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

Abstract

Neurodegenerative diseases are driven by several mechanisms such as inflammation, abnormal protein aggregation, excitotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. So far, no therapeutic strategies are available for neurodegenerative diseases and in recent years the research is focusing on bioactive molecules present in food. In particular, extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) phenols have been associated to neuroprotection. In this study, we investigated the potential antioxidant and neuroprotective activity of two different EVOO extracts obtained from Quercetano cultivar trees grown in two different areas (plain and hill) of the Tuscany region (Italy). The different geographical origin of the orchards influenced phenol composition. Plain extract presented a higher content of phenyl ethyl alcohols, cinnammic acids, oleacein, oleocanthal and flavones; meanwhile, hill extract was richer in lignans. Hill extract was more effective in protecting differentiated SH-SY5Y cells from peroxide stress thanks to a marked upregulation of the antioxidant enzymes heme oxygenase 1, NADPH quinone oxidoreductase 1, thioredoxin Reductase 1 and glutathione reductase. Proteomic analysis revealed that hill extract plays a role in the regulation of proteins involved in neuronal plasticity and activation of neurotrophic factors such as BDNF. In conclusion, these data demonstrate that EVOOs can have important neuroprotective activities, but these effects are strictly related to their specific phenol composition.

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

“…Smaller amounts of simpler phenolic compounds—such as caffeic, vanillic, and ferulic acids—have the role of protecting and enhancing the bioavailability of α-tocopherol [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 33 , 34 ]. See Table S2 for further information regarding antioxidants in the unsaponifiable fraction of EVOO from the main cultivars in the Mediterranean Area [ 17 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 25 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 ]. Chlorophyllic and carotenoid pigments.…”

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

“…Protein concentration was determined using the Pierce Protein Assay (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA) and bovine serum albumin was used as standard. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE) was carried out as previously described [ 35 ]. Briefly, 200 μ g of proteins were filled up to 350 μ L in rehydration solution.…”

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

“…On the other hand, EVOO extracts derived from different cultivars showed potent antiinflammatory properties thanks to a marked upregulation of the antioxidant enzymes heme oxygenase 1, NADPH quinone oxidoreductase 1, thioredoxin reductase 1, and glutathione reductase [9].…”

“…The consumption of 30-50 g/day of EVOO is able to prevent many pathologies [9]. EVOO has been frequently reported to have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities and to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by modulating high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and cholesterol metabolism [10].…”