Update on Anti-Inflammatory Molecular Mechanisms Induced by Oleic Acid

In 2010, the Mediterranean diet was recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Olive oil is the most characteristic food of this diet due to its high nutraceutical value. The positive effects of olive oil have often been attributed to its minor components; however, its oleic acid (OA) content (70-80%) is responsible for its many health properties. OA is an effective biomolecule, although the mechanism by which OA mediates beneficial physiological effects is not fully understood. OA influences cell membrane fluidity, receptors, intracellular signaling pathways, and gene expression. OA may directly regulate both the synthesis and activities of antioxidant enzymes. The anti-inflammatory effect may be related to the inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines and the activation of anti-inflammatory ones. The best-characterized mechanism highlights OA as a natural activator of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1). Oleoylethanolamide (OEA), derived from OA, is an endogenous ligand of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR alpha) nuclear receptor. OEA regulates dietary fat intake and energy homeostasis and has therefore been suggested to be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of obesity. OEA has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The beneficial effects of olive oil may be related to the actions of OEA. New evidence suggests that oleic acid may influence epigenetic mechanisms, opening a new avenue in the exploration of therapies based on these mechanisms. OA can exert beneficial anti-inflammatory effects by regulating microRNA expression. In this review, we examine the cellular reactions and intracellular processes triggered by OA in T cells, macrophages, and neutrophils in order to better understand the immune modulation exerted by OA.

Automated summary

In 2010, the Mediterranean diet was recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, with olive oil being its most characteristic food due to its high nutritional value. Oleic acid (OA), the major component of olive oil, has been found to have various health properties, affecting cell membrane fluidity, receptors, signaling pathways, and gene expression. Additionally, OA has been identified as an activator of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and oleoylethanolamide (OEA) derived from OA has been suggested as a potential therapeutic agent for obesity treatment. OA may also influence epigenetic mechanisms and regulate microRNA expression, contributing to its anti-inflammatory effects. This review focuses on understanding the immune modulation exerted by OA through examining cellular reactions and intracellular processes in T cells, macrophages, and neutrophils.