A Proteomic Approach to Uncover Neuroprotective Mechanisms of Oleocanthal against Oxidative Stress

Unraveling the Protective Role of Oleocanthal and Its Oxidation Product, Oleocanthalic Acid, against Neuroinflammation

Neuroinflammation is a critical aspect of various neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. This study investigates the anti-neuroinflammatory properties of oleocanthal and its oxidation product, oleocanthalic acid, using the BV-2 cell line activated with lipopolysaccharide. Our findings revealed that oleocanthal significantly inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduced the expression of inflammatory genes, counteracted oxidative stress induced by lipopolysaccharide, and increased cell phagocytic activity. Conversely, oleocanthalic acid was not able to counteract lipopolysaccharide-induced activation. The docking analysis revealed a plausible interaction of oleocanthal, with both CD14 and MD-2 leading to a potential interference with TLR4 signaling. Since our data show that oleocanthal only partially reduces the lipopolysaccharide-induced activation of NF-kB, its action as a TLR4 antagonist alone cannot explain its remarkable effect against neuroinflammation. Proteomic analysis revealed that oleocanthal counteracts the LPS modulation of 31 proteins, including significant targets such as gelsolin, clathrin, ACOD1, and four different isoforms of 14-3-3 protein, indicating new potential molecular targets of the compound. In conclusion, oleocanthal, but not oleocanthalic acid, mitigates neuroinflammation through multiple mechanisms, highlighting a pleiotropic action that is particularly important in the context of neurodegeneration.

Dietary fiber supplementation increases Drosophila melanogaster lifespan and gut microbiota diversity

Dietary fiber has been shown to have multiple health benefits, including a positive effect on longevity and the gut microbiota. In the present study, Drosophila melanogaster has been chosen as an in vivo model organism to study the health effects of dietary fiber supplementation (DFS). DFS extended the mean half-life of male and female flies, but the absolute lifespan only increased in females. To reveal the underlying mechanisms, we examined the effect of DFS on gut microbiota diversity and abundance, local gut immunity, and the brain proteome. A significant difference in the gut microbial community was observed between groups with and without fiber supplementation, which reduced the gut pathogenic bacterial load. We also observed an upregulated expression of dual oxidase and a modulated expression of Attacin and Diptericin genes in the gut of older flies, possibly delaying the gut dysbiosis connected to the age-related gut immune dysfunction. Brain proteome analysis showed that DFS led to the modulation of metabolic processes connected to mitochondrial biogenesis, the RhoV-GTPase cycle, organelle biogenesis and maintenance, membrane trafficking and vesicle-mediated transport, possibly orchestrated through a gut-brain axis interaction. Taken together, our study shows that DFS can prolong the half-life and lifespan of flies, possibly by promoting a healthier gut environment and delaying the physiological dysbiosis that characterizes the ageing process. However, the RhoV-GTPase cycle at the brain level may deserve more attention in future studies.

Polymorphism Pro64His within galectin-3 has functional consequences at proteome level in thyroid cells

Introduction

The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs4644 at codon 64 of galectin-3 (gal-3, gene name: LGALS3), specifying the variant proline (P64) to histidine (H64), is known to affect the protein's functions and has been associated with the risk of several types of cancer, including differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC).

Materials and methods

To deepen our understanding of the biological effects of this SNP, we analyzed the proteome of two isogenic cell lines (NC-P64 vs. NA-H64) derived from the immortalized non-malignant thyrocyte cell line Nthy-Ori, generated through the CRISPR-Cas9 technique to differ by rs4644 genotype. We compared the proteome of these cells to detect differentially expressed proteins and studied their proteome in relation to their transcriptome.

Results

Firstly, we found, consistently with previous studies, that gal-3-H64 could be detected as a monomer, homodimer, and heterodimer composed of one cleaved and one uncleaved monomer, whereas gal-3-P64 could be found only as a monomer or uncleaved homodimer. Moreover, results indicate that rs4644 influences the expression of several proteins, predominantly upregulated in NA-H64 cells. Overall, the differential protein expression could be attributed to the altered mRNA expression, suggesting that rs4644 shapes the function of gal-3 as a transcriptional co-regulator. However, this SNP also appeared to affect post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms for proteins whose expression was oppositely regulated compared to mRNA expression. It is conceivable that the rs4644-dependent activities of gal-3 could be ascribed to the different modalities of self-dimerization.

Conclusion

Our study provided further evidence that rs4644 could affect the gal-3 functions through several routes, which could be at the base of differential susceptibility to diseases, as reported in case-control association studies.

