(-)-Epicatechin protects hemorrhagic brain via synergistic Nrf2 pathways.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

In the wake of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), a devastating stroke with no effective treatment, hemoglobin/iron-induced oxidative injury leads to neuronal loss and poor neurologic outcomes. (-)-Epicatechin (EC), a brain-permeable flavanol that modulates redox/oxidative stress via the NF-E2-related factor (Nrf) 2 pathway, has been shown to be beneficial for vascular and cognitive function in humans. Here, we examined whether EC can reduce early brain injury in ICH mouse models and investigated the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

ICH was induced by injecting collagenase, autologous blood, or thrombin into mouse striatum. EC was administered orally at 3 h after ICH and then every 24 h. Lesion volume, neurologic deficits, brain edema, reactive oxygen species, and prote

SUBMITTER: Chang CF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3984761 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature