Planta Med 2009; 75(4): 327-329
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1112205
Letter
Pharmacology
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Differential Inhibition of Matrix Metalloproteinases-2, -9, and -13 Activities by Selected Anthraquinones

Claudia Wierzchacz1 , Enis Su1 , Jens Kolander2 , Rolf Gebhardt1
  • 1Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
  • 2Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biosciences, Pharmacy, and Psychology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

Received: October 4, 2008 Revised: October 27, 2008

Accepted: October 31, 2008

Publication Date:
16 January 2009 (online)

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Abstract

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play an important role in physiological and pathological matrix remodeling. Here, we report that the natural anthraquinones, emodin, emodic acid, chrysazin, physcion, and rhein differentially inhibit several members of this enzyme family, the gelatinases MMP-2 and -9, and the collagenase MMP-13. The IC50 values determined by measuring the activities of human recombinant catalytic domains of these enzymes varied in the micromolar range. Emodin and emodic acid most potently inhibited MMP-9 with IC50 values of 15 and 10 μM, respectively. With MMP-13, emodic acid was 3-times less potent than emodin which showed a similar IC50 value (13 μM) as chrysazin. These results are of interest in view of the widespread medicinal use of anthraquinones and their derivatives.

Abbreviations

DMSO:dimethyl sulfoxide

MMP:matrix metalloproteinase

TIMP:tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases

References

Rolf Gebhardt

Institute of Biochemistry

Medical Faculty

University of Leipzig

Johannisallee 30

04103 Leipzig

Germany

Fax: +49-341-972-2109

Email: rgebhardt@medizin.uni-leipzig.de