Exploring promising minor natural phenolic compounds in neuroprotection-related preclinical models

Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, are characterised by the progressive loss of specific neuronal cell populations due to multifactorial factors, including neurochemical and immunological disturbances. Consequently, patients can develop cognitive, motor and behavioural dysfunctions, which lead to impairments in their quality of life. Over the years, studies have reported on the neuroprotective properties inherent in phenolic compounds. Therefore, this review highlights the most recent scientific findings regarding phenolic compounds as promising neuroprotective molecules against neurodegenerative diseases.

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.

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.

An Appraisal of the Oleocanthal-Rich Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) and Its Potential Anticancer and Neuroprotective Properties

Dietary consumption of olive oil represents a key pillar of the Mediterranean diet, which has been shown to exert beneficial effects on human health, such as the prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases like cancers and neurodegenerative diseases, among others. These health benefits are partly mediated by the high-quality extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), which is produced mostly in Mediterranean countries and is directly made from olives, the fruit of the olive tree (Olea europaea L.). Preclinical evidence supports the existence of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties exerted by the polyphenol oleocanthal, which belongs to the EVOO minor polar compound subclass of secoiridoids (like oleuropein). This narrative review aims to describe the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of oleocanthal, as well as the potential anticancer and neuroprotective actions of this polyphenol. Based on recent evidence, we also discuss the reasons underlying the need to include the concentrations of oleocanthal and other polyphenols in the EVOO's nutrition facts label. Finally, we report our personal experience in the production of a certified organic EVOO with a "Protected Designation of Origin" (PDO), which was obtained from olives of three different cultivars (Rotondella, Frantoio, and Leccino) harvested in geographical areas located a short distance from one another (villages' names: Gorga and Camella) within the Southern Italy "Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park" of the Campania Region (Province of Salerno, Italy).

Proteomic Profiling Reveals Specific Molecular Hallmarks of the Pig Claustrum

The present study, employing a comparative proteomic approach, analyzes the protein profile of pig claustrum (CLA), putamen (PU), and insula (IN). Pig brain is an interesting model whose key translational features are its similarities with cortical and subcortical structures of human brain. A greater difference in protein spot expression was observed in CLA vs PU as compared to CLA vs IN. The deregulated proteins identified in CLA resulted to be deeply implicated in neurodegenerative (i.e., sirtuin 2, protein disulfide-isomerase 3, transketolase) and psychiatric (i.e., copine 3 and myelin basic protein) disorders in humans. Metascape analysis of differentially expressed proteins in CLA vs PU comparison suggested activation of the α-synuclein pathway and L1 recycling pathway corroborating the involvement of these anatomical structures in neurodegenerative diseases. The expression of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase and dihydropyrimidinase like 2, which are linked to these pathways, was validated using western blot analysis. Moreover, the protein data set of CLA vs PU comparison was analyzed by Ingenuity Pathways Analysis to obtain a prediction of most significant canonical pathways, upstream regulators, human diseases, and biological functions. Interestingly, inhibition of presenilin 1 (PSEN1) upstream regulator and activation of endocannabinoid neuronal synapse pathway were observed. In conclusion, this is the first study presenting an extensive proteomic analysis of pig CLA in comparison with adjacent areas, IN and PUT. These results reinforce the common origin of CLA and IN and suggest an interesting involvement of CLA in endocannabinoid circuitry, neurodegenerative, and psychiatric disorders in humans.

Advances in the Application of Phytogenic Extracts as Antioxidants and Their Potential Mechanisms in Ruminants

Under current breeding conditions, multiple stressors are important challenges facing animal husbandry in achieving animal wellbeing. For many years, the use of antibiotics has been a social concern in the livestock industry. With the implementation of the non-antibiotics policy, there is an urgent need to find relevant technologies and products to replace antibiotics and to solve the problem of disease prevention during animal growth. Phytogenic extracts have the unique advantages of being natural and extensive sources, having a low residue, and being pollution-free and renewable. They can relieve the various stresses, including oxidative stress, on animals and even control their inflammation by regulating the signaling pathways of proinflammatory cytokines, improving animal immunity, and improving the structure of microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby becoming the priority choice for improving animal health. In this study, we reviewed the types of antioxidants commonly used in the livestock industry and their applicable effects on ruminants, as well as the recent research progress on their potential mechanisms of action. This review may provide a reference for further research and for the application of other phytogenic extracts and the elucidation of their precise mechanisms of action.

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.

