Oleuropein supplementation increases urinary noradrenaline and testicular testosterone levels and decreases plasma corticosterone level in rats fed high-protein diet

Five Underutilized Ecuadorian Fruits and Their Bioactive Potential as Functional Foods and in Metabolic Syndrome: A Review

The Ecuadorian Amazon harbors numerous wild and cultivated species used as food, many of which are underutilized. This review explores the bioactive potential of five such fruits-Borojó (Alibertia patinoi); Chonta (Bactris gasipaes); Arazá (Eugenia stipitata); Amazon grape (Pourouma cecropiifolia), a wild edible plant; and Cocona (Solanum sessiliflorum)-and their applications against metabolic syndrome. This study highlights their health-promoting ingredients and validates traditional medicinal properties, emphasizing their significance in improving health and mitigating the effects of the Western diet. These fruits, integral to Ecuadorian cuisine, are consumed fresh and processed. Chonta is widely cultivated but less prominent than in pre-Hispanic times, Borojó is known for its aphrodisiac properties, Cocona is traditional in northern provinces, Arazá is economically significant in food products, and Amazon grape is the least utilized and researched. The fruits are rich in phenolics (A. patinoi, E. stipitata) and carotenoids (B. gasipaes, E. stipitata), which are beneficial in controlling metabolic syndrome. This study advocates for more research and product development, especially for lesser-known species with high phenolic and anthocyanin content. This research underscores the economic, cultural, and nutritional value of these fruits, promoting their integration into modern diets and contributing to sustainable agriculture, cultural preservation, and public health through functional foods and nutraceuticals.

Extra-virgin olive oil ameliorates high-fat diet-induced seminal and testicular disorders by modulating the cholesterol pathway

BACKGROUND

Rabbits are sensitive to dietary cholesterol and rapidly develop hypercholesterolemia, leading to prominent subfertility. Sterol regulatory element-binding protein isoform 2 drives the intracellular cholesterol pathway in many tissues, including the testicles. Its abnormal regulation could be the mainly responsible for the failure of suppressing cholesterol synthesis in a cholesterol-enriched environment, ultimately leading to testicular and seminal alterations. However, extra-virgin olive oil consumption has beneficial properties that promote lowering of cholesterol levels, including the recovery of seminal parameters altered under a high-fat diet.

OBJECTIVES

Our goal was to investigate the effects of high-fat diet supplementation with extra-virgin olive oil at the molecular level on rabbit testes, by analyzing sterol regulatory element-binding protein isoform 2 protein and its corresponding downstream effectors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

During 12 months, male rabbits were fed a control diet, high-fat diet, or 6-month high-fat diet followed by 6-month high-fat diet plus extra-virgin olive oil. Serum lipids, testosterone levels, bodyweight, and seminal parameters were tested. The mRNA and protein levels of sterol regulatory element-binding protein isoform 2, 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase, and low-density lipoprotein receptor were determined by semi-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting techniques. The expression pattern of sterol regulatory element-binding protein isoform 2 protein in the rabbit testicles was studied by indirect immunofluorescence. In addition, testicular cholesterol was detected and quantified by filipin staining and gas chromatography.

RESULTS

The data showed that the addition of extra-virgin olive oil to high-fat diet reduced testicular cholesterol levels and recovered the expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein isoform 2, 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase, and low-density lipoprotein receptor initially altered by the high-fat diet.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

The combination of high-fat diet with extra-virgin olive oil encourages testicular recovery by modifying the expression of the enzymes related to intracellular cholesterol management.

