Development of Fortified Citrus Olive Oils: From Their Production to the Nutraceutical Properties on the Cardiovascular System

Recently the use of food by products as natural sources of biologically active substances has been extensively investigated especially for the development of functional foods fortified with natural antioxidants. Due to their content of bioactive compounds, such as carotenoids, flavonoids and limonoids, Citrus peels could be suitable to formulate enriched olive oils able to boost a healthy nutrition. The aim of this study was: (i) to determine the compositional and sensory profiles of the Citrus olive oil and (ii) to evaluate its nutraceutical properties in rats with high fat diet-induced-metabolic syndrome and oxidative stress. The results obtained show the potential of using the Citrus peels as a source of bioactive compounds to improve the sensory profile as well as the phytochemical composition of olive oil. We demonstrated that the production system of C. aurantium olive oil and C. limon olive oil improves their organoleptic properties without altering their beneficial effects, which, like control extra virgin olive oil, showed protective effects on glucose and serum lipid levels, metabolic activity of adipocytes, myocardial tissue functionality, oxidative stress markers and endothelial function at blood vessel level. this research was: (i) to determine the compositional and sensory profiles of the Citrus olive oils (COOs); and (ii) to evaluate their nutraceutical properties in rats with high fat diet-induced-metabolic syndrome and oxidative stress.


Introduction
Citrus genus (belonging to Rutaceae family) provides popular fruits worldwide consumed as fresh products and used for production of fruit juices. Further, its by-products are a source of important bioactive compounds with potential for animal feed, manufactured foods and health care

Plant Material
Citrus x aurantium and C. limon fruits were collected at full maturity during crop season 2018/2019 in the horti simplicium of the monks of the Charterhouse of Pisa (Certosa di Pisa located in Calci), where they are not subjected to any agronomic treatment. The olives (Moraiolo cv; Leccino cv) were collected during crop season 2018/2019 and supplied by an organic private Tuscan farm (Azienda Agricola Val Di Lama, Pontedera (PI), Italy) and characterized according to the procedure reported by [25] (Table 1).

Citrus Peels Cryomaceration and Citrus Olive Oil Extraction
Citrus fruits were manually peeled (total average thickness of periderm layer: 2 mm) using a ceramic blade to prevent the initiation of oxidative processes, according to [25].
To avoid the oxidation of the bioactive compounds present in the peels and maximize their extraction, the peels stayed in contact with solid carbon dioxide (CO2, s) in equiponderal quantities for 24 h [25].
After cryomaceration, peels were directly added to olives (25% w/w) before milling in order to obtain the COOs. The olive oil extraction was performed by means of a micro olive oil mill (Spremioliva mod. C30, Mori-TEM srl, Italy). The working conditions and the technical features of the micro oil mill were described in a previous paper [23].

Chemical Quality Standards
The quality parameters defined in the trade standard (Free acidity, peroxide index and spectrophotometric indices) were measured according to the official analytical methods [26].

Total Phenol
Total phenol (TP) concentration was measured by Folin-Ciocalteau method and expressed as gallic acid equivalent. TP extraction was performed in methanol according to [27], then the extracts were stored under inert atmosphere at −20 °C until use.

Intensity of Bitterness (IB)
The extraction of bitter compounds was performed from 1.00 ± 0.01 g of samples using of 6 mL extraction columns (Sep-Pak C18 Classic Cartridge, Waters Corporation) and the IB was measured according to [31].

Carotenoids and Chlorophylls
Total carotenoids and chlorophylls were evaluated from the absorption spectrum of the pigment extract in cyclohexane, at 470 and 670 nm respectively, according to [32].

HPLC-PDA/UV-ESI-MS/MS Analyses of Olive Oil Samples
All olive oil samples were subjected to the same extraction procedure in order to obtain their polar fraction. Two mL of each sample were first dissolved in 2 mL of n-hexane, then extracted with 4 mL of MeOH-H2O 70% v/v shaking with a vortex mixer for 3 min. The suspensions were kept for 30 min at room temperature, thus centrifuged for 10 min at 1145 x g. Each hydroalcoholic phase was extracted again with 2 mL of n-hexane using a vortex mixer for 3 min, then left for 30 min at room temperature, and centrifuged (10 min at 1145 x g). The hydroalcoholic extracts of each sample were finally dried and dissolved in MeOH at a final concentration of 2.0 mg/mL for injection in the LC-MS system.
The HPLC-PDA/UV-MS equipment was composed by a Surveyor autosampler and a Surveyor LC pump, interfaced with a Surveyor PDA/UV detector and a LCQ Advantage ion trap mass spectrometer (ThermoFinnigan, San Jose, CA, USA). The phenolic extracts (20 μL) were eluted on a Synergi Fusion-RP column, 4.6 × 150 mm, 4 μm particle size (Phenomenex, Milan, Italy) using mixture of methanol (solvent A) and formic acid in water 0.1% v/v (solvent B), at flow rate of 0.8 mL/min with a splitting system of 2:8 to MS detector (160 μL/min) and PDA detector (640 μL/min), respectively. A linear gradient of increasing 5% to 70% A was developed within 65 min. PDA/UV data were registered in a wavelength range of 200-600 nm, with 254, 280, and 325 nm as preferential channels. The ESI interface was used in negative ion mode and molecules were detected in a scan range of m/z150-2000. Ionization conditions were optimized as previously reported [37].

