Protective effects of epicatechin on the oxidation and N-nitrosamine formation of oxidatively stressed myofibrillar protein

ABSTRACT The present study investigated the protective effects of the polyphenol epicatechin on the protein structural changes, gel properties and N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) formation of oxidatively stressed myofibrillar protein (MP). Results showed that oxidation treatments to MP significantly increased their carbonyl content and surface hydrophobicity as compared to the control groups (p < 0.05). Epicatechin inhibited protein carbonyl content and surface hydrophobicity, especially treated with 2 mM epicatechin. Under oxidative conditions, the fluorescence intensity of tryptophan gradually decreased with the increase of epicatechin concentrations from 0 to 2 mM. The storage modulus (G’) was increased gradually after oxidation and epicatechin treatment. Epicatechin reduced the loss of P22 and water holding capacity (WHC), promoted the hydration of the proteins. Under oxidative conditions, epicatechin had a concentration dependent effect on the formation of NDEA; low concentrations of epicatechin promoted NDEA formation, while high concentrations inhibited NDEA production. In conclusion, an appropriate quantity of polyphenols can inhibit the oxidation of MP and formation of N-nitrosamines