Abstract:
Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease of medium and large arteries that is associated with build up of lipids, cellular debris, and immune cells. Atherosclerosis and its complications are the underlying cause of cardiovascular diseases, such are myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular accidents, which account for most global deaths. It is expected that deaths from cardiovascular diseases will increase in the future because of rise in risk factors such as obesity and diabetes, particularly in developing countries. Current pharmaceutical therapies against atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease are not fully effective and associated with various adverse side effects. Nutraceuticals represent promising alternative agents in the prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases and potentially as adds-on with current pharmaceutical drugs. However, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the protective actions of nutraceuticals is relatively poor. (+)-catechin is a flavonoid present at high levels in cocoa, black grapes, apricots, almonds, and other plant-based foods. A prospective study of 34,492 participants demonstrated an inverse association between (+)-catechin intake and coronary heart disease. We have therefore investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-atherogenic actions of (+)-catechin using in vitro and in vivo model systems. (+)-catechin inhibited several pro-atherogenic processes in vitro such as the production of reactive oxygen species by macrophages, endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells, chemokine driven monocytic migration and macrophage proliferation and pro-inflammatory gene expression. In LDL receptor deficient mice fed a high fat diet, (+)-catechin inhibited plaque inflammation and produced a stable plaque phenotype associated with increase levels of smooth muscle cells and collagen. RNA-sequencing have identified several key (+)-catechin regulated genes and pathways. The studies suggest that (+)-catechin is a promising nutraceutical that needs to be investigated further in animal model systems and in clinical trials.
Audience take away notes?
- The audience will learn about how nutraceuticals, and particularly (+)-catechin, can prevent and treat cardiovascular disease.
- The research-led knowledge from the presentation will positively impact their jobs.
- The research could be used by other faculty to expand their research or teaching, particularly in relation to functional foods, nutraceuticals, and cardiovascular disease.
- The research could impact therapeutic options available in cardiovascular disease.
- The research could lead to further studies aimed at (+)-catechin in the prevention and treatment of heart disease.
