Researchers at UAB, led by Dr Eduard Escrich, lecturer of the Department of Cell
Biology, Physiology and Immunology, have discovered a mechanism by which virgin olive oil, in contrast to other
vegetable oils, protects the body against breast cancer. The researchers decoded a complete cascade of signals within
breast tumour cells activated by virgin olive oil, and concluded that benefits include decrease in the activity of the
oncogene p21Ras, changes in protein signaling pathways, stimulation of tumour cell death and prevention of DNA
damage. The study was carried out in an experimental model and researchers have already begun a new study with
human cell lines.