Auraptene decreases the activity of matrix metalloproteinases in dextran sulfate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis in ICR mice.

Previously we reported that auraptene was a potent suppressant for matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-7 expression in HT-29 human colon cancer cells. In the present study, we examined the effects of auraptene on MMP-2, -7, and -9 expression in colonic mucosa from dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis mice. Auraptene remarkably suppressed the DSS-induced gelatinolytic activity of MMP-7 as well as the expression of MMP-2 and -9, suggesting that it might be useful in anti-metastatic therapies via the targeting of MMPs.