Epicatechin inhibits development of dilated cardiomyopathy in δ sarcoglycan null mouse

Abstract Background and aims Several studies propose that (−)-epicatechin, a flavonol present in high concentration in the cocoa, has cardioprotective effects. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of (−)-epicatechin on the development of dilated cardiomyopathy in a δ sarcoglycan null mouse model. Methods and results δ Sarcoglycan null mice were treated for 15 days with (−)-epicatechin. Histological and morphometric analysis of the hearts treated mutant mice showed significant reduction of the vasoconstrictions in the coronary arteries as well as fewer areas with fibrosis and a reduction in the loss of the ventricular wall. On the contrary, it was observed a thickening of this region. By Western blot analysis, it was shown, and increment in the phosphorylation level of eNOS and PI3K/AKT/mTOR/p70S6K proteins in the heart of the (−)-epicatechin treated animals. On the other hand, we observed a significantly decreased level of the atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) heart failure markers. Conclusion All the results indicate that (−)-epicatechin has the potential to prevent the development of dilated cardiomyopathy of genetic origin and encourages the use of this flavonol as a pharmacological therapy for dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure diseases.