Effects of (-)-epicatechin on myocardial infarct size and left ventricular remodeling after permanent coronary occlusion.

Objectives: We examined the effects of the flavanol (-)-epicatechin on short- and long-term infarct size and left ventricular (LV) structure and function after permanent coronary occlusion (PCO) and the potential involvement of the protective protein kinase B (AKT)/extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) signaling pathways.

Background: (-)-epicatechin reduces blood pressure in hypertensive patients and limits infarct size in animal models of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. However, nothing is known about its effects on infarction after PCO.

Cardiac uptake of minocycline and mechanisms for in vivo cardioprotection.

Objectives: The ability of minocycline to be transported into cardiac cells, concentrate in normal and ischemic myocardium, and act as a cardioprotector in vivo was examined. We also determined minocycline's capacity to act as a reducer of myocardial oxidative stress and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity.

Background: The identification of compounds with the potential to reduce myocardial ischemic injury is of great interest.

Short- and long-term effects of (-)-epicatechin on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Epidemiological studies have shown a correlation between flavonoid-rich diets and improved cardiovascular prognosis. Cocoa contains large amounts of flavonoids, in particular flavanols (mostly catechins and epicatechins). Flavonoids possess pleiotropic properties that may confer protective effects to tissues during injury.