Impact of epicatechin on fibrin clot structure

Fibrin clot structure and function are major determinants of thromboembolic diseases. The study aim was to determine the impact epicatechin (a flavonoid with cardiovascular protective effects) on fibrin permeability. Plasma samples from 12 healthy subjects were incubated increasing concentrations epicatechin. Turbidity analyzed by absorbance measurement at 405 nm. nanostructure determined scanning spectrometry (wavelength 500 800 nm) fiber size electron microscopy. Permeability assess functional properties. Epicatechin addition increased maximum 0.34 ± 0.066 (vehicle) 0.35 0.077 (P = 0.1), 0.072 < 0.05) 0.065 0.5) for 1, 10 100 ?M epicatechin, respectively. radius (nm) 109.2 3.2 108.9 4.3 0.9), 110.0 3.6 109.5 3.3 0.4), distance between protofibrils 22.2 1.5 22.1 2.3 22.6 1.8 22.3 0.9) Electron microscopy confirmed these changes. permeability, expressed as Darcy's constant (Ks, cm2), 2.97 1.17 3.36 1.21 0.05), 3.81 1.41 0.01) 3.38 1.33 0.9). Upon addition, became less dense more permeable.