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

S De Los Santos1, C Palma-Flores2, A Zentella-Dehesa3

  • 1División de Investigación Biomédica, Centro Médico Nacional 20 de Noviembre, Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado, Mexico City, Mexico; Unidad de Investigación en Obesidad, División de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico; Clínica de Obesidad, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición "Salvador Zubirán", Mexico City, Mexico.

Nutrition, Metabolism, and Cardiovascular Diseases : NMCD
|August 26, 2018
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

(-)-Epicatechin, a cocoa flavonol, may prevent genetic dilated cardiomyopathy. This study showed it reduced heart damage and improved molecular markers in a mouse model, suggesting its therapeutic potential for heart failure.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • (-)-Epicatechin, a cocoa-derived flavonol, is proposed to possess cardioprotective properties.
  • Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a progressive heart condition often with a genetic basis.
  • δ Sarcoglycan deficiency is linked to the development of DCM.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the therapeutic potential of (-)-epicatechin in preventing genetic dilated cardiomyopathy.
  • To evaluate the effects of (-)-epicatechin on cardiac structure and molecular pathways in a δ sarcoglycan null mouse model.

Main Methods:

  • Administration of (-)-epicatechin to δ sarcoglycan null mice for 15 days.
  • Histological and morphometric analysis of cardiac tissues.
  • Western blot analysis to assess protein phosphorylation and heart failure markers.

Main Results:

  • (-)-Epicatechin treatment reduced coronary vasoconstriction, cardiac fibrosis, and ventricular wall thinning.
  • Increased phosphorylation of eNOS and PI3K/AKT/mTOR/p70S6K signaling pathways was observed.
  • Decreased levels of heart failure biomarkers atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) were noted.

Conclusions:

  • (-)-Epicatechin demonstrates potential in preventing genetically-induced dilated cardiomyopathy.
  • This flavonol may serve as a promising pharmacological therapy for DCM and heart failure.
Keywords:
(−)-epicatechinDilated cardiomyopathyFibrosisSgcd null miceVasoconstriction

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