Hyperforin blocks neutrophil activation of matrix metalloproteinase-9, motility and recruitment, and restrains inflammation-triggered angiogenesis and lung fibrosis.

Abstract

Hyperforin (Hyp), a polyphenol-derivative of St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum), has emerged as key player not only in the antidepressant activity of the plant but also as an inhibitor of bacteria lymphocyte and tumor cell proliferation, and matrix proteinases. We tested whether as well as inhibiting leukocyte elastase (LE) activity, Hyp might be effective in containing both polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) leukocyte recruitment and unfavorable eventual tissue responses. The results show that, without affecting in vitro human PMN viability and chemokine-receptor expression, Hyp (as stable dicyclohexylammonium salt) was able to inhibit in a dose-dependent manner their chemotaxis and chemoinvasion (IC50=1 microM for both); this effect was associated with a reduced expression of the adhesion molecule CD11b by formyl-Met-Leu-Phe-stimulated neutrophils and block of LE-triggered activation of the gelatinase matrix metalloproteinase-9. PMN-triggered angiogenesis is also blocked by both local injection and daily i.p. administration of the Hyp salt in an interleukin-8-induced murine model. Furthermore, i.p. treatment with Hyp reduces acute PMN recruitment and enhances resolution in a pulmonary bleomycin-induced inflammation model, significantly reducing consequent fibrosis. These results indicate that Hyp is a powerful anti-inflammatory compound with therapeutic potential, and they elucidate mechanistic keys.

• Authors: Isabella Dell'Aica, Raffaele Niero, Francesco Piazza, Anna Cabrelle, Luigi Sartor, Cristiano Colalto, Enrico Brunetta, Girieca Lorusso, Roberto Benelli, Adriana Albini, Fiorella Calabrese, Carlo Agostini, Spiridione Garbisa
• Journal: The Journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics (J Pharmacol Exp Ther) Vol. 321 Issue 2 Pg. 492-500 (May 2007) ISSN: 0022-3565 [Print] United States
• PMID: 17289834 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents
• Bridged Bicyclo Compounds
• Cyclohexylamines
• Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors
• Terpenes
• dicyclohexylamine
• Phloroglucinol
• hyperforin

Topics

• Animals
• Anti-Inflammatory Agents (pharmacology)
• Bridged Bicyclo Compounds (pharmacology)
• Cell Movement (drug effects)
• Chemotaxis, Leukocyte (drug effects)
• Cyclohexylamines (pharmacology)
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Enzyme Activation (drug effects)
• Humans
• Inflammation (complications)
• Male
• Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors
• Mice
• Mice, Inbred C57BL
• Neovascularization, Physiologic (drug effects)
• Neutrophils (drug effects, physiology)
• Phloroglucinol (analogs & derivatives, pharmacology)
• Pulmonary Fibrosis (etiology, prevention & control)
• Terpenes (pharmacology)