Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Activity of Extra Virgin Olive Oil Extracts Obtained from Quercetano Cultivar Trees Grown in Different Areas of the Tuscany Region (Italy)

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.

A Proteomic Approach Identified TFEB as a Key Player in the Protective Action of Novel CB2R Bitopic Ligand FD22a against the Deleterious Effects Induced by β-Amyloid in Glial Cells

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are progressive multifactorial disorders of the nervous system sharing common pathogenic features, including intracellular misfolded protein aggregation, mitochondrial deficit, and inflammation. Taking into consideration the multifaceted nature of NDDs, development of multitarget-directed ligands (MTDLs) has evolved as an attractive therapeutic strategy. Compounds that target the cannabinoid receptor type II (CB2R) are rapidly emerging as novel effective MTDLs against common NDDs, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). We recently developed the first CB2R bitopic/dualsteric ligand, namely FD22a, which revealed the ability to induce neuroprotection with fewer side effects. To explore the potential of FD22a as a multitarget drug for the treatment of NDDs, we investigated here its ability to prevent the toxic effect of β-amyloid (Aβ25-35 peptide) on human cellular models of neurodegeneration, such as microglia (HMC3) and glioblastoma (U87-MG) cell lines. Our results displayed that FD22a efficiently prevented Aβ25-35 cytotoxic and proinflammatory effects in both cell lines and counteracted β-amyloid-induced depression of autophagy in U87-MG cells. Notably, a quantitative proteomic analysis of U87-MG cells revealed that FD22a was able to potently stimulate the autophagy-lysosomal pathway (ALP) by activating its master transcriptional regulator TFEB, ultimately increasing the potential of this novel CB2R bitopic/dualsteric ligand as a multitarget drug for the treatment of NDDs.

Extra-Virgin Olive Oil in Alzheimer's Disease: A Comprehensive Review of Cellular, Animal, and Clinical Studies

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by several pathological hallmarks, including the deposition of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction, increased oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. Current treatment options include monoclonal antibody drugs, acetylcholinesterase, and n-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) antagonists. Although those treatments provide some improvements in patients' quality of life, they fail to prevent or cure AD. Current research aims to identify novel targets and tools for AD prevention and modification. In this context, several studies showed the beneficial effect of the Mediterranean diet in the prevention and treatment of AD. One integral component of the Mediterranean diet is olive oil and extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO), which is high in phenolic compounds. EVOO and other olive-related phenolic compounds have been shown to reduce the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms by which EVOO and phenolic compounds exert neuroprotective effects, including modulation of AD pathologies and promotion of cognitive health. Findings indicate that EVOO and its phenolic constituents influence key pathological processes of AD, such as Aβ aggregation, tau phosphorylation, and neuroinflammation, while also enhancing BBB integrity and reducing oxidative stress. The human studies cited reveal a consistent trend where the consumption of olive oil is associated with cognitive benefits and a decreased risk of AD and related dementias. In conclusion, EVOO and its phenolic compounds hold promising potential for the prevention and treatment of AD, representing a significant shift towards more effective strategies against this complex neurodegenerative disorder.

Olea europaea L-derived secoiridoids: Beneficial health effects and potential therapeutic approaches

Over the years, health challenges have become increasingly complex and global and, at the beginning of the 21st century, chronic diseases, including cardiovascular, neurological, and chronic respiratory diseases, as well as cancer and diabetes, have been identified by World Health Organization as one of the biggest threats to human health. Recently, antimicrobial resistance has also emerged as a growing problem of public health for the management of infectious diseases. In this scenario, the exploration of natural products as supplementation or alternative therapeutic options is acquiring great importance, and, among them, the olive tree, Olea europaea L, specifically leaves, fruits, and oil, has been increasingly investigated for its health promoting properties. Traditionally, these properties have been largely attributed to the high concentration of monounsaturated fatty acids, although, in recent years, beneficial effects have also been associated to other components, particularly polyphenols. Among them, the most interesting group is represented by Olea europaea L secoiridoids, comprising oleuropein, oleocanthal, oleacein, and ligstroside, which display anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cardioprotective, neuroprotective and anticancer activities. This review provides an overview of the multiple health beneficial effects, the molecular mechanisms, and the potential applications of secoiridoids from Olea europaea L.

