Beneficial effects of olive oil and Mediterranean diet on cancer physio-pathology and incidence

Monitoring of 260 pesticides in extra virgin olive oil and risk assessment for consumers within the framework of the European multiannual control program

The aim of the present research was to develop and validate a robust analytical method for the monitoring of 260 pesticide residues in Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) expanding the 185 molecules requested by the multiannual control program. The analytical procedure included an ultrasound-assisted liquid-liquid microextraction followed by low-pressure gas chromatography (LP-GC) and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC), both coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. Matrix-matched calibration curves showed good linearity with coefficients of determination greater than 0.999. Accuracy values ranged from 65.5 % to 122.3 % and from 61.1 % to 133.3 % for LP-GC and UHPLC, respectively. The recoveries ranged from 14.0 % to 131.3 %. Fifty commercial EVOO, from Italian and EU production, were analyzed to assess pesticide contamination during the 2021-2023 harvesting seasons. The research focused on evaluating consumer risk by assessing both chronic and acute dietary exposure, using the Pesticide Residue Intake Model developed by EFSA.

Oral administration of astilbin mitigates acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury in mice by modulating the gut microbiota

Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose-induced acute liver injury (ALI) is characterized by extensive oxidative stress, and the clinical interventions for this adverse effect remain limited. Astilbin is an active compound found in the rhizome of Smilax glabra Roxb. with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Due to its low oral bioavailability, astilbin can accumulate in the intestine, which provides a basis for the interaction between astilbin and gut microbiota (GM). In the present study we investigated the protective effects of astilbin against APAP-induced ALI by focusing on the interaction between astilbin and GM. Mice were treated with astilbin (50 mg·kg-1·d-1, i.g.) for 7 days. After the last administration of astilbin for 2 h, the mice received APAP (300 mg/kg, i.g.) to induce ALI. We showed that oral administration of astilbin significantly alleviated APAP-induced ALI by altering the composition of GM and enriching beneficial metabolites including hydroxytyrosol (HT). GM depletion using an "antibiotics cocktail" or paraoral administration of astilbin abolished the hepatoprotective effects of astilbin. On the other hand, administration of HT (10 mg/kg, i.g.) caused similar protective effects in APAP-induced ALI mice. Transcriptomic analysis of the liver tissue revealed that HT inhibited reactive oxygen species and inflammation-related signaling in APAP-induced ALI; HT promoted activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway to combat oxidative stress following APAP challenge in a sirtuin-6-dependent manner. These results highlight that oral astilbin ameliorates APAP-induced ALI by manipulating the GM and metabolites towards a more favorable profile, and provide an alternative therapeutic strategy for alleviating APAP-induced ALI.

Oleic acid stimulates proliferation of RMG-1 ovarian cancer cells by activating the pentose phosphate pathway and glutamine metabolism

Extracellular fatty acids (FAs) play an important role in regulating cellular functions such as cell proliferation, survival, and migration. The effects of oleic acid (OA) on cancer cells vary depending on the cell type. Our prior study showed that two distinct ovarian cancer cell lines, RMG-1 and HNOA, proliferate in response to OA, but they differ with respect to glucose utilization. Here, we aimed to elucidate the mechanism(s) by which OA stimulates proliferation of RMG-1 cells. We found that OA stimulates RMG-1 proliferation by activating the FA transporter CD36. OA also increases uptake of glucose and glutamine, which subsequently activate the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) and glutamine metabolism, respectively. Given that ribose 5-phosphate derived from the PPP is utilized for glutamine metabolism and the subsequent de novo nucleotide synthesis, our findings suggest that OA affects the PPP associated with Gln metabolism, rather than glycolysis associated with glutaminolysis; this leads ultimately to activation of DNA synthesis, which is required for cell proliferation. This selective activation by OA contrasts with the mechanisms observed in HNOA cells, in which OA-induced cell proliferation is driven by transcriptional regulation of the GLUT gene. The diverse responses of cancer cells to OA may be attributed to distinct mechanisms of OA reception and/or different metabolic pathways activated by OA.

