Phenol metabolism in the leaves of the olive tree (Olea europaea L.) cv. Picual, Verdial, Arbequina, and Frantoio during ripening.

The kinetic behavior and protein-expression level of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) have been determined in the leaves of the olive tree (Olea europaea L.) of cv. Picual, Verdial, Arbequina, and Frantoio during fruit ripening. Moreover, the concentration of total phenolic compounds, oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, and tyrosol has been also determined. This study was carried out in 20-year-old olive trees grown in Jaén (Spain). The concentration of total and specific phenols showed a specific pattern in each cultivar. Frantoio showed the highest phenol concentration followed by Arbequina, Picual, and Verdial. A coordinated response between PAL, PPO, and the concentration of total phenols in the four cultivars was found. Also, specific changes were shown over the course of ripening, indicating a regulation of PAL, PPO, and phenol concentration in the olive-tree leaves during fruit ripening.

HPLC analysis of oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, and tyrosol in stems and roots of Olea europaea L. cv. Picual during ripening.

BACKGROUND: Oleuropein (Ole), hydroxytyrosol (Htyr), and tyrosol (Tyr) are three of the main phenolic compounds present in the olive tree (Olea europaea L.) that have important antioxidant properties. To investigate the role of these phenolic compounds in the metabolism of stems and roots of Olea europaea L. cv. Picual during olive ripening, we identify and quantify the concentration of Htyr, Tyr, and Ole by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Rain-fed olive trees, 30 years old, under traditional cultivation were studied in Jaén (Spain). From August to November, seven representative samples of the ripening process were taken. RESULTS: The concentration of these phenolic compounds proved higher in the stems than in the roots. From the middle of September to October the Htyr and Tyr concentration significantly increased in stems. The Ole concentration increased from the middle of September to the end of November. In the roots, the concentration of Htyr and Ole significantly declined during ripening. CONCLUSION: Ole, Htyr, and Tyr are present in the stems and roots of the olive tree and significantly change in concentration during ripening, demonstrating the involvement of these compounds in the metabolism of both organs during this phase.

Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, polyphenol oxidase, and phenol concentration in fruits of Olea europaea L. cv. Picual, Verdial, Arbequina, and Frantoio during ripening.

The kinetics and protein-expression level of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) in fruits of olive trees (Olea europaea) cv. Picual, Verdial, Arbequina, and Frantoio have been studied in relation to the concentration of total phenolic compounds, oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, and tyrosol during fruit ripening. Frantoio was the variety that showed the highest total phenol concentration, the highest PAL activity, the lowest PPO activity, and the lowest protein levels. In contrast, Verdial was the variety that showed the lowest total phenol concentration, the least PAL activity, the greatest PPO activity, and the highest protein levels. Arbequina and Picual showed intermediate levels. These results suggest the existence of a coordinated response between PAL, PPO, and the concentration of total phenols over ripening in the four varieties. The concentration of total and specific phenols differed between varieties and specifically changed over ripening.

Polyphenol oxidase and its relationship with oleuropein concentration in fruits and leaves of olive (Olea europaea) cv. 'Picual' trees during fruit ripening.

Oleuropein, the main phenolic compound of olive fruit, has important antioxidant properties that are responsible for some of the nutritional properties of fruits and the defence mechanism of leaves. Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity changes during fruit ripening in many plants. We studied the kinetics and molecular properties of PPO in fruits and leaves of olive (Olea europaea L.) cv. 'Picual' trees and the relationship between PPO and oleuropein concentration during fruit ripening. Polyphenol oxidase showed hyperbolic kinetics in fruits and leaves. Significant increases in PPO specific activity, V(max), K(m )and catalytic efficiency occurred during fruit ripening. Based on SDS-PAGE under partially denaturing conditions and in-gel staining with DL-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine, PPO activity was found in one major protein of 55 and 50 kDA in fruits and leaves, respectively. During the last stages of fruit maturation, a second 36 kDa protein was observed in fruits but not in leaves, indicating that this protein could serve as a marker of the final phase of fruit maturation. Under fully denaturing conditions, only one 27.7 kDa immunoreactive band was detected in fruits. Both the amount of PPO activity and the amount of PPO protein increased significantly during fruit maturation. Immunohistochemical studies indicated that PPO is located in the epidermis, parenchyma and companion vascular cells of leaves as well as in the epidermis of fruit. During fruit maturation, oleuropein concentration measured by HPLC significantly decreased in fruits and increased in leaves.