Oleocanthal alleviated lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in chickens by inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB pathway activation

This study aimed to investigate the ameliorative effect of oleocanthal (OC) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) in chickens and its possible mechanisms. In total, 20 chickens were randomly divided into 4 groups: control (CON) group, LPS group, LPS + OC group, and OC group. LPS + OC and OC groups were intragastrically administered a 5 mg/kg·d OC dose for 7 d. On d 8, the LPS group and LPS + OC group were intratracheally administered 2 mg/kg LPS for 12 h. It was found that OC ameliorated the pathological morphology and significantly suppressed apoptosis after OC treatment in LPS-induced ALI chicken (P < 0.01). Antioxidant capacity was higher in the LPS + OC group compared with the LPS group (P < 0.01). OC downregulated the related genes and proteins expression of toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-κB (TLR4/NF-κB) pathway in LPS group (P < 0.01). In conclusion, OC supplementation can alleviate LPS-induced ALI in chickens by suppressing apoptosis, enhancing lung antioxidant capacities and inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB pathway activation.

A biochemical perspective on the fate of virgin olive oil phenolic compounds in vivo

The chemistry of the phenolic compounds found in virgin olive oil (VOO) is very complex due, not only to the different classes of polyphenols that can be found in it, but, above all, due to the existence of a very specific phenol class found only in oleaceae plants: the secoiridoids. Searching in the Scopus data base the keywords flavonoid, phenolic acid, lignin and secoiridoid, we can find a number of 148174, 79435, 11326 and 1392 research articles respectively, showing how little is devote to the latter class of compounds. Moreover, in contrast with other classes, that include only phenolic compounds, secoiridoids may include phenolic and non-phenolic compounds, being the articles concerning phenolic secoiridoids much less than the half of the abovementioned articles. Therefore, it is important to clarify the structures of these compounds and their chemistry, as this knowledge will help understand their bioactivity and metabolism studies, usually performed by researchers with a more health science's related background. In this review, all the structures found in many research articles concerning VOO phenolic compounds chemistry and metabolism was gathered, with a special attention devoted to the secoiridoids, the main phenolic compound class found in olives, VOO and olive leaf.

The Effect of Oleoylethanolamide (OEA) Add-On Treatment on Inflammatory, Oxidative Stress, Lipid, and Biochemical Parameters in the Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients: Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study

Methods

Sixty patients with a mean age of 68.60 ± 2.10 comprising 29 females (48.33%), who were admitted to an academic tertiary care facility within the first 12 hours poststroke symptoms onset or last known well (LKW), in case symptom onset time is not clear, were included in this study. AIS was confirmed based on a noncontrast head CT scan and also neurological symptoms. Patients were randomly and blindly assigned to OEA of 300 mg/day (n = 20) or 600 mg/day (n = 20) or placebo (n = 20) in addition to the standard AIS treatment for three days. A blood sample was drawn at 12 hours from symptoms onset or LKW as the baseline followed by the second blood sample at 72 hours post symptoms onset or LKW. Blood samples were assessed for inflammatory and biochemical parameters, oxidative stress (OS) biomarkers, and lipid profile.

Results

Compared to the baseline, there is a significant reduction in the urea, creatinine, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, cholesterol, alanine transaminase, total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde (MDA), total thiol groups (TTG), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein levels on the follow-up blood testing in the OEA (300 mg/day) group. In patients receiving OEA (600 mg/day) treatment, there was only a significant reduction in the MDA level comparing baseline with follow-up blood testing. Also, the between-group analysis revealed a statistically significant difference between patients receiving OEA (300 mg/day) and placebo in terms of IL-6 and TTG level reduction when comparing them between baseline and follow-up blood testing.

Conclusion

OEA in moderate dosage, 300 mg/day, add-on to the standard stroke treatment improves short-term inflammatory, OS, lipid, and biochemical parameters in patients with AIS. This effect might lead to a better long-term neurological prognosis.

Olive Oil Improves While Trans Fatty Acids Further Aggravate the Hypomethylation of LINE-1 Retrotransposon DNA in an Environmental Carcinogen Model

DNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism that is crucial for mammalian development and genomic stability. Aberrant DNA methylation changes have been detected not only in malignant tumor tissues; the decrease of global DNA methylation levels is also characteristic for aging. The consumption of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) as part of a balanced diet shows preventive effects against age-related diseases and cancer. On the other hand, consuming trans fatty acids (TFA) increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases as well as cancer. The aim of the study was to investigate the LINE-1 retrotransposon (L1-RTP) DNA methylation pattern in liver, kidney, and spleen of mice as a marker of genetic instability. For that, mice were fed with EVOO or TFA and were pretreated with environmental carcinogen 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-a harmful substance known to cause L1-RTP DNA hypomethylation. Our results show that DMBA and its combination with TFA caused significant L1-RTP DNA hypomethylation compared to the control group via inhibition of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) enzymes. EVOO had the opposite effect by significantly decreasing DMBA and DMBA + TFA-induced hypomethylation, thereby counteracting their 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.