Changes in the Histological Structure of Adrenal Glands and Corticosterone Level after Whey Protein or Bee Pollen Supplementation in Running and Non-Running Rats

Due to the many health-promoting properties of bee pollen and whey protein, both products are widely used as dietary supplements. According to these reports on their health-promoting properties, the aim of our study is to assess whether these products can influence the structure and function of the adrenal glands in rats. Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into six equal groups. Among them, there were three groups which included non-running rats and three groups which included running rats. Both of these running (n = 3) and non-running (n = 3) groups included non-supplemented (control groups), bee-pollen-supplemented groups, and whey-protein-supplemented groups. After 8 weeks, the rats were decapitated, their adrenal glands were collected, and paraffin slides were prepared. Then, staining according to the standard H&E and Masson's trichrome protocols was performed. Fecal and urine samples were collected prior to the end of the study to measure corticosterone levels. In the group of non-running rats, the consumption of bee pollen was noted to be significantly higher when compared to the group of running rats (p < 0.05). The thickness of the particular adrenal cortex layers was similar among all of the groups (p > 0.05). The statistically significant changes in the microscopic structure of the adrenal glands, especially regarding cell nuclei diameter and structure, as well as the architecture of sinusoids, were observed between the groups. Moreover, urine corticosterone concentrations were found to vary between all of the analyzed groups (p < 0.05). These results indicate that both bee pollen and whey protein have limited stress-reducing potential.

Olive juice dry extract containing hydroxytyrosol, as a nontoxic and safe substance: Results from pre-clinical studies and review of toxicological studies

Products derived from olives, such as the raw fruit and oils, are widely consumed due to their taste, and purported nutritional/health benefits. Phenolic compounds, especially hydroxytyrosol (HT), have been proposed as one of the key substances involved in these effects. An olive juice extract, standardized to contain 20% HT ("OE20HT"), was produced to investigate its health benefits. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the genotoxic safety of this ingredient based on in vitro Ames assay and in vitro micronucleus assay. Results indicated that OE20HT was not mutagenic at concentrations of up to 5000 µg/plate, with or without metabolic activation, and was neither aneugenic nor clastogenic after 3-hour exposure at concentrations of up to 60 µg/mL with or without metabolic activation, or after 24-hour exposure at concentrations of up to 40 µg/mL. To further substantiate the safety of OE20HT following ingestion without conducting additional animal studies, a comprehensive literature review was conducted. No safety concerns were identified based on acute or sub-chronic studies in animals, including reproductive and developmental studies. These results were supported by clinical studies demonstrating the absence of adverse effects after oral supplementation with olive extracts or HT. Based on in vitro data and the literature review, the OE20HT extract is therefore considered as safe for human consumption at doses up to 2.5 mg/kg body weight/day.

Alibertia patinoi (Cuatrec.) Delprete & C.H.Perss. (Borojó): food safety, phytochemicals, and aphrodisiac potential

Although the western discovery of borojó [Alibertia patinoi Cuatrec. (Delprete & C.H.Perss.)] is as recent as 1948, its several traditional uses in gastronomy and medicine, and its fame as an aphrodisiac are long standing and strong: the “love juice” extracted from it is very appreciated in Colombia, Ecuador, and Panama. Its medicinal potential, though, is far wider. This literature review aims to summarize the knowledge about the fruit, its ethnomedical uses, its biological activity and phytochemical composition, to validate ethnomedical claims and to help envision future lines of research. Borojó extracts have confirmed antimicrobial and antioxidant, and potential anticancer activities, which can be at least partially explained by its phytochemical composition -compounds isolated and identified through Gas Chromatography, High Performance Liquid Chromatography and spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques- rich in phenolic compounds, some of which, for example oleuropein, chlorogenic acid and rutin, possess proven biological activity. There is potential for borojó products as a source of bioactive natural products, which have not been exhaustively identified despite phytochemical screenings that show the presence of unstudied compound families: terpenoids, alkaloids, steroids; and functional alimentary products. Although its aphrodisiac properties have not been confirmed, several compounds with confirmed aphrodisiac activity in other species, mainly flavonoids, are also found in borojó. These, coupled with its nutritional profile and perhaps compounds yet unidentified, could validate the claim.

