(−)-Epicatechin prevents alterations in the metabolism of superoxide anion and nitric oxide in the hearts of l-NAME-treated rats. Issue 1 (31st October 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Piotrkowski, Barbara; Calabró, Valeria; Galleano, Mónica; Fraga, César G.
• Is Part Of: Food & function. Volume 6:Issue 1(2015)
• Page Start: 154
• Page End: 160
• Publication Date: 2014-10-31
• Subjects: Food -- Analysis -- Periodicals; Food -- Composition -- Periodicals; Nutrition -- Periodicals; 664.07
• DOI: 10.1039/c4fo00554f
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2042-6496

Abstract

Abstract : The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of (−)-epicatechin administration in the heart of a rat model with reduced NO production that follows a short-term treatment withl -NAME. Abstract : The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of (−)-epicatechin administration in the heart of a rat model with reduced NO production that follows a short-term treatment withl -NAME. Sprague-Dawley rats were treated for 4 d withl -NAME in the absence or presence of (−)-epicatechin in the diet. The redox status in cardiac tissue was improved by (−)-epicatechin administration.l -NAME treatment induced a decrease in NO synthase activity (−62%, p < 0.05) and an increase in NADPH-dependent superoxide anion production (+300%, p < 0.05) that were totally prevented by (−)-epicatechin administration. These effects of (−)-epicatechin were associated with a higher endothelial NO synthase phosphorylation at an activation site and a reduced expression of the regulatory subunit, p47 phox, suggesting the involvement of posttranslational mechanisms in (−)-epicatechin action. Thus, the (−)-epicatechin treatment would restore NO steady state levels in vivo through effects on both, its synthesis and degradation via the reaction with superoxide anion. The fact that (−)-epicatechin is commonly present in human diet makes this compound a reasonable explanation for the positive cardiovascular effects of a high consumption of fruits and vegetables.