Anti-inflammatory Effects of (-)-Epicatechin in Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Raw 264.7 Macrophages

Purpose: To investigate the protective effects of (-)-epicatechin on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in Raw 264.7 murine macrophages and the possible underlying mechanisms. Methods: The effects of epicatechin on LPS-stimulated production of inflammatory mediators in Raw 264.7 cells were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Epicatechin in doses of 5, 25 and 50 mu M remarkably (p < 0.05) inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory mediators including nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE(2)), as well as the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL)-6 in LPS-induced Raw 264.7 macrophages. Conclusion: The results suggest that epicatechin can inhibit inflammatory response and may be a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases.