Alterations in skeletal muscle indicators of mitochondrial structure and biogenesis in patients with type 2 diabetes and heart failure: effects of epicatechin rich cocoa

Taub et al., 2012 · Clinical and Translational Science

This clinical study reported improved skeletal-muscle mitochondrial structure and increased markers of mitochondrial biogenesis after epicatechin-rich cocoa in patients with type 2 diabetes and heart failure.

(-)-Epicatechin stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis and cell growth in C2C12 myotubes via the G-protein coupled estrogen receptor

Moreno-Ulloa et al., 2018 · European Journal of Pharmacology

In C2C12 myotubes, (-)-epicatechin stimulated mitochondrial biogenesis and cell growth, and the study implicated the G-protein–coupled estrogen receptor in that response.

A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study on the effects of (−)-epicatechin on the triglyceride/HDLc ratio and cardiometabolic profile of subjects with hypertriglyceridemia: Unique in vitro effects

Gutiérrez-Salmeán et al., 2016 · International Journal of Cardiology

Randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial in people with hypertriglyceridemia. The study reported preliminary favorable effects on glycemic homeostasis, lipid profile, and systemic inflammation, with parallel in vitro findings suggesting pathway-specific rather than generic antioxidant effects.

(-)-Epicatechin Is a Biased Ligand of Apelin Receptor

Portilla-Martínez et al., 2022 · International Journal of Molecular Sciences

This paper identifies (-)-epicatechin as a biased ligand of the apelin receptor, supporting a receptor-mediated signaling mechanism that may help explain some of its vascular and metabolic effects.

(-)-epicatechin activation of endothelial cell endothelial nitric oxide synthase, nitric oxide, and related signaling pathways

Ramírez-Sánchez et al., 2010 · Hypertension

This study found that (-)-epicatechin activates endothelial nitric oxide synthase and increases nitric oxide signaling in endothelial cells, helping define a plausible endothelial mechanism for vascular benefit.

The effects of (−)-epicatechin on endothelial cells involve the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER)

Moreno-Ulloa et al., 2015 · Pharmacological Research

The authors report that the effects of (-)-epicatechin in endothelial cells involve GPER, adding a specific receptor-linked explanation for observed vascular signaling responses.

Influence of the AT(2) receptor on the L-arginine-nitric oxide pathway and effects of (-)-epicatechin on HUVECs from women with preeclampsia

González-Garrido et al., 2013 · Journal of Human Hypertension

This study examined nitric oxide biology and arginase activity in plasma and endothelial cells from women with preeclampsia. It found altered L-arginine/NO signaling and showed that (-)-epicatechin reduced arginase and superoxide-related activity in HUVECs.

Acute effects of an oral supplement of (-)-epicatechin on postprandial fat and carbohydrate metabolism in normal and overweight subjects

Gutiérrez-Salmeán et al., 2014 · Food & Function

This human study assessed short-term metabolic effects of an oral (-)-epicatechin supplement after meals, reporting changes in postprandial fat and carbohydrate handling in normal and overweight participants.

(−)-Epicatechin induced reversal of endothelial cell aging and improved vascular function: underlying mechanisms

Ramírez-Sánchez et al., 2018 · Food & Function

This paper reports that (-)-epicatechin reversed several features of endothelial cell aging and improved vascular function, while also exploring the mechanisms behind those changes.

Beneficial effects of dark chocolate on exercise capacity in sedentary subjects: underlying mechanisms. A double blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial†

Taub et al., 2016 · Food & Function

In sedentary adults, dark chocolate intake improved exercise-related performance measures, including work achieved and VO2 max trends, with mechanistic data pointing toward mitochondrial efficiency and upstream signaling changes.

Cell membrane mediated (−)-epicatechin effects on upstream endothelial cell signaling: Evidence for a surface receptor

Moreno-Ulloa et al., 2014 · Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters

This paper provides evidence that (-)-epicatechin can trigger endothelial signaling through a cell-surface receptor mechanism, supporting membrane-initiated signaling rather than only intracellular antioxidant activity.

Browning effects of (-)-epicatechin on adipocytes and white adipose tissue

Varela et al., 2017 · European Journal of Pharmacology

This study found that (-)-epicatechin promoted browning-related changes in adipocytes and white adipose tissue, with associated improvements in mitochondrial function and thermogenic markers.

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