Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a multifactorial intestinal disorder characterized by chronic intestinal
inflammation. The etiology of IBD is still unclear, although genetic, environmental and host factors have been associated to the disease. Extra-virgin
olive oil (EVO) is a central component of the
Mediterranean diet and it decreases chronic
inflammation by interfering with
arachidonic acid and NF-κB signaling pathways. Specifically, the different components of EVO are able to confer advantages in terms of health in their site of action. For instance,
oleic acid displays a protective effect in
liver dysfunction and gut
inflammation, whereas phenolic compounds protect colon cells against oxidative damage and improve the symptoms of chronic
inflammation in IBD. Given the
biological properties of EVO, we investigated whether its administration is able to confer protection in a mouse model of dextrane
sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced
colitis. Four EVO cultivars from the Apulian Region of Italy, namely Ogliarola (Cima di Bitonto), Coratina, Peranzana and Cima di Mola, respectively, were used. Administration of EVO resulted in reduced
body weight loss in our
colitis model. Furthermore, mice treated with Ogliarola, Coratina and Cima di Mola EVO displayed a reduction of rectal
bleeding and IL-1β, TGFβ,
IL-6 gene expression levels. Furthermore, Ogliarola, Coratina and Peranzana EVO administration ameliorated intestinal permeability and histopathological features of
inflammation. Our data further validate the well-known positive effects of EVO supplementation in promoting human health and suggest the bona fide contribution of EVO in preventing onset and reducing progression of intestinal
inflammation.