Perturbations in skeletal muscle sarcomere structure in patients with heart failure and Type 2 diabetes: restorative effects of (−)-epicatechin-rich cocoa
Published May 2013
In this three-month pilot clinical study, five patients with heart failure and Type 2 diabetes with limited mobility were given (-)-epicatechin-enriched cocoa.
Note that the formulation and dosage of (-)-epicatechin used in this clinical study are relevant to our key ingredient, Mitokatylst™ in the product Mitokatylst™ – E.
Analysis and testing including exercise on a treadmill using the Bruce protocol and skeletal muscle biopsies. Western blot analysis, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy.
Key Takeaways
- After 12 weeks of the administration of (-)-epicatechin-rich cocoa, all test subjects demonstrated a notable recovery of skeletal muscle markers of mitochondrial biogenesis and cristae abundance indicating possibly improved bioenergetics.
- Significant improvements were observed in the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (connected to cardiovascular health) levels) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) (signaling heart stress or failure).
- The baseline showed a severe perturbation of sarcomere microstructure which was restored with treatment.
Authors
Pam R Taub, Israel Ramirez-Sanchez, Theodore P Ciaraldi, Silvia Gonzalez-Basurto, Ramon Coral-Vazquez, Guy Perkins, Michael Hogan, Alan S Maisel, Robert R Henry, Guillermo Ceballos, Francisco Villarreal