A novel Mediterranean diet-inspired supplement ameliorates cognitive, microbial, and metabolic deficits in a mouse model of low-grade inflammation

The Mediterranean diet (MD) and its bioactive constituents have been advocated for their neuroprotective properties along with their capacity to affect gut microbiota speciation and metabolism. Mediated through the gut brain axis, this modulation of the microbiota may partly contribute to the neuroprotective properties of the MD. To explore this potential interaction, we evaluated the neuroprotective properties of a novel bioactive blend (Neurosyn240) resembling the Mediterranean diet in a rodent model of chronic low-grade inflammation. Behavioral tests of cognition, brain proteomic analysis, 16S rRNA sequencing, and 1H NMR metabolomic analyses were employed to develop an understanding of the gut-brain axis interactions involved. Recognition memory, as assessed by the novel object recognition task (NOR), decreased in response to LPS insult and was restored with Neurosyn240 supplementation. Although the open field task performance did not reach significance, it correlated with NOR performance indicating an element of anxiety related to this cognitive change. Behavioral changes associated with Neurosyn240 were accompanied by a shift in the microbiota composition which included the restoration of the Firmicutes: Bacteroidota ratio and an increase in Muribaculum, Rikenellaceae Alloprevotella, and most notably Akkermansia which significantly correlated with NOR performance. Akkermansia also correlated with the metabolites 5-aminovalerate, threonine, valine, uridine monophosphate, and adenosine monophosphate, which in turn significantly correlated with NOR performance. The proteomic profile within the brain was dramatically influenced by both interventions, with KEGG analysis highlighting oxidative phosphorylation and neurodegenerative disease-related pathways to be modulated. Intriguingly, a subset of these proteomic changes simultaneously correlated with Akkermansia abundance and predominantly related to oxidative phosphorylation, perhaps alluding to a protective gut-brain axis interaction. Collectively, our results suggest that the bioactive blend Neurosyn240 conferred cognitive and microbiota resilience in response to the deleterious effects of low-grade inflammation.

Identification of Anti-Neuroinflammatory Bioactive Compounds in Essential Oils and Aqueous Distillation Residues Obtained from Commercial Varieties of Cannabis sativa L

Neuroinflammation, which is mainly triggered by microglia, is a key contributor to multiple neurodegenerative diseases. Natural products, and in particular Cannabis sativa L., due to its richness in phytochemical components, represent ideal candidates to counteract neuroinflammation. We previously characterized different C. sativa commercial varieties which showed significantly different chemical profiles. On these bases, the aim of this study was to evaluate essential oils and aqueous distillation residues from the inflorescences of three different hemp varieties for their anti-neuroinflammatory activity in BV-2 microglial cells. Cells were pretreated with aqueous residues or essential oils and then activated with LPS. Unlike essential oils, aqueous residues showed negligible effects in terms of anti-inflammatory activity. Among the essential oils, the one obtained from 'Gorilla Glue' was the most effective in inhibiting pro-inflammatory mediators and in upregulating anti-inflammatory ones through the modulation of the p38 MAPK/NF-κB pathway. Moreover, the sesquiterpenes (E)-caryophyllene, α-humulene, and caryophyllene oxide were identified as the main contributors to the essential oils' anti-inflammatory activity. To our knowledge, the anti-neuroinflammatory activity of α-humulene has not been previously described. In conclusion, our work shows that C. sativa essential oils characterized by high levels of sesquiterpenes can be promising candidates in the prevention/counteraction of neuroinflammation.

Interpretable Machine Learning on Metabolomics Data Reveals Biomarkers for Parkinson's Disease

The use of machine learning (ML) with metabolomics provides opportunities for the early diagnosis of disease. However, the accuracy of ML and extent of information obtained from metabolomics can be limited owing to challenges associated with interpreting disease prediction models and analyzing many chemical features with abundances that are correlated and "noisy". Here, we report an interpretable neural network (NN) framework to accurately predict disease and identify significant biomarkers using whole metabolomics data sets without a priori feature selection. The performance of the NN approach for predicting Parkinson's disease (PD) from blood plasma metabolomics data is significantly higher than other ML methods with a mean area under the curve of >0.995. PD-specific markers that predate clinical PD diagnosis and contribute significantly to early disease prediction were identified including an exogenous polyfluoroalkyl substance. It is anticipated that this accurate and interpretable NN-based approach can improve diagnostic performance for many diseases using metabolomics and other untargeted 'omics methods.

