-1c pathway.

The impact of consuming technologically processed functional foods enriched/fortified with (poly)phenols on cardiometabolic risk factors: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

Cardiovascular diseases are a major global cause of death and healthcare costs, emphasizing the need for effective prevention and management of cardiometabolic risk factors. One promising approach is the consumption of technologically processed functional foods enriched/fortified with (poly)phenols. The current systematic review aimed to evaluate the human clinical trials evidence on the effect of intake of these foods on reducing the most common cardiometabolic risk factors. 12 randomized controlled studies were included in the systematic review, with varying food intake amounts (27-360 g/day) and (poly)phenol doses (32.5-850 mg/day). These interventions included consumption of functional bakery goods, cereal bars, pasta, chocolate, and yogurt, with supplementation periods spanning from 2 to 52 wk. Several foods, such as green tea extract-fortified rye bread and olive fruit (poly)phenol-fortified yogurt, significantly lowered blood pressure. Flavonoid-enriched chocolate, hydroxytyrosol-fortified bread, and other products influenced glucose metabolism. Additionally, various functional foods were associated with improved blood lipid levels. While these results indicate the health advantages of consuming technologically processed functional foods enriched/fortified with (poly)phenols, caution is warranted due to the scarcity and limitations of existing studies. Further research is needed to confirm and expand upon these results in the prevention and management of cardiometabolic risk factors.

Effect of Extra Virgin Olive Oil on Anthropometric Indices, Inflammatory and Cardiometabolic Markers: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

BACKGROUND

A large body of literature associated extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) consumption with low risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. However, findings from clinical trials related to EVOO consumption on blood pressure, lipid profile, and anthropometric and inflammation parameters are not univocal.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of EVOO consumption on cardiometabolic risk factors and inflammatory mediators.

METHODS

We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane up through 31 March, 2023, without any particular language limitations, in order to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examined the effects of EVOO consumption on cardiometabolic risk factors, inflammatory mediators, and anthropometric indices. Outcomes were summarized as standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) estimated from Hedge's g and random-effects modeling. Heterogeneity was assessed by Cochran Q-statistic and quantified (I2).

RESULTS

Thirty-three trials involving 2020 participants were included. EVOO consumption was associated with a significant decrease in insulin (n = 10; SMD: -0.28; 95% CI: -0.51, -0.05; I2 = 48.57%) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance levels (HOMA-IR) (n = 9; SMD: -0.19; 95% CI: -0.35, -0.03; I2 = 00.00%). This meta-analysis indicated no significant effect of consuming EVOO on fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low density lipoproteins, very low density lipoproteins, high density lipoproteins, Apolipoprotein (Apo) A-I and B, lipoprotein a, blood pressure, body mass index, waist circumference, waist to hip ratio, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, interleukin-10, and tumor necrosis factor α levels (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The present evidence supports a beneficial effect of EVOO consumption on serum insulin levels and HOMA-IR. However, larger well-designed RCTs are still required to evaluate the effect of EVOO on cardiometabolic risk biomarkers. This study was registered in PROSPERO as CRD42023409125.

Construction of an Escherichia coli cell factory for de novo synthesis of tyrosol through semi-rational design based on phenylpyruvate decarboxylase ARO10 engineering

Tyrosol (2-(4-hydroxyphenyl) ethanol) is extensively used in the pharmaceutical industry as an important natural product from plants. In previous research, we constructed a recombinant Escherichia coli strain capable of de novo synthesis of tyrosol by integrating the phenylpyruvate decarboxylase ARO10 derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Nevertheless, the insufficient catalytic efficiency of ARO10 required the insertion of multiple gene copies into the genome to attain enhanced tyrosol production. In this study, we constructed a mutation library of ARO10 based on a computer-aided semi-rational design strategy and developed a high-throughput screening method for selecting high-yield tyrosol mutants by introducing the heterologous hydroxylase complex HpaBC. Through multiple rounds of screening and site-saturation mutagenesis, we ultimately identified the two optimal ARO10 mutants, ARO10D331V and ARO10D331C, which respectively achieved a tyrosol titer of 2.02 g/L and 2.04 g/L in shake flasks, both representing more than 50 % improvement compared to the wild-type. Our study demonstrates the great potential of computer-based semi-rational enzyme design strategy in metabolic engineering. The high-throughput screening method for target compound derivative possesses a certain level of generality. Ultimately, we obtained promising mutants capable of achieving industrial-scale production of tyrosol, which also lays a solid foundation for the efficient synthesis of tyrosol derivatives.

Effect of seawater on the biomass composition of Spirulina produced at a pilot-scale

The microalga Arthrospira platensis BEA 005B was produced in 11.4 m3 raceway photobioreactors and a culture medium based on commercial fertilisers and either freshwater or seawater. The biomass productivity of the reactors operated at a fixed dilution rate of 0.3 day-1 decreased from 22.9 g·m-2·day-1 when operated using freshwater to 16.3 g·m-2·day-1 when the biomass was produced using seawater. The protein content of the biomass produced in seawater was lower; however, the content of essential amino acids including valine, leucine and isoleucine was higher. Seawater also triggered the production of carotenoids and altered the synthesis and accumulation of fatty acids. For example, the biomass produced using seawater showed a 319% and 210% higher content of oleic and eicosenoic acid, respectively. The results demonstrate that it is possible to produce the selected microalga using seawater after an adaptation period and that the composition of the produced biomass is suitable for food applications.

A lipidomic and metabolomic signature of a very low-carbohydrate high-fat diet and high-intensity interval training: an additional analysis of a randomized controlled clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

Regular physical activity and dietary variety are modifiable and influential factors of health outcomes. However, the cumulative effects of these behaviors are not well understood. Metabolomics may have a promising research potential to extend our knowledge and use it in the attempts to find a long-term and sustainable personalized approach in exercise and diet recommendations.

OBJECTIVE

The main aim was to investigate the effect of the 12 week very low carbohydrate high fat (VLCHF) diet and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on lipidomic and metabolomic profiles in individuals with overweight and obesity.

