A14070 EGCG attenuate cardiac hypertrophy in the hypertensive Dahl rats

Abstract

Objectives: The cardiac hypertrophy develops heart failure, which is caused by mechanical stress due to hemodynamic overload and reactive oxygen species. The epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG) has been reported that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects. We hypothesized that the EGCG might attenuate cardiac hypertrophy. Methods: Dahl salt-sensitive rats were randomized into three groups, high salt with high-dose EGCG group, high salt with low-dose EGCG group, and high salt without EGCG group. The high salt was given rats as food contained 8% NaCl and EGCG was dissolved in drinking water in EGCG groups. After four weeks, we assessed blood pressure, heart weight, left ventricular hypertrophy and cardiac function. Masson-trichrome staining, and Sirius red staining were examined for evaluation of myocardium fibrosis. The size of cardiomyocytes in histological sections was measured. TBARS assay of myocardium was also performed. Results: High and low EGCG rats showed that the strong tendency of suppression for cardiac hypertrophy. The heart weight/body weight ratio in EGCG rats was lower than that in control. (4.02 ± 0.06 vs. 4.53 ± 0.08 vs. 6.14 ± 0.35, P < 0.01) The cardiac hypertrophy was ameliorated significantly in EGCG rats, despite blood pressure were not significantly different among three groups. The oxidative stress of heart muscle was reduced by EGCG treatment in TBARS assay. Conclusion: The administration of EGCG for four weeks attenuated cardiac hypertrophy and reduced subsequent cardiac remodeling. Intake of EGCG may contribute to prevent heart failure due to cardiac dysfunction.