Virgin olive oil is a characteristic component and the main source of fat of the Mediterranean diet. It is a mix of high-value health compounds, including monounsaturated fatty acids (mainly oleic acid), simple phenols (such as hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol), secoiridoids (such as oleuropein, oleocanthal), flavonoids, and terpenoids (such as squalene). Olive oil consumption has been shown to improve different aspects of human health and has been associated with a lower risk of cancer. However, the underlying cellular mechanisms involved in such effects are still poorly defined, but seem to be related to a promotion of apoptosis, modulation of epigenetic patterns, blockade of cell cycle, and angiogenesis regulation. The aim of this review is to update the current associations of cancer risk with the Mediterranean diet, olive oil consumption and its main components. In addition, the identification of key olive oil components involved in anticarcinogenic mechanisms and pathways according to experimental models is also addressed.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.11.011 | DOI Listing |
Nutrients
January 2025
Internal Medicine and Stroke Care Ward, Department of Promoting Health, Maternal-Infant, Excellence and Internal and Specialized Medicine (Promise) G. D'Alessandro, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy.
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of risk factors, including abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, dyslipidemia (intended as an increase in triglyceride levels and a reduction in HDL cholesterol levels), and elevated fasting glucose, that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. With the rising prevalence of metabolic syndrome, effective dietary interventions are essential in reducing these health risks. The Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and olive oil and moderate in fish and poultry, has shown promise in addressing metabolic syndrome and its associated components.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNutrients
January 2025
Neuroepidemiology Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus.
Background/objectives: Dementia is not a single disease but an umbrella term that encompasses a range of symptoms, such as memory loss and cognitive impairments, which are severe enough to disrupt daily life. One of the most common forms of dementia is Alzheimer's Disease (AD), a complex neurodegenerative condition influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Recent research has highlighted diet as a potential modifiable risk factor for AD.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInt J Mol Sci
January 2025
Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece.
Olive oil and table olives are considered staples of the Mediterranean diet and have been associated with various health benefits. Literature reports that the final composition of the olive drupe is greatly affected by varietal and agronomic factors, each contributing to a different degree. To that end, the objective of the study was the evaluation of the contribution of different agronomic conditions applied to two Greek olive varieties (Koroneiki, Mastoidis) using a holistic approach of in vitro methods.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBiology (Basel)
December 2024
Department of Agriculture, University of Ioannina, Arta Campus, 47100 Arta, Greece.
In this work, the ability of certain entomopathogenic fungi to control the olive fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae), which significantly affects olive cultivation, was assessed. First, entomopathogenic fungi that often contribute to reducing pests, as well as , were sought out. Puparia of were collected from oil mills, and soil samples were collected from various olive grove regions of Greece.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFoods
January 2025
Department of Physics, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece.
The fast detection of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) adulteration with poorer quality and lower price vegetable oils is important for the protection of consumers and the market of olive oil from fraudulent activities, the latter exhibiting an increasing trend worldwide during the last few years. In this work, two optical spectroscopic techniques, namely, Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and UV-Vis-NIR absorption spectroscopy, are employed and are assessed for EVOO adulteration detection, using the same set of olive oil samples. In total, 184 samples were studied, including 40 EVOOs and 144 binary mixtures with pomace, soybean, corn, and sunflower oils, at various concentrations (ranging from 10 to 90% /).
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