Dietary Supplementation with Boswellia serrata, Verbascum thapsus, and Curcuma longa in Show Jumping Horses: Effects on Serum Proteome, Antioxidant Status, and Anti-Inflammatory Gene Expression

Intense exercise can cause inflammation and oxidative stress due to the production of reactive oxygen species. These pathophysiological processes are interdependent, and each one can induce the other, creating a vicious circle. A placebo-controlled blind study was carried out in show jumping horses (n. 16) to evaluate the effects of a commercial dietary supplement (Dolhorse® N.B.F. Lanes srl, Milan, Italy) containing Verbascum thapsus leaf powder (1.42%), Curcuma longa (14.280 mg/kg), and Boswellia serrata (Roxb ex Colebr) (14.280 mg/kg) extracts. Before and after 10 days of dietary supplementation, blood samples were collected to evaluate the protein levels, antioxidants, and inflammatory responses by proteomic analysis or real-time Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (real-time RT-PCR). A total of 36 protein spots, connected to 29 proteins, were modulated by dietary supplementation, whereas real-time RT-PCR revealed a significant downregulation of proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin 1α (p < 0.05) and interleukin-6 (0.005), toll-like receptor 4 (p < 0.05), and IKBKB (p < 0.05) in supplemented sport horses. Immunoglobulin chains, gelsolin, plasminogen, vitamin D binding protein, apolipoprotein AIV, and filamin B were overexpressed, whereas haptoglobin, α-2-HS-glycoprotein, α2-macroglobulin, afamin, amine oxidase, 60S acidic ribosomal protein, and complement fragments 3, 4, and 7 were reduced. No effect was observed on the antioxidant defense systems. The present results suggest this phytotherapy may reinforce the innate immune responses, thus representing a valid adjuvant to alleviate inflammation, which is a pathophysiological process in sport horses.

Characterization and Biological Activities of In Vitro Digested Olive Pomace Polyphenols Evaluated on Ex Vivo Human Immune Blood Cells

Olive pomace (OP) represents one of the main by-products of olive oil production, which still contains high quantities of health-promoting bioactive compounds. In the present study, three batches of sun-dried OP were characterized for their profile in phenolic compounds (by HPLC-DAD) and in vitro antioxidant properties (ABTS, FRAP and DPPH assays) before (methanolic extracts) and after (aqueous extracts) their simulated in vitro digestion and dialysis. Phenolic profiles, and, accordingly, the antioxidant activities, showed significant differences among the three OP batches, and most compounds showed good bioaccessibility after simulated digestion. Based on these preliminary screenings, the best OP aqueous extract (OP-W) was further characterized for its peptide composition and subdivided into seven fractions (OP-F). The most promising OP-F (characterized for its metabolome) and OP-W samples were then assessed for their potential anti-inflammatory properties in ex vivo human peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMCs) triggered or not with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The levels of 16 pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokines were measured in PBMC culture media by multiplex ELISA assay, whereas the gene expressions of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10 and TNF-α were measured by real time RT-qPCR. Interestingly, OP-W and PO-F samples had a similar effect in reducing the expressions of IL-6 and TNF-α, but only OP-W was able to reduce the release of these inflammatory mediators, suggesting that the anti-inflammatory activity of OP-W is different from that of OP-F.

Mechanisms Underlying Neurodegenerative Disorders and Potential Neuroprotective Activity of Agrifood By-Products

Neurodegenerative diseases, characterized by progressive loss in selected areas of the nervous system, are becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide due to an aging population. Despite their diverse clinical manifestations, neurodegenerative diseases are multifactorial disorders with standard features and mechanisms such as abnormal protein aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and inflammation. As there are no effective treatments to counteract neurodegenerative diseases, increasing interest has been directed to the potential neuroprotective activities of plant-derived compounds found abundantly in food and in agrifood by-products. Food waste has an extremely negative impact on the environment, and recycling is needed to promote their disposal and overcome this problem. Many studies have been carried out to develop green and effective strategies to extract bioactive compounds from food by-products, such as peel, leaves, seeds, bran, kernel, pomace, and oil cake, and to investigate their biological activity. In this review, we focused on the potential neuroprotective activity of agrifood wastes obtained by common products widely produced and consumed in Italy, such as grapes, coffee, tomatoes, olives, chestnuts, onions, apples, and pomegranates.

