Anti-inflammatory activity and possible mechanism of extract from Mikania laevigata in carrageenan-induced peritonitis.
OBJECTIVE
The aim was to test the potential use of an extract of Mikania laevigata (popularly known in Brazil as guaco), made from leaves harvested in different months of the year, on neutrophil migration after an inflammatory stimulus and investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms.


METHODS
We examined the effect of guaco on vascular permeability and leucocyte function in carrageenan-induced peritonitis in mice.


RESULTS
Our results demonstrated that guaco extract administered subcutaneously (3 mg/kg) decreased the vascular permeability and also leucocyte rolling and adhesion to the inflamed tissues by a mechanism dependent on nitric oxide. Specifically, inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase remarkably abrogated the guaco extract-mediated suppression of neutrophil migration to the inflammatory site. In addition, guaco extract-mediated suppression of neutrophil migration appeared to be dependent on the production of the cytokines interleukin-1beta and tumour necrosis factor-alpha. One of the major constituents of the guaco extract, coumarin, was able to inhibit the neutrophil migration towards the inflammatory focus.


CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion the anti-inflammatory effect induced by guaco extract may be by inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine production at the inflammatory site.
Alves
Claudiney F
CF
Laboratory of Molecular Biology, University of Uberaba, Av. Nenê Sabino, 1801, Uberaba Minas Gerais 38055-500, Brazil.
Alves
Vanessa B F
VB
de Assis
Izabel P
IP
Clemente-Napimoga
Juliana T
JT
Uber-Bucek
Elizabeth
E
Dal-Secco
Daniela
D
Cunha
Fernando Q
FQ
Rehder
Vera L G
VL
Napimoga
Marcelo H
MH
D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001938:Brazil; D002351:Carrageenan; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000187:drug effects; D003374:Coumarins / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D036904:Leukocyte Rolling / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D008519:Medicine, Traditional; D051379:Mice; D035742:Mikania / Q000737:chemistry*; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000378:metabolism; D010538:Peritonitis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018515:Plant Leaves; D012621:Seasons
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D003374:Coumarins; D010936:Plant Extracts; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D002351:Carrageenan; C030123:coumarin