TY - JOUR
T1 - Effects of (−)-epicatechin on the time course of the expression of perilipins in a diet-induced model of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
AU - Hidalgo, Isabel
AU - Nájera, Nayelli
AU - Meaney, Eduardo
AU - Pérez-Durán, Javier
AU - Valdespino-Vazquez, Yolotzin
AU - Villarreal, Francisco
AU - Ceballos, Guillermo
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2019 Elsevier Inc.
PY - 2020/3
Y1 - 2020/3
N2 - The existing treatments for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are not completely effective. The need for new alternatives without adverse effects and low cost, such as the flavonoid (−)-epicatechin (EC), which has beneficial effects on lipid metabolism and cardiovascular diseases, arises. The objective of this work was to analyze EC effects in the NASH induced by a Paigen-type diet (PD). Mice were administered with (1) normal chow and water, (2) PD + fructose 30% and (3) PD + fructose 30% + EC (1 mg/kg) per gavage during 9 weeks. At the end of each treatment, serum was collected for analysis of the biochemical profile and liver enzymes. The liver was collected for microscopic analysis and for the evaluation of the relative expression of Plin2, Plin3, CD36, adiponectin and UCP2. Results showed that EC reduced weight gain and decreased triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, TG/high-density lipoprotein and the activity of liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase), suggesting lower liver damage. The microscopic analysis showed less “balloonization” of the hepatocyte, small drops of lipids, less accumulation of collagen and infiltration of inflammatory cells as compared to nontreated group. Finally, a decrease in the expression of Plin 2 was observed. While CD36 decreased, adiponectin and UCP2 increased. In conclusion, EC improves the biochemical profile, the microscopic characteristics and protein expression. Therefore, it may be a possible therapeutic approach for NASH since it prevents the progression of the hepatic and metabolic damage induced by high-fat diets.
AB - The existing treatments for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are not completely effective. The need for new alternatives without adverse effects and low cost, such as the flavonoid (−)-epicatechin (EC), which has beneficial effects on lipid metabolism and cardiovascular diseases, arises. The objective of this work was to analyze EC effects in the NASH induced by a Paigen-type diet (PD). Mice were administered with (1) normal chow and water, (2) PD + fructose 30% and (3) PD + fructose 30% + EC (1 mg/kg) per gavage during 9 weeks. At the end of each treatment, serum was collected for analysis of the biochemical profile and liver enzymes. The liver was collected for microscopic analysis and for the evaluation of the relative expression of Plin2, Plin3, CD36, adiponectin and UCP2. Results showed that EC reduced weight gain and decreased triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, TG/high-density lipoprotein and the activity of liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase), suggesting lower liver damage. The microscopic analysis showed less “balloonization” of the hepatocyte, small drops of lipids, less accumulation of collagen and infiltration of inflammatory cells as compared to nontreated group. Finally, a decrease in the expression of Plin 2 was observed. While CD36 decreased, adiponectin and UCP2 increased. In conclusion, EC improves the biochemical profile, the microscopic characteristics and protein expression. Therefore, it may be a possible therapeutic approach for NASH since it prevents the progression of the hepatic and metabolic damage induced by high-fat diets.
KW - (−)-Epicatechin
KW - Diet high in cholesterol-cholate
KW - Flavonoids
KW - Lipid drops
KW - Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
KW - Perilipins
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85078654836&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2019.108296
DO - 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2019.108296
M3 - Artículo
C2 - 32007822
AN - SCOPUS:85078654836
SN - 0955-2863
VL - 77
JO - Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry
JF - Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry
M1 - 108296
ER -