When: March 10^th @ 9:30am

Where: Lincoln High School Theatre

Who: FRANCISCO J. VILLARREAL, MD PhD, Professor of Medicine

Major areas of research include:

A) The effects that abnormal patterns of cardiac contraction have on myocardial inflammation and remodeling,

B) The cardioprotective effects of novel matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors (MMPi),

C) The cardioprotective actions of cocoa flavanols and,

D) The role that extracellular matrix deposition plays in the development of diastolic dysfunction in diabetic hearts.

Details on the cocoa flavanol project is as follows:

Dr. Villarreal’s laboratory has undertaken a project related to the characterization of the cardioprotective actions of cocoa flavanols on animal models of ischemia-reperfusion injury.  Epidemiological studies have shown a correlation between flavonoid-rich diets and improved cardiovascular prognosis. Cocoa contains large amounts of flavonoids, in particular flavanols (mostly catechins and epicatechins). Flavonoids possess pleiotropic properties that may confer protective effects to tissues during injury. We examined the ability of epicatechin to reduce short and long-term ischemia reperfusion (IR) myocardial injury. Our results indicate that epicatechin Tx confers cardioprotection in the setting of IR injury. The effects are independent of changes in hemodynamics, are sustained over the long-term, and are accompanied by reduced levels of indicators of tissue injury. Results warrant the evaluation of cocoa flavanols as possible therapeutic agents to limit ischemic injury.

Basically… he is trying to prove the health benefits of Chocolate- It really CAN be good for you and your cardiovascular (heart) health!  J

Please join us for this fascinating lecture!

Please RSVP you and your students to Mrs. Ogo by March 8^th