Graphical abstract

Natural Ghee Enhances the Biochemical and Immunohistochemical Reproductive Performance of Female Rabbits

The reproductive effects of several dietary fats (margarine, ghee, and olive oil) on female rabbits were studied. For that purpose, 40 mature female rabbits were designed into four groups of ten rabbits each. Group I was given a control diet, Group II received 10% margarine, Group III received 10% ghee, and Group IV received 10% olive oil; after two months, all rabbits were sacrificed. Lipid profile and reproductive hormones levels were assayed in serum besides ovarian antioxidant enzyme and lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, ovarian tissue was examined using hematoxylin−eosin staining and immunohistochemistry of estrogen, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor, and caspase 3. Our data revealed that the margarine significantly (p < 0.05) increased lipid profile and malondialdehyde (MDA) level, which decreased in olive oil and ghee compared to the control. In addition, serum FSH and estrogen (estradiol (E2)) were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in the group treated with margarine. Furthermore, there was a significant decrease in ovarian superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activity in the margarine-treated group. In contrast, SOD and MDA showed a significant (p > 0.05) increase in the olive oil and ghee- treated group compared to the control group. At the same time, there was a significant increase in serum FSH and (estradiol (E2)) in the ghee and olive oil groups, respectively, compared to the control. The margarine feed group showed moderate immunoreaction of estrogen, FSH, LH receptor, and strong caspase 3, while ghee and olive oil showed strong immunoreaction of estrogen, FSH, LH receptor, and mild immunoreaction of caspase 3 in ovarian tissue. Photomicrograph of rabbit ovarian tissue showed vacuolation in small and growing follicles in the margarine group but appeared normal in ghee and the olive oil-treated group. In conclusion, based on these results, olive oil and ghee have a strong capability of enhancing lipid profile, antioxidant status, and female hormonal functions.

Olive Leaf Extract Attenuates Chlorpyrifos-Induced Neuro- and Reproductive Toxicity in Male Albino Rats

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is a common organophosphorus insecticide. It is associated with negative consequences such as neurotoxicity and reproductive injury. This study aimed to observe the ability of olive leaf extract to attenuate chlorpyrifos toxicity, which induced neuro- and reproductive toxicity in male albino rats. Olive leaf extract (OLE) exhibits potent antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties. Twenty-two mature male rats were divided into four groups: control (saline), CPF (9 mg/kg), OLE (150 mg/kg), and CPF + OLE. Treatment was administered orally for 80 days. The CPF significantly reduced serum sex hormones, sperm counts and motility, high oxidants (MDA), and depleted antioxidants (GSH, SOD, TAC) in the brain and testes homogenate; additionally, it decreased serum AChE and brain neurotransmitters, increased Bax, decreased Bcl-2, and boosted caspase-3 immune expression in neural and testicular cells. Immunological expression of Ki 67 in the cerebrum, cerebellum, choroid plexus, and hippocampus was reduced, and α-SMA in testicular tissue also decreased. Histopathological findings were consistent with the above impacts. OLE co-administration significantly normalized all these abnormalities. OLE showed significant protection against neural and reproductive damage caused by CPF.

Thyroid-Modulating Activities of Olive and Its Polyphenols: A Systematic Review

Olive oil, which is commonly used in the Mediterranean diet, is known for its health benefits related to the reduction of the risks of cancer, coronary heart disease, hypertension, and neurodegenerative disease. These unique properties are attributed to the phytochemicals with potent antioxidant activities in olive oil. Olive leaf also harbours similar bioactive compounds. Several studies have reported the effects of olive phenolics, olive oil, and leaf extract in the modulation of thyroid activities. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify relevant studies on the effects of olive derivatives on thyroid function. A comprehensive search was conducted in October 2020 using the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Cellular, animal, and human studies reporting the effects of olive derivatives, including olive phenolics, olive oil, and leaf extracts on thyroid function were considered. The literature search found 445 articles on this topic, but only nine articles were included based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. All included articles were animal studies involving the administration of olive oil, olive leaf extract, or olive pomace residues orally. These olive derivatives were consistently demonstrated to have thyroid-stimulating activities in euthyroid or hypothyroid animals, but their mechanisms of action are unknown. Despite the positive results, validation of the beneficial health effects of olive derivatives in the human population is lacking. In conclusion, olive derivatives, especially olive oil and leaf extract, could stimulate thyroid function. Olive pomace residue is not suitable for pharmaceutical or health supplementation purposes. Therapeutic applications of olive oil and leaf extract, especially in individuals with hypothyroidism, require further validation through human studies.