METHODS

The participants (N = 91) were randomly allocated to HIIT (N = 22), VLCHF (N = 25), VLCHF + HIIT (N = 25) or control (N = 19) groups for 12 weeks. Fasting plasma samples were collected before the intervention and after 4, 8 and 12 weeks. The samples were then subjected to untargeted lipidomic and metabolomic analyses using reversed phase ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

The VLCHF diet affected plasma lipids considerably while the effect of HIIT was unremarkable. Already after 4 weeks of intervention substantial changes of plasma lipids were found in both VLCHF diet groups. The changes persisted throughout the entire 12 weeks of the VLCHF diet. Specifically, acyl carnitines, plasmalogens, fatty acyl esters of hydroxy fatty acid, sphingomyelin, ceramides, cholesterol esters, fatty acids and 4-hydroxybutyric were identified as lipid families that increased in the VLCHF diet groups whereas lipid families of triglycerides and glycerophospholipids decreased. Additionally, metabolomic analysis showed a decrease of theobromine.

CONCLUSIONS

This study deciphers the specific responses to a VLCHF diet, HIIT and their combination by analysing untargeted lipidomic and metabolomic profile. VLCHF diet caused divergent changes of plasma lipids and other metabolites when compared to the exercise and control group which may contribute to a better understanding of metabolic changes and the appraisal of VLCHF diet benefits and harms.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY NUMBER

NCT03934476, registered 1st May 2019 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03934476?term=NCT03934476&draw=2&rank=1 .

Toxicity mechanisms of biomass burning aerosols in in vitro hepatic steatosis models

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common chronic liver disease that contributes to the global rise in liver-related morbidity and mortality. Wood tar (WT) aerosols are a significant fraction of carbonaceous aerosol originating from biomass smoldering, contributing to air pollution particles smaller than 2.5 mm (PM2.5). Mechanistic biological associations exist between exposure to PM2.5 and increased NAFLD phenotypes in both cell and animal models. Therefore, this study examines whether an existing NAFLD-like condition can enhance the biological susceptibility of liver cells exposed to air pollution in the form of WT material. Liver cells were incubated with lauric or oleic acid (LA, OA, respectively) for 24 h to accumulate lipids and served as an in vitro hepatic steatosis model. When exposed to 0.02 or 0.2 g/L water-soluble WT aerosols, both steatosis model cells showed increased cell death compared to the control cells (blank-treated cells with or without pre-incubation with LA or OA) or compared to WT-treated cells without pre-incubation with LA or OA. Furthermore, alterations in oxidative status included variations in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, elevated levels of lipid peroxidation adducts, and decreased expression of antioxidant genes associated with the NRF2 transcription factor. In addition, steatosis model cells exposed to WT had a higher degree of DNA damage than the control cells (blank-treated cells with or without pre-incubation with LA or OA). These results support a possible systemic effect through the direct inflammatory and oxidative stress response following exposure to water-soluble WT on liver cells, especially those predisposed to fatty liver. Furthermore, the liver steatosis model can be influenced by the type of fatty acid used; increased adverse effects of WT on metabolic dysregulation were observed in the LA model to a higher extent compared to the OA model.

Lambs supplemented with Amazonian oilseed co-products: Meat quality and fatty acid profile

The Amazon has a wide variety of oilseeds that generate a huge amount of co-products with potential for use in animal nutrition. The objective was to use alternative resources (oilseed cakes) in the feeding of lambs to assign a sustainable destination to this biomass, and evaluate its influence on the quality and fatty acid (FA) profile of the meat. Twenty-four lambs, male, castrated, crossbred Dorper × Santa Inês, weighing 30 ± 1.3 kg of initial body weight, were distributed in a completely randomized design in 4 treatments (diets) with six replications (animals). The control diet (Control) contained corn and soybean meal as main ingredients, which were partially replaced in the other diets by cupuassu cake diet (Cup), palm kernel cake diet (Palm) and tucuma cake diet (Tuc). The inclusion of Amazon cakes influences the lipid (P = 0.02) and protein (P < 0.01) composition of meat (longissimus lumborum); reduces cooking losses (P < 0.01); influences the colors (L, a, b), chroma, and Hue Angle (P < 0.01); promotes changes in total FA composition and FA profile (P < 0.05); reduces hypocholesterolemic FA (h) (P = 0.01), but does not influence hypercholesterolemic (H) and indices h:H, AI and TI (P > 0.05). The inclusion of oilseed cakes influences the chemical composition, physical parameters, composition and fatty acid profile of the meat, but does not influence the indicators of atherogenicity, thrombogenicity and cholesterolemia.

Association between exposure to mixture of heavy metals and hyperlipidemia risk among U.S. adults: A cross-sectional study

Previous studies have suggested that exposure to heavy metals might increase the risk of hyperlipidemia. However, limited research has investigated the association between exposure to mixture of heavy metals and hyperlipidemia risk. To explore the independent and combined effects of heavy metal exposure on hyperlipidemia risk, this study involved 3293 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), including 2327 with hyperlipidemia and the remaining without. In the individual metal analysis, the logistic regression model confirmed the positive effects of barium (Ba), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), Lead (Pb), and uranium (U) on hyperlipidemia risk, Ba, Cd, Hg and Pb were further validated in restricted cubic splines (RCS) regression model and identified as positive linear relationships. In the metal mixture analysis, weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression, Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), and quantile-based g computation (qgcomp) models consistently revealed a positive correlation between exposure to metal mixture and hyperlipidemia risk, with Ba, Cd, Hg, Pb, and U having significant positive driving roles in the overall effects. These associations were more prominent in young/middle-aged individuals. Moreover, the BKMR model uncovered some interactions between specific heavy metals. In conclusion, this study offers new evidence supporting the link between combined exposure to multiple heavy metals and hyperlipidemia risk, but considering the limitations of this study, further prospective research is required.

The Influence of Lifestyle on High-Density Lipoprotein Concentration among Mexican Emerging Adults

Previous studies have highlighted the role of lifestyle on HDL-C concentrations in adults. To our knowledge, the health and nutritional status of emerging adults have been understudied. The present study aimed to explore the most important lifestyle factors, including micronutrient intake adequacy and the percentage of energy from food processing, according to HDL-C concentrations in emerging adults. In this context, a cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 261 Mexican emerging adults who were apparently healthy. Lifestyle factors were collected through a structured survey and the prevalence of micronutrient intake inadequacy was estimated using the estimated average requirement cut-point method. The percentage of energy from ultra-processed foods was assessed using the NOVA system. HDL-C was determined using the enzymatic colorimetric method. Statistical analyses were conducted in SPSS. The results revealed that lifestyle factors do not differ according to HDL-C status. The participants showed a poor nutritional diet that was energy-dense and micronutrient-inadequate. Nearly half of their energy came from processed and ultra-processed foods. Most participants did not meet the recommendations for key nutrients (ϖ3 fatty acids and phytosterols) that promote a healthy lipid status. In conclusion, regardless of their HDL-C levels, emerging adults exhibited lifestyle-related risk factors. The persistence of these findings over time could contribute to the development of metabolic disorders in the future. It is crucial to increase understanding and to develop effective nutritional interventions during this critical phase of life.

