Structurally Related Monoterpenes p-Cymene, Carvacrol and Thymol Isolated from Essential Oil from Leaves of Lippia sidoides Cham. (Verbenaceae) Protect Mice against Elastase-Induced Emphysema

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Games, Ellen ; Guerreiro, Marina ; Santana, Fernanda R. ; Pinheiro, Nathalia M. ; de Oliveira, Emerson A. ; Lopes, Fernanda D. T. Q. S. ; Olivo, Clarice R. ; Tiberio, Iolanda F. L. C. ; Martins, Milton A. ; Lago, Joao Henrique G. ; Prado, Carla M.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Molecules; v. 21, n. 10 OCT 2016.
• Web of Science Citations: 8

Abstract

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by irreversible airflow obstruction and inflammation. Natural products, such as monoterpenes, displayed anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities and can be used as a source of new compounds to COPD treatment. Our aim was to evaluate, in an elastase-induced pulmonary emphysema in mice, the effects of and underlying mechanisms of three related natural monoterpenes (p-cymene, carvacrol and thymol) isolated from essential oil from leaves Lippia sidoides Cham. (Verbenaceae). Methods: Mices received porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) and were treated with p-cymene, carvacrol, thymol or vehicle 30 min later and again on 7th, 14th and 28th days. Lung inflammatory profile and histological sections were evaluated. Results: In the elastase-instilled animals, the tested monoterpenes reduced alveolar enlargement, macrophages and the levels of IL-1 beta, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-17 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and collagen fibers, MMP-9 and p-65-NF-kappa B-positive cells in lung parenchyma (p < 0.05). All treatments attenuated levels of 8-iso-PGF2 alpha but only thymol was able to reduced exhaled nitric oxide (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Monoterpenes p-cymene, carvacrol and thymol reduced lung emphysema and inflammation in mice. No significant differences among the three monoterpenes treatments were found, suggesting that the presence of hydroxyl group in the molecular structure of thymol and carvacrol do not play a central role in the anti-inflammatory effects. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/11936-2 - Use of chemodiversity of plant species in remaining areas of Atlantic Forest from São Paulo State in the selection of biologically active prototypes
• Grantee: João Henrique Ghilardi Lago
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 14/25689-4 - Effects of cholinergic system in acute and chronic pulmonary inflammation
• Grantee: Carla Máximo Prado
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 11/51739-0 - Sustainable use of biodiversity in Atlantic Forest remnants in São Paulo: evaluation, isolation and molecular characterization of bioactive secondary metabolites in plant species
• Grantee: João Henrique Ghilardi Lago
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 13/02881-4 - Effects of cholinergic function deficiency on pulmonary mechanics and histopathology in an experimental model of acute inflammation induced by LPS instillation in genetically modified mice
• Grantee: Nathalia Montouro Pinheiro Menegasso
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)