Extra Virgin Oil Polyphenols Improve the Protective Effects of Hydroxytyrosol in an In Vitro Model of Hypoxia-Reoxygenation of Rat Brain

Hydroxytyrosol (HT) is the component primarily responsible for the neuroprotective effect of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). However, it is less effective on its own than the demonstrated neuroprotective effect of EVOO, and for this reason, it can be postulated that there is an interaction between several of the polyphenols of EVOO. The objective of the study was to assess the possible interaction of four EVOO polyphenols (HT, tyrosol, dihydroxyphenylglycol, and oleocanthal) in an experimental model of hypoxia-reoxygenation in rat brain slices. The lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) efflux, lipid peroxidation, and peroxynitrite production were determined as measures of cell death, oxidative stress, and nitrosative stress, respectively. First, the polyphenols were incubated with the brain slices in the same proportions that exist in EVOO, comparing their effects with those of HT. In all cases, the cytoprotective and antioxidant effects of the combination were greater than those of HT alone. Second, we calculated the concentration-effect curves for HT in the absence or presence of each polyphenol. Tyrosol did not significantly modify any of the variables inhibited by HT. Dihydroxyphenylglycol only increased the cytoprotective effect of HT at 10 µM, while it increased its antioxidant effect at 50 and 100 µM and its inhibitory effect on peroxynitrite formation at all the concentrations tested. Oleocanthal increased the cytoprotective and antioxidant effects of HT but did not modify its inhibitory effect on nitrosative stress. The results of this study show that the EVOO polyphenols DHPG and OLC increase the cytoprotective effect of HT in an experimental model of hypoxia-reoxygenation in rat brain slices, mainly due to a possibly synergistic effect on HT's antioxidant action. These results could explain the greater neuroprotective effect of EVOO than of the polyphenols alone.

Comparative Study on Phytochemical Profile and Antioxidant Activity of an Epiphyte, Viscum album L. (White Berry Mistletoe), Derived from Different Host Trees

The study aimed at evaluating the antioxidant profile of a medicinal epiphyte Viscum album L. harvested from three tree species, namely, Populus ciliata L, Ulmus villosa L., and Juglans regia L. The crude extracts were obtained with ethanol, methanol, and water and were evaluated for the total phenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activities using total reducing power (TRP), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 1, 1-diphenyl 1-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH), superoxide radical scavenging (SOR), and hydroxyl radical scavenging (^•OH) assays. Our results showed that crude leaf extracts of plants harvested from the host Juglans regia L. exhibited higher yields of phytochemical constituents and noticeable antioxidative properties. The ethanolic leaf samples reported the highest phenols (13.46 ± 0.87 mg/g), flavonoids (2.38 ± 0.04 mg/g), FRAP (500.63 ± 12.58 μM Fe II/g DW), and DPPH (87.26% ± 0.30 mg/mL). Moreover, the highest values for TRP (4.24 ± 0.26 μg/mL), SOR (89.79% ± 0.73 mg/mL), and OH (67.16% ± 1.15 mg/mL) were obtained from aqueous leaf extracts. Further, Pearson correlation was used for quantifying the relationship between TPC, TFC, and antioxidant (FRAP, DPPH, SOR, OH) activities in Viscum album L. compared to their hosts. It was revealed that the epiphyte showed variation with the type of host plant and extracting solvent.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Profiles of Spent Coffee Ground Extracts for the Treatment of Neurodegeneration

Spent coffee grounds (SCGs), waste products of coffee beverage production, are rich in organic compounds such as phenols. Different studies have demonstrated phenol beneficial effects in counteracting neurodegenerative diseases. These diseases are associated with oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, which initiates the degeneration of neurons by overactivating microglia. Unfortunately, to date, there are no pharmacological therapies to treat these pathologies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the phenolic content of 4 different SCG extracts and their ability to counteract oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Caffeine and 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid were the most abundant compounds in all extracts, followed by 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid and 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid. The four extracts demonstrated a different ability to counteract oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in vitro. In particular, the methanol extract was the most effective in protecting neuron-like SH-SY5Y cells against H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress by upregulating endogenous antioxidant enzymes such as thioredoxin reductase, heme oxygenase 1, NADPH quinone oxidoreductase, and glutathione reductase. The water extract was the most effective in counteracting lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammation in microglial BV-2 cells by strongly reducing the expression of proinflammatory mediators through the modulation of the TLR4/NF-κB pathway. On these bases, SCG extracts could represent valuable nutraceutical sources for the treatment of neurodegeneration.

