Dietary olive oil induces cannabinoid CB2 receptor expression in adipose tissue of ApcMin/+ transgenic mice

Maria Notarnicola1, Valeria Tutino1, Angela Tafaro2

  • 1Laboratory of Nutritional Biochemistry, National Institute for Digestive Diseases "S. de Bellis" , Castellana Grotte, Bari, Italy.

Nutrition and Healthy Aging
|December 31, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Olive oil-enriched diets significantly increase Cannabinoid-2 (CB2) receptor expression, reducing inflammation and proliferation in mouse adipose tissue. This suggests olive oil

Area of Science:

  • Nutritional Science
  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Cannabinoid-2 (CB2) receptor plays a role in anti-obesity effects by modulating immune cells involved in metabolic syndrome and inflammation.
  • Nutritional interventions can influence tissue inflammation and proliferation in experimental carcinogenesis models.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of diets enriched with specific fatty acids on adipose tissue inflammation in ApcMin/+ mice.
  • To evaluate the effects of olive oil, omega-3, and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on adipose tissue inflammatory status.

Main Methods:

  • Four groups of ApcMin/+ mice were fed standard, olive oil-enriched, salmon oil-enriched, or oenothera oil-enriched diets.
  • Gene and protein expression in adipose tissue were analyzed using RT-PCR and Western Blotting.
  • Enzymatic activities were measured using fluorescent and radiometric assays.

Main Results:

  • A diet enriched with olive oil significantly upregulated CB2 receptor expression in adipose tissue.
  • The olive oil-enriched diet effectively controlled inflammatory and proliferative activities within the adipose tissue.
  • No significant effects were noted for omega-3 or omega-6 enriched diets on these parameters.

Conclusions:

  • Olive oil consumption can enhance CB2 receptor expression, offering a potential mechanism for controlling adipose tissue inflammation.
  • These findings support the development of nutritional strategies incorporating olive oil for managing metabolic health.
  • Further research into specific PUFAs and their impact on CB2 receptor pathways is warranted.

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