Beneficial Effect of Olive Oil and Its Derivates: Focus on Hematological Neoplasm

Olive oil (Olea europaea) is one of the major components of the Mediterranean diet and is composed of a greater percentage of monounsaturated fatty acids, such as oleic acid; polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as linoleic acid; and minor compounds, such as phenolic compounds, and particularly hydroxytyrosol. The latter, in fact, are of greater interest since they have found widespread use in popular medicine. In recent years, it has been documented that phenolic acids and in particular hydroxytyrosol have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiproliferative action and therefore interest in their possible use in clinical practice and in particular in neoplasms, both solid and hematological, has arisen. This work aims to summarize and analyze the studies present in the literature, both in vitro and in vivo, on the possible use of minor components of olive oil in some hematological neoplasms. In recent years, in fact, interest in nutraceutical science has expanded as a possible adjuvant in the treatment of neoplastic pathologies. Although it is worth underlining that, regarding the object of our study, there are still few preclinical and clinical studies, it is, however, possible to document a role of possible interest in clinical practice.

Steady-State Delivery and Chemical Modification of Food Nutrients to Improve Cancer Intervention Ability

Cancer is a crucial global health problem, and prevention is an important strategy to reduce the burden of the disease. Daily diet is the key modifiable risk factor for cancer, and an increasing body of evidence suggests that specific nutrients in foods may have a preventive effect against cancer. This review summarizes the current evidence on the role of nutrients from foods in cancer intervention. It discusses the potential mechanisms of action of various dietary components, including phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The findings of epidemiological and clinical studies on their association with cancer risk are highlighted. The foods are rich in bioactive compounds such as carotenoids, flavonoids, and ω-3 fatty acids, which have been proven to have anticancer properties. The effects of steady-state delivery and chemical modification of these food's bioactive components on anticancer and intervention are summarized. Future research should focus on identifying the specific bioactive compounds in foods responsible for their intervention effects and exploring the potential synergistic effects of combining different nutrients in foods. Dietary interventions that incorporate multiple nutrients and whole foods may hold promise for reducing the risk of cancer and improving overall health.

Healthy Lifestyle and Cancer Risk: Modifiable Risk Factors to Prevent Cancer

Cancer has become a serious problem worldwide, as it represents the main cause of death, and its incidence has increased over the years. A potential strategy to counter the growing spread of various forms of cancer is the adoption of prevention strategies, in particular, the use of healthy lifestyles, such as maintaining a healthy weight, following a healthy diet; being physically active; avoiding smoking, alcohol consumption, and sun exposure; and vitamin D supplementation. These modifiable risk factors are associated with this disease, contributing to its development, progression, and severity. This review evaluates the relationship between potentially modifiable risk factors and overall cancer development, specifically breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer, and highlights updated recommendations on cancer prevention. The results of numerous clinical and epidemiological studies clearly show the influence of lifestyles on the development and prevention of cancer. An incorrect diet, composed mainly of saturated fats and processed products, resulting in increased body weight, combined with physical inactivity, alcohol consumption, and smoking, has induced an increase in the incidence of all three types of cancer under study. Given the importance of adopting correct and healthy lifestyles to prevent cancer, global institutions should develop strategies and environments that encourage individuals to adopt healthy and regular behaviors.

