Protective Effects of Epigallocatechin-3 Gallate on Atrial Electrical and Structural Remodeling in a Rabbit Rapid Atrial Pacing Model

Abstract

Epigallocatechin-3 gallate (EGCG) is the major catechin in green tea. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of EGCG on atrial electrical and structural remodeling in a rabbit rapid atrial pacing (RAP) model. New Zealand white rabbits were subjected to RAP with or without EGCG treatment. The atrial electrophysiology was studied. ELISA, Western blots, and RT-PCR were performed to determine the level of the inflammation markers, oxidative stress, and fibrogenic agents. Atrial tissue was stained with Masson's trichrome stain for fibrosis detection. RAP rabbits showed a significantly shorter atrial effective refractory period than control rabbits. Higher AF inducibility and longer AF duration were seen in the RAP group. AERP of rabbits received high dose EGCG were prolonged compared to RAP rabbits, and AF inducibility and duration of rabbits received high dose EGCG were lower. RAP rabbits have higher inflammation markers, higher oxidative stress, and more significant fibrosis within atrium, while high dose intervention of EGCG can lower the inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibrosis induced by RAP. Results showed that EGCG have protective effects on atrial electrical and structural remodeling in a rabbit RAP model in terms of attenuating of inflammation and oxidative stress.

Low-dose green tea intake reduces incidence of atrial fibrillation in a Chinese population

“…Our previous investigation reported that EGCG significantly suppresses the TNF-alpha-induced MCP-1 protein and mRNA expression, thereby inhibiting inflammation and anti-oxidative stress [27]. Zhu et al reported that EGCG protected against atrial electrical and structural remodeling in a rabbit RAP model by attenuating inflammation and oxidative stress [48]. Therefore, EGCG could be the most important contributor to the beneficial effect of green tea on AF incidence.…”

Laminin Receptor-Avid Nanotherapeutic EGCg-AuNPs as a Potential Alternative Therapeutic Approach to Prevent Restenosis

“…The selective efficacy of EGCg towards ECs and SMCs could be attributed to its molecular structure, which includes a plethora of hydroxyl groups and galloyl group [ 60 ]. Effects of EGCg for their cardioprotective properties as well as for their efficacy as anti-atherosclerotic and anti-hypercholesterolemic characteristics have been explored in the past [ 61 , 62 ]. Our previous investigations related to the in vitro and vivo antitumor efficacy have demonstrated that EGCg conjugated onto AuNPs has better efficacy compared to the free EGCg due to the larger surface area of AuNPs [ 22 , 33 ].…”