Salivary Proteome Changes in Response to Acute Psychological Stress Due to an Oral Exam Simulation in University Students: Effect of an Olfactory Stimulus

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays a crucial role both in acute and chronic psychological stress eliciting changes in many local and systemic physiological and biochemical processes. Salivary secretion is also regulated by ANS. In this study, we explored salivary proteome changes produced in thirty-eight University students by a test stress, which simulated an oral exam. Students underwent a relaxation phase followed by the stress test during which an electrocardiogram was recorded. To evaluate the effect of an olfactory stimulus, half of the students were exposed to a pleasant odor diffused in the room throughout the whole session. Saliva samples were collected after the relaxation phase (T0) and the stress test (T1). State anxiety was also evaluated at T0 and T1. Salivary proteins were separated by two-dimensional electrophoresis, and patterns at different times were compared. Spots differentially expressed were trypsin digested and identified by mass spectrometry. Western blot analysis was used to validate proteomic results. Anxiety scores and heart rate changes indicated that the fake exam induced anxiety. Significant changes of α-amylase, polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (PIGR), and immunoglobulin α chain (IGHA) secretion were observed after the stress test was performed in the two conditions. Moreover, the presence of pleasant odor reduced the acute social stress affecting salivary proteome changes. Therefore, saliva proteomic analysis was a useful approach to evaluate the rapid responses associated to an acute stress test also highlighting known biomarkers.

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

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.

In vivo effects of olive oil and trans-fatty acids on miR-134, miR-132, miR-124-1, miR-9-3 and mTORC1 gene expression in a DMBA-treated mouse model

Both the intake of beneficial olive oil and of harmful trans-fatty acids (TFAs) in consumed foods are of great significance in tumor biology. In our present study we examined the effects they exert on the expression patterns of miR-134, miR-132, miR-124-1, miR-9-3 and mTOR in the liver, spleen and kidney of mice treated with 7,12-dimethylbenz [a] anthracene (DMBA). Feeding of TFA-containing diet significantly increased the expression of all studied miRs and mTORC1 in all organs examined, except the expression of mTORC1 in the spleen and kidney. Diet containing olive oil significantly reduced the expression of miR-124-1, miR-9-3 and mTORC1 in the liver and spleen. In the kidney, apart from the mTORC1 gene, the expression of all miRs examined significantly decreased compared to the DMBA control. According to our results, the cell membrane protective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects of olive oil and the cell membrane damaging, inflammatory, and carcinogenic properties of TFA suggest negative feedback regulatory mechanisms. In contrast to our expectations, mTORC1 gene expression in the kidney has not been shown to be an appropriate biomarker-presumably, because the many complex effects that regulate mTOR expression may quench each other.

Putative Biomarkers for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Suggested by Proteomic Analysis of Cell Secretome

BACKGROUND

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) a rare neoplasm linked to asbestos exposure is characterized by a poor prognosis. Soluble mesothelin is currently considered the most specific diagnostic biomarker. The aim of the study was to identify novel biomarkers by proteomic analysis of two MPM cell lines secretome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The protein patterns of MPM cells secretome were examined and compared to a non-malignant mesothelial cell line using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis coupled to mass spectrometry. Serum levels of candidate biomarkers were determined in MPM patients and control subjects.

RESULTS

Two up-regulated proteins involved in cancer biology, prosaposin and quiescin Q6 sulfhydryl oxidase 1, were considered candidate biomarkers. Serum levels of both proteins were significantly higher in MPM patients than control subjects. Combining the data of each receiver-operating characteristic analysis predicted a good diagnostic accuracy.

CONCLUSION

A panel of the putative biomarkers represents a promising tool for MPM diagnosis.