Extraction and Emulsification of Carotenoids from Carrot Pomaces Using Oleic Acid

This study aimed to use oleic acid-based ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) to recover carotenoids from carrot pomace and emulsify the enriched-carotenoid oleic acid using spontaneous and ultrasonic-assisted emulsification. The extraction performance of oleic acid was compared with traditional organic solvents, including hexane, acetone, and ethyl acetate. The one-factor experiments were employed to examine the impact of UAE conditions, including liquid-to-solid ratios, temperature, ultrasonic power, and time, on the extraction yield of carotenoids and to find the conditional ranges for the optimization process. The response surface methodology was employed to optimize the UAE process. The second-order extraction kinetic model was used to find the mechanism of oleic acid-based UAE. After that, the enriched-carotenoid oleic acid obtained at the optimal conditions of UAE was used to fabricate nanoemulsions using spontaneous emulsification (SE), ultrasonic-assisted emulsification (UE), and SE-UE. The effect of SE and UE conditions on the turbidity of nanoemulsion was determined. Then, the physiochemical attributes of the nanoemulsion from SE, UE, and spontaneous ultrasonic-assisted emulsification (SE-UE) were determined using the dynamic light scattering method. The extraction yield of carotenoids from carrot pomace by using sonication was the highest. The adjusted optimal conditions were 39 mL/g of LSR, 50 °C, 12.5 min, and 350 W of ultrasonic power. Under optimal conditions, the carotenoid content attained was approximately 163.43 ± 1.83 μg/g, with the anticipated value (166 μg/g). The particle sizes of nanoemulsion fabricated at the proper conditions of SE, UE, and SE-UE were 31.2 ± 0.83, 33.8 ± 0.52, and 109.7 ± 8.24 nm, respectively. The results showed that SE and UE are suitable methods for fabricating nanoemulsions. The research provided a green approach for extracting and emulsifying carotenoids from carrot pomace.

The Southern European Atlantic Diet and Its Supplements: The Chemical Bases of Its Anticancer Properties

Scientific evidence increasingly supports the strong link between diet and health, acknowledging that a well-balanced diet plays a crucial role in preventing chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular issues, and certain types of cancer. This perspective opens the door to developing precision diets, particularly tailored for individuals at risk of developing cancer. It encompasses a vast research area and involves the study of an expanding array of compounds with multilevel "omics" compositions, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, epigenomics, miRNomics, and metabolomics. We review here the components of the Southern European Atlantic Diet (SEAD) from both a chemical and pharmacological standpoint. The information sources consulted, complemented by crystallographic data from the Protein Data Bank, establish a direct link between the SEAD and its anticancer properties. The data collected strongly suggest that SEAD offers an exceptionally healthy profile, particularly due to the presence of beneficial biomolecules in its foods. The inclusion of olive oil and paprika in this diet provides numerous health benefits, and scientific evidence supports the anticancer properties of dietary supplements with biomolecules sourced from vegetables of the brassica genus. Nonetheless, further research is warranted in this field to gain deeper insights into the potential benefits of the SEAD's bioactive compounds against cancer.

Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome Based on the Dietary Habits and Physical Activity of Korean Women Cancer Survivors

Cancer is a major cause of death in Korea. Improving dietary habits and encouraging physical activity (PA) are important in managing the quality of life and health of patients. Cancer survivors (CS) often exhibit a higher incidence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) than non-cancer (NC) individuals. The purpose of this study was to analyze the prevalence of MetS according to dietary habits and PA in women who survived various cancers: stomach, colorectal, breast, cervical, lung, thyroid, and others. The participants (n = 12,676; NC: 11,673, CS: 1003) were analyzed cross-sectionally over a 6-year period. Caloric intake, eating-out frequency, breakfast frequency, dietary supplements, dietary therapy, nutritional education, participation in aerobic activity, strength training frequency, and sedentary lifestyle were evaluated. The prevalence of MetS was 1.22 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.07-1.39) times higher in CS than in NC, exhibiting a 1.77-fold (95%CI, 1.14-2.74) increase in colorectal cancer, 1.72-fold (95%CI, 1.29-2.30) in cervical cancer, and 3.07-fold (95%CI, 1.14-5.31) in lung cancer. A higher-than-recommended caloric intake and frequent eating out increased MetS 1.43-fold (95%CI, 1.09-1.79) and 1.11-fold (95%CI, 1.01-1.64), respectively, in NC, and 1.31-fold (95%CI, 1.03-1.75) and 2.65-fold (95%CI, 2.29-3.07), respectively, in CS. Aerobic activity below the recommended level resulted in a 1.37-fold (95%CI, 1.13-1.71) and 1.36-fold (95%CI, 1.10-1.87) increase in NC and CS, respectively, whereas muscle strength increased 1.36-fold (95%CI, 1.08-1.70) and 1.49-fold (95%CI, 1.07-2.57), respectively, at below recommended levels. MetS was more prevalent in CS than in NC; high caloric intake, frequent eating out, low PA, and more sedentary time increased the risk of MetS.

Is There More to Olive Oil than Healthy Lipids?

The Mediterranean diet is a healthy dietary pattern whose main characteristic is olive oil consumption. The potential health benefits of olive oil have been extensively investigated and the present review provides the more recent clinical evidence supporting the positive impact of olive oil intake on human health. PubMed (n = 227) and Scopus (n = 308) databases were searched for published clinical studies in English over the past six years (October 2016 to December 2022), following key word searches of "olive oil" and "health". Major findings associated olive oil with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, improvement in endothelial function and lipid profile, prevention of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, and modulation of the gut microbiota. These benefits are attributed to the nutritional composition of olive oil, which has a high content of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) (oleic acid in particular) and minor compounds such as polyphenols (oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol). Although additional research continues to be required, the more recently generated evidence supports the potential of olive oil to contribute beneficially to health and to the prevention and management of a variety of non-communicable diseases, as a consequence of the synergism between its components' complexity.

