Perturbations in skeletal muscle sarcomere structure of heart failure and type 2 diabetes patients: Restorative effects of (-)-epicatechin-rich cocoa

We report severe perturbations in components of the dystrophin-associated protein complex (DAPC) as well as sarcomeric microstructure at baseline. ERC induced recovery/enhancement of DAPC protein levels, sarcomeric microstructure and in a coordinated fashion alterations in markers of skeletal muscle growth/differentiation consistent with myofiber regeneration. VO2 max increased (~24%) but did not reach statistical significance. These initial results warrant further rigorous investigation, since the use of ERC (or pure epicatechin) may represent a safe and novel means of improving muscle function.

Source: Clinical Science - May 3, 2013 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: P R Taub, I Ramirez-Sanchez, T P Ciaraldi, S Gonzalez-Basurto, R Coral-Vazquez, G Perkins, M Hogan, A S Maisel, R R Henry, G Ceballos, F Villarreal Source Type: research