Oleic Acid Exhibits Anti-Proliferative and Anti-Invasive Activities via the PTEN/AKT/mTOR Pathway in Endometrial Cancer

Reprogramming of fatty acid metabolism promotes cell growth and metastasis through a variety of processes that stimulate signaling molecules, energy storage, and membrane biosynthesis in endometrial cancer. Oleic acid is one of the most important monounsaturated fatty acids in the human body, which appears to have both pro- and anti-tumorigenic activities in various pre-clinical models. In this study, we evaluated the potential anti-tumor effects of oleic acid in endometrial cancer cells and the LKB1fl/flp53fl/fl mouse model of endometrial cancer. Oleic acid increased lipogenesis, inhibited cell proliferation, caused cell cycle G1 arrest, induced cellular stress and apoptosis, and suppressed invasion in endometrial cancer cells. Targeting of diacylglycerol acyltransferases 1 and 2 effectively increased the cytotoxicity of oleic acid. Moreover, oleic acid significantly increased the expression of wild-type PTEN, and knockdown of PTEN by shRNA partially reversed the anti-proliferative and anti-invasive effects of oleic acid. Inhibition of the AKT/mTOR pathway by ipatasertib effectively increased the anti-tumor activity of oleic acid in endometrial cancer cells. Oleic acid treatment (10 mg/kg, daily, oral) for four weeks significantly inhibited tumor growth by 52.1% in the LKB1fl/flp53fl/fl mice. Our findings demonstrated that oleic acid exhibited anti-tumorigenic activities, dependent on the PTEN/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, in endometrial cancer.

Mediterranean diet and olive oil, microbiota, and obesity-related cancers. From mechanisms to prevention

Olive oil (OO) is the main source of added fat in the Mediterranean diet (MD). It is a mix of bioactive compounds, including monounsaturated fatty acids, phytosterols, simple phenols, secoiridoids, flavonoids, and terpenoids. There is a growing body of evidence that MD and OO improve obesity-related factors. In addition, obesity has been associated with an increased risk for several cancers: endometrial, oesophageal adenocarcinoma, renal, pancreatic, hepatocellular, gastric cardia, meningioma, multiple myeloma, colorectal, postmenopausal breast, ovarian, gallbladder, and thyroid cancer. However, the epidemiological evidence linking MD and OO with these obesity-related cancers, and their potential mechanisms of action, especially those involving the gut microbiota, are not clearly described or understood. The goals of this review are 1) to update the current epidemiological knowledge on the associations between MD and OO consumption and obesity-related cancers, 2) to identify the gut microbiota mechanisms involved in obesity-related cancers, and 3) to report the effects of MD and OO on these mechanisms.

Role of Mediterranean diet in the development and recurrence of meningiomas: a narrative review

Several studies through the years have proven how an unhealthy nutrition, physical inactivity, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and smoking represent relevant risk factors in cancer genesis. This study aims to provide an overview about the relationship between meningiomas and food assumption in the Mediterranean diet and whether it can be useful in meningioma prevention or it, somehow, can prevent their recurrence. The authors performed a wide literature search in PubMed and Scopus databases investigating the presence of a correlation between Mediterranean diet and meningiomas. The following MeSH and free text terms were used: "Meningiomas" AND "Diet" and "Brain tumors" AND "diet." Databases' search yielded a total of 749 articles. After duplicate removal, an abstract screening according to the eligibility criteria has been performed and 40 articles were selected. Thirty-one articles were excluded because they do not meet the inclusion criteria. Finally, a total of 9 articles were included in this review. It is widely established the key and protective role that a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet can have against tumorigenesis. Nevertheless, studies focusing exclusively on the Mediterranean diet are still lacking. Thus, multicentric and/or prospective, randomized studies are mandatory to better assess and determine the impact of food assumptions in meningioma involvement.

Influence of genetic and interannual factors on the fatty acids profile of virgin olive oil

Among olive oil nutritional benefits, it is worth mentioning its fatty acids composition with predominance of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). We have evaluated the influence of the cultivar and interannual factors on the fatty acids profile of virgin olive oil samples obtained from 45 and 71 cultivars along three and two consecutive crop seasons, respectively. The cultivars were classified in two groups according to the fatty acids composition: (1) high content in MUFAs and moderate content in saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids (SFAs and PUFAs, respectively) and (2) moderate content in MUFAs and high content in SFAs/PUFAs. We also observed variations in the fatty acids content with the climate conditions, which can significantly alter the saturated and unsaturated profiles. Thus, a significant decrease in MUFAs and an increase in SFAs/PUFAs concentrations was found when the precipitation accumulated within the June-October period was reduced.

