Background/Aims: Oleocanthal (OC), a phenolic compound present in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), has attracted attention since its discovery for its relevant pharmacological properties in different pathogenic processes, including inflammation. Here, we investigated the involvement of OC in LPS-activated osteoarthritis (OA) human primary chondrocytes. Methods: Human primary chondrocytes were harvested from articular cartilage samples obtained from OA patients. The effects of OC on the viability of chondrocytes were tested by MTT assay. Protein and mRNA expression of several catabolic and pro-inflammatory factors after OC treatment were measured by RT-qPCR and western blot respectively. Moreover, we analysed the NO production by Griess reaction. Finally, several pathways mediators were analysed by western blot. Results: We demonstrated that OC did not have any cytotoxic effect. Oleocanthal inhibited NO production and strongly decreased NOS2 and COX-2 protein and mRNA expression in LPS-activated human primary OA chondrocytes. Interestingly, OC also inhibits MMP-13 and ADAMTS-5. In addition, OC downregulates several pro-inflammatory factors, such as IL-6, IL-8, CCL3, LCN2 and TNF-α induced by LPS in human primary OA chondrocytes. Finally, we demonstrated that OC exerts its effects through the MAPK/P38/NF-kB pathways. Conclusion: These data show that OC is able to block LPS-mediated inflammatory response and MMP-13 and ADAMTS-5 induction in human primary OA chondrocytes via MAPKs/NF-kB pathways, suggesting that OC may be a promising agent for the treatment of inflammation in cartilage and a potential molecule to prevent disease progression by inhibiting metalloproteases and aggrecanases.

Proof-of-concept criterion was not met (≥ 25% BGG492 subjects with a primary response vs placebo at two timepoints). BGG492 was comparable to sumatriptan in terms of pain-free response.

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Seeking economic growth and job creation to tackle the nation's extreme poverty, the Nicaraguan government awarded a concession to build an interoceanic canal and associated projects to a recently formed Hong Kong based company with no track record or related expertise. This concession was awarded without a bidding process and in advance of any feasibility, socio-economic or environmental impact assessments; construction has begun without this information. The 278 km long interoceanic canal project may result in significant environmental and social impairments. Of particular concern are damage to Lake Cocibolca, a unique freshwater tropical lake and Central America's main freshwater reservoir; damage to regional biodiversity and ecosystems; and socio-economic impacts. Concerned about the possibly irreparable damage to the environment and to native communities, conservationists and the scientific community at large are urging the Nicaraguan government to devise and reveal an action plan to address and mitigate the possible negative repercussions of this interoceanic canal and associated projects. Critical research needs for preparation of a comprehensive benefit-cost analysis for this megaproject are presented.

We present a 45-year-old female with severe parkinsonism induced by kava-kava. The patient, who had a family history of essential tremor, developed severe and persistent parkinsonism after days of treatment with kava extract for anxiety. The symptoms improved with anticholinergics. Kava derivatives could produce severe parkinsonism in individuals with genetic susceptibility.