Statistical Analysis of Chemical Data
Data are expressed as the means of three independent experiments. The significance of differences among means was determined by one-way ANOVA (CoStat, Version 6.451, CoHort Software, Pacific Grove, CA, USA). Comparisons among means were performed by the Tukey's test (p < 0.05).
Xcalibur 3.1 software was used for the analyses of UV and MS data.

Quantitative Descriptive Analysis
Ten trained assessors (6 women and 4 men, age range 23-60 years) members of the expert panel of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (DAFE) of the University of Pisa performed the sensory assessment of samples.
Before the tasting sessions, a preliminary and specific training session was arranged for the assessors [38], aimed not only to the panel training but also to design the optimal method for the sensory evaluation of Citrus olive oils. Thereafter, the trained panel was involved in a consensus panel focused on the selection and definition of the proper descriptors. Starting from the set of quantitative parameters previously developed by [23,24], a final set of 23 attributes for Citrus olive oil assessment was individuated by agreement among panelists ( Figure 1). Tasting trials were performed under the conditions described by [23,24]; each panelist rated the intensity of each parameter on a scale from 0 (no perception, minimum) to 9 (maximum), using a technical evaluation sheet based on the sensory wheel reported in figure 1.

Statistical Analysis of Sensory Data
Sensory wheel was created using XLSTAT version 2019.4.1 (Addinsoft Inc. 244 Fifth Avenue, Suite E100, New York, N.Y. 10001). Sensory data were treated using the statistical software Big Sensory Soft 2.0 (ver. 2018).

In Vivo Evaluation of Nutraceutical Value of Olive Oils
In vivo experiments were carried out according to European (EEC Directive 2010/63) and Italian (D.L. 4 March 2014 n.26) legislation (144/2019-PR, 18/02/2019); moreover, ARRIVE guidelines have been put into practice. Animals were housed in cages with food and water ad libitum, and they were exposed to a 12 h dark/light cycle. The experiments were conducted on male Wistar rats (ENVIGO) with a body weight between 342 g and 350 g.
The animals were randomly divided into five groups (5 animals per group) and treated for 21 days: first group was treated with a standard diet (STD, ENVIGO; for composition see Table 3); second group was treated with a high fat diet (HFD, SAFE; for composition see Table 3 ). Third group was treated with HFD + EVOO 5.5% p/p (HFD + EVOO) mixed in powder feed. The amount of EVOO was calculated on the basis of daily intake of polyphenols suggested by the regulatory authorities [39]. Fourth group was treated with HFD + CaOO 5.5% p/p (HFD + CaOO) mixed in powder feed. Fifth group was treated with HFD + ClOO 5.5% p/p (HFD + ClOO) mixed in powder feed. Water intake was evaluated daily, instead the body weight and the food intake 3 times a week for each animal. At the end of the treatment each animal was deprived of food and after 24 h was anesthetized with Thiopental Sodium (70 mg/kg, MSD animal health). Blood pressure was measured using a sphygmomanometric (non-invasive) method commonly called Tail Cuff. The blood was collected, through the caudal vein, to perform blood glucose test (Glucocard G meter, Menarini Diagnostics). Subsequently the animals were sacrificed with an overdose of Thiopental Sodium. Blood was collected in tubes with the anticoagulant EDTA (BD Vacutaine) by intracardiac puncture and organs (heart, aorta, liver, abdominal adipose tissue and brown adipose tissue) were removed, weighed and stored for functional, enzymatic and biochemical investigations.
Blood was immediately used for the evaluation of lipid panel (total, HDL and LDL cholesterol and triglycerides) by using Cobas b101 instrument (Roche Diagnostics). Blood samples were centrifuged at 3200 RPM for 10 min, obtaining plasma, which was frozen at -20 °C for subsequent analysis.
Then, blood samples were collected from 5 animals per group and results were expressed as mean ± SEM. Cardiovascular risk was calculated as ratio between total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol levels. One-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni's post hoc test was used to compare groups for statistical differences (p < 0.05).

