Dual effects of extra virgin olive oil in acute wounds

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) has proved beneficial effects in skin wound healing of chronic lesions; however, the effects of EVOO in acute wounds are not completely understood. This study investigated the effects of short-term and long-term administration of a diet rich in EVOO on acute wound healing. To check this, mice were fed with a diet rich in EVOO for 1 week (short term), 1 month, or 3 months (long term). The control group received a standard diet. Mouse macrophages were treated in vitro with EVOO or hydroxytyrosol (HT), which is the main EVOO polyphenol. Short-term administration of an EVOO rich diet in vivo increased lipid peroxidation and mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and impaired acute wound closure. In contrast, long-term administration of an EVOO rich diet resulted in increased mRNA levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines and enhanced acute wound closure. In both in vivo and in vitro assays, the administration of EVOO or HT resulted in a predominantly anti-inflammatory macrophage phenotype. In conclusion, a diet rich in EVOO has a positive effect on acute wound healing that is dependent on the duration of EVOO administration. Short-term EVOO diet supplementation increases oxidative damage and pro-inflammatory responses, which impaired acute wound closure. On the other hand, long-term EVOO supplementation reduces oxidative damage and enhances anti-inflammatory responses, which improved acute wound closure. The effects of EVOO on oxidation and inflammation in acute wounds are linked to the EVOO polyphenol HT.