Epicatechin elicits MyoD-dependent myoblast differentiation and myogenic conversion of fibroblasts.

• Main Authors: Sang-Jin Lee, Young-Eun Leem, Ga-Yeon Go, Younhee Choi, Yoo Jin Song, Insol Kim, Do Yoon Kim, Yong Kee Kim, Dong-Wan Seo, Jong-Sun Kang, Gyu-Un Bae
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Public Library of Science (PLoS) 2017-01-01
• Series: PLoS ONE
• Online Access: http://europepmc.org/articles/PMC5383328?pdf=render

Prevention of age-associated reduction in muscle mass and function is required to manage a healthy life. Supplemental (-)-Epicatechin (EC) appears to act as a potential regulator for muscle growth and strength. However, its cellular and molecular mechanisms as a potential muscle growth agent have not been studied well. In the current study, we investigated a role of EC in differentiation of muscle progenitors to gain the molecular insight into how EC regulates muscle growth. EC enhanced myogenic differentiation in a dose-dependent manner through stimulation of promyogenic signaling pathways, p38MAPK and Akt. EC treatment elevated MyoD activity by enhancing its heterodimerization with E protein. Consistently, EC also positively regulated myogenic conversion and differentiation of fibroblasts. In conclusion, EC has a potential as a therapeutic or nutraceutical remedy to treat degenerative muscle diseases or age-related muscle weakness.