Functional Analysis of Cardiac Mitochondrial Membrane Potential
Preprints (www.preprints.org) | NOT PEER-REVIEWED | Posted: 24 April 2020 doi:10.20944/preprints202004.0422.v1 Hearts deriving from animals 21 days-treated were cut into small 2/3 mm 3 pieces in ice cold isolation buffer (composition: Sucrose 250 mM, Tris 5 mM, EGTA 1 mM; pH 7.4). The pieces were homogenized with Ultra-Turrax (model: IKA, T-18 Basic). After 3 homogenization cycles of about 20 s, the first centrifugation was carried out: 1090 x g, 3 min, 4 °C. The supernatant obtained was centrifuged at 11970 x g, 10 min, 4 °C. The pellet was preserved and resuspended in an isolation buffer without EGTA and centrifuged using the previous conditions. The pellet obtained, corresponding to the mitochondrial fraction, was resuspended in 400 μL and transferred to a frozen eppendorf. The mitochondrial protein concentration in the supernatant was determined spectrophotometrically by Bradford assay (Bio-Rad, USA), using a microplate reader (EnSpire, PerkinElmer, USA).
The membrane potential (∆Ψm) of the isolated mitochondria was determined using a potentiometric method. The lipophilic cation tetraphenylphosphonium (TPP + ), used for this procedure, was detected with a TPP + sensitive mini electrode (WPI, TipTPP, USA), coupled to a reference electrode (WPI, FL, US) and using a data acquisition software (BiopacInc California, USA). Then, mitochondria (1 mg protein/mL) were added to the incubation buffer (composition: KCl 120 mM, K2HPO4 5 mM, Hepes 10 mM, Succinic Acid 10 mM, MgCl2 2 mM, TPP + Cl -10 μM; pH 7.4), and they were continuously stirred with a small magnet to generate a mitochondrial suspension.
The membrane potential value was calculated according to the following experimental equation derived from Nernst equation (1): Where ∆Ψm is the mitochondrial membrane potential (mV), V0 is the volume of the incubation medium before the addition of mitochondria, Vt is the volume of the incubation medium after the addition of the mitochondria, Vm is the volume of the mitochondrial matrix (taken as 1 µ L/mg protein), [TPP + ]0 and [TPP + ]t represent, respectively, the TPP + concentrations recorded before addition and at time t, P is the protein concentration expressed in mg, K0 and Ki are apparent external and internal partition coefficients of TPP + (14.3 μL/mg and 7.9 μL/mg, respectively). The mitochondrial membrane potential was evaluated on 5 different animals per group, and data were expressed as mean ± SEM. One-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni's post hoc test was used to compare groups for statistical differences (p < 0.05).

Evaluation of Citrate Synthase Activity on Adipose Tissue
Frozen adipose tissues deriving from 21 days-treated rats were homogenized on ice with an ultra-turrax homogenizer (IKA-Werke GmbH & Co., Germany) in a cold buffer (composition: Sucrose 250 mM, Tris 5 mM, EGTA 1 mM, Triton X-100 0.02%; pH 7.4). Then, homogenates were centrifuged at 12000 x g for 15 min at 4 °C (EuroClone, Speed Master 14 R centrifuge, Italy). The supernatant was used for determination of the citrate synthase activity, and the protein concentration in the supernatant was determined spectrophotometrically by Bradford assay (Bio-Rad, USA), using a microplate reader (EnSpire, PerkinElmer, USA). Then, proteins were diluted in Tris-buffer 100 mM (pH 8.2) containing 5,5′-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic) acid (DTNB, 100 µ M) and acetyl-coenzyme A (100 µ M). The assay was performed in 96 multi-well plates (1 µ g of proteins per well) and the reaction was initiated by addition of oxaloacetic acid 500 µ M. The absorption of the reaction product was measured spectrophotometrically at 30 °C and 412 nm every 30 s for 15 min. Citrate synthase activity was determined by comparing the activity in the samples to that of known concentrations of the isolated enzyme (Sigma-Aldrich, USA).
The assay was performed on 5 animals per group. Citrate synthase activity was expressed in mU/µ g protein. Data were analyzed by a computer fitting procedure (software: GraphPad Prism 5.0). Results were expressed as mean ± SEM. One-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni's post hoc test was used to compare groups for statistical differences (p < 0.05).

Western Blot
Preprints (www.preprints.org) | NOT PEER-REVIEWED | Posted: 24 April 2020 doi:10.20944/preprints202004.0422.v1 Western blot was performed on tissue samples as described previously [40]. Samples were maintained in CelLytic™MT supplemented with 2 mM Na3VO4 and 1x Protease inhibitor cocktail for mammalian cells (Sigma Aldrich). Protein extraction from aortas started with disruption and homogenization using the TissueLyser II (#85300 Qiagen). Samples were frozen/unfrozen two times in liquid nitrogen and then sonicated on ice for a total of 2 min, with a 15 s run and 15 s pause to limit sample heating. Cell lysates were centrifuged at 16000 × g for 20 min at 4 °C and the supernatants were then collected. Protein concentration was determined using the BCA protein assay kit (#23227 Thermo Fisher Scientific). Electrophoresis (50 μg of protein/sample) was carried out in 4-12%Bis-Tris Gels (Life Technologies, Carlsbad, CA, USA). Proteins were then blotted onto nitrocellulose membranes, incubated overnight with primary antibodies and then detected by enhanced chemiluminescence system (Biorad, Hercules, CA, USA). Results were normalized to those obtained by using an antibody against β-actin. All experiments were performed at least three times. Immunoblots were analyzed by densitometry using NIH Image J 1.48v software, and the results, expressed as arbitrary density units (ADU) ± SD, were normalized to β-actin. One-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni's post hoc test was used to compare groups for statistical differences (p < 0.05).

