Differential biological activity of two extracts of ripe fruits of Carica candamarcensis Hook on human neutrophils

Abstract

We evaluated the effect of the total macerate (TM) and seed oil (SO) of mature Carica candamarcensis fruits, on the release of Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and the phosphorylation of MAPK in neutrophils. The antioxidant capacity of these extracts was evaluated by ABTS assay. Neutrophils stimulated with different dilutions of TM or SO were analyzed for cytotoxicity, MMP9 release, and MAPK phosphorylation, using trypan blue exclusion assays, zymography, and immunoblotting, respectively. Both extracts show antioxidant activity, being higher in TM; none presented cytotoxic effect. The 5% and 2.5% dilutions of TM significantly reduced MMP9 release, and all decreased MAPK phosphorylation. SO significantly increased the release of MMP9 and MAPK phosphorylation, the effect being greater when they were prestimulated with lipopolysaccharide.TM may have anti-inflammatory potential, while SO could have a priming effect that needs to be confirmed.