title: Mediterranean diet and cardioprotection: wild artichoke inhibits metalloproteinase 9.
abstract: Metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc-dependent endopeptidases responsible for the hydrolysis of various component of extracellular matrix such as gelatin and collagen. MMPs, namely MMP-2 and MMP-9 correlate with cardiovascular events in patients. We sought to determine whether supplementation with polyphenol-rich Cynara cardunculus (wild artichoke, traditional component of the Mediterranean diet) modulates MMP-9 expression and activity in cell cultures. A fully characterized C. cardunculus extract was able to inhibit, in a dose-dependent manner, the gelatinolytic activity of secreted MMP-9 and both secretion and human MMP-9 promoter-driven transcription. Analysis by HPLC of the Cynara extract identified polyphenols such as luteolin, apigenin, and caffeic acid, among others. However, testing a mix of the individual components suggested that the inhibitory effects of C. cardunculus are due to minor constituent fraction(s) as a whole. In promoting the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet, the role of wild plants as important meal components deserves further reappraisal.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacological Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bellosta
authors.forename: Paola
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bogani
authors.forename: Monica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Canavesi
authors.forename: Claudio
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Galli
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Visioli
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016466:CHO Cells; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D006224:Cricetinae; D003412:Cricetulus; D031942:Cynara / Q000737:chemistry*; D038441:Diet, Mediterranean; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005419:Flavonoids / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005638:Fruit / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D061965:Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; D010636:Phenols / Q000494:pharmacology*; D059808:Polyphenols
chemical_list: D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D005419:Flavonoids; D061965:Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; D010636:Phenols; D059808:Polyphenols