EFFECTS OF 3'-HYDROXYFARREROL (IDB-1031), A NOVEL FLAVONOID AGENT, ONPHAGOCYTE PRODUCTS

The novel flavonoid compound 3'-hydroxyfarrerol (IdB 1031) was tested in a number of in vitro experiments in order to ascertain its effects on some functions and products of human phagocytes. We found that IdB 1031 did not depress neutrophil phagocytosis and chemotaxis, whereas a t a concentration of 10(-4) M it significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the fMLP-triggered neutrophil production of superoxide anion. At the same concentration, the compound decreased the release of neutrophil elasta se and myeloperoxidase from neutrophils (p < 0.05). We also found evid ence that IdB 1031 is a non competitive, reversible inhibitor of human neutrophil elastase (K-i 200 mu m) Finally, IdB 1031 at the concentra tion of 10(-5) M significantly reduced the release of tumor necrosis f actor-alpha and interleukin-8 from monocytes (p < 0.05). We conclude t hat in spite of the moderate activity displayed by IdB 1031, these fin dings add to our current knowledge on the spectrum of the antiinflamma tory activities of flavonoids.