Comparison effects of olive leaf extract and oleuropein compounds on male reproductive function in cyclophosphamide exposed mice

Spermatogenesis is a complicated process in which sperm is susceptible to various chemotherapy drugs such as cyclophosphamide (CP). As olive leaf extract (OLE) and its active ingredient, oleuropein, have variousantioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory properties the aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of OLE and oleuropein on male reproductive function focusing antioxidative effects and histological modifications in the testes of CP-exposed mice. In order to do this, 80 NMRI male mice were divided into eight groups including control group, group received CP, group received OLE, group received oleuropein, group received OLE following CP exposure, group received oleuropein following CP exposure, group received OLE plus oleuropein and group received OLE plus oleuropein following CP exposure. In all groups CP (single dose of 100 mg/kg (, OLE (100 mg/kg for consequence 28 days) and oleuropein (100 mg/kg for consequence 28 days) were injected intraperitoneally. Moreover, testis histology, sperm parameters and serum levels of LH, FSH, MDA and antioxidant capacity were investigated. Results showed that CP caused oxidative state and abnormal changes in sperms and testes. Besides, treatments with oleuropein and OLE led to mitigate the harmful effects of CP on the male reproductive system. In conclusion, our findings showed that olive's compounds can diminish the hazardous effects of CP on spermatogenesis in mice.

Anti-fatigue Effects of Active Ingredients from Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review

Background:

The application of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the treatment of fatigue has long been practiced in clinical and showed significant effects.

Objective:

This article summarizes the work done on the natural products from TCM that are reported to have effects of treating fatigue, in the past two decades.

Method:

Research status, sources, models, efficacy and mechanisms of active ingredients and their monomer in the treatment of fatigue are discussed.

Results:

Pharmacological research shows that active ingredients of polysaccharide can significantly improve body’s resistance through promoting glycogen synthesis, reducing sports metabolites and increasing hypoxia tolerance; Alkaloids have been proven to be effective in promoting the reserving of various glucogen substances, improving exercise endurance and speeding up the metabolism of body’s urea nitrogen in mice; With the increase of glycosides amount, up goes the sport endurance, liver glycogen content and the ability of clear lactate index in mice, indicating that saponin has clear, dose-dependent anti-fatigue effect; Polyphenols have also functions of resisting fatigue, where they reduce free radicals accumulated and thus slow down the rapid declination of exercise capacity when doing sports; There are other active ingredients of TCM that have biological activities, like some proteins, anthraquinones, terpenes, unsaturated fatty acid monomer compounds; And research has found that tonic medicine can promote the elimination of fatigue and improve athletic ability.

Conclusion:

It is hoped that the data summarized in this review will be beneficial to the screening of new nature-derived drugs with the ability of relieving and improving fatigue.

