In vitro anti-inflammatory properties of Smilax campestris aqueous extract in human macrophages, and characterization of its flavonoid profile

PARRADO, ANDREA C.; FLOR, SABRINA A.; SACCODOSSI, NATALIA; CANELLADA, ANDREA; MANGONE, FRANCO M.; LOMBARDO, TOMÁS; RUGNA, ANA Z.; REY-ROLDÁN, ESTELA B.; SALAVERRY, LUCIANA S.; DOBRECKY, CECILIA B.; SOTELO, AGUSTINA D.; BLANCO, GUILLERMO

JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY

ELSEVIER IRELAND LTD

Año: 2020 vol. 247

0378-8741

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Extracts of Smilax campestris Griseb (Smilacaceae) have been employed in thetreatment of several inflammatory diseases as a traditional herbal medicine. However, the cellular and molecularmechanisms involved in the observed effects remain elusive. Macrophages are known to play a central role ininflammatory responses. These cells are activated in response to a diversity of danger signals and produce severalmediators of inflammation that eventually regulate the immune response. For all the above mentioned, scientificevidence is required to support the popular use of S. campestris.Aim of the study: We aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of S. campestris aqueous extract (SME) inactivated THP-1 human macrophages, on the production of some mediators of inflammation and oxidative stressin order to provide scientific support for its popular use.Materials and methods: The characterization of SME was assessed by HPLC-MS/MS. The production of the proinflammatorycytokines and chemokines was evaluated by ELISA. The activity of metalloproteases was evaluatedby zymography. The subcellular localization of the NF-κB transcription factor was analysed by Western blot. Thesuperoxide anion and glutathione levels were assessed by flow cytometry. The cytotoxicity induced by SME inTHP-1 macrophages was also investigated by the LDH release test.Results: In the present study, we have identified catechin and glycosylated derivatives of quercetin (quercetin-3-O-glucoside, quercetin-3-O-galactoside, rutin and quercetin-3-rhamnoside) as major components of the aqueousSME. We found that SME significantly decreased the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumournecrosis factor (TNF)- α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 and theactivity of the metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, in lipopolysaccharide-activated macrophages derived from themonocytic cell line THP-1. Furthermore, SME diminished the expression of NF-κB p65 subunit in the nuclear