Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Nigella sativa Oil Produced in Central Italy: A Comparison of the Nutrigenomic Effects of Two Mediterranean Oils in a Low-Grade Inflammation Model

Abstract

Extra virgin olive (EVO) oil and Nigella sativa (NG) oil are two well-known Mediterranean foods whose consumption has been associated with beneficial effects on human health. This study investigates the nutrigenomic properties of two high quality EVO and NG oils in an in vitro model of low-grade inflammation of human macrophages (THP-1 cells). The aim was to assess whether these healthy foods could modulate inflammation through antioxidant and epigenetic mechanisms. When THP-1 cells were co-exposed to both lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced inflammation and oils, both EVO and NG oils displayed anti-inflammatory activity. Both oils were able to restore normal expression levels of DNMT3A and HDAC1 (but not DNMT3B), which were altered under inflammatory conditions. Moreover, EVO oil was able to prevent the increase in TET2 expression and reduce global DNA methylation that were measured in inflamed cells. Due to its antioxidant properties, EVO oil was particularly efficient in restoring normal levels of membrane fluidity, which, on the contrary, were reduced in the presence of inflammation. In conclusion, these data support the hypothesis that these Mediterranean oils could play a major role in the modulation of low-grade inflammation and metabolic syndrome prevention. However, NS oil seems to be more efficient in the control of proinflammatory cytokines, whereas EVO oil better helps to counteract redox imbalance. Further studies that elucidate the nutrigenomic properties of local produce might help to promote regional the production and consumption of high-quality food, which could also help the population to maintain and promote health.

Epigenetic signatures underlying inflammation: an interplay of nutrition, physical activity, metabolic diseases, and environmental factors for personalized nutrition

“…In addition to polyphenols, the anti-inflammatory role of other dietary factors and specific functional foods has also been assessed in different experimental models. In this regard, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and Nigella sativa oil displayed anti-inflammatory activities in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-exposed human macrophages through epigenetic mechanisms [38]. In this study, the administration of both oils reverted the altered expressions of DNMT3A and HDAC1 to normal levels under inflammatory conditions, with an additional role of EVOO in the reduction of global methylation.…”

Epigenetic Modifications Induced by Olive Oil and Its Phenolic Compounds: A Systematic Review

“…Therefore, at the end of the selection process, 43 studies were included in the systematic review ( Figure 1 ). Among them, 18 reported data on miRNAs [ 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 ], 10 on DNA methylation [ 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 ], 9 on histone modification [ 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 ], 2 on histone modification/DNA methylation [ 58 , 59 ], 2 on miRNAs/DNA methylation [ 60 , 61 ] one each on miRNA/histone modification [ 62 ] and on miRNA/histone modification/DNA methylation [ 63 ] ( Figure 1 ).…”

“…The characteristics of the 15 selected studies investigating the effects of olive oil and its phenolic compounds on DNA methylation are shown in Table S2 . Five studies reported data in vitro on cell systems [ 46 , 53 , 59 , 60 , 63 ], 8 studies showed results on animal models [ 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 48 , 58 , 60 , 61 ] and 3 studies reported results on human trials [ 39 , 45 , 47 ]. Eleven studies were carried out with olive oil [ 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 45 , 47 , 58 , 59 , 60 , 61 ], 2 articles reported data on oleacein [ 46 , 63 ], one study each investigated the effect of hydroxytyrosol [ 48 ] and of an extract obtained from Olea europaea leaves [ 44 ].…”

“…However, these effects were small and no evidence was provided about their possible real functional consequences on obesity, inflammation and other associated metabolic diseases. Further evidence on anti-inflammatory properties of EVOO was provided by an in vitro study showing a preventive activity toward lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced inflammation on human macrophages (THP-1 cells) [ 59 ]. EVOO was particularly efficient in restoring a normal level of some inflammatory genes such as IL-6, IL-1β and MCP-1.…”

Gender-Related Differences in Trimethylamine and Oxidative Blood Biomarkers in Cardiovascular Disease Patients

“…The decline of membrane fluidity negatively interferes with the membrane protein dynamicity and finally, influences protein functions. Lower fluidity can depend on the fatty acid composition, the oxidative process at lipid or protein level, and metabolic regulation [30,46]. Lipid composition varies according to the diet: a diet rich in mono-polyunsaturated fatty acids (i.e., extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), seed) modulates bilayer composition toward a more fluid state of lipids, compared to a saturated fatty acid diet (i.e., meat, cheese).…”