The effect of epicatechin on oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage induced by homocycteine using isolated rat hippocampus mitochondria

Abstract

Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are the main suggested mechanisms for neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we have evaluated the effects of epicatechin (EC) on mitochondrial damage induced by homocycteine (Hcy) using isolated rat hippocampus mitochondria in vivo. EC (50 mg/kg) was gavaged daily for a period of 10 days, starting 5 days prior to Hcy (0.5 μmol/μL) intra hippocampus injection in rats. Mitochondria were isolated from brain by different centrifuge techniques. Mitochondrial function was assayed by MTT test. Also, mitochondrial swelling and oxidative stress markers, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation and glutathione (GSH), were assayed. Hcy induced mitochondrial dysfunction and swelling. Increase in ROS formation, lipid peroxidation, and decreased GSH were observed after Hcy treatment in isolated brain mitochondria. Furthermore, oral administration of EC significantly decreased the lipid peroxidation and ROS levels and also increased GSH levels. Also, EC treatment significantly improved mitochondrial function. As EC indicated protective effects against oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage induced by Hcy, it is suggested for further trials for prevention or treatments of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer disease.

Diabetes, Cinnamon and Green tea

“…We have reported in one study either cinnamon and green tea extract could have decreased blood sugar and induce weight gain individually and synergically in animal model of type-1 diabetes [6]. Also in another study we have shown anti-oxidative stress of epicatechin, a major component of green tea on oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage induced by homocycteine using isolated rat hippocampus mitochondria (Figures 1 & 2) [7]. Tea is an ordinary beverage in the world which have more than 4000 chemicals with different biological effects.…”

“…Tea is an ordinary beverage in the world which have more than 4000 chemicals with different biological effects. Components of tea have anti-oxidant, antimutagenic and anti-carcinogenic effects [7,8]. Green tea has some protections against some neurological diseases such as Parkinson, Alzheimer and ischemic damages; it has also shown an anti-diabetic effect in insulin resistant animal models [7,9].…”

“…Components of tea have anti-oxidant, antimutagenic and anti-carcinogenic effects [7,8]. Green tea has some protections against some neurological diseases such as Parkinson, Alzheimer and ischemic damages; it has also shown an anti-diabetic effect in insulin resistant animal models [7,9]. The anti-oxidant effect of green tea is because of its polyphenol cathechine components to scavenge ROS [7,9].…”

“…Green tea has some protections against some neurological diseases such as Parkinson, Alzheimer and ischemic damages; it has also shown an anti-diabetic effect in insulin resistant animal models [7,9]. The anti-oxidant effect of green tea is because of its polyphenol cathechine components to scavenge ROS [7,9]. There are some reports about cathechines which are abundant in green tea which have more antioxidant effect than vitamin C and E [7,9].…”

“…The anti-oxidant effect of green tea is because of its polyphenol cathechine components to scavenge ROS [7,9]. There are some reports about cathechines which are abundant in green tea which have more antioxidant effect than vitamin C and E [7,9]. Also cathechines have some effects on molecular and cellular targets of signaling pathways related to apoptosis and cell viability [7,9].…”