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Neuroprotective effect of cocoa flavonoids on in vitro oxidative stress
Emma Ramiro-Puig1, Gemma Casadesús, Hyoung-gon Lee
1Department de Fisiologia, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII s/n, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
Background:
Cocoa is a rich source of flavonoids that, among other functions, can act as antioxidants. In living systems, the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) activate an array of intracellular cascades, including mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), that are closely associated with cell death or survival pathways.
Aim Of The Study:
To ascertain the role of a cocoa extract and its main flavonoid, (-)-epicatechin, in an in vitro model of oxidative stress induced in a neuronal cell line.
Methods:
We analyzed ROS production by fluorometry (dichlorofluorescein assay), and activation of MAPK pathways including extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK 1/2), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p-38, by Western blot analysis.
Results:
Cells incubated with cocoa extract or (-)-epicatechin, reduced ROS production in a dose-dependent manner, reaching 35% inhibition. pJNK and p38, involved in apoptosis, were down-modulated by cocoa extract and (-)-epicatechin with p38 inhibition reaching up to 70%.
Conclusions:
Our results show that cocoa extract and (-)-epicatechin may exert a neuroprotective action by reducing ROS production and modulating MAPK activation.
Insights
Cocoa extract and (-)-epicatechin reduce oxidative stress and cell death pathways. These flavonoids demonstrate neuroprotective potential by modulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK).
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Cocoa is rich in flavonoids, potent antioxidants.
- Reactive oxygen species (ROS) trigger cell death pathways like MAPK.
- Understanding cocoa's role in neuroprotection is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cocoa extract and (-)-epicatechin effects on oxidative stress in neuronal cells.
- To determine their impact on mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways.
Main Methods:
- Assessed ROS production using fluorometry (dichlorofluorescein assay).
- Analyzed MAPK pathway activation (ERK 1/2, JNK, p-38) via Western blot.
Main Results:
- Cocoa extract and (-)-epicatechin dose-dependently inhibited ROS production (up to 35%).
- Apoptosis-related pJNK and p38 were downregulated.
- p38 inhibition reached up to 70%.
Conclusions:
- Cocoa extract and (-)-epicatechin show neuroprotective effects.
- They reduce ROS production and modulate MAPK activation, suggesting a therapeutic role.