Tube Formation from Vessel Rings
Vessel sprouting form rat aorta was evaluated as described previously [41]. Rat aortas were isolated in sterile conditions, and perivascular fibrous tissue was removed under a dissecting microscope. Rings 1-2 mm long were produced and rinsed in serum-free medium (DMEM4500; Euroclone, Milan, Italy). Vessel fragments were then included in a fibrin gel obtained by adding 400 μL of a human fibrinogen solution (3 mg/mL in DMEM4500 medium) into each well of 24-multiwell plates. Once vessel rings were positioned in the well with the lumen oriented horizontally in the center of the solution, gelation of the fibrinogen was induced with bovine thrombin (15 units/mL). After 20 min, 400 μL of EGM-2 medium was added with antibiotics (100 units/mL penicillin and 100 μg/mL streptomycin) and 10% FBS were added to each well. After 24 h, the medium was removed, the gels washed, and substances were added to the medium supplemented with VEGF (25 ng/mL). The organ culture was kept at 37 °C, 5% CO2. Each experimental point was run in triplicate.
Quantitative evaluation of newly formed structures was carried out at day 3. Wells were observed with an inverted microscope and photographed. The sprouting were evaluated from 3 vessel rings from at least 3 different animals per group, and data were expressed as vessel length ± SD. One-way ANOVA was used to compare groups for statistical differences (p < 0.05).

RNA Isolation and Quantitative RT-PCR
Samples were maintained in CelLytic™MT supplemented with 2 mM Na3VO4 and 1x Protease inhibitor cocktail for mammalian cells (Sigma Aldrich). RNA isolation and quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed on tissue samples. RNA extraction from tumor samples started with disruption and homogenization using the TissueLyser II (#85300 Qiagen). Total RNA was prepared using RNeasy Plus Kit (#74134 Qiagen) following manufacturer's instructions. One μg RNA was reverse transcribed using QuantiTect Reverse Transcription Kit (#205313 Qiagen) and quantitative RT-PCR was performed using QuantiNovaSYBR Green PCR Kit (#208056 Qiagen) in a Rotor-Gene qPCR machine (Qiagen). Fold change expression was determined by the comparative Ct method (ΔΔCt) normalized to GAPDH expression. qRT-PCR data are represented as fold change relative to STD group, which was assigned to 1, and expressed as mean ± SD. One-way ANOVA was used to compare groups for statistical differences (p < 0.05).

Oil Chemical Characterization
The characterization of CaOO and ClOO obtained by means of the addition of Citrus peels to olives during the oil extraction has been performed against the control one (CEVOO), taking into account not only the quality criteria specified in the trade standard, but also the phytochemical features due to the detected bioactive compounds.

Legal Quality Parameters
The quality parameter defined in the trade standard aim to classify oil into each of the different definitions [42]. As reported in Table 4, even though the milled olives were quite ripe, with a maturity index of 4.1 on a scale of 7.0 (see par. 2.1, Table 1), the olive oil samples were characterized by legal quality parameters (free acidity, peroxide index and spectrophotometric values) lower than the maximum limits established by EU Regulation [26] for extravirgin olive oil (EVOO). Free acidity range was from 0.60 (CaOO) to 0.74 % of oleic acid (ClOO and CEVOO), probably because of the high ripeness degree of the raw material. The peroxide index was always below 10 mEq O2/kg oil, indicating a good degree of quality; namely ClOO showed the lowest peroxide value (7.9 mEq O2/kg oil): peroxides play a key role in cellular physiology due to their capacity to affect DNA, protein and lipid functioning [24][43].

