Epicatechin prevents preeclampsia-associated hypertension and oxidative stress

Abstract

Preeclampsia (PE) is a frequent and dangerous multisystemic pregnancy complication, associated with blood pressure control. Some antioxidants, including chocolate-derived epicatechin, can effectively attenuate hypertensive disorders. Aim: This study aimed to assess whether epicatechin or dark chocolate (DC) could revert vascular increased reactivity and oxidative stress, both features of an experimental PE model. Methods: Rats from healthy pregnant or PE groups received vehicle, epicatechin (10 mg/kg/day) po, or DC (1 g) po, administered on days 1–14 (early) or days 7–21(late) of pregnancy. Blood pressure was measured by the tail-cuff plethysmography method. Aorta contractility was evaluated using a conventional isolated organ bath, and oxidative stress was determined by nicotine adenine dinucleotide phosphate reduced (NADPH) serum activity. Results: Epicatechin and DC significantly reduced hypertension, decreased abdominal aorta contractility, and decreased NADPH activity of the PE animals. The effects were more evident when administered during the last 2 weeks of pregnancy. Conclusions: Results suggest that epicatechin has a significant antihypertensive effect in PE mediated by an antioxidant activity that improves vascular contractility.