P-392 - (−)−Epicatechin modulates fatpads changes associated to a high-fatdiet in mice

Abstract

This work focuses on the effects of (-)-epicatechin (EC) on fat pads changes induced by high-fat (HF) diet. C57BL/6 male mice were divided in 4 groups receiving: control diet (10% calories from fat), HF diet (60% of calories), and these diets added with 20 mg EC/kg bw for 15 w. Even when caloric intake was not different among groups, HF increased mice weight. In white fat pads, inflammation (IL-6 and iNOS expression) and oxidative stress (gp91phox expression and MDA content) increases were associated with fat pad expansions. Adipocyte size was not different in HF respect to C group. On the other hand, HF diet induced expansion of aortic perivascular adipose tissue (aPVAT), with an increase of adipocyte size. Adipocytes/area were significantly lower in HF respect to C group. Changes in vacuolization patterns suggest a shift to white adipocyte phenotype, confirmed by a lower UCP-1 expression. All the observed changes in aPVAT were attenuated by EC. Since aPVAT dysfunction is relevant for hypertension and atherosclerosis, the effects of EC support an alternative nutritional strategy to avoid the progression of vascular dysfunction associated to the development of obesity.