Phytochemical Composition
Preprints (www.preprints.org) | NOT PEER-REVIEWED | Posted: 24 April 2020 doi:10.20944/preprints202004.0422.v1 Chlorophylls and carotenoids are strictly related to the olive oil color, a quality parameter which can influence consumer choice and at the same time can be linked to olive variety, processing treatments as well as to storage conditions [24,[44][45][46]. These two pigments are also very important for their probable beneficial effects on human health [46]. The results about the total carotenoid content were significantly different among the three oils (Table 5). As expected, CaOO exhibited the greatest carotenoid content, which was almost two times higher than the ClOO. Considering the other family of oil pigments, the total chlorophyll, the three oils showed significant differences; notably the highest concentration of chlorophyll was observed in the CEVOO, while the chlorophyll concentration of the Citrus olive oils ranged from 7.06 mg/kg (ClOO) to 6.47 mg/kg (CaOO).
The health-promoting features of olive oil are the results of its specific composition including a balanced content of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids and minor components, like phenolic compounds and tocopherols, which are both important for the nutritional quality of the product, as well as for its sensory profile and shelf life [45]. Thereafter tocopherol profile and phenolic content of the Citrus olive oils were both determined.
In the experimental conditions considered, the addition of Citrus cryomacerated peels did not show any significant modification among oil samples, neither in terms of quantity of total tocopherols, neither considering the different isoforms, alfa, gamma and delta. Concerning the total phenol content, no significant differences were recorded among the sample, with value ranging around 140 ppm of gallic acid. Nevertheless, both CaOO and ClOO showed lower concentrations of hydroxityrosol and tyrosol than the CEVOO. These data are confirmed by the freeradical scavenging capacity (FRSC), indeed the Citrus olive oils showed a lower value than the control one with both analytical methods.
The phenolic composition of olive oil affects its sensory properties too, because some phenols, (i.e. the secoridoid derivatives, such as oleuropein and ligstroside derivates) are thought to determine the bitterness and pungency of olive oil [31], thereafter also the compounds associated to olive oil bitterness have been evaluated (Intensity of Bitterness, IB). According to Table 5, CaOO showed the highest IB (0.84), together with the Control one, while the lemon peel olive oil was significantly lower (IB = 0.48).
Control and Citrus EVOO extracts were also analysed by HPLC coupled with a photodiode array (PDA)/UV and electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometer (MS). Chromatograms generated by MS detector in negative ion mode are shown in Figure 2. The LC-MS profile of CEVOO showed the presence of 9 compounds identified as elenolic acid (1), oleacein (4), hydroxytyrosol acyclodihydroelenolate (6), oleacin isomer (8), oleuropein aglycone (9), luteolin (11), oleuropein aglycone isomer (12), ligstroside aglycone (13), and apigenin (14). These results are in agreement with previous studies about phenol content of EVOO [47][48][49]. Compared to CEVOO, LC-MS analyses of Citrus EVOO extracts revealed some differences, especially due to the enrichments of molecules deriving from sour orange and lemon peels. In particular, in the CaOO extract a significant intense peak (compound 15) was observed, that was identified as diosmetin, a methoxyflavone previously reported in Citrus peel [50]. Compound 15 was detected also in the ClOO extract, together with other representative peaks. Indeed, ClOO extract exhibited a more complex profile compared to CaOO, with five major peaks attributable to limonoid aglycones and identified as limonexic/isolimonexic acid (3), citrusin isomers (5 and 7), limonin (10), and nomilinic acid (16). Limonoids are tetranortriterpenoids found in Citrus seeds, pulp, and peels, known as bitter compounds [51]. According to their polarity, limonoids aglycones occur mostly in Citrus peel, while glycoside forms are most abundant in pulp [19]. All compounds were tentatively identified by comparison of their elution order, UV, full MS, and fragmentation pattern (MS/MS) data (Table 6) with those reported in the literature.    [48], while fragmentation pathway of 12 was characterized by a base ion peak at m/z 333 and products ions at m/z 301 and 181, previously reported for an oleuropein derivative as probable fragments derived from rearrangement [47]. ). Thus, compound 3 was tentatively identified as limonexic acid or its constitutional isomer isolimonexic acid [55]. Compounds 5 (tR = 41.7 min) and 7 (tR = 43.2 min) had the same molecular weight 546 u and superimposable fragmentation pathways with ions at m/z 501, 457 and 397 generated by the successive losses of two CO2 molecules and an acetyl group, suggesting 5 and 7 to be two isomer forms of citrusin [19]. Compound 10 (tR = 48.4 min) was revealed as formate adduct [M+HCOO] − at m/z 515, which fragmentation generated a base ion peak at m/z 469 due to the loss of a formic acid, thus was tentatively identified as limonin [14]. Full mass spectrum of peak 16 showed deprotonated molecule [M-H] − at m/z 531 and ion fragments at m/z 471 and 427 generated by the loss of an acetyl and then of a carboxyl group. These data led to identify 16 as nomilinic acid [14]. Compounds 3, 5, 7, 10, and 16 are limonoids in aglycone form, common in Citrus peel and seeds [19]. Based on the analysis of mass fragmentation patterns, these molecules does not appear related to secondary metabolites common found in Citrus peel or in olive oil, thus they remained unidentified.

Sensory Profiles
As reported in Table 7, the differences highlighted among the three olive oils (CEVOO, CaOO, ClOO) were significant for most of the considered parameter. The view features showed differences among samples statistically significant, due to the addition of cryomacerated Citrus peels to the olives. In particular the clarity of the CaOO was significantly higher than the control one. The addition of peels influenced also the shadows of the color, in particular the CaOO exhibited the higher value for the yellow shadows, as expected considering its carotenoid content.
The smell profile was affected by the treatment too, especially in terms of detected descriptors: the CaOO was characterized by a strong orange hint, while the ClOO exhibits a strong scent of lemon. According to the legal limits for EVOO [26], no defects were detected by the panel and all the samples obtained a good score for the fruity features, thus confirming their good quality.
The taste parameters highlighted a higher level of bitter and pungent in both the Citrus olive oil as well as a higher score for the persistence. The bitter perception of the samples could be due not only to the secoiridoid derivatives content, evaluated by the IB (see par. 3.1.2), but also to the limonoid content, which reached the highest value in the ClOO.

