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In Vitro and In Vivo Inhibition of Skin Matrix Metalloproteinases by Pothomorphe umbellata Root Extract
Author(s) -
Ropke Cristina D.,
da Silva Vanessa V.,
Kera Clarissa Z.,
Miranda Denise V.,
de Almeida Rebeca L.,
Sawada Tâia C. H.,
Barros Silvia B. M.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
photochemistry and photobiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.818
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1751-1097
pISSN - 0031-8655
DOI - 10.1562/2005-06-29-ra-596
Subject(s) - matrix metalloproteinase , in vivo , zymography , in vitro , chemistry , pharmacology , gelatin , antioxidant , biochemistry , traditional medicine , biology , medicine , microbiology and biotechnology
Exposure to UV radiation up‐regulates the synthesis of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a group of matrix‐degrading enzymes. MMPs are regarded as promising therapeutic targets and the development of effective inhibitors is an important research focus. The plant Pothomorphe umbellata has been shown to exert a potent antioxidant activity on the skin and to delay the onset and reduce the incidence of UVB‐induced chronic skin damage. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of P. umbellata ethanolic root extract on MMP‐2 and MMP‐9. The in vitro inhibition of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 was measured by gelatin zymography in the presence of different concentrations of P. umbellata extract, as well as in the presence of its isolated active principle 4‐nerolidylcatechol (4‐NC). The inhibitory effect of the P. umbellata extract was stronger than that of 4‐NC. Gelatin zymography and histo‐logical analysis revealed that P. umbellata was able to inhibit constitutive MMP‐9 activity in vivo in mice sacrificed 2 h after UVB irradiation. The intensity of the MMP‐2 band was unchanged. Our data contribute to the elucidation of the mechanism of prevention of photoaging by P. umbellata and may provide a rational basis for the use of this plant in prophylaxis against and treatment of skin cancer.