Activity of Antioxidants from Crocus sativus L. Petals: Potential Preventive Effects towards Cardiovascular System

The petals of the saffron crocus (Crocus sativus L.) are considered a waste material in saffron production, but may be a sustainable source of natural biologically active substances of nutraceutical interest. The aim of this work was to study the cardiovascular effects of kaempferol and crocin extracted from saffron petals. The antiarrhythmic, inotropic, and chronotropic effects of saffron petal extract (SPE), kaempferol, and crocin were evaluated through in vitro biological assays. The antioxidant activity of kaempferol and crocin was investigated through the 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) assay using rat cardiomyoblast cell line H9c2. The MTT assay was applied to assess the effects of kaempferol and crocin on cell viability. SPE showed weak negative inotropic and chronotropic intrinsic activities but a significant intrinsic activity on smooth muscle with a potency on the ileum greater than on the aorta: EC₅₀ = 0.66 mg/mL versus EC₅₀ = 1.45 mg/mL. Kaempferol and crocin showed a selective negative inotropic activity. In addition, kaempferol decreased the contraction induced by KCl (80 mM) in guinea pig aortic and ileal strips, while crocin had no effect. Furthermore, following oxidative stress, both crocin and kaempferol decreased intracellular ROS formation and increased cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner. The results indicate that SPE, a by-product of saffron cultivation, may represent a good source of phytochemicals with a potential application in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Common Protective Strategies in Neurodegenerative Disease: Focusing on Risk Factors to Target the Cellular Redox System

Neurodegenerative disease is an umbrella term for different conditions which primarily affect the neurons in the human brain. In the last century, significant research has been focused on mechanisms and risk factors relevant to the multifaceted etiopathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Currently, neurodegenerative diseases are incurable, and the treatments available only control the symptoms or delay the progression of the disease. This review is aimed at characterizing the complex network of molecular mechanisms underpinning acute and chronic neurodegeneration, focusing on the disturbance in redox homeostasis, as a common mechanism behind five pivotal risk factors: aging, oxidative stress, inflammation, glycation, and vascular injury. Considering the complex multifactorial nature of neurodegenerative diseases, a preventive strategy able to simultaneously target multiple risk factors and disease mechanisms at an early stage is most likely to be effective to slow/halt the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.

Fruit Quality Characterization of New Sweet Cherry Cultivars as a Good Source of Bioactive Phenolic Compounds with Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Potential

Sweet cherries (Prunus avium L.) are highly appreciated fruits for their taste, color, nutritional value, and beneficial health effects. In this work, seven new cultivars of sweet cherry were investigated for their main quality traits and nutraceutical value. The phytochemical profile of three classes of phenolic compounds and the antioxidant activity of the new cultivars were investigated through high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) and spectrophotometric assays, respectively, and compared with those of commonly commercialized cultivars. Cyanidine-3-O-rutinoside was the main anthocyanin in all genotypes, and its levels in some new cultivars were about three-fold higher than in commercial ones. The ORAC-assayed antioxidant capacity was positively correlated with the total anthocyanin index. The nutraceutical value of the new cultivars was investigated in terms of antioxidant/neuroprotective capacity in neuron-like SH-SY5Y cells. Results demonstrated that the new cultivars were more effective in counteracting oxidative stress and were also able to upregulate brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a pro-survival neurotrophin, suggesting their potential pleiotropic role in counteracting neurodegenerations.

Anticancer molecular mechanisms of oleocanthal

Cancer is among the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Current cancer therapies are associated with serious side effects, which further damage patients' health. Therefore, the search for new anticancer agents with no toxic effects on normal and healthy cells is of great interest. Recently, we and other groups have demonstrated that oleocanthal (OLC), a phenolic compound from extra virgin olive oil, exhibits antitumor activity in various tumor models. However, the underlying mechanisms and intracellular targets of OLC remain to be completely elucidated. This review summarizes the current advancers concerning the anticancer activity of OLC, with particular emphasis on the molecular signaling pathways modulated by this compound in different tumor cell types. The major mechanisms of action of OLC include modulation of the apoptotic pathway, the HGF/c-Met pathway, and the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signaling pathway, among others. Furthermore, OLC has synergistic effects with anticancer drugs in vitro. Also discussed are OLC bioavailability and its concentration in olive oil. Data summarized here will represent a database for more extensive studies aimed at providing information on molecular mechanisms against cancer induced by OLC.

Coffee silverskin extracts: Quantification of 30 bioactive compounds by a new HPLC-MS/MS method and evaluation of their antioxidant and antibacterial activities

The research of value-added applications for coffee silverskin (CSS) requires studies to investigate potential bioactive compounds and biological activities in CSS extracts. In this study, different ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) methods have been tested to extract bioactive compounds from CSS. The obtained extracts, were characterized using a new HPLC-MS/MS method to detect and quantify 30 bioactive compounds of 2 classes: alkaloids and polyphenols (including phenolic acids, flavonoids, and secoiridoids). CSS extracts obtained with ethanol/water (70:30) as extraction solvent showed the highest levels (p ≤ 0.05) of bioactive compounds (4.01 ± 0.34% w/w). High content of caffeine was observed with levels varying from 1.00% to 3.59% of dry weight of extract (dw). 18 phenolic compounds were detected in CSS extracts with caffeoylquinic acids (3-CQA, 5-CQA and 3,5-diCQA) as the most abundant polyphenols (3115.6 µg g to -5444.0 µg g^-1). This study is also one of the first to characterize in-depth flavonoids in CSS revealing the levels of different flavonoids compounds such as rutin (1.63-8.70 µg g^-1), quercetin (1.53-2.46 µg g^-1), kaempferol (0.76-1.66 µg g^-1) and quercitrin (0.15-0.51 µg g^-1). Neuroprotective activity of silverskin extracts against H₂O₂-induced damage was evaluated for the first time suggesting for methanol and ethanol/water (70:30) extracts a potential role as protective agents against neurodegeneration due to their ability to counteract oxidative stress and maintain cell viability. Silverskin extracts were not inhibiting the growth of anyone of the bacterial species included in this study but data obtained by water extract might deserve a deeper future investigation on biofilm-related activities, such as quorum sensing or virulence factors' expression. From their composition and their evidenced biological activities, CSS extracts could represent valuable ingredients in nutraceutical formulations.

Novel olive oil phenolic (-)-oleocanthal (+)-xylitol-based solid dispersion formulations with potent oral anti-breast cancer activities

Epidemiological studies have compellingly documented the ability of the Mediterranean diet rich in extra-virgin olive oil to reduce the incidence of certain malignancies, and cardiovascular diseases, and slow the Alzheimer's disease progression. S-(-)-Oleocanthal (OC) was identified as the most bioactive olive oil phenolic with documented anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and anti-Alzheimer's activities. OC consumption causes irritating sensation at the oropharynx via activation of TRPA1. Accordingly, a taste-masked formulation of OC is needed for its future use as a nutraceutical while maintaining its bioactivity and unique chemistry. Therefore, the goal of this study was to prepare a taste-masked OC solid formulation with improved dissolution and pharmacodynamic profiles, by using (+)-xylitol as an inert carrier. Xylitol was hypothesized to serve as an ideal vehicle for the preparation of OC solid dispersions due to its low melting point and sweetness. The optimized OC-(+)-xylitol solid dispersion was physically and chemically characterized and showed effective taste masking and enhanced dissolution properties. Furthermore, OC-(+)-xylitol solid dispersion maintained potent in vivo anti-breast cancer activity. It effectively suppressed the human triple negative breast cancer development, growth, and recurrence after primary tumor surgical excision in nude mice orthotopic xenograft models. Collectively, these results suggest the OC-(+)-xylitol solid dispersion formulation as a potential nutraceutical for effective control and prevention of human triple negative breast cancer.

Olive oil in pharmacological and cosmetic traditions

Among the numerous natural substances used in medical remedies, oil certainly plays an important role and, over the centuries, there have been many functions and properties attributed to it. We present the processes that have seen it as protagonist in the pharmacological field and in the cosmetic field.

Combined Treatment with Three Natural Antioxidants Enhances Neuroprotection in a SH-SY5Y 3D Culture Model

Currently, the majority of cell-based studies on neurodegeneration are carried out on two-dimensional cultured cells that do not represent the cells residing in the complex microenvironment of the brain. Recent evidence has suggested that three-dimensional (3D) in vitro microenvironments may better model key features of brain tissues in order to study molecular mechanisms at the base of neurodegeneration. So far, no drugs have been discovered to prevent or halt the progression of neurodegenerative disorders. New therapeutic interventions can come from phytochemicals that have a broad spectrum of biological activities. On this basis, we evaluated the neuroprotective effect of three phytochemicals (sulforaphane, epigallocatechin gallate, and plumbagin) alone or in combination, focusing on their ability to counteract oxidative stress. The combined treatment was found to be more effective than the single treatments. In particular, the combined treatment increased cell viability and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, upregulated antioxidant enzymes and insulin-degrading enzymes, and downregulated nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 1 and 2 in respect to peroxide-treated cells. Our data suggest that a combination of different phytochemicals could be more effective than a single compound in counteracting neurodegeneration, probably thanks to a pleiotropic mechanism of action.

Health-promoting properties of oleocanthal and oleacein: Two secoiridoids from extra-virgin olive oil

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) polyphenols, including the secoiridoids oleocanthal (OLC) and oleacein (OLE), are attracting attention because of their beneficial effects on health. Data on OLC and OLE bioavailability are scarce, as most research on EVOO polyphenols has concentrated on hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, and oleuropein. Consequently, relevant goals for future research are the elucidation of OLC and OLE bioavailability and finding evidence for their beneficial effects through pre-clinical and clinical studies. The aim of this review is to shed light on OLC and OLE, focusing on their precursors in the olive fruit and the impact of agronomic and processing factors on their presence in EVOO. Also discussed are their bioavailability and absorption, and finally, their bioactivity and health-promoting properties.

Hydroxytyrosol, Tyrosol and Derivatives and Their Potential Effects on Human Health

The Mediterranean diet and olive oil as its quintessential part are almost synonymous with a healthy way of eating and living nowadays. This kind of diet has been highly appreciated and is widely recognized for being associated with many favorable effects, such as reduced incidence of different chronic diseases and prolonged longevity. Although olive oil polyphenols present a minor fraction in the composition of olive oil, they seem to be of great importance when it comes to the health benefits, and interest in their biological and potential therapeutic effects is huge. There is a growing body of in vitro and in vivo studies, as well as intervention-based clinical trials, revealing new aspects of already known and many new, previously unknown activities and health effects of these compounds. This review summarizes recent findings regarding biological activities, metabolism and bioavailability of the major olive oil phenolic compounds—hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, oleuropein, oleocanthal and oleacein—the most important being their antiatherogenic, cardioprotective, anticancer, neuroprotective and endocrine effects. The evidence presented in the review concludes that these phenolic compounds have great pharmacological potential, however, further studies are still required.

MST1 Regulates Neuronal Cell Death via JNK/Casp3 Signaling Pathway in HFD Mouse Brain and HT22 Cells

Oxidative stress has been considered as the main mediator in neurodegenerative diseases. A high-fat diet (HFD) and metabolic diseases result in oxidative stress generation, leading to various neurodegenerative diseases via molecular mechanisms that remain largely unknown. Protein kinases play an important role in the homeostasis between cell survival and cell apoptosis. The mammalian sterile 20-like kinase-1 (MST1) protein kinase plays an important role in cellular apoptosis in different organ systems, including the central nervous system. In this study, we evaluated the MST1/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) dependent oxidative damage mediated cognitive dysfunction in HFD-fed mice and stress-induced hippocampal HT22 (mice hippocampal) cells. Our Western blot and immunofluorescence results indicate that HFD and stress-induced hippocampal HT22 cells activate MST1/JNK/Caspase-3 (Casp-3) signaling, which regulates neuronal cell apoptosis and beta-amyloid-cleaving enzyme (BACE1) expression and leads to impaired cognition. Moreover, MST1 expression inhibition by shRNA significantly reduced JNK/Casp-3 signaling. Our in vivo and in vitro experiments mimicking metabolic stress, such as a high-fat diet, hyperglycemia, and an inflammatory response, determined that MST1 plays a key regulatory role in neuronal cell death and cognition, suggesting that MST1 could be a potential therapeutic target for numerous neurodegenerative diseases.

Brain mitochondrial proteome alteration driven by creatine deficiency suggests novel therapeutic venues for creatine deficiency syndromes

Creatine (Cr) is a small metabolite with a central role in energy metabolism and mitochondrial function. Creatine deficiency syndromes are inborn errors of Cr metabolism causing Cr depletion in all body tissues and particularly in the nervous system. Patient symptoms involve intellectual disability, language and behavioral disturbances, seizures and movement disorders suggesting that brain cells are particularly sensitive to Cr depletion. Cr deficiency was found to affect metabolic activity and structural abnormalities of mitochondrial organelles; however a detailed analysis of molecular mechanisms linking Cr deficit, energy metabolism alterations and brain dysfunction is still missing. Using a proteomic approach we evaluated the proteome changes of the brain mitochondrial fraction induced by the deletion of the Cr transporter (CrT) in developing mutant mice. We found a marked alteration of the mitochondrial proteomic landscape in the brain of CrT deficient mice, with the overexpression of many proteins involved in energy metabolism and response to oxidative stress. Moreover, our data suggest possible abnormalities of dendritic spines, synaptic function and plasticity, network excitability and neuroinflammatory response. Intriguingly, the alterations occurred in coincidence with the developmental onset of neurological symptoms. Thus, cerebral mitochondrial alterations could represent an early response to Cr deficiency that could be targeted for therapeutic intervention.