Olive Oil Nutraceuticals in the Prevention and Management of Diabetes: From Molecules to Lifestyle

Lifestyle is the primary prevention of diabetes, especially type-2 diabetes (T2D). Nutritional intake of olive oil (OO), the key Mediterranean diet component has been associated with the prevention and management of many chronic diseases including T2D. Several OO bioactive compounds such as monounsaturated fatty acids, and key biophenols including hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein, have been associated with preventing inflammation and cytokine-induced oxidative damage, glucose lowering, reducing carbohydrate absorption, and increasing insulin sensitivity and related gene expression. However, research into the interaction of OO nutraceuticals with lifestyle components, especially physical activity, is lacking. Promising postprandial effects have been reported when OO or other similar monounsaturated fatty acids were the main dietary fat compared with other diets. Animal studies have shown a potential anabolic effect of oleuropein. Such effects could be further potentiated via exercise, especially strength training, which is an essential exercise prescription for individuals with T2D. There is also an evidence from in vitro, animal, and limited human studies for a dual preventative role of OO biophenols in diabetes and cancer, especially that they share similar risk factors. Putative antioxidative and anti-inflammatory mechanisms and associated gene expressions resulting from OO biophenols have produced paradoxical results, making suggested inferences from dual prevention T2D and cancer outcomes difficult. Well-designed human interventions and clinical trials are needed to decipher such a potential dual anticancer and antidiabetic effects of OO nutraceuticals. Exercise combined with OO consumption, individually or as part of a healthy diet is likely to induce reciprocal action for T2D prevention outcomes.

Potential Health Benefits of Olive Oil and Plant Polyphenols

Beneficial effects of natural plant polyphenols on the human body have been evaluated in a number of scientific research projects. Bioactive polyphenols are natural compounds of various chemical structures. Their sources are mostly fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, roots, bark, leaves of different plants, herbs, whole grain products, processed foods (dark chocolate), as well as tea, coffee, and red wine. Polyphenols are believed to reduce morbidity and/or slow down the development of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases as well as cancer. Biological activity of polyphenols is strongly related to their antioxidant properties. They tend to reduce the pool of reactive oxygen species as well as to neutralize potentially carcinogenic metabolites. A broad spectrum of health-promoting properties of plant polyphenols comprises antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-atherogenic, anti-thrombotic, and anti-mutagenic effects. Scientific studies present the ability of polyphenols to modulate the human immune system by affecting the proliferation of white blood cells, and also the production of cytokines or other factors that participate in the immunological defense. The aim of the review is to focus on polyphenols of olive oil in context of their biological activities.

Influence of a Virgin Olive Oil versus Butter Plus Cholesterol-Enriched Diet on Testicular Enzymatic Activities in Adult Male Rats

The aim of the present work was to improve our knowledge on the mechanisms underlying the beneficial or deleterious effects on testicular function of the so-called Mediterranean and Western diet by analyzing glutamyl aminopeptidase (GluAP), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV) activities in testis, as enzymes involved in testicular function. Male Wistar rats (6 months old) were fed for 24 weeks with three different diets: standard (S), an S diet supplemented with virgin-olive-oil (20%) (VOO), or a S diet enriched with butter (20%) plus cholesterol (0.1%) (Bch). At the end of the experimental period, plasma lipid profiled (total triglycerides, total cholesterol and cholesterol fractions (HDL, LDL and VDL)) were measured. Enzymatic activities were determined by fluorimetric methods in soluble (sol) and membrane-bound (mb) fractions of testicular tissue using arylamide derivatives as substrates. Results indicated an increase in plasmatic triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL and VLDL in Bch. A significant increase of mb GluAP and GGT activities was also found in this diet in comparison with the other two diets. Furthermore, significant and positive correlations were established between these activities and plasma triglycerides and/or total cholesterol. These results support a role for testicular GluAP and GGT activities in the effects of saturated fat (Western diet) on testicular functions. In contrast, VOO increased sol DPP IV activity in comparison with the other two diets, which support a role for this activity in the effects of monounsaturated fat (Mediterranean diet) on testicular function. The present results strongly support the influence of fatty acids and cholesterol on testicular GluAP and GGT activities and also provide support that the reported beneficial influence of the Mediterranean diet in male fertility may be mediated in part by an increase of testicular sol DPP IV activity.

