Antiulcer activity of anthocyanins from Rubus coreanus via association with regulation of the activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2.

Anthocyanins were extracted from the fruits of Rubus coreanus. Whether their antioxidant properties and antiulcer activity in gastric ulceration have been accompanied by the activation of matrix metalloproteainse-2 (MMP-2) was investigated. To assess the effect of anthocyanins on gastric ulcer, the rats were administered with anthocyanins (20, 50, and 80 mg/kg of body weight) before treatment with naproxen (80 mg/kg of body weight) to induce gastric ulceration. Lipid peroxidation and the activities of radical scavenging enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase were determined. The MMP-2 level was tested by zymography and Western blot. Anthocyanins of R. coreanus exhibit possible antiulcer activity in acute ulcer in a rat model by preventing lipid peroxidation and a significant increase in the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase. Also, anthocyanins induce activation of MMP-2 and attenuate the activity of the proinflammatory molecules, such as tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β.