Inactivation of prolyl hydroxylase domain (PHD) protein by epigallocatechin (EGCG) stabilizes hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1α) and induces hepcidin (Hamp) in rat kidney

► EGCG stabilizes HIF-1a in rat kidney and Hep3B cells. ► EGCG inhibits prolyl hydroxylase (PHD2) activity to HIF-1a, in vitro. ► EGCG promotes PHD2 and HIF-1 complex formation. ► EGCG forms covalent crosslinks with PHD2. ► EGCG induces hepcidin (Hamp) gene expression in rat kidney.