Nаtural Antioxidants and their Effect on Human Health

Fruit, vegetables and spice antioxidants are recognized for their important role in human health against some diseases for instance cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Phenolic antioxidants, vitamins (C and E), flavonoids, and cаtеchins are among the major nаturally bioavailable antioxidants. Nаtural antioxidants positive impact on human health can be summarized on their potential to act against inflammation, bacteria, aging, oxidаtive stress and cаncer. The evaluation of antioxidants bioavailability in food and medicinal plants are essential to understand the best antioxidant sources and to elevate their use in food, pharmaceuticals and food additives.

Therapeutic Properties and Use of Extra Virgin Olive Oil in Clinical Nutrition: A Narrative Review and Literature Update

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet (MedD). In this narrative review, we synthesize and illustrate the various characteristics and clinical applications of EVOO and its components—such as oleic acid, hydroxytyrosol, and oleuropein—in the field of clinical nutrition and dietetics. The evidence is split into diet therapy, oleic acid-based enteral nutrition formulations and oral supplementation formulations, oleic acid-based parenteral nutrition, and nutraceutical supplementation of minor components of EVOO. EVOO has diverse beneficial health properties, and current evidence supports the use of whole EVOO in diet therapy and the supplementation of its minor components to improve cardiovascular health, lipoprotein metabolism, and diabetes mellitus in clinical nutrition. Nevertheless, more intervention studies in humans are needed to chisel specific recommendations for its therapeutic use through different formulations in other specific diseases and clinical populations.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil Extracts of Indigenous Southern Tuscany Cultivar Act as Anti-Inflammatory and Vasorelaxant Nutraceuticals

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is the typical source of fats in the Mediterranean diet. While fatty acids are essential for the EVOO nutraceutical properties, multiple biological activities are also due to the presence of polyphenols. In this work, autochthonous Tuscany EVOOs were chemically characterized and selected EVOO samples were extracted to obtain hydroalcoholic phytocomplexes, which were assayed to establish their anti-inflammatory and vasorelaxant properties. The polar extracts were characterized via 1H-NMR and UHPLC-HRMS to investigate the chemical composition and assayed in CaCo-2 cells exposed to glucose oxidase or rat aorta rings contracted by phenylephrine. Apigenin and luteolin were found as representative flavones; other components were pinoresinol, ligstroside, and oleuropein. The extracts showed anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties via modulation of NF-κB and Nrf2 pathways, respectively, and good vasorelaxant activity, both in the presence and absence of an intact endothelium. In conclusion, this study evaluated the nutraceutical properties of autochthonous Tuscany EVOO cv., which showed promising anti-inflammatory and vasorelaxant effects.

Pterostilbene Promotes Mean Lifespan in Both Male and Female Drosophila Melanogaster Modulating Different Proteins in the Two Sexes

Aging is a multifactorial phenomenon characterized by degenerative processes closely connected to oxidative damage and chronic inflammation. Recently, many studies have shown that natural bioactive compounds are useful in delaying the aging process. In this work, we studied the effects of an in vivo supplementation of the stilbenoid pterostilbene on lifespan extension in Drosophila melanogaster. We found that the average lifespan of flies of both sexes was increased by pterostilbene supplementation with a higher effect in females. The expression of longevity related genes (Sir2, Foxo, and Notch) was increased in both sexes but with different patterns. Pterostilbene counteracted oxidative stress induced by ethanol and paraquat and up-regulated the antioxidant enzymes Ho e Trxr-1 in male but not in female flies. On the other hand, pterostilbene decreased the inflammatory mediators dome and egr only in female flies. Proteomic analysis revealed that pterostilbene modulates 113 proteins in male flies and only 9 in females. Only one of these proteins was modulated by pterostilbene in both sexes: vacuolar H[+] ATPase 68 kDa subunit 2 (Vha68-2) that was strongly down-regulated. These findings suggest a potential role of pterostilbene in increasing lifespan both in male and female flies by mechanisms that seem to be different in the two sexes, highlighting the need to conduct nutraceutical supplementation studies on males and females separately in order to give more reliable results.