Role of Hydroxytyrosol and Oleuropein in the Prevention of Aging and Related Disorders: Focus on Neurodegeneration, Skeletal Muscle Dysfunction and Gut Microbiota

Abstract

Aging is a multi-faceted process caused by the accumulation of cellular damage over time, associated with a gradual reduction of physiological activities in cells and organs. This degeneration results in a reduced ability to adapt to homeostasis perturbations and an increased incidence of illnesses such as cognitive decline, neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and skeletal muscle pathologies. Key features of aging include a chronic low-grade inflammation state and a decrease of the autophagic process. The Mediterranean diet has been associated with longevity and ability to counteract the onset of age-related disorders. Extra virgin olive oil, a fundamental component of this diet, contains bioactive polyphenolic compounds as hydroxytyrosol (HTyr) and oleuropein (OLE), known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. This review is focused on brain, skeletal muscle, and gut microbiota, as these systems are known to interact at several levels. After the description of the chemistry and pharmacokinetics of HTyr and OLE, we summarize studies reporting their effects in in vivo and in vitro models of neurodegenerative diseases of the central/peripheral nervous system, adult neurogenesis and depression, senescence and lifespan, and age-related skeletal muscle disorders, as well as their impact on the composition of the gut microbiota.

From antiquity to contemporary times: how olive oil by-products and waste water can contribute to health

“…There is some evidence to suggest that the phenolic compounds in OMWW may help to improve insulin sensitivity and regulate blood sugar levels, which could be beneficial for people with diabetes ( 45–48 ). Phenolic compounds in OMWW may have neuroprotective effects and could help to prevent or slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s ( 67–69 ) and Parkinson’s ( 69 ). The effectiveness of a HT-rich OMWW extract to lessen Fe 2 + − and nitric oxide (NO)-induced cytotoxicity in murine-dissociated brain cells was examined due to the detrimental effect that oxidative stress has on brain cell survival ( 70 ).…”

Olive oil and its derivatives for promoting performance, health, and struggling thermal stress effects on broilers

“…Hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein have multiple biological activities frequently associated with chasing oxidative stress ( Micheli et al, 2023 ). Still, the recent evidence powerfully supports that natural phenolic molecules may also provide indirect defense by enhancing the antioxidative defensive scheme.…”

Polyphenol-Rich Extracts from Agroindustrial Waste and Byproducts: Results and Perspectives According to the Green Chemistry and Circular Economy

“…HTyr downregulates the expression of the innate immune receptor TLR-4 and pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and acute phase proteins . Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory effects of HTyr have been validated in vivo by using animal models of inflammatory diseases. − HTyr can also exert anti-inflammatory activity by modulating the quali-quantitative composition of guttle microbiota. , Among olive phenolic compounds, oleocanthal has been found to exhibit anti-inflammatory activity, inhibiting key enzymes involved in the inflammatory process through mechanisms similar to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. , …”