Plant bioactive compounds from Mediterranean diet improve risk factors for metabolic syndrome

Mediterranean (Med) dietary pattern consists of moderate or high consumption of foods that are linked to reduced risk factors for metabolic syndrome (MetS). This comprehensive review evaluates studies on Med diet-representative foods and beverages, such as red wine and olive oil, to understand the inverse associations of Med diet and MetS. The intake of dietary fibre, unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and polyphenols - including flavonoids and stilbenes - help to explain the benefits of Med diet on abdominal adiposity, glucose intolerance, hyperlipidaemia, and high blood pressure to some extent. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of polyphenols as well as the effects of unsaturated fatty acids on lipid metabolism are part of the underlying mechanisms. Overall, this review shows that dietary interventions using Med diet components improve MetS health markers in humans and/or rodents.

Oleic Acid Status Positively Correlates with the Soluble Receptor for Advanced Glycation End-Products (sRAGE) in Healthy Adults Who Are Homozygous for G Allele of RAGE G82S Polymorphism

BACKGROUND

The soluble form of receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) have been implicated in the prevention of numerous pathologic states, and highlights as an attractive therapeutic target. Because diets rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) reduce postprandial oxidative stress and inflammation that is related to better health during aging, we investigated the association between red blood cell (RBC) fatty acids with circulatory AGE biomarkers and further stratified this correlation based on GG and GA + AA genotype.

METHODS

A total of 172 healthy participants (median age = 53.74 ± 0.61 years) were recruited for the study. RBC fatty acid was analysed using gas chromatography and sRAGE was measured using a commercial ELISA kit.

RESULTS

The result showed a non-significant correlation between total MUFA with sRAGE however oleic acid (C18:1) exhibited a positive correlation (r = 0.178, p = 0.01) that remained statistically significant (β = 0.178, p = 0.02) after a stepwise multivariate regression analysis after adjusting for age, BMI and gender. In a univariate analysis, a positive significant correlation between C18:1 and sRAGE in GG genotype (r = 0.169, p = 0.02) and a non-significant correlation with GA + AA genotype (r = 0.192, p = 0.21) was evident. When C18:1 was stratified, a significant difference was observed for oleic acid and G82S polymorphism: low C18:1/GA + AA versus high C18:1/GG (p = 0.015) and high C18:1/GA + AA versus high C18:1/GG (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that increased levels of C18:1 may be a potential therapeutic approach in increasing sRAGE in those with GG genotype and play a role in modulating AGE metabolism.

A Novel Microbial Consortia Catalysis Strategy for the Production of Hydroxytyrosol from Tyrosine

Hydroxytyrosol, a valuable plant-derived phenolic compound, is increasingly produced from microbial fermentation. However, the promiscuity of the key enzyme HpaBC, the two-component flavin-dependent monooxygenase from Escherichia coli, often leads to low yields. To address this limitation, we developed a novel strategy utilizing microbial consortia catalysis for hydroxytyrosol production. We designed a biosynthetic pathway using tyrosine as the substrate and selected enzymes and overexpressing glutamate dehydrogenase GdhA to realize the cofactor cycling by coupling reactions catalyzed by the transaminase and the reductase. Additionally, the biosynthetic pathway was divided into two parts and performed by separate E. coli strains. Furthermore, we optimized the inoculation time, strain ratio, and pH to maximize the hydroxytyrosol yield. Glycerol and ascorbic acid were added to the co-culture, resulting in a 92% increase in hydroxytyrosol yield. Using this approach, the production of 9.2 mM hydroxytyrosol was achieved from 10 mM tyrosine. This study presents a practical approach for the microbial production of hydroxytyrosol that can be promoted to produce other value-added compounds.

Positive contribution of hydroxytyrosol-enriched wheat bread to HbA1c levels, lipid profile, markers of inflammation and body weight in subjects with overweight/obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus

PURPOSE

The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of the daily consumption of bread enriched with hydroxytyrosol on HbA₁c and blood lipid levels, inflammatory markers and weight loss.

METHODS

Sixty adults with overweight/obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (29 male, 31 female) participated in a 12-week dietary intervention based on the Mediterranean diet and consumed daily 60 g of conventional whole wheat bread (WWB) or whole wheat bread enriched with hydroxytyrosol (HTB). Anthropometric characteristics were measured and venous blood samples were collected at baseline and at the end of the intervention.

RESULTS

Both groups experienced significant weight loss, body fat and waist circumference decrease (p < 0.001). Nonetheless, a greater body fat mass decrease was observed in the HTB group compared to the WWB group (14.4 ± 1.6 vs 10.2 ± 1.1%, p = 0.038). Significant reductions were also reported in fasting glucose, HbA₁c and blood pressure in both groups (p < 0.05). Regarding glucose and HbA₁c, greater decreases were observed in the intervention group (101.4 ± 19.9 vs. 123.2 ± 43.4 mg/dL, p = 0.015 and 6.0 ± 0.6 vs. 6.4 ± 0.9%, p = 0.093, respectively). At HTB group, significant reductions in blood lipid, insulin, TNF-αand adiponectin levels (p < 0.05) and a marginally significant reduction in leptin levels (p = 0.081) were also reported.

CONCLUSION

Enrichment of bread with HT resulted in significant body fat mass reduction and positive effects on fasting glucose, insulin and HbA₁c levels. It also contributed to reductions in inflammatory markers and blood lipid levels. Incorporation of HT in staple foods, like bread, may improve their nutritional profile and, in terms of a balanced diet, may contribute to the management of chronic diseases.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study was prospectively registered in clinicaltrials.gov (24th May 2021).

CLINICALTRIALS

gov Identifier: NCT04899791.

Role of Hydroxytyrosol and Oleuropein in the Prevention of Aging and Related Disorders: Focus on Neurodegeneration, Skeletal Muscle Dysfunction and Gut Microbiota

Aging is a multi-faceted process caused by the accumulation of cellular damage over time, associated with a gradual reduction of physiological activities in cells and organs. This degeneration results in a reduced ability to adapt to homeostasis perturbations and an increased incidence of illnesses such as cognitive decline, neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and skeletal muscle pathologies. Key features of aging include a chronic low-grade inflammation state and a decrease of the autophagic process. The Mediterranean diet has been associated with longevity and ability to counteract the onset of age-related disorders. Extra virgin olive oil, a fundamental component of this diet, contains bioactive polyphenolic compounds as hydroxytyrosol (HTyr) and oleuropein (OLE), known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. This review is focused on brain, skeletal muscle, and gut microbiota, as these systems are known to interact at several levels. After the description of the chemistry and pharmacokinetics of HTyr and OLE, we summarize studies reporting their effects in in vivo and in vitro models of neurodegenerative diseases of the central/peripheral nervous system, adult neurogenesis and depression, senescence and lifespan, and age-related skeletal muscle disorders, as well as their impact on the composition of the gut microbiota.

