Activity of propolis compounds as potential MMP1 and MMP2 inhibitors by in silico studies in wound healing application

Context: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a critical role in wound healing, with higher levels seen in chronic wounds, delaying healing. Since ancient times, propolis has been widely used for traditional wound healing. However, there is still limited research on MMP1 and MMP12.

Aims: To evaluate new candidates of propolis compounds for targeting MMP1 and MMP12 using in silico studies supported by experimental screening using LC-MS/MS quadrupole-time of flight (QTOF).

Methods: Compounds in propolis were screened using LC-MS/MS QTOF. The 3D structure of all compounds in propolis and protein targets was prepared in Autodock and Biovia Discovery Studio. The molecular docking of all compounds in propolis was carried out using Autodock on PyRx 0.9. Drug-likeness and ADMET analysis of selected compounds in propolis with the lowest affinity were observed. Lastly, molecular dynamic simulations of the best compounds in propolis were conducted using the GROMACS 2020 package.

Results: Eleven flavonoid and phenolic compounds were identified in propolis using LC-MS/MS QTOF analysis. Molecular docking simulations showed that licoflavone A and pinostrobin exhibited the lowest binding affinity to MMP1 and MMP12, respectively. Molecular dynamic simulations revealed that licoflavone A formed a more stabilized complex with MMP1, while pinostrobin formed a more stabilized complex with MMP12 than the native ligand.

Conclusions: This study revealed new candidates for MMP1 and MMP12 inhibitors from propolis compounds that can enhance wound healing. It is hoped that the evidence gathered in