Effects of (−) - epicatechin on the time course of the expression of perilipins in a diet-induced model of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

Abstract The existing treatments for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are not completely effective. The need for new alternatives without adverse effects and low cost, such as the flavonoid: (−) - epicatechin (EC), which has beneficial effects on lipids metabolism and cardiovascular diseases, arises. The objective of this work was to analyze EC effects in the NASH induced by a Paigen type diet (PD). Mice were administered with: 1) normal chow and water, 2) PD + fructose 30% and 3) PD + fructose 30% + EC[1 mg / kg] per gavage during 9 weeks. At the end of each treatment, serum was collected for analysis of the biochemical profile and liver enzymes. The liver was collected for microscopic analysis and for the evaluation of the relative expression of Plin2, Plin3, CD36, adiponectin and UCP2. Results shown that EC reduced weight gain, decreased TG, LDL-c, TG / HDL and the activity of liver enzymes (ALT and ALP) suggesting lower liver damage. The microscopic analysis showed less “balonization” of the hepatocyte, small drops of lipids, less accumulation of collagen and infiltration of inflammatory cells as compared to non-treated group. Finally, a decrease in the expression of Plin 2 was observed. While CD36 decreased, adiponectin and UCP2 increased. In conclusion, EC improves the biochemical profile, the microscopic characteristics and protein expression. Therefore, it may be a possible therapeutic approach for NASH since it prevents the progression of the hepatic and metabolic damage induced by high-fat diets.