Epicatechin, a dark chocolate flavonol/antioxidant, is linked to cardiovascular cytoprotection. Low-dose epicatechin, with little antioxidant activity, is protective; however, the mechanism of this cytoprotection is unknown. We tested if epicatechin mediates cardiac protection via delta opioid receptor (DOR) activation and modulation of membrane ultrastructure. Myocardial infarct size was decreased in epicatechin-treated mice compared to controls, and this effect was blocked by a DOR antagonist. Epicatechin increased  phosphorylation of Src, Akt, and I?Ba and decreased expression of c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase expression and caspase-activated DNase. DOR attenuated these signaling effects. Lipid rafts are critical for cardiac protection. The effect of epicatechin on cardiac myocyte membrane dynamics was examined with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy.  Epicatechin increased membrane order parameter (decreased membrane fluidity) when compared to vehicle treated myocytes, an effect blocked by naloxone. In conclusion, epicatechin alters membrane dynamics and acts via DOR to produce cardiac protection from ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Dark chocolate receptors: Epicatechin-induced cardiac protection is dependent on delta-opioid receptor stimulation and altered membrane dynamics

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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