Fatty acids act on vascular endothelial cells and influence the development of cardiovascular disease

Endothelial cells (ECs) maintain the health of blood vessels and prevent the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Free saturated fatty acids (FAs) induce EC damage and increase the risk of CVD by promoting arteriosclerosis. Conversely, polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs), such as docosahexaenoic acid, are thought to suppress EC damage induced during the early stages of CVD. This review describes the effects of multiple dietary FAs on EC disorders involved in the development of CVD. The roles of FAs in atherosclerosis and CVD were analyzed by evaluating articles published in PubMed, Science Direct, and Web of Science. Saturated FAs were found to induce EC damage by reducing the production and action of EC-derived nitric oxide. Oxidative stress, inflammation, and the renin-angiotensin system were found to be involved in EC disorder. Furthermore, n-3 PUFAs were found to reduce EC dysfunction and prevent the development of EC disorder. These results indicate that FAs may affect EC failure induced during the early stages of CVD and reduce the risk of developing the disease.

Postprandial Inflammatory and Metabolic Responses Induced by Authentic Mytilinis Cheese: A Preliminary, Crossover, Nutritional Intervention in Healthy Adults

Several Mediterranean traditional cheeses may present a beneficial effect on postprandial metabolic and inflammatory modulation due to the presence of bioactive components. The objective of the present preliminary nutritional intervention was the investigation of the postprandial metabolic responses after the intake of traditional Authentic Mytilinis cheese in olive oil with herbs, compared to the corresponding responses after consumption of Italian Parmesan cheese, in healthy participants. A pilot crossover, randomized, single-blinded, intervention clinical trial was conducted in 10 healthy men and women subjects, aged 18–30 years, after random allocation into the control and the intervention groups. The participants received a high-fat carbohydrate meal containing either Authentic Mytilinis cheese (the authentic nonrefrigerated recipe) or Italian Parmesan PDO cheese. After a washout week, the participants consumed the same meals conversely. Differences in the postprandial responses of glucose, triglycerides, uric acid and serum total, HDL and LDL cholesterol levels, as well as of the plasma total antioxidant capacity according to the FRAP method, were determined between groups for fasting, 30 min, 1.5 h, and 3 h after meal intake. The results suggested that meals did not significantly affect postprandial metabolic and inflammatory responses. However, Authentic L Mytilinis cheese resulted in a lower increase of LDL cholesterol (p > 0.05) and induced a significant decrease of serum triglycerides (p < 0.05) in the last 1.5 h after a meal, compared to Italian Parmesan cheese. Further investigation with large prospective studies is necessary to validate the current findings.

Oral Supplementation with Hydroxytyrosol Synthesized Using Genetically Modified Escherichia coli Strains and Essential Oils Mixture: A Pilot Study on the Safety and Biological Activity

Several natural compounds have been explored as immune-boosting, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory dietary supplements. Amongst them, hydroxytyrosol, a natural antioxidant found in olive products, and endemic medicinal plants have attracted the scientific community’s and industry’s interest. We investigated the safety and biological activity of a standardised supplement containing 10 mg of hydroxytyrosol synthesized using genetically modified Escherichia coli strains and equal amounts (8.33 μL) of essential oils from Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum, Salvia fruticosa and Crithmum maritimum in an open-label, single-arm, prospective clinical study. The supplement was given to 12 healthy subjects, aged 26–52, once a day for 8 weeks. Fasting blood was collected at three-time points (weeks 0, 8 and follow-up at 12) for analysis, which included full blood count and biochemical determination of lipid profile, glucose homeostasis and liver function panel. Specific biomarkers, namely homocysteine, oxLDL, catalase and total glutathione (GSH) were also studied. The supplement induced a significant reduction in glucose, homocysteine and oxLDL levels and was tolerated by the subjects who reported no side effects. Cholesterol, triglyceride levels and liver enzymes remained unaffected except for LDH. These data indicate the supplement’s safety and its potential health-beneficial effects against pathologic conditions linked to cardiovascular disease.

Nutrients, Physical Activity, and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in the Setting of Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of metabolic risk factors for diabetes, coronary heart disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and some tumors. It includes insulin resistance, visceral adiposity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. MetS is primarily linked to lipotoxicity, with ectopic fat deposition from fat storage exhaustion, more than obesity per se. Excessive intake of long-chain saturated fatty acid and sugar closely relates to lipotoxicity and MetS through several pathways, including toll-like receptor 4 activation, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma regulation (PPARγ), sphingolipids remodeling, and protein kinase C activation. These mechanisms prompt mitochondrial dysfunction, which plays a key role in disrupting the metabolism of fatty acids and proteins and in developing insulin resistance. By contrast, the intake of monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and medium-chain saturated (low-dose) fatty acids, as well as plant-based proteins and whey protein, favors an improvement in sphingolipid composition and metabolic profile. Along with dietary modification, regular exercises including aerobic, resistance, or combined training can target sphingolipid metabolism and improve mitochondrial function and MetS components. This review aimed to summarize the main dietary and biochemical aspects related to the physiopathology of MetS and its implications for mitochondrial machinery while discussing the potential role of diet and exercise in counteracting this complex clustering of metabolic dysfunctions.

Effects of Hydroxytyrosol in Endothelial Functioning: A Comprehensive Review

Pharmacologists have been emphasizing and applying plant and herbal-based treatments in vascular diseases for decades now. Olives, for example, are a traditional symbol of the Mediterranean diet. Hydroxytyrosol is an olive-derived compound known for its antioxidant and cardioprotective effects. Acknowledging the merit of antioxidants in maintaining endothelial function warrants the application of hydroxytyrosol in endothelial dysfunction salvage and recovery. Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is an impairment of endothelial cells that adversely affects vascular homeostasis. Disturbance in endothelial functioning is a known precursor for atherosclerosis and, subsequently, coronary and peripheral artery disease. However, the effects of hydroxytyrosol on endothelial functioning were not extensively studied, limiting its value either as a nutraceutical supplement or in clinical trials. The action of hydroxytyrosol in endothelial functioning at a cellular and molecular level is gathered and summarized in this review. The favorable effects of hydroxytyrosol in the improvement of endothelial functioning from in vitro and in vivo studies were scrutinized. We conclude that hydroxytyrosol is capable to counteract oxidative stress, inflammation, vascular aging, and arterial stiffness; thus, it is beneficial to preserve endothelial function both in vitro and in vivo. Although not specifically for endothelial dysfunction, hydroxytyrosol safety and efficacy had been demonstrated via in vivo and clinical trials for cardiovascular-related studies.

