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Anti-atherogenic effects of (+)-catechin: A promising nutraceutical candidate

Yee-Hung Chan

(+)-Catechin, a naturally-occurring flavanol, has demonstrated multiple anti-atherogenic and anti-inflammatory properties in our previous studies using human monocytes/macrophages and in a short-term pilot study using wildtype mice fed High-Fat Diet (HFD). However, key questions yet to be answered are; does this anti-atherogenic activity expand to other key cell types implicated in data show that (+)-catechin significantly attenuates reactive oxygen species production in HUVECs and HASMCs, inhibits HASMC migration and has beneficial effects on HUVEC mitochondrial bioenergetic profile. Additionally, (+)-catechin feeding reduces fat pad weights, plasma triglyceride levels and aortic sinus plaque size. Pending further outcomes and later, regression studies, (to see if (+)-catechin can stimulate regression of existing plaques), the disease and can (+)-catechin attenuate disease progression and stimulate its regression in vivo in a model system of atherosclerosis? Firstly, to determine whether (+)-catechin can attenuate endothelial dysfunction, key associated parameters are being studied using Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) in a range of assays. To investigate the effect of (+)-catechin on vascular smooth muscle cell migration, Human Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells (HASMCs) were used to recapitulate migration in vitro, via a modified Boyden chamber method. Secondly, to determine whether (+)-catechin can attenuate atherogenesis and promote plaque stabilisation, low-density lipoprotein receptor knock-out (LDLr-/-) mice were fed HFD supplemented with (+)-catechin for 12 weeks; various tissues/organs were harvested to analyse the resulting plaque and disease risk factors.