From Geriatrics Pharmacy Intern, Phuong Pham, PharmD(c)
University of Florida College of Pharmacy
A new study has found a potential benefit for extra-virgin olive oil in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. A compound naturally found in extra virgin olive oil, called oleocanthal, can help prevent or treat Alzheimer’s by changing the structure of a protein that is believed to play a role in damaging neural tissues. Amyloid-beta derived diffusible ligands (ADDLs) are highly toxic proteins that bind to the neural junctions that transmit information from one cell to another, called synapse. The binding of this neural synapse is thought to be the first step in causing the disease since it leads to the disruption of neural cell function, and eventually, causing cell death, memory loss, and loss of brain function. However, in an in vitro study done by Northwestern University researchers and the Monell Chemical Senses Center, they found that a little of oleocanthal increases the size of ADDLs, and therefore, reduces the binding of ADDLs to the hippocampus synapse. The hippocampus is an area of the brain that controls memory and learning, and is one of the first to be affected in Alzheimer’s patients. In the study, they also made an unexpected and surprising find that makes ADDLs a stronger target for antibodies in the presence of oleocanthal. An antibody is a special molecule that the body needs in order to fight off disease. Thus, immune therapies can be developed to use these antibodies to help attack ADDLs, and hopefully, aid in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s as well. Paul A.S. Breslin, the study’s co-leader, says "if antibody treatment of Alzheimer's is enhanced by oleocanthal, the collective anti-toxic and immunological effects of this compound may lead to a successful treatment for an incurable disease.” However, further studies and clinical trials are needed to provide a clearer picture of what role oleocanthal may have in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
University of Florida College of Pharmacy
A new study has found a potential benefit for extra-virgin olive oil in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. A compound naturally found in extra virgin olive oil, called oleocanthal, can help prevent or treat Alzheimer’s by changing the structure of a protein that is believed to play a role in damaging neural tissues. Amyloid-beta derived diffusible ligands (ADDLs) are highly toxic proteins that bind to the neural junctions that transmit information from one cell to another, called synapse. The binding of this neural synapse is thought to be the first step in causing the disease since it leads to the disruption of neural cell function, and eventually, causing cell death, memory loss, and loss of brain function. However, in an in vitro study done by Northwestern University researchers and the Monell Chemical Senses Center, they found that a little of oleocanthal increases the size of ADDLs, and therefore, reduces the binding of ADDLs to the hippocampus synapse. The hippocampus is an area of the brain that controls memory and learning, and is one of the first to be affected in Alzheimer’s patients. In the study, they also made an unexpected and surprising find that makes ADDLs a stronger target for antibodies in the presence of oleocanthal. An antibody is a special molecule that the body needs in order to fight off disease. Thus, immune therapies can be developed to use these antibodies to help attack ADDLs, and hopefully, aid in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s as well. Paul A.S. Breslin, the study’s co-leader, says "if antibody treatment of Alzheimer's is enhanced by oleocanthal, the collective anti-toxic and immunological effects of this compound may lead to a successful treatment for an incurable disease.” However, further studies and clinical trials are needed to provide a clearer picture of what role oleocanthal may have in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.