Epicatechin Used in the Treatment of Intestinal Inflammatory Disease: An Analysis by Experimental Models

Abstract

Background. This study was pathway of (−)-epicatechin (EC) in the prevention and treatment of intestine inflammation in acute and chronic rat models. Methods. Intestine inflammation was induced in rats using TNBS. The morphological, inflammatory, immunohistochemical, and immunoblotting characteristics of colon samples were examined. The effects of EC were evaluated in an acute model at doses of 5, 10, 25, and 50 mg/kg by gavage for 5 days. The chronic colitis model was induced 1st day, and treated for 21 days. For the colitis relapse model, the induction was repeated on 14th. Results. EC10 and EC50 effectively reduced the lesion size, as assessed macroscopically; and confirmed by microscopy for EC10. The glutathione levels were higher in EC10 group but decreased COX-2 expression and increased cell proliferation (PC) were observed, indicating an anti-inflammatory activity and a proliferation-stimulating effect. In the chronic colitis model, EC10 showed lower macroscopic and microscopic lesion scores and increase in glutathione levels. As in the acute model, a decrease in COX-2 expression and an increase in PC in EC10, the chronic model this increase maybe by the pathway EGF expression. Conclusion. These results confirm the activity of EC as an antioxidant that reduces of the lesion and that has the potential to stimulate tissue healing, indicating useful for preventing and treating intestine inflammation.

Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Effects of (−)-Epicatechin and Other Polyphenols in Cancer, Inflammation, Diabetes, and Neurodegeneration

“…Another study found that (−)-epicatechin treatment improved acute intestinal inflammatory disease. At a concentration of 10 mg/kg in rats induced with trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid, there was a reduction in colitis including less ulceration and disorganization of the tissue after histological analysis [ 48 ]. In addition, the authors observed significantly higher levels of glutathione in the colon tissue of animals treated with (−)-epicatechin.…”

Apoptosis Induced by (−)-Epicatechin in Human Breast Cancer Cells is Mediated by Reactive Oxygen Species

“…In this context, natural products have been used for many years as a source for the discovery of these molecules. As previously reported, (−)-epicatechin (a main component of the cacao and a derivative product of cocoa) is a molecule that shows several beneficial health effects such as anti-inflammatory [15], antibacterial [22], cardio protector [23], and cognitive health benefits [24]. However, there are few studies focusing on its anticancer activity and the associated mechanism of action.…”

“…However, its poor stability, absorption, and hepatotoxicity have limited its use [12]. Another flavonoid with important biological activity is (−)-epicatechin ( Figure 1), which is a molecule that has been described to have antioxidant [13,14], anti-inflammatory [15], cardiovascular [16] and anticancer [17][18][19] properties. [20], and, in comparison to (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), it has not shown any side effects.…”

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“…The rats of this group were administered Dox as group 2 plus epicatechin (dissolved in CMC 1% solution) by oral gavage at a dose of 25 mg/5 ml/kg b.w. every other day for 6 weeks 18 .…”