Dietary (-)-Epicatechin Ameliorated Cardiac and Renal Oxidative Modifications in an Experimental Model of Metabolic Syndrome

FRAGA C.G.; CALABRÓ V; PRINCE PD; ASCHETTINO G; FISCHERMAN L; VAZQUEZ-PRIETO MA; PIOTRKOWSKI B; GALLEANO M

Toki Messe

Congreso; The 6th International Niigata Symposim on Diet and Health "Functions of Food and Food Function: From Farm to Kitchen and Clinics; 2012

Metabolic Syndrome (MS) is defined by the presence of 3 out of the following 5 factors: i) elevated waist circumference, ii) hypertriglyceridemia, iii) elevated plasma HDL-cholesterol, iv) high blood pressure, and v) elevated fasting glucose. MS constitutes a risk factor for diabetes, cardiovascular disease and mortality. Several studies suggested that MS may contribute to the development of chronic kidney disease. Flavonols are a chemically defined family of plant polyphenols. Increasing evidence points that these compounds have health-beneficial effects controlling cell oxidant production and antioxidant defenses and modulating cell signaling pathways, including proinflammatory signals. The aim of this work is to evaluate the oxidative and inflammatory modifications in kidney and heart installed by 8 weeks of fructose overload in rats and their avoidance/attenuation by dietary supplementation with one selected flavanol, (-)-epicatechin (EC).