The prothrombotic state associated with obesity-induced hypertension is reduced by cocoa and its main flavanols. Issue 12 (9th November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rabadán-Chávez, G. M.; Reyes-Maldonado, E.; Quevedo-Corona, L.; Paniagua-Castro, N.; Escalona-Cardoso, G.; Jaramillo-Flores, M. E.
• Is Part Of: Food & function. Volume 7:Issue 12(2016)
• Page Start: 4880
• Page End: 4888
• Publication Date: 2016-11-09
• Subjects: Food -- Analysis -- Periodicals; Food -- Composition -- Periodicals; Nutrition -- Periodicals; 664.07
• DOI: 10.1039/c6fo01165a
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2042-6496

Abstract

Abstract : Cocoa flavanols could ameliorate cardiovascular health in obese patients. Abstract : Background . Little is known about the effects of cocoa and its main flavanols on the prothrombotic state associated with the development of hypertension in diet-induced obesity models. Purpose . To evaluate the effects of cocoa powder, cocoa extract and their main flavanols on plasma biomarkers related to impaired coagulation and fibrinolysis and its association with hypertension and obesity-related metabolic disorders in rats fed a hypercaloric diet. Methods . Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to 7 treatment groups ( n = 7): normal diet (ND); hypercaloric diet control group (HCD); HCD + cocoa powder (CO); HCD + cocoa extract (CO-EX); HCD + (−)-epicatechin (EPI); HCD + (+)-catechin (CAT); and HCD + procyanidin B2 (PB2). Blood pressure was measured using the tail-cuff method (week 7). At the end of the experimental period (week 8), rats were sacrificed and blood samples were collected immediately for coagulation and biochemical analyses. Results . Oral administration of CO, CO-EX and their main flavanols significantly decreased plasma biomarkers related to impaired coagulation and fibrinolysis (vWF, FVIII, fibrinogen and PAI-1) in rats fed a hypercaloric diet. These effects were associated with decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure, aortic oxidative stress (MDA levels) and improvement of dyslipidemia, insulin resistance and circulating markers of inflammation (TNF-α, IL-6 and CRP) compared to the HCD group. Conclusion . Our results showed that cocoa and its main flavanols may improve endothelial dysfunction and exert their antihypertensive effects by decreasing the prothrombotic state in rats fed a hypercaloric diet. Moreover, improvement of obesity-related metabolic disorders may also contribute to their BP-lowering effect.