Waste Orange Peels as a Feed Additive for the Enhancement of the Nutritional Value of Tenebrio molitor

Lately, additional attention is being placed on edible insects, since they constitute an excellent, cost-efficient source of proteins with a low ecological footprint. Tenebrio molitor was the first insect that was considered edible by EFSA in 2021. This species can replace conventional protein sources and thus, it has the potential to be used in many different food products. In the present study, a food by-product that is commonly produced (i.e., albedo orange peel waste) was used as a feed additive for T. molitor larvae, in an effort to further improve the circular economy and enhance the nutritional value of the insects. To this end, bran, which is commonly used as feed for T. molitor larvae, was fortified with the albedo orange peel waste (up to 25% w/w). Larval performance, in terms of larval survival and growth, as well as the larval nutritional value, i.e., the content of protein, fat, carbohydrates, ash, carotenoids, vitamins A and C, and polyphenols, was evaluated. Based on the results, the increase in the percentage of orange peel albedos in T. molitor feed resulted in a subsequent increase in the content of larvae in carotenoids and vitamin A up to 198%, in vitamin C up to 46%, and an increase in the protein and ash content up to 32% and 26.5%, respectively. Therefore, the use of albedo orange peel waste for feeding of T. molitor larvae is highly recommended, since it results in larvae with enhanced nutritional value and at the same time, the utilization of this feeding substrate further lowers the cost of insect farming.

Olive oil consumption confers protective effects on maternal-fetal outcomes: A systematic review of the evidence

Because of the maternal diet's importance, numerous studies have examined the effects of olive oil on pregnancy outcomes. This study provides a systematic review that evaluates the evidence between olive oil consumption and maternal-fetal outcomes. We hypothesized that olive oil reduced the risk of adverse pregnancy complications. We searched Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde electronic databases (October and November 2021). The keywords used were pregnancy, olive oil, and pregnancy outcomes. This review included all the available studies in English and Portuguese. The exclusion criteria were (1) unrelated to olive oil consumption, (2) other outcomes, and (3) animal studies. The review included 9 articles (6 experimental and 3 observational). In the maternal outcome studies (n = 6), a higher olive oil consumption was associated with a lower prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia, and cardiovascular risk. In the fetal outcome studies (n = 8), olive oil consumption was associated with a lower risk for small- or large-for-gestational-age infants. Olive oil consumption confers protective effects on pregnancy outcomes; however, further studies are needed that are specifically designed for the impact of olive oil consumption on maternal-fetal outcomes.

Hydroxytyrosol Reduces Foam Cell Formation and Endothelial Inflammation Regulating the PPARγ/LXRα/ABCA1 Pathway

Cholesterol accumulation in macrophages leads to the formation of foam cells and increases the risk of developing atherosclerosis. We have verified whether hydroxytyrosol (HT), a phenolic compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, can reduce the cholesterol build up in THP-1 macrophage-derived foam cells. We have also investigated the potential mechanisms. Oil Red O staining and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assays were utilized to detect cellular lipid accumulation and cholesterol content, respectively, in THP-1 macrophages foam cells treated with HT. The impact of HT on cholesterol metabolism-related molecules (SR-A1, CD36, LOX-1, ABCA1, ABCG1, PPARγ and LRX-α) in foam cells was assessed using real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western blot analyses. Finally, the effect of HT on the adhesion of THP-1 monocytes to human vascular endothelial cells (HUVEC) was analyzed to study endothelial activation. We found that HT activates the PPARγ/LXRα pathway to upregulate ABCA1 expression, reducing cholesterol accumulation in foam cells. Moreover, HT significantly inhibited monocyte adhesion and reduced the levels of adhesion factors (ICAM-1 and VCAM-1) and pro-inflammatory factors (IL-6 and TNF-α) in LPS-induced endothelial cells. Taken together, our findings suggest that HT, with its ability to interfere with the import and export of cholesterol, could represent a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of atherosclerotic disease.

Effect of macronutrient fertilization on olive oil composition and quality under irrigated, intensive cultivation management

BACKGROUND

Intensive olive (Olea europaea L.) orchards are fertilized, mostly with the macronutrients nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). The effects of different application levels of these nutrients on olive oil composition and quality were studied over 6 years in a commercial intensively cultivated 'Barnea' olive orchard in Israel.

RESULTS

Oil quality and composition were affected by N, but not P or K availability. Elevated N levels increased free fatty acid content and reduced polyphenol level in the oil. Peroxide value was not affected by N, P or K levels. The relative concentrations of palmitoleic, linoleic and linolenic fatty acids increased with increasing levels of N application, whereas that of oleic acid, monounsaturated-to-polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio and oleic-to-linoleic ratio decreased.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that intensive olive orchard fertilization should be carried out carefully, especially where N application is concerned, to avoid a decrease in oil quality due to over-fertilization. Informed application of macronutrients requires leaf and fruit analyses to establish good agricultural practices, especially in view of the expansion of olive cultivation to new agricultural regions and soils. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Dietary Capsaicin: A Spicy Way to Improve Cardio-Metabolic Health?

Today's sedentary lifestyle with too much food and too little exercise has made metabolic syndrome a pandemic. Metabolic syndrome is a major risk factor for type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. New knowledge of medical and nutraceutical intervention in the early stages of metabolic syndrome is central to prevent these deadly complications. People who eat chili pepper on a regular basis seem to stay healthier and live longer than those who do not. Animal experiments suggest a therapeutic potential for dietary capsaicin, the active principle in hot chili pepper, to reduce the risk of developing metabolic syndrome. This is an attractive theory since capsaicin has been a culinary staple for thousands of years, and is generally deemed safe when consumed in hedonically acceptable doses. The broad expression of the capsaicin receptor TRPV1 in metabolically active tissues lends experimental support to this theory. This review critically evaluates the available experimental and clinical evidence for and against dietary capsaicin being an effective dietary means to improve cardio-metabolic health. It comes to the conclusion that although a chili pepper-rich diet is associated with a reduced risk of dying due to cardiovascular disease, dietary capsaicin has no clear effect on blood glucose or lipid profiles. Therefore, the reduced mortality risk may reflect the beneficial action of digested capsaicin on gut microbiota.

Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet Is Inversely Associated with the Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Older People from the North of Spain

Background: The aim of this study was to relate adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) to the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in an elderly population from the north of Spain. Methods: We carried out an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, and correlational study involving 556 non-institutionalised individuals aged 65 to 79 years. The MEDAS-14 questionnaire score was used to define the degree of adherence to the Mediterranean diet. The diagnosis of MetS was conducted using the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. Results: In 264 subjects with an average age of 71.9 (SD: ±4.2), 39% of whom were men, 36.4% had good adherence (score ≥ 9 in MEDAS-14), with no differences by gender or age. The prevalence of MetS was 40.2%, with 47.6% in men and 35.4% in women (p < 0.05). The prevalence of MetS was 2.4 times more frequent among individuals who consumed less than two servings (200 g) of vegetables daily compared with those who consumed two or more servings of vegetables daily (OR: 2.368, 95%CI: 1.141−4.916, p = 0.021). Low adherence to the MedDiet (MEDAS-14 score ≤ 8) was associated with an 82% higher prevalence of MetS (OR: 1.817, 95%CI: 1.072−3.081, p = 0.027). Conclusion: An inverse relationship was established between adherence to the MedDiet and the prevalence of MetS.

Fatty acids and nutritional components of the seed oil from Wangmo red ball Camellia oleifera grown in the low-heat valley of Guizhou, China

Wangmo red ball Camellia oleifera is the main Camellia species cultivated for oil in the low-heat valley of Guizhou, China. In this study, we evaluated the comprehensive nutritional value of Wangmo C. oleifera seed oil through fatty acid and nutritional component analyses. Twenty excellent Wangmo C. oleifera plants with stable yield and disease resistance were selected from the Camellia oleifera germplasm resource garden in the low-heat valley site of Guizhou University. The unit crown yield, fatty acid content of the seed oil, fatty acid composition and functional nutrients were determined, and the oil quality was comprehensively evaluated using principal component analysis. The fatty acid content of C. oleifera seed oil was 35.03–53.47%, suggesting likely popularization and wide application prospects. The fatty acids included SFAs, MUFAs and PUFAs, and the oleic acid content was 80%, indicating a highly stable and nutritious oil. The oil was also rich in carotenoids, polyphenols, flavonoids, β-sitosterol, squalene and α-Ve, with average content of 7.404 mg/kg, 16.062 mg/kg, 0.401 g/100 g, 265.087 mg/kg, 129.315 mg/kg and 21.505 mg/100 g, respectively. However, the correlations among the nutritional indices were weak. PCA showed that germplasms GH7, GH43, GH28, GH8 and GH31 exhibited the top five nutritional qualities. The rankings in this study provide data for identifying excellent Wangmo C. oleifera plants with high nutritional quality. Additionally, this study provides a valuable reference for the research and development of high-end edible oil and a theoretical basis for the development of economic forest species in low-heat valley areas across the world.

Milk Yield and Milk Fatty Acids from Crossbred F1 Dairy Cows Fed on Tropical Grasses and Supplemented with Different Levels of Concentrate

Simple Summary

The objective of this study was to determine milk fatty acids (FA) from crossbred F1 dairy cows fed on tropical grasses and supplemented with different levels of concentrate. Milk yield and milk composition were not affected while very mild effects were found in milk fatty acids. Overall, this study shows that adding up to 450 g/kg of concentrate to crossbred F1 dairy cows fed on tropical grasses does not have negative effects on milk yield and milk quality. Therefore, under these production conditions, farmers can avoid the use of concentrate, rely on tropical grasses, and reduce feeding costs.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine milk fatty acids from crossbred F1 dairy cows fed on tropical grasses and supplemented with different levels of concentrate. Twelve dairy cows (50% Holstein × 50% Brahman) with 60 days of lactation grazing tropical grasses were assigned to a Switchback design, with three periods of 15 days with different concentrate levels: 0, 150, 300 and 450 g /kg. Milk samples were obtained on the last five days of each experimental period. Milk yield and milk composition were not affected. Cows fed with 300 g/kg of concentrate had higher contents of C15:0 (p = 0.004), C22:0 (p = 0.031), and C24:0 (p = 0.013). C17:1 cis9 was higher (p = 0.039) with 150 g/kg and lowest with 450 g/kg. C18:1 cis9 was higher (p = 0.042) with 150 g/kg. C18:2n6trans was higher (p = 0.05) with 300 g/kg and lower (p = 0.018) with 450 g/kg. This study shows that adding up to 450 g/kg of concentrate to crossbred F1 dairy cows fed on tropical grasses does not have negative effects on milk yield and milk quality. Therefore, under these production conditions, farmers can rely on tropical grasses and reduce feeding costs.

Effect of Olive Pomace Oil on Cardiovascular Health and Associated Pathologies

Background: olive pomace oil (OPO) is a nutritionally relevant fat due to its high oleic acid content (C18:1) and the presence of a wide range of minor bioactive components. Although numerous in vitro and preclinical studies have been developed to study some of its characteristic components, the health effect of prolonged OPO consumption is unknown. Methods: a randomised, blinded, cross-over, controlled clinical trial was carried out in 31 normocholesterolemic and 37 hypercholesterolemic subjects. Participants consumed 45 g/day of OPO or sunflower oil (SO) for 4 weeks, each preceded by a 3-week run-in/wash-out phase with corn oil (CO). Results: regular consumption of OPO and SO had no statistically significant effect on any of the markers related to lipid profile, blood pressure, and endothelial function in both groups, except for eNOS levels, which were close to statistical significance due to the effect of oil (OPO and SO) (p = 0.083). A decrease in visceral fat (p = 0.028) in both groups was observed after OPO intake, accompanied by an increment of leptin (p = 0.017) in the hypercholesterolemic group. Conclusion: reducing visceral fat after prolonged OPO intake might contribute to improve cardiometabolic status, with a potentially positive effect on the vascular tone. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm the present results.

