Extra Virgin Olive Oil Polyphenol-Enriched Extracts Exert Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects on Peripheral...

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Immunology
• Nutrition Science

Background:

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease causing joint inflammation and damage.
• Natural compounds, particularly polyphenols, exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Investigating synergistic effects of natural compounds with existing therapies for inflammatory diseases is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Sicilian extra virgin olive oil polyphenol-enriched extracts (PE-EVOOs).
• To assess the impact of PE-EVOOs on inflammatory pathways in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from RA patients and healthy subjects.

Main Methods:

• PE-EVOOs were analyzed for polyphenol content using HPLC-ESI-MS.
• PBMCs were treated with PE-EVOOs, and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β) were measured.
• Western blotting was used to analyze the expression of NF-κB, COX2, Nrf2, catalase, and MnSOD.

Main Results:

• PE-EVOOs reduced ROS and pro-inflammatory cytokines in PBMCs.
• PE-EVOO treatment downregulated the active form of NF-κB and COX2.
• PE-EVOOs upregulated Nrf2 and its antioxidant target enzymes, catalase and MnSOD.

Conclusions:

• PE-EVOOs possess significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• The molecular mechanisms involve the modulation of NF-κB and Nrf2 pathways.
• PE-EVOOs show potential as complementary agents for managing rheumatoid arthritis.