Effects of CEVOO, CaOO and ClOO Supplementation on Cardiometabolic Profile in HFD-Fed Rats.
A diet containing high levels of saturated fats contributes to significantly increase the body weight. Indeed, in these experimental conditions, animals fed with STD for 3 weeks showed a body weight percentage increase of 9.5 ± 1.2%, while animals fed with the HFD showed an increase of 14.0 ± 1.1%. Animals supplemented with CEVOO to the HFD showed a slightly reduced (not statistically significant) gain in body weight (12.6 ± 0.8%). In contrast, at the third week, animals fed with HFD+CaOO and HFD+ClOO showed a marked and significant containment of body weight gain (9.6 ± 1.5% and 9.0 ± 1.2%, respectively), superimposable with that observed in animals fed with STD ( Figure 3).  Accordingly with the literature, HFD represents a well-known experimental model to reproduce metabolic syndrome in rodents. In fact, beside the effects on body weight, this diet contributes to generate an increase in blood glucose, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and a marked reduction in HDL levels [56] [57].
Animals supplemented with CEVOO showed a marked reduction in blood glucose levels bringing them back to the standard values. ClOO and CaOO supplementation presented a similar profile (Table 6).
Total cholesterol levels were markedly increased in animals fed with HF diet. The addition of CEVOO modestly contributed to the lowering of total cholesterol levels, while both the Citrus enriched OOs were endowed with more evident hypo-cholesterolemic properties (Table 8).
A similar trend was observed for LDL levels, while no improvement was highlighted about HDL values. Therefore, the reduction in cardiovascular risk value (Total Cholesterol/ HDL Cholesterol) reflected the effects of supplementation on total cholesterol (Table 8). Finally, the addition of CEVOO as well as CaOO and ClOO markedly reduced plasma triglycerides (Table 8).  * indicates a significant statistically difference between the HFD group and the STD group. § indicates significant statistically difference between HFD and HFD+CEVOO or HFD+CaOO or HFD+ClOO. The single symbol corresponds to P <0.05; the double symbol to P <0.01 and the triple symbol to P <0.001.
HFD promoted a significant increase in liver tissue, the macroscopic analysis highlighted the presence of numerous fat deposits at this level. On the other hand, treatment with the oils did not show any significant effect on this parameter (data not shown).
Other organs, such as the heart, did not show any significant weight change associated with HFD.
Visceral adipose tissue increased in the group fed with HFD, while the experimental treatments did not significantly influence this parameter ( Figure 4A). Conversely, HFD reduced the amount of brown adipose tissue as already reported in the literature [58] ( Figure 4B). The addition of CEVOO to the HFD increased the amount of brown adipose tissue, ClOO and CaOO showed a similar effect ( Figure 5B).  . (B) The graph shows the average weight of brown adipose tissue (g) in relation to the weight of the animal (kg) at the end of 3 weeks of treatment. * indicates a significant statistically difference between the HFD group and the STD group. § indicates significant statistically difference between HFD and HFD+CEVOO or HFD+CaOO or HFD+ClOO. The single symbol corresponds to P <0.05; the double symbol to P <0.01 and the triple symbol to P <0.001.
Moreover, the activity of the citrate synthase enzyme was measured, at the level of the visceral adipose tissue, as a marker of the metabolic activity of adipocytes ( Figure 5). As previously described  in literature, the HFD significantly reduced the activity of citrate synthase [57], while the addition of EVOO brought it back to standard levels. The addition of CaOO and ClOO increased the average activity of this enzyme but less markedly than CEVOO ( Figure 5).

Figure 5.
The graph shows the activity of the enzyme Citrate Synthase in the adipose tissue. * indicates a significant statistically difference between the HFD group and the STD group. § indicates significant statistically difference between HFD and HFD+CEVOO or HFD+CaOO or HFD+ClOO. The single symbol corresponds to P <0.05; the double symbol to P <0.01 and the triple symbol to P <0.001.
Finally, the myocardial tissue was used to evaluate the mitochondrial membrane potential. The mitochondrial membrane potential is a parameter closely correlated with the metabolic efficiency of heart mitochondria and therefore with their ability to produce ATP and tolerate "nocive insults", as can be trusted in animals with a condition like metabolic syndrome. Normal ΔΨ is about -190 mV in a healthy animal, the HFD appeared to be significantly depolarized at -175 mV ( Figure 6). The addition of CEVOO reported the ΔΨ to the standard values and CaOO and ClOO did it in similar way, suggesting that all three oils can effectively control the mitochondrial dysfunction associated with diet ( Figure 6). Figure 6. The graph shows the changes in mitochondrial membrane potential in different groups of animals. * indicates a significant statistically difference between the HFD group and the STD group.
§ indicates significant statistically difference between HFD and HFD+CEVOO or HFD+CaOO or HFD+ClOO. The single symbol corresponds to P <0.05; the double symbol to P <0.01 and the triple symbol to P <0.001.

Effects of CEVOO, CaOO and ClOO Supplementation on Aortic Tissue Levels of Oxidative Stress Markers and Endothelial Function -Levels of Inflammatory and Oxidative Stress Markers
Maintenance of blood vessel integrity and function is an active process, mediated by the balance among several homeostatic, inflammatory and oxidant factors. In this study, no significant changed of blood pressure was observed in the treatment groups, indeed STD-fed group showed a pressure value superimposable with HFD-fed group (data not shown); probably longer time of treatment are required to highlight functional alterations at vascular level. However, the rat aortic tissues from all groups deriving from 21 days-treatment were used to measure the protein expression and mRNA levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), inducible NOS (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1), catalase, superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD-1), p22phox, and aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A1 (ALDH1A1) via Western blot and qPCR (Figure 7-9). Compared with the STD group, the HFD significantly declined eNOS and ALDH1A1 protein levels, and increased the expression of iNOS, COX-2 and mPGES-1 in rat aortic tissues (Figure 7). CEVOO supplementation in the HFD reverted eNOS, ALDH1A1, iNOS and COX-2 expression levels, thus reducing the inflammatory profile of the tissues known to contribute to the vascular dysfunction. Of note, constituents from orange and lemon supplemented into EVOO showed a similar protective effect, restoring the levels of eNOS and ALDH1A1, and reducing those of iNOS, COX-2 and mPGES-1 in aortic tissues (Figure 7). On the contrary, Catalase, SOD-1 and p22-phox protein levels were not significantly affected by HFD nor by HFD supplemented with CEVOO, CaOO and ClOO (Figure 9). Of note, HFD promoted a weak decrease in expression levels of the two antioxidant enzymes, Catalase and SOD-1, and increased that of the most relevant source of reactive oxygen species, p22phox. The addition to HFD of CEVOO or CaOO or ClOO reverted this trend. Consistently, at transcription level, we observed an increase of COX-2 and a decrease of ALDH1A1 in aortic tissues of rats fed with HFD, which were reverted by the supplement with EVOO, CaOO or ClOO. Expression of SOD-1 did not appear significantly affected in response to any dietetic treatments in rat aortic tissues (Figure 9).  -Endothelial Function HFD-induced oxidative stress has been associated with endothelial dysfunction [59]. In order to investigate the contribute of CEVOO, CaOO and ClOO on endothelial function, in aortic rings from rats feed with HFD with/without EVOO, CaOO and ClOO the endothelial cell sprouting activity was assessed. Aortic rings dissected from rats deriving from treatment and cultured in a fibrin matrix spontaneously generate outgrowths of branching microvessels. HFD significantly impaired outgrowths of branching microvessels in response to the angiogenic factor VEGF 25 ng/mL ( Figure  11). In aortic rings from EVOO, CaOO and ClOO, VEGF significantly promoted sprouting of microvessels, suggesting that the EVOO and olive oils enriched with Citrus fruits, possessing a protective effect on endothelium, contribute to the maintaining of total blood vessel integrity and functionality ( Figure 11).