Effect of whey protein derivatives on cell viability, cell migration and cell cycle phases in MCF-7 cells

Objective: This study aimed to obtain protein derivatives after treatment of whey proteins with hazelnut oil and olive oil and determined their effects on MCF-7 cells. Materials and Methods: Whey proteins obtained from 6% whey powder were treated with hazelnut oil (HO) and olive oil (OO) at a protein to lipid ratio of 1:10 at 60 ̊C for 120 minutes. The protein derivatives formed with whey protein and HO or OO were applied to MCF-7 cancer cells and healthy fibroblasts. The effects of protein derivatives on cell viability, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, wound healing, cell cycle phase distribution and cell cycle related proteins Akt and p21(Waf1/Cip1) expressions were investigated. Results: Cell viability decreased significantly after 24 h of incubation with WP:OO. The percentage of apoptotic or necrotic cells varied between 5-10% and no statistically significant effect was observed. There was no statistically significant difference in ROS production and colony formation between controls and WP:HO or WP:OO groups. Treatment of cells with WP:OO for 24 h significantly decreased cell migration compared to the control group. G2/M phase was significantly suppressed in WP:OO group compared to the control group. WP:OO also increased the expression of p21(Waf1/Cip1) significantly when compared with the control group. Conclusion: Our results showed that whey protein derivatives applied to MCF-7 cells are cytotoxic and may be useful in breast cancer treatment.

Update on Anti-Inflammatory Molecular Mechanisms Induced by Oleic Acid

In 2010, the Mediterranean diet was recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Olive oil is the most characteristic food of this diet due to its high nutraceutical value. The positive effects of olive oil have often been attributed to its minor components; however, its oleic acid (OA) content (70-80%) is responsible for its many health properties. OA is an effective biomolecule, although the mechanism by which OA mediates beneficial physiological effects is not fully understood. OA influences cell membrane fluidity, receptors, intracellular signaling pathways, and gene expression. OA may directly regulate both the synthesis and activities of antioxidant enzymes. The anti-inflammatory effect may be related to the inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines and the activation of anti-inflammatory ones. The best-characterized mechanism highlights OA as a natural activator of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1). Oleoylethanolamide (OEA), derived from OA, is an endogenous ligand of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) nuclear receptor. OEA regulates dietary fat intake and energy homeostasis and has therefore been suggested to be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of obesity. OEA has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The beneficial effects of olive oil may be related to the actions of OEA. New evidence suggests that oleic acid may influence epigenetic mechanisms, opening a new avenue in the exploration of therapies based on these mechanisms. OA can exert beneficial anti-inflammatory effects by regulating microRNA expression. In this review, we examine the cellular reactions and intracellular processes triggered by OA in T cells, macrophages, and neutrophils in order to better understand the immune modulation exerted by OA.

Oleuropein Prevents OVA-Induced Food Allergy in Mice by Enhancing the Intestinal Epithelial Barrier and Remodeling the Intestinal Flora

SCOPE

This study assesses whether oleuropein prevents ovalbumin (OVA)-induced food allergy (FA) and investigates the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A Balb/c FA mouse model is established and maintained for 7 weeks. The subjects are administered OVA by oral gavage to induce FA and supplemented with different oleuropein doses (1.00-20.00 mg kg^-1 per day) to evaluate its preventative efficacy. The results indicate that oleuropein effectively alleviates OVA-induced allergy symptoms and promotes temperature elevation in sensitized mice. The secretion of serology-specific OVA-immunoglobulin (Ig)E, OVA-IgG, and histamine is inhibited in the sensitized mice. Oleuropein dramatically upregulates the expression of intestinal tight junction (TJ) proteins, regenerating gene (Reg) IIIγ, and interleukin (IL)-22, enhancing the physical and biochemical barrier function of the intestinal epithelium. Additionally, oleuropein improves the immune homeostasis of the intestinal epithelium by affecting the function of mucosal mast cells and regulatory T (Treg) cells. The disordered intestinal flora of the sensitized mice also improves after oleuropein administration.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that oleuropein prevents FA by enhancing intestinal epithelial barrier function and improving immune homeostasis and intestinal flora in sensitized mice. Therefore, diets rich in oleuropein should be recommended for people with FA.

