Ricerc@Sapienza

Endothelial cells (EC) act as leading actors in angiogenesis. Understanding the complex network of signal transduction pathways which regulate angiogenesis might offer insights in the regulation of normal and pathological events, including tumours, vascular, inflammatory and immune diseases. The effects of olive oil and of Blueberry extracts upon the phosphoinositide (PI)-specific phospholipase C (PLC) enzymes were evaluated both in quiescent and inflammatory stimulated human umbilical vein EC (HUVEC) using molecular biology (multiliquid bioanalysis) and immunofluorescence techniques.

Aims: Extra virgin olive oil lowers postprandial glycaemia. We investigated if oleuropein, a component of extra virgin olive oil, exerts a similar effect on postprandial glycaemia and the underlying mechanism. Methods: Twenty healthy subjects were randomly allocated in a cross-over design to 20 mg oleuropein or placebo immediately before lunch.