Regulatory effect of epigallocatechin gallate on the expression of C-reactive protein and other inflammatory markers in an experimental model of atherosclerosis

The present study sought to evaluate the regulatory effect of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on C-reactive protein (CRP) and other inflammatory markers in rats fed an atherogenic diet. Male albino Wistar rats were divided into three groups of nine each. Group I (normal) rats on normal diet received an intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of physiological saline; group II (atherosclerotic-untreated) rats received an atherogenic diet for 45 days and daily i.p. administration of saline from days 31 to 45; group III (atherosclerotic-treated) rats received an atherogenic diet for 45 days and daily i.p. administration of EGCG (100mg/kg BW) from days 31 to 45 and were then euthanized. The biochemical parameter, CRP, and haematological parameters of inflammation (erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR], total leucocyte count [WBC], differential leucocyte count, platelet count) were determined. Immunoblotting and RT-PCR were employed to elucidate the CRP protein and its mRNA expression. Group II rats showed a significant increase in the mean serum CRP level, ESR and total WBC, platelet and differential leucocyte counts, when compared with corresponding values in group I rats. Significantly lower mean levels/counts of inflammatory markers were noted in group III rats than corresponding values in group II rats. Group II rats exhibited significantly higher mean values of CRP protein expression and relative transcript levels of CRP than group I or group III rats. These results suggest that EGCG, a major component of green tea catechins, may decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease by reducing inflammatory markers in rats fed an atherogenic diet.