Preclinical Validation of (+)-Epicatechin for the Treatment of Gulf War Illness
Abstract
In this project we propose to, Validate using an animal model of Gulf War illness (GWI), the capacity of (+)-epicatechin (Epi) to reverse neurological and skeletal muscle (SkM) mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress (OS) and loss of organ function. Aim 1 is to characterize using an animal model of GWI, changes in hippocampus and SkM function, mitochondria structure/function and OS related endpoints. A rat model of GWI will be used to characterize short and long-term changes in hippocampus and SkM mitochondria, OS (including redox control) and organ function. Animals will be exposed to the chemicals for 1 month and changes evaluated in hippocampus and SkM function sequentially for up to 1 year. Control animals will only be exposed to vehicles. Collected tissues will be used to assess for changes in structural, biochemical and functional mitochondrial and OS related endpoints. Aim 2 is to examine the capacity of (+)-Epi to reverse GWI related changes in hippocampus and SkM OS, mitochondria structure/function and organ function. Using the rat model of GWI and time points relevant for evaluation we will examine the capacity of (+)-Epi provided orally from 4 weeks to several months to mitigate OS, improve hippocampus and SkM mitochondria structure/function and organ function. As above, tissues will be collected to ascertain for changes in structural, biochemical and functional endpoints.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1111627
Entities
People
- Francisco Villarreal
Organizations
- University of California