10-oxo-12(Z)-octadecenoic acid, a linoleic acid metabolite produced by gut lactic acid bacteria, enhances energy metabolism by activation of TRPV1

Gut microbiota can regulate the host energy metabolism; however, the underlying mechanisms that could involve gut microbiota-derived compounds remain to be understood. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effects of KetoA [10-oxo-12(Z)-octadecenoic acid]-a linoleic acid metabolite produced by gut lactic acid bacteria-on whole-body energy metabolism and found that dietary intake of KetoA could enhance energy expenditure in mice, thereby protecting mice from diet-induced obesity. By using Ca²⁺ imaging and whole-cell patch-clamp methods, KetoA was noted to potently activate transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) and enhance noradrenalin turnover in adipose tissues. In addition, KetoA up-regulated genes that are related to brown adipocyte functions, including uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) in white adipose tissue (WAT), which was later diminished in the presence of a β-adrenoreceptor blocker. By using obese and diabetic model KK-Ay mice, we further show that KetoA intake ameliorated obesity-associated metabolic disorders. In the absence of any observed KetoA-induced antiobesity effect or UCP1 up-regulation in TRPV1-deficient mice, we prove that the antiobesity effect of KetoA was caused by TRPV1 activation-mediated browning in WAT. KetoA produced in the gut could therefore be involved in the regulation of host energy metabolism.-Kim, M., Furuzono, T., Yamakuni, K., Li, Y., Kim, Y.-I., Takahashi, H., Ohue-Kitano, R., Jheng, H.-F., Takahashi, N., Kano, Y., Yu, R., Kishino, S., Ogawa, J., Uchida, K., Yamazaki, J., Tominaga, M., Kawada, T., Goto, T. 10-oxo-12(Z)-octadecenoic acid, a linoleic acid metabolite produced by gut lactic acid bacteria, enhances energy metabolism by activation of TRPV1.

Lack of TRPV2 impairs thermogenesis in mouse brown adipose tissue

Brown adipose tissue (BAT), a major site for mammalian non-shivering thermogenesis, could be a target for prevention and treatment of human obesity. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 2 (TRPV2), a Ca(2+)-permeable non-selective cation channel, plays vital roles in the regulation of various cellular functions. Here, we show that TRPV2 is expressed in brown adipocytes and that mRNA levels of thermogenic genes are reduced in both cultured brown adipocytes and BAT from TRPV2 knockout (TRPV2KO) mice. The induction of thermogenic genes in response to β-adrenergic receptor stimulation is also decreased in TRPV2KO brown adipocytes and suppressed by reduced intracellular Ca(2+) concentrations in wild-type brown adipocytes. In addition, TRPV2KO mice have more white adipose tissue and larger brown adipocytes and show cold intolerance, and lower BAT temperature increases in response to β-adrenergic receptor stimulation. Furthermore, TRPV2KO mice have increased body weight and fat upon high-fat-diet treatment. Based on these findings, we conclude that TRPV2 has a role in BAT thermogenesis and could be a target for human obesity therapy.

Fish oil intake induces UCP1 upregulation in brown and white adipose tissue via the sympathetic nervous system

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) plays a central role in regulating energy homeostasis, and may provide novel strategies for the treatment of human obesity. BAT-mediated thermogenesis is regulated by mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) in classical brown and ectopic beige adipocytes, and is controlled by sympathetic nervous system (SNS). Previous work indicated that fish oil intake reduces fat accumulation and induces UCP1 expression in BAT; however, the detailed mechanism of this effect remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of fish oil on energy expenditure and the SNS. Fish oil intake increased oxygen consumption and rectal temperature, with concomitant upregulation of UCP1 and the β3 adrenergic receptor (β3AR), two markers of beige adipocytes, in the interscapular BAT and inguinal white adipose tissue (WAT). Additionally, fish oil intake increased the elimination of urinary catecholamines and the noradrenaline (NA) turnover rate in interscapular BAT and inguinal WAT. Furthermore, the effects of fish oil on SNS-mediated energy expenditure were abolished in transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) knockout mice. In conclusion, fish oil intake can induce UCP1 expression in classical brown and beige adipocytes via the SNS, thereby attenuating fat accumulation and ameliorating lipid metabolism.