Discussion
In our study, two fortified oils, namely CaOO and ClOO, obtained by cryomacerated peels of Citrus (C. aurantium and C. limon, CaOO and ClOO, respectively) added to olives during the oil extraction process were examined to determine whether the beneficial effects of EVOO, in terms of compositional and organoleptic properties as well as cardiovascular risk factors reduction, were maintained or eventually increased.
According to [25,60,61] if a cryogen, like solid carbon dioxide, is added to a vegetal matrix, the intracellular water freezes. Consequently, cellular membranes collapse, due to the density difference between ice and liquid water, thus cellular compounds spread in the liquid phase. Moreover, after sublimation the gaseous CO2 forms an inert gas layer under the vegetal material protecting by oxidation the bioactive compounds present in Citrus peels.
As previously reported by [23,24], the use of cryomacerated Citrus byproduct for the enrichment of olive oils seems to be useful also to improve the sensory profile of the oils, due to the ability of the cryomaceration technology coupled to the cold pressing of olives to preserve the peculiar aromatic scents of Citrus in the product, which exhibited a complex sensory profile.
The technological process used makes it possible an enrichment of oils with biologically active substances, mainly from Citrus skin, such as carotenoids and phenols. Compared to the Control (CEVOO), CaOO exhibited a higher content of carotenoids (+ 81%), whose health-giving properties have long been well known.
According to previous studies, LC-MS analyses of CEVOO evidenced that secoiridoids, such as oleuropein and ligstroside derivatives, were the most representative constituents, that occur in the oil in form of aglycons due to the hydrolysis of their glycosides during oil extraction process [47]. Among phenol compounds, two flavone aglycons apigenin and luteolin were detected. Compared to CEVOO, CaOO showed the presence of diosmetin, a flavone aglycone that usually can found in orange peel also in form of glycoside, such as diosmetin 6,8-di-C-glucoside [62]. The chemical profile of ClOO was characterized by the presence of five typical Citrus limonoids in form of aglycones, having a low polarity that can explain their presence in an apolar medium such as olive oil.
Cardiovascular complications related to metabolic syndrome are increasing in various societies worldwide, and the consumption of a HFD is considered a major cause in the development of these complications [63,64]. In the present study, rats treated with a HFD developed dyslipidemia and overweight, showed a significant reduction of adipocyte metabolism and myocardial mitochondrial functionality and a significant increase of vascular inflammatory and oxidative stress factors; indicating it as a reliable model to study possible nutraceutical interventions on cardiovascular risk factors.
Accordingly with literature, a supplementation with EVOO contributes at ameliorating these parameters [65]; indeed in our experimental conditions, CEVOO reduced plasma lipid levels in HFDfed rats. The Citrus olive oils showed a similar profile on cardio-metabolic parameters and a more evident containment of the body weight gain. As regard the adipose tissue, growing body of evidence points to the key role of brown adipose tissue in the HFD-induced obesity [66]. Indeed, a reduction of brown adipose tissue has been reported in obesity conditions [58,66] and suggests that metabolic functions of these adipocytes can be partially compromised. Conversely, a transplantation of brown adipose tissue can promote the expression of various genes involved in fatty acid oxidation and raise protein expression of browning markers [66]. Of note, the supplementation with CEVOO increased the amount of brown adipose tissue, and a similar behaviour was observed with ClOO and CaOO.
Further, as described in literature, the HFD significantly reduced the activity of citrate synthase enzyme [57], while the addition of CEVOO brought it back to standard levels. CaOO and ClOO, although less markedly, increased the average activity of this enzyme.
Finally, the mitochondrial dysfunction of myocardiocytes is closely related to metabolic syndrome. In this condition a lower metabolic efficiency of mitochondria and therefore a reduced ability to produce ATP can deeply compromise the tolerance of myocardium towards to different kinds of pathological "insults" [67]. ΔΨ value is a useful parameter for evaluating the mitochondrial function. ΔΨ value was about -190 mV in STD-fed animals, while in HFD-fed animals the mitochondrial membrane was significantly depolarized (ΔΨ about -175 mV).
Very interestingly, CaOO and ClOO, similarly to CEVOO, improved ΔΨ value in mitochondria obtained from cardiac tissues, suggesting that these oils are able to reduce myocardial dysfunction associated with such type of diet.
No significant changed of blood pressure was observed between STD and HFD diet, probably, as reported in literature, longer times of treatment should be attempted [68]. However, despite the normotensive condition, prevented pro-inflammatory markers and endothelial dysfunction in aortic vessels by restoring the vascular tissue anti-inflammatory markers have been observed.
With respect to blood vessels, the integrity and function of blood vessels plays a key role in the overall assessment of cardiovascular function. Indeed, vascular wall represents the first front between the absorbed nutrients and the tissues of the body, and failure of this system results in many cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and tissue ischemia [61]. Excessive amounts of reactive oxygen species, known to exert a number of adverse effects on vessel function, may irreversibly inactivate protein kinases and/or phosphatases in vascular wall affecting the barrier function of vessels [64][65][66]. Similarly, inflammation and the increase of inflammatory mediators in blood vessel wall lead to the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases [67]. In this study, significant differences were observed with respect to inflammatory markers in the aorta tissues among groups treated with HFD and HFD + CEVOO, CaOO or ClOO. Indeed, in HDF fed rats, expression of COX-2, mPGES1, and iNOS was higher than in the standard diet fed rats, and the HFD + CEVOO, CaOO or ClOO groups showed a remarkable decrease of the inflammatory status of rat aorta, while increasing protective vascular markers, in line with other findings [69,70]. No significant alterations were observed for enzymes involved in the control of redox state. Other studies have also come to similar conclusions with respect to EVOO performance on redox state in in vivo studies [71]. On the contrary, in both in vitro and in vivo studies, the phenolic extracts of EVOO, have exhibited antioxidant effects [72]. Here, no clear effects were observed from CEVOO, CaOO or ClOO supplementation in HFD on antioxidant enzymes expression in aortic tissues, at least for the enzymes studied, however expression of 4HNE, a well-known by-product of lipid peroxidation endowed of atherogenic properties, widely accepted as a stable marker for oxidative stress, was higher in HFD group compared with HFD supplemented with oils, suggesting a functional and protective effect of the oils on the whole antioxidant profile of aortic tissues. In agreement with this observation, expression of ALDH1A1, an aldehyde scavenging enzyme, including 4HNE, was significantly increased in aortic tissues of HFD + EVOO, CaOO or ClOO treated groups compared with the HFD group.
Endothelial dysfunction, that is an important factor in the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases, leading to atherogenesis and plaque formation [73] has been studied with the rat aortic ring culture model [74]. Using this assay, we found that the HFD inhibited VEGFinduced endothelial cell sprouting, while supplementation of the diet with CEVOO, CaOO or ClOO reverted this inhibitory effect. The data suggest a protective activity of the three oils that might be associated with both their anti-inflammatory activity and their ability to modulate the lipid profile in serum of HFD fed rats, and therefore the endothelial integrity of the vessels [69]. Indeed, LDL, especially its oxidized form, promotes cytokine production from monocytes and endothelial cells, and on the surface of endothelial cells increases several adhesion molecules, including CD40 expression, associated with inflammation and endothelial dysfunction [75]. Further, CD40 decreases NO and increases ROS production by endothelial cells, inhibiting angiogenesis and contributing to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases [75]. Immunohistochemical investigation confirmed the protective effects of CEVOO, CaOO and ClOO. In fact, while HFD increases CD40 expression in vascular aortic wall, the groups receiving the supplementation with the oils did not show any expression of CD40.
Taken together, these results suggest that the enrichment of Citrus olive oils by means of their typical active metabolites, usually absent in the olive oils, possess a superimposable profile compared to CEVOO and sometimes an enhanced nutraceutical value, especially on body weight gain and lipidic profile.

Conclusions
Citrus peels can be considered as a source of bioactive compounds useful to improve the sensory profile as well as the phytochemical composition of olive oils. Indeed, we demonstrated that the technology adopted to produce Citrus oils, enriches them with functional and bioactive compounds typical of Citrus peel and furthermore improves their organoleptic properties without altering their beneficial effects. Indeed, like Control extra virgin olive oil, CaOO and ClOO showed protective effects on glucose and serum lipid levels, metabolic activity of adipocytes, myocardial tissue functionality, oxidative stress markers and endothelial function at blood vessel level.