Lifestyle, Type of Work, and Temporary Disability: An Incidence Study of the Working Population

The objective of the study was to identify lifestyles associated with loss of health among workers. A retrospective longitudinal incidence study was carried out over a three-year period (2015, 2016, and 2017) among the working population. A total of 240 workers were analysed using information from occupational health assessments. The outcome variable was loss of health due to common illness or workplace injury, quantified by the number of days each episode lasted. Predictor variables were age, gender, type of work, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, physical activity (IPAQ), and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (AMD). An adjusted multiple linear regression was performed, determining the goodness of fit of the final model using the coefficient of determination adjusted r². During the study, 104 men (58.8%) and 25 women (39.7%) suffered an episode of illness or workplace injury (p < 0.05). The overall incidence was 17.9% people/year 95% CI [15, 21.3]. 4.6% of the workers were sedentary or engaged in light physical activity, and 59.2% maintained an adequate AMD. Workers who engaged in high levels of physical activity had an average of 36.3 days of temporary disability compared to 64.4 days for workers with low-moderate levels of physical activity (p < 0.01).

Implication of the Mediterranean diet on the human epigenome

Epigenetics, defined as "hereditary changes in gene expression that occur without any change in the DNA sequence", consists of various epigenetic marks, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs. The epigenome, which has a dynamic structure in response to intracellular and extracellular stimuli, has a key role in the control of gene activity, since it is located at the intersection of cellular information encoded in the genome and molecular/chemical information of extracellular origin. The focus shift of studies to epigenetic reprogramming has led to the formation and progressive importance of a concept called "nutriepigenetics", whose aim is to prevent diseases by intervening on nutrition style. Among the diet types adopted in the world, the renowned Mediterranean Diet (MD), being rich in unsaturated fatty acids and containing high levels of whole grain foods and large quantities of fruits, vegetables, and legumes, has shown numerous advantages in excluding chronic diseases. Additionally, the fact that this diet is rich in polyphenols with high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties has an undeniable effect in turning some cellular pathways against the disease. It is also apparent that the effects of polyphenols on the epigenome cause changes in mechanisms such as DNA methylation and histone acetylation/deacetylation, which have a regulatory effect on gene regulation. This review presents the effects of long-term consumption of nutrients from the MD on the epigenome and discusses the benefits of this diet in the treatment and even prevention of chronic diseases.

The Mediterranean Diet: An Update of the Clinical Trials

The Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) is a term used to identify a dietary pattern originating from the unique multi-millennial interplay between natural food resources and the eating practices of people living in the Mediterranean basin. Scientific evidence has described the healthy properties of the MedDiet and its beneficial role in several pathological conditions. Nevertheless, current socio-economic trends have moved people away from this healthy lifestyle. Thus, clinical and biological evidence supporting the benefits of the MedDiet is needed to overcome these limitations. Clinical nutrition research examines the effects of dietary interventions on biological or health-related outcomes in a determined study population. The evidence produced by these studies is useful for dietary guidance and public health messaging. We provided an update of the clinical trials registered on the database clinicaltrials.gov evaluating the effects of the MedDiet on health and specific diseases. Our findings revealed an increased number of clinical trials in the last decade and found that most disease-related studies focused on cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases, and cancer. The majority of MedDiet’s beneficial effects could be primarily related to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties as well as the effectiveness of this dietary pattern in controlling waist circumference and obesity. Moreover, strict and long-lasting adherence to the MedDiet as well as the beneficial effects of specific components (e.g., olive oil or its polyphenols) seem to emerge as useful insights for interventional improvements. These findings present further insights into the MedDiet’s resources and how it could strengthen overall public health.

