Acute effect of (-)/-epicatechin ingestion on eNOS activation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Acute effect of (-)/-epicatechin ingestion on eNOS activation in the skeletal muscle microvasculature
IRAS ID
141445
Contact name
Matthew Cocks
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Liverpool John Moores University
Research summary
There is a rapidly growing interest in the use of flavanols, natural compounds present in apples, tea, grapes and cocoa (dark chocolate), to improve cardiovascular health and reduce blood pressure and metabolic disease risk. Of particular interest is the flavanol (-)-epicatechin (Epi), which has been identified as the active compound responsible for the acute effects of dark chocolate on blood pressure and large blood vessel function. The beneficial effects of Epi on vascular function and insulin sensitivity have been ascribed to increases in nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. There are multiple ways in which Epi is proposed to increase NO bioavailability, but at present many of these have only been investigated in cultured cells or animal models. Therefore, we aim to investigate the potential mechanisms of Epi’s beneficial effect on blood pressure, cardiovascular health and metabolic health in humans. \n\nTwenty healthy males aged 18-30 and 20 healthy males aged 40-60 will be recruited. Following recruitment participants will be randomised to either a placebo or Epi group (n=10 per group). Each participant will undergo 4 muscle biopsies, during which a small muscle sample will be taken from the thigh. Firstly, a biopsy will be taken in the morning following an overnight fast. The participants will then ingest 2 tablets, either Epi or placebo. Muscle biopsies will then be taken at 60, 90 and 120min after tablet ingestion. Blood samples (5 ml) will also be taken from a cannula in a forearm vein at regular time points during the protocol.\n
REC name
West Midlands - South Birmingham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/WM/0478
Date of REC Opinion
17 Jan 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion