(−)-Epicatechin, A Natural Flavanol Compound, Protects Against Acute Brain Injuries 

(−)-Epicatechin (EC) is a natural flavanol compound found at high concentrations in green tea and cocoa.¹ Recently, we and others reported that EC treatment was beneficial in animal models of ischemic stroke (caused by a blocked brain blood vessel),² hemorrhagic stroke (caused by a burst brain blood vessel),³ and traumatic brain injury (TBI).⁴ EC has been shown to protect nerve cells, or neurons, in a variety of acute and chronic brain disease models. Studies indicate that EC provides these benefits by reducing signals that cause oxidative stress (reactive oxygen species, or ROS).

One of the main therapeutic targets of EC is NF-E2-related factor (Nrf2), a protein that contributes to the manufacture of antioxidant genes. In mouse models of hemorrhagic stroke, also called intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), we showed that EC was able to lessen neurologic deficits and improve functional outcomes by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway.³ EC also reduced iron content in the brain, which is known to be detrimental, and reduced the amount of brain cell death. We confirmed the mechanism of action in isolated cells known as astrocytes, which are the major source of Nrf2 in the brain. We collected the astrocytes from mice⁵ and added the blood protein hemoglobin to simulate ICH.

Our results showed that EC inhibited ROS production by increasing Nrf2 in these astrocytes. Importantly, this beneficial effect was markedly decreased in astrocytes that did not have Nrf2 (Nrf2-deficient astrocytes). In the same cell culture model, EC was able to increase the content of several antioxidant genes, including superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), which is controlled by Nrf2. Another target of EC in the ICH brain might be activator protein-1 (AP-1). EC suppressed the signaling of AP-1 and caused a decrease in hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) in Nrf2-deficient astrocytes after hemoglobin exposure. HO-1 is known to be produced in response to oxidative stress. Interestingly, EC did not alter the HO-1 protein in normal astrocytes exposed to hemoglobin. HO-1 might have a toxic role early after ICH and the opposite (beneficial) role in the later stages of ICH.⁶ Our novel findings indicate that the effects of EC on HO-1 can be balanced by activation of Nrf2 and inhibition of AP-1.

In a mouse model of TBI, we found that EC improved short-term and long-term neuronal survival and functional outcomes.⁴ In this TBI model, EC reduced injury size, decreased brain fluid retention, and improved functional ability early after TBI. It further improved cognitive performance and reduced depression-like behaviors at a later stage. EC also increased Nrf2 activation and the production of Nrf2-regulated antioxidant proteins such as SOD1. The decreases in injury size and brain fluid retention by EC were not observed in the Nrf2-deficient mice. This finding strongly indicates that Nrf2 is a major target of EC after TBI.

In summary, EC is beneficial to the brain affected by stroke and traumatic brain injury. These findings indicate that EC has potential as an intervention for patients with acute brain injuries.

These findings are described in the article entitled (−)-Epicatechin, Natural Flavonoid Compound, Protects Astrocytes Against Hemoglobin Toxicity via Nrf2 and AP-1 Signaling Pathways, recently published in the journal Molecular Neurobiology. This work was conducted by Xi Lan, Xiaoning Han, Qian Li, and Jian Wang from The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. This work was supported by grants from NIH and AHA.

References:

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2. Shah, Z. A. et al. The flavanol (-)-epicatechin prevents stroke damage through the Nrf2/HO1 pathway. Journal of cerebral blood flow and metabolism : official journal of the International Society of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism 30, 1951-1961, doi:10.1038/jcbfm.2010.53 (2010).
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5. Lan, X., Han, X., Li, Q. & Wang, J. (-)-Epicatechin, a Natural Flavonoid Compound, Protects Astrocytes Against Hemoglobin Toxicity via Nrf2 and AP-1 Signaling Pathways. Mol Neurobiol 54, 7898-7907, doi:10.1007/s12035-016-0271-y (2017).
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