High use of non-hydrogenated plant source oils and mayonnaise sauce increase the risk of Parkinson disease

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the contribution of edible/cooking oils and mayonnaise sauce in the severity, motor and non-motor symptoms, and risk of Parkinson's disease (PD).Methods: In this study, 120 patients with PD and 50 healthy individuals participated. The frequency and quantity of edible/cooking oils including animal and plant source oils (hydrogenated and nonhydrogenated) and mayonnaise sauce used by participants were determined using a food frequency questionnaire. The severity of PD was determined by the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS).Results: Patients with PD had lower use of hydrogenated plant-based oil (HPO) (p < 0.001) and animal oils (p < 0.001) but had higher use of non-hydrogenated plant-based oil (NHPO) (p < 0.001), olive oil (p = 0.02), and mayonnaise sauce (p < 0.001) compared with the healthy subjects. Use of each unit HPO reduced 4% the odds of PD (p = 0.01). The odds of PD increased 20% by each unit increase in NHPO usage (p = 0.001), 49% by olive oil (p = 0.02), and 127% by mayonnaise sauce (p = 0.004) intake. According to receiver operator characteristics curve analysis, mayonnaise sauce and NHPO had the largest area under the curve in predicting PD. Intake of animal oil was positively correlated with total score of UPDRS (p = 0.05) and motor symptoms (p = 0.04). Intake of butter was positively correlated with total score of UPDRS (p = 0.047), nonmotor aspects of experiences of daily living (p = 0.02), and motor examination (p = 0.02).Discussion: The findings indicate that high intake of HPO reduces, while high intake of NHPO, olive oil, and mayonnaise sauce increases the odds of PD.

Neuroprotective Effects of Olive Oil: A Comprehensive Review of Antioxidant Properties

Neurodegenerative diseases are a significant challenge to global healthcare, and oxidative stress plays a crucial role in their development. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the neuroprotective potential of olive oil, with a primary focus on its antioxidant properties. The chemical composition of olive oil, including key antioxidants, such as oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, and oleocanthal, is systematically examined. The mechanisms by which these compounds provide neuroprotection, including counteracting oxidative damage and modulating neuroprotective pathways, are explored. The neuroprotective efficacy of olive oil is evaluated by synthesizing findings from various sources, including in vitro studies, animal models, and clinical trials. The integration of olive oil into dietary patterns, particularly its role in the Mediterranean diet, and its broader implications in neurodegenerative disease prevention are also discussed. The challenges in translating preclinical findings to clinical applications are acknowledged and future research directions are proposed to better understand the potential of olive oil in mitigating the risk of neurodegenerative conditions. This review highlights olive oil not only as a dietary component, but also as a promising candidate in preventive neurology, advocating for further investigation in the context of neurodegenerative diseases.

Toxicity of Propylene Glycol Extract of Propolis on Central Nervous System and Liver in Pregnant and Neonatal Rats

BACKGROUND

Propolis has become one of the most preferred supplements due to its beneficial biological properties. Organic (water and vegetable oils) and chemical (ethyl alcohol, propylene glycol, and glycerol) solvents are used for propolis extraction. However, the effects of these chemicals on health should be taken into account.

OBJECTIVES

In this study, the effects of propolis extracts on health were evaluated.

METHODS

32 pregnant Wistar albino rats and 64 neonatal/young adults were given three different extractions of propolis (propylene glycol, water, and olive oil). Histopathological analyses were performed on the liver and brain, and blood samples were taken from the hearts of rats.

RESULTS

Histopathological scoring showed that the intensity of pycnotic hepatocyte, sinusoidal dilatation, and bleeding was high in liver samples of pregnant and baby rats given propylene glycol extract of propolis (p<0.05). Propylene glycol extract caused dilatation of blood vessels and apoptosis of neurons in brain tissue. The histopathological score was significantly lower in liver and brain tissues of rats treated with water and olive oil extract compared to propylene propolis groups (p<0.05). Liver enzyme levels in the blood increased in propylene propolis rats (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Histopathological changes and biochemical alterations may indicate that propylene glycol extracts of propolis are more toxic than olive oil and water extracts. Therefore, olive oil and water extracts of propolis are more reliable than propylene glycol extract in pregnant and infant rats.

Polyphenols as potential enhancers of stem cell therapy against neurodegeneration

The potential of polyphenols for treating chronic-degenerative diseases (particularly neurodegenerative diseases) is attractive. However, the selection of the best polyphenol for each treatment, the mechanisms by which they act, and their efficacy are frequently discussed. In this review, the basics and the advances in the field, as well as suggestions for using natural and synthetic polyphenols alone or in a combinatorial strategy with stem cell assays, are compiled and discussed. Thus, stem cells exhibit several responses when polyphenols are added to their environment, which could provide us with knowledge for advancing the elucidation of the origin of neurodegeneration. But also, polyphenols are being included in the innovative strategies of novel therapies for treating neurodegenerative diseases as well as metabolic diseases related to neurodegeneration. In this regard, flavonoid compounds are suggested as the best natural polyphenols due to their several mechanisms for acting in ameliorative effects; but increasing reports are involving other polyphenols. Even if some facts limiting bioactivity prevent them from conventional use, some natural polyphenols and derivatives hold the promise for being improved compounds, judged by their induced effects. The current results suggest polyphenols as enhancers of stem cell therapy against the targeted diseases.

Protective effects of functional foods against Parkinson's disease: A narrative review on pharmacology, phytochemistry, and molecular mechanisms

In Persian Medicine (PM), PD (brain-based tremor) is a known CNS disorder with several therapeutic and preventive options. In their medical textbooks and pharmacopeias, Persian great scientists such as Rhazes (854-925 AD), Avicenna (980-1037 AD), and Jorjani (1042-1136 AD), have discussed pharmacological and nutritional strategies for the prevention, slowing progression, and treatment of PD. In the present study, we surveyed plant- and animal-based foods recommended by PM for the prevention and treatment of CNS-related tremors. In vivo and in-vitro pharmacological evidence supporting the beneficial effects of PM-recommended foods in prevention and alleviating PD, major active phytochemicals along with the relevant mechanisms of action were studied. Several PM plants possess potent antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and PD preventing properties. Garlic and allicin, cabbage and isothiocyanates, chickpea seed and its O-methylated isoflavones biochanin A and formononetin, cinnamon, and cinnamaldehyde, saffron and its crocin, crocetin, and safranal, black cumin and its thymoquinone, black pepper and piperine, pistachio and genistein and daidzein, and resveratrol are among the most effective dietary itemsagainst PD. They act through attenuating neurotoxin-induced memory loss and behavioral impairment, oxidative stress, and dopaminergic cell death. PM-recommended foods can help alleviate PD progression and also discovering and developing new neuroprotective anti-PD pharmaceuticals.

Interactions of a boron-containing levodopa derivative on D2 dopamine receptor and its effects in a Parkinson disease model

Levodopa is a cornerstone in Parkinson's disease treatment. Beneficial effects are mainly by binding on D₂ receptors. Docking simulations of a set of compounds including well-known D₂-ligands and a pool of Boron-Containing Compounds (BCC), particularly boroxazolidones with a tri/tetra-coordinated boron atom, were performed on the D₂ Dopamine receptor (D2DR). Theoretical results yielded higher affinity of the compound DPBX, a Dopaboroxazolidone, than levodopa on D2DR. Essential interactions with residues in the third and sixth transmembrane domains of the D2DR appear to be crucial to induce and stabilize interactions in the active receptor state. Results from a motor performance evaluation of a murine model of Parkinson's disease agree with theoretical results, as DPBX showed similar efficacy to that of levodopa for diminishing MPTP-induced parkinsonism. This beneficial effect was disrupted with prior Risperidone (D2DR antagonist) administration, supporting the role of D2DR in the biological effect of DPBX. In addition, DPBX limited neuronal loss in substantia nigra in a similar manner to that of levodopa administration.