Postprandial Responses of Serum Cholesterol, Glucose and Plasma Antioxidant Activity, after Intake of an Innovative High Fat Mayonnaise-Based Appetizer, Enhanced with Olive Paste, in Healthy Volunteers

Several Mediterranean functional foods and their process by-products may exert a beneficial role on hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, and oxidative stress modulation, providing bioactive compounds with functional properties, contributing to possible chronic disease prevention (cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetes mellitus, etc.). The purpose of the present interventional study was to investigate the postprandial responses of metabolic biomarkers, after the intake of an innovative mayonnaise-based appetizer, enhanced with olive paste, in healthy volunteers. In this cross-over design, randomized and single-blind, interventional−clinical trial, 10 healthy volunteers, aged 20−30 years old, after splitting into the control group and the Mediterranean group, consumed a pasta meal rich in fat and carbohydrates (150 g), containing a mayonnaise-based appetizer or the same appetizer, enhanced with 9% olive paste. After a 1-week washout period, the subjects consumed the meals in reverse. Differences between groups on postprandial responses of total plasma antioxidant capacity according to the FRAP method, serum total cholesterol, glucose, and uric acid levels, were determined before, 30 min, 1.5 h, and 3 h after consumption. The results showed that, in comparison to the control group, consumption of the enhanced appetizer resulted in a significantly decreased total serum cholesterol and glucose levels, and also led to a significant increase in plasma total antioxidant activity, 3 h after consumption (p < 0.05). Further investigation with large prospective studies is needed to validate the current results.

The clinical impact of an extra virgin olive oil enriched mediterranean diet on metabolic syndrome: Lights and shadows of a nutraceutical approach

For years it has been established that the only truly effective treatment of metabolic syndrome (MS) is lifestyle modification to prevent its cardiovascular (e.g., coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis), metabolic (e.g., diabetes mellitus), and hepatic (e.g., steatosis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) complications. The focal points of this approach are to increase physical activity and intake of a diet characterized by high quantities of fruits, vegetables, grains, fish, and low-fat dairy products, the so called mediterranean diet (MD); however, the added value of MD is the presence of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), a healthy food with a high content of monounsaturated fatty acids, especially oleic acid, and variable concentrations (range 50–800 mg/kg) of phenols (oleuropein, ligstroside, and oleocanthal, and their derivatives, phenolic alcohols, such as hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol). Phenolic compounds not only determine EVOO’s main organoleptic qualities (oxidative stability, specific flavor, and taste features) but, theoretically, make it a source of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, insulin-sensitizing, cardioprotective, antiatherogenic, neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, and anticancer activity. Although many studies have been carried out on EVOO’s clinical effects and attention toward this dietary approach (healthy and palatable food with strong nutraceutical activity) has become increasingly pressing, there are still many dark sides to be clarified, both in terms of actual clinical efficacy and biochemical and molecular activity. Thus, we reviewed the international literature, trying to show the state of the art about EVOO’s clinical properties to treat MS (along with correlated complications) and the future prospective of its nutraceutical use.

Nutraceuticals and Food-Grade Lipid Nanoparticles: From Natural Sources to a Circular Bioeconomy Approach

Nutraceuticals have gained increasing attention over the last years due to their potential value as therapeutic compounds formulated from natural sources. For instance, there is a wide range of literature about the cardioprotective properties of omega-3 lipids and the antioxidant value of some phenolic compounds, which are related to antitumoral activity. However, the value of nutraceuticals can be limited by their instability under gastric pH and intestinal fluids, their low solubility and absorption. That is why encapsulation is a crucial step in nutraceutical design. In fact, pharmaceutical nanotechnology improves nutraceutical stability and bioavailability through the design and production of efficient nanoparticles (NPs). Lipid nanoparticles protect the bioactive compounds from light and external damage, including the gastric and intestinal conditions, providing a retarded delivery in the target area and guaranteeing the expected therapeutic effect of the nutraceutical. This review will focus on the key aspects of the encapsulation of bioactive compounds into lipid nanoparticles, exploring the pharmaceutical production methods available for the synthesis of NPs containing nutraceuticals. Moreover, the most common nutraceuticals will be discussed, considering the bioactive compounds, their natural source and the described biological properties.

Camellia (Camellia oleifera Abel.) Seed Oil Regulating of Metabolic Phenotype and Alleviates Dyslipidemia in High Fat-Fed Mice through Serum Branch-Chain Amino Acids

Camellia (Camellia oleifera Abel.) seed oil (CO) has been shown to effectively reduce the blood lipid level of its host due to its fatty acid content, but the specific molecular mechanism associated with the metabolic phenotype after digestion is not clear. Here, we further investigated the relationship between branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) and the metabolic phenotype that may exhibit the anti-dyslipidemia effect of CO on mice fed a high-fat diet for 30 day C57BL/6J male mice were allocated to three groups: the control group (Cont), the high-fat feed group (HFD), and a high-fat feed group with CO treatment (CO). A serum sample was collected to detect lipid biomarkers and BCAA concentration. Notably, Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), Total Cholesterol (TC), and Triglycerides (TG) showed a significant decrease, whereas High-density lipoprotein (HDL) increased in CO mice but not in the HFD group. The concentration of Isoleucine (Ile), leucine (Leu), and valine (Val) was similar between the Cont and CO groups compared with the HFD group, exhibiting an inhibition induced by CO in mice fed with a high-fat diet. A metabolic phenotype from serum examined by non-targeted metabolite analysis using UHPLC/MS showed most metabolites exhibited lipid and BCAA metabolism. The results indicated that CO treatment notably regulated the metabolism of arachidonic acid and steroid biosynthesis in response to HFD-induced dyslipidemia. In addition, the expression of PPARγ genes that correlated with the BCAA and serum lipid biomarkers were compared, and significant inhibition was noticed, which might lead to the potential exposure of the anti-dyslipidemia mechanism of CO in HFD-fed mice. In conclusion, the expression of PPARγ genes, serum lipid level, BCAA concentration, and the metabolic phenotype was significantly positive in correlation with a high-fat diet, whereas oral CO improved the biomarkers and metabolism of some specific serum metabolites in HFD-fed mice.

Chemical Characterization and In Vivo Toxicological Safety Evaluation of Emu Oil

In this study, the physicochemical properties, fatty acid composition, antioxidant activities, and in vitro as well as in vivo toxicological safety of emu oil were investigated. Emu oil was shown to have a low acid and peroxide value, low amounts of carotenoid and phenolic compounds, and high doses of oleic acid and linoleic acid. Furthermore, in a bacterial reverse mutation assay, emu oil demonstrated no change in the amount of revertant colonies for all strains. In a chromosomal assay, no aberrations occurred in any of the emu oil treatment groups (1.25, 2.5, and 5 μg/mL). In the bone marrow micronucleus test, emu oil up to 20 mL/kg showed no significant increase in the incidence of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes. Moreover, emu oil up to 19.3 mg/kg body weight did not affect body weight in an acute oral toxicity study. These results are crucial for the adoption of emu oil as an alternative source of edible oil.