(-)-Epicatechin induces mitochondrial biogenesis and markers of muscle regeneration in adults with Becker muscular dystrophy.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

We conducted an open-label study to examine the effects of the flavonoid (-)-epicatechin in seven ambulatory adult patients with Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD).

Methods

Seven participants received (-)-epicatechin 50 mg twice per day for 8 weeks. Pre- and postprocedures included biceps brachii biopsy to assess muscle structure and growth-relevant endpoints by western blotting, mitochondria volume measurement, and cristae abundance by electron microscopy, graded exercise testing, and muscle strength and function tests.

Results

Western blotting showed significantly increased levels of enzymes modulating cellular bioenergetics (liver kinase B1 and 5'-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase). Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivat

SUBMITTER: McDonald CM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7898288 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature