(−)-Epicatechin inhibits development of dilated cardiomyopathy in δ sarcoglycan null mouse

S. De los Santos, C. Palma-Flores, A. Zentella-Dehesa, P. Canto, R. M. Coral-Vázquez

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background and aims: Several studies propose that (−)-epicatechin, a flavonol present in high concentration in the cocoa, has cardioprotective effects. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of (−)-epicatechin on the development of dilated cardiomyopathy in a δ sarcoglycan null mouse model. Methods and results: δ Sarcoglycan null mice were treated for 15 days with (−)-epicatechin. Histological and morphometric analysis of the hearts treated mutant mice showed significant reduction of the vasoconstrictions in the coronary arteries as well as fewer areas with fibrosis and a reduction in the loss of the ventricular wall. On the contrary, it was observed a thickening of this region. By Western blot analysis, it was shown, and increment in the phosphorylation level of eNOS and PI3K/AKT/mTOR/p70S6K proteins in the heart of the (−)-epicatechin treated animals. On the other hand, we observed a significantly decreased level of the atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) heart failure markers. Conclusion: All the results indicate that (−)-epicatechin has the potential to prevent the development of dilated cardiomyopathy of genetic origin and encourages the use of this flavonol as a pharmacological therapy for dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure diseases.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1188-1195
Number of pages8
JournalNutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases
Volume28
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2018

Keywords

  • (−)-epicatechin
  • Dilated cardiomyopathy
  • Fibrosis
  • Sgcd null mice
  • Vasoconstriction

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of '(−)-Epicatechin inhibits development of dilated cardiomyopathy in δ sarcoglycan null mouse'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this