Purpose: This study aimed to explore the effects of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in critically ill patients using a mouse model.Methods: C57BL/6 mice were divided into control and EGCG groups (n=8 per group). The EGCG group received a 0.1% EGCG solution for 2 weeks, after which the mice were intraperitoneally injected with a lethal dose of lipopolysaccharide to induce acute endotoxic shock. Indirect calorimetry was performed for 24 hours. Changes in body weight, epididymal fat weight, and survival were measured, together with serum lipid levels, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) concentrations. The expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) was determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and its serum concentration was subsequently measured.Results: Indirect calorimetry showed a significant increase in fatty acid oxidation (P<0.0001) in the EGCG group, along with significant decreases in body weight and epididymal fat weight (P<0.01 and P<0.05, respectively). Survival did not differ significantly between groups (P=0.197). Serum lipid levels, IL-6, and SOD showed numerical differences, although these differences were not statistically significant. Furthermore, hepatic PGC-1α expression showed a tendency toward upregulation, and serum PGC-1α levels were significantly higher (P<0.05).Conclusion: EGCG stimulates endogenous lipid metabolism through PGC-1α activation and may suppress inflammatory responses; therefore, it may represent a potentially useful nutrient for acute nutritional therapy.
Irahara et al. (Mon,) studied this question.