(−)-Epicatechin protects from amebic liver abscess development in hamster

Maritza Velásquez-Torres, Mineko Shibayama-Salas, Judith Pacheco-Yépez, Angélica Silva-Olivares, Virginia Sánchez-Monroy, Laurence A. Marchat, Gildardo Rivera, Esther Ramírez-Moreno

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

In this work the effect of (−)-epicatechin on the development of amebic liver abscess in hamsters was evaluated. (−)-epicatechin is a flavonoid present in plants that possesses various biological properties, including its activity against some protozoal parasites; however its antiamebic activity in a living model had not been evaluated. Syrian golden hamsters were intrahepatically inoculated with 1x106 E. histolytica trophozoites, three days after inoculation they received nine intraperitoneal doses of (−)-epicatechin (10 mg/100 g) every 48 h. Animals without treatments and treated with metronidazole were included as controls. Macroscopic characteristics of the hepatic abscess, histopathological analysis of the tissue and the levels of inflammatory cytokines were determined. (−)-epicatechin produced a decrease in liver abscess progression being observed only 9.49% of damage compared to 84% shown by untreated animals. During treatment with (−)-epicatechin hepatic tissue showed signs of liver repair and absence of amoebae. Additionally, (−)-epicatechin produced a modulating effect on inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-10. All these events observed in animals treated with (−)-epicatechin could contribute to the elimination of trophozoites and liver healing.

Original languageEnglish
Article number108103
JournalExperimental Parasitology
Volume224
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2021

Keywords

  • (-)-Epicatechin
  • Amebic liver abscess
  • Antiamebic activity
  • Flavonoids

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of '(−)-Epicatechin protects from amebic liver abscess development in hamster'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this