GlucoseML Mobile Application for Automated Dietary Assessment of Mediterranean Food

Over the years and with the help of technology, the daily care of type 1 diabetes has been improved significantly. The increased adoption of continuous glucose monitoring, the continuous subcutaneous insulin injection and the accurate behavioral monitoring mHealth solutions have contributed to this phenomenon. In this study we present a mobile application for automated dietary assessment of Mediterranean food images as part of the GlucoseML system. Based on short-term predictive analysis of the glucose trajectory, GlucoseML is a type-1 diabetes self-management system. A computer vision approach is used as main part of the GlucoseML dietary assessment system calculating food carbohydrates, fats and proteins, relying on: (i) a deep learning subsystem for food image classification, and (ii) a 3D food image reconstruction subsystem for the volume estimation of food. The deep learning subsystem achieves 82.4% and 97.5% top-1 and top-5 accuracy, respectively, for food image classification while the subsystem for volume estimation of food achieves a mean absolute percentage error 10.7% for the four main categories of MedGRFood dataset.

Olive Mill Wastewater Inhibits Growth and Proliferation of Cisplatin- and Gemcitabine-Resistant Bladder Cancer Cells In Vitro by Down-Regulating the Akt/mTOR-Signaling Pathway

Bladder cancer patients whose tumors develop resistance to cisplatin-based chemotherapy often turn to natural, plant-derived products. Beneficial effects have been particularly ascribed to polyphenols, although their therapeutic relevance when resistance has developed is not clear. The present study evaluated the anti-tumor potential of polyphenol-rich olive mill wastewater (OMWW) on chemo-sensitive and cisplatin- and gemcitabine-resistant T24, RT112, and TCCSUP bladder cancer cells in vitro. The cells were treated with different dilutions of OMWW, and tumor growth and clone formation were evaluated. Possible mechanisms of action were investigated by evaluating cell cycle phases and cell cycle-regulating proteins. OMWW profoundly inhibited the growth and proliferation of chemo-sensitive as well as gemcitabine- and cisplatin-resistant bladder cancer cells. Depending on the cell line and on gemcitabine- or cisplatin-resistance, OMWW induced cell cycle arrest at different phases. These differing phase arrests were accompanied by differing alterations in the CDK-cyclin axis. Considerable suppression of the Akt-mTOR pathway by OMWW was observed in all three cell lines. Since OMWW blocks the cell cycle through the manipulation of the cyclin-CDK axis and the deactivation of Akt-mTOR signaling, OMWW could become relevant in supporting bladder cancer therapy.

The Anticancer Potential of Maslinic Acid and Its Derivatives: A Review

Cancer is still an insurmountable problem for humans and critically attacking human health. In recent years, natural products have gained increasing attention in the field of anti-tumor due to their extensive sources and minimal side effects. Maslinic acid (MA), a pentacyclic triterpene acid mainly derived from the olive tree (Olea europaea L.) has been confirmed to possess great anti-cancer effects. This paper reviewed the inhibitory effect of MA and its derivatives on lung cancer, colon cancer, ovarian cancer, gastric cancer, lymphatic, leukemia, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, melanoma, prostate cancer, renal cell carcinoma, gallbladder cancer, and bladder cancer, among others. MA inhibited the proliferation of various tumor cells and showed lower IC50 values in melanoma 518A2 cells and gastric cancer MKN28 cells compared with other cell lines. A series of semi-synthetic derivatives obtained by modifying MA chemical structure have been shown to have high cytotoxicity to human tumor cell lines, but low cytotoxicity to non-malignant cells, which is conducive to developing its potential as a chemotherapeutic agent. These studies suggest that MA derivatives have broad prospects in the development of antitumor therapeutics in the future and warrant further study.