Research centre: Instituto de la Grasa (IG-CSIC).
Project summary:
This study aims to demonstrate that postprandial triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, TRL, are capable of activating microglia, but that this activation could be attenuated by incorporating components of olive pomace oil into these particles, which could help prevent the development of Alzheimer’s disease. If this holds true, the results of the project would lay the groundwork for the development of new applications of olive pomace oil in health and, specifically, to reduce the development and progression risks associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
- The first phase of the study was carried out in vitro, in the laboratory, using microglial cells, which are involved in the inflammatory processes that occur during the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
- The second phase consisted of a postprandial phase clinical trial on healthy subjects, obtaining and characterizing postprandial human TRL obtained after ingestion of pomace oil rich in its bioactive components.
Lead researcher:
- Javier Sánchez Perona (CSIC senior scientist)
Research team:
- José María Castellano Orozco (CSIC senior scientist)
- Silvia García Rodríguez
- Mirela Rada
- Juan Manuel Espinosa
Profile of the lead researcher:
Javier Sánchez Perona has worked as senior scientist at the Instituto de la Grasa-CSIC since 2008. He works on understanding the mechanisms involved in lipid transport and metabolism in humans, as well as on the repercussions of dietary fats and lipophilic bioactive compounds on pathophysiological processes.
The results obtained thus far have led to the publication of 89 scientific articles, two patents, 15 book chapters and four doctoral theses. He has also taken part in numerous forums and scientific conferences. His work has been awarded numerous prizes including Exxentia de Fitoterapia y Nutrición (2006), IAMED (2007), Best Young Researcher at the 2nd International Symposium on Triglycerides and HDL, (New York, 2005) and Best Oral Communication at the II Congress FESNAD (Barcelona, 2010).
The results of the study confirm the initial double hypothesis. First, it confirms that TRLs, fat-soluble substance-carrying particles in the bloodstream, have the capacity to activate microglia cells leading to an inflammatory process. Secondly, it demonstrates that minority compounds in olive pomace oil, such as oleanolic acid, α-tocopherol and β-sitosterol, can attenuate microglia activation.
Therefore, the results suggest that the bioactive compounds in olive pomace oil could have a protective effect against Alzheimer’s disease by attenuating microglia activation. The second phase of the study demonstrates that the observed effects are replicable in humans, with a clinical trial on healthy subjects. Notwithstanding, it is essential to carry out a third phase to test the hypothesis on people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at a primary stage, who present memory problems or incipient cognitive impairment.
Download the results of this study phase I in PDF
Download the results of this study phase II in PDF
José M. Castellano, Silvia Garcia-Rodriguez, Juan M. Espinosa, María C. Millan-Linares, Mirela Rada and Javier S. Perona. Oleanolic Acid Exerts a Neuroprotective Effect Against Microglial Cell Activation by Modulating Cytokine Release and Antioxidant Defense Systems. Biomolecules, 9, 683, (2019) (DOI:10.3390/biom9110683).
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Juan M. Espinosa, José M. Castellano, Silvia Garcia-Rodriguez, Angélica Quintero-Flórez, Natalia Carrasquilla and Javier S. Perona. Lipophilic Bioactive Compounds Transported in Triglyceride-Rich Lipoproteins Modulate Microglial Inflammatory Response. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 23, 7706, (2022) (DOI:10.3390/ijms23147706).
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Source: Oriva