Exercise and nutrition protective effects on cartilage disorders, muscle wasting and liver diseases

Abstract

The beneficial effects of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO), the main fat source in Mediter- ranean diet, are widely studied thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Lubricin is a chondroprotective glycoprotein, with lubricant properties. A joint injury causes an increased cytokine expression, associated with decreased lubricin synthesis and predisposi- tion to cartilage degeneration [1]. The aim of the study was to evaluate the beneficial role of EVOO-enriched diet and physical activity, on osteoarthritic cartilage of rats. These effects were assessed through lubricin and IL-6 expression in rat joint tissues. Osteoarthritis was induced mechanically by anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT). The 48 animals were divided into 6 groups: 1–control; 2–ACLT and common diet (CD); 3–ACLT, CD and treadmill train- ing (TT); 4–ACLT, Sicilian EVOO diet and TT; 5–ACLT, Tunisian EVOO diet and TT; 6–ACLT, Tunisian EVOO and leaves extract diet and TT. We performed histomorphometric, histologi- cal, immunocytochemical, immunohistochemical and biochemical analysis on articular carti- lage, skeletal muscle, liver and synovial fluid of rats. The results showed the beneficial effect of physical activity and EVOO supplementation on rat tissues. ACLT determined an increase inIL-6 expression and a significant decrease in the lubricin expression in articular cartilage, while physical activity and EVOO diet (especially S-EVOO), determined the return to normal values when compared to control group. Moreover, EVOO does not cause hepatic steatosis and musclefibers of all groups did not show damaged histological structure and hypertrophy [2]. Our find- ings suggest that mechanical stimulation is able to increase the release of lubricin in articular cartilage, while the anti-inflammatory properties of EVOO reduces the expression of IL-6. In conclusion, the results showed a beneficial effect of the conjunction of EVOO-based diet and physical activity on the preservation of rat tissues.

This study was supported by the University Research Project Grant (Triennial Research Plan 2016-2018), University of Catania, Italy.