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Cortisol Measurement in Koala Phascolarctos cinereus Fur
Published on: August 23, 2019
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The cocoa flavanol (-)-epicatechin protects the cortisol response
Erik J B Ruijters1, Guido R M M Haenen1, Antje R Weseler1
1Department of Toxicology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Pharmacological Research
|November 26, 2013
Summary
Cocoa flavanol (-)-epicatechin (EC) combats cortisol resistance caused by oxidative stress. EC reduces inflammation and oxidative stress, offering potential benefits for conditions with impaired glucocorticoid (GC) response.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Immunology
Background:
- The cocoa flavanol (-)-epicatechin (EC) possesses known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Glucocorticoids (GCs) like cortisol are potent anti-inflammatory agents.
- Oxidative stress can impair the efficacy of anti-inflammatory treatments, leading to resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if EC can prevent the loss of cortisol's anti-inflammatory effect under oxidative stress.
- To elucidate the role of EC in mitigating cortisol resistance.
- To understand the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of EC.
Main Methods:
- Differentiated monocytes were used to model inflammation.
- Cortisol's anti-inflammatory effect was assessed in the presence and absence of oxidative stress.
- The impact of EC on intracellular oxidative stress and cortisol resistance was evaluated.
Main Results:
- Cortisol effectively reduced inflammation in differentiated monocytes.
- Oxidative stress abolished the anti-inflammatory action of cortisol, inducing cortisol resistance.
- EC significantly reduced intracellular oxidative stress.
- EC prevented the development of cortisol resistance.
Conclusions:
- EC can counteract the development of cortisol resistance induced by oxidative stress.
- EC's antioxidant activity is key to preserving the anti-inflammatory function of GCs.
- These findings support the use of EC as a dietary antioxidant in conditions characterized by oxidative stress and GC resistance.
Keywords:
(−)-Epicatechin(−)-Epicatechin (PubChem CID: 72276)(−)-epicatechin2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein-diacetate7-Mono-O-(β-hydroxyethyl)-rutoside (PubChem CID 5464100)AP1Anti-oxidantCOPDCortisolCortisol (PubChem CID 5754)DCFH-DAECGCGCRGlucocorticoid resistanceIL-8InflammationLDHLPSMHMonocytesNF-κBPMAPhorbol 12-myristate 13-acetateROSSRBTNFactivator protein-1chronic obstructive pulmonary diseaseglucocorticoidglucocorticoid receptorinterleukin-8lactate dehydrogenaselipopolysaccharidesmonoHER, 7-mono-O-(β-hydroxyethyl)-rutosidenuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cellsreactive oxygen speciessulforhodamine Btumor necrosis factorMore Related Videos
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