Effects of a high protein diet on cognition and brain metabolism in cirrhotic rats

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a neurological complication observed in patients with liver disease. Patients who suffer from HE present neuropsychiatric, neuromuscular and behavioral symptoms. Animal models proposed to study HE resulting from cirrhosis mimic the clinical characteristics of cirrhosis and portal hypertension, and require the administration of hepatotoxins such as thioacetamide (TAA). The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a high protein diet on motor function, anxiety and memory processes in a model of cirrhosis induced by TAA administration. In addition, we used cytochrome c-oxidase (COx) histochemistry to assess the metabolic activity of the limbic system regions. Male rats were distributed into groups: control, animals with cirrhosis, Control rats receiving a high protein diet, and animals with cirrhosis receiving a high protein diet. Results showed preserved motor function and normal anxiety levels in all the groups. The animals with cirrhosis showed an impairment in active avoidance behavior and spatial memory, regardless of the diet they received. However, the animals with cirrhosis and a high protein diet showed longer escape latencies on the spatial memory task. The model of cirrhosis presented an under-activation of the dentate gyrus and CA3 hippocampal subfields and the medial part of the medial mammillary nucleus. The results suggest that a high protein intake worsens spatial memory deficits shown by the TAA-induced model of cirrhosis. However, high protein ingestion has no influence on the COx hypoactivity associated with the model.

Oleuropein induces apoptosis via the p53 pathway in breast cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is a major health problem worldwide. Olive oil induces apoptosis in some cancer cells due to phenolic compounds like oleuropein. Although oleuropein has anticancer activity, the underlying mechanisms of action remain unknown. The study aimed to assess the mechanism of oleuropin-induced breast cancer cell apoptosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

p53, Bcl-2 and Bax gene expression was evaluated by semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in luminal MCF-7 cells.

RESULTS

Oleuropein-induced apoptosis was accompanied by up-regulation of both p53 and Bax gene expression levels and down-regulation in Bcl2.

CONCLUSIONS

Oleuropein induces apoptosis in breast tumour cells via a p53-dependent pathway mediated by Bax and Bcl2 genes. Therefore, oleuropein may have therapeutic potential in breast cancer patients by inducing apoptosis via activation of the p53 pathway.

Sensibility of male rats fertility against olive oil, Nigella sativa oil and pomegranate extract

OBJECTIVE

To clarify the modulatory effects of daily consumption of pomegranate extract (PE), olive oil (OO) and Nagilla sativa oil (NSO) on antioxidant activity, sperm quality and pituitary-testicular axis of adult male wistar rats.

METHODS

Thirty-two adult male Wistar rats were divided into four equal groups, eight rats each. Using rat gastric tubes, 1.0 mL distilled water, 1.0 mL PE, 0.4 mL NSO and 0.4 mL OO were orally administered daily for 6 weeks in the first, second, third and fourth groups, respectively. Reproductive organs, body weight, sperm criteria, testosterone, FSH, LH, inhibin-B, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant enzyme activities were investigated. At the end of the study protocol, analyses occurred at the same time. Data were analysed by ANOVA test and P<0.05 was considered to be a significant value.

RESULTS

In all studied groups, malondialdehyde level was significantly decreased accompanied with an increases in glutathione peroxidase and glutathione. Rats treated with PE showed an increase in catalase activities accompanied with an increase in sperm concentration which was also observed in NSO group. In PE treated group, sperm motility was also increased accompanied with decreased abnormal sperm rate. NSO, OO and PE treated groups shows an insignificant effect on testosterone, inhibin-B, FSH and LH in comparison with control group.

CONCLUSIONS

These results show that administration of PE, NSO and OO could modify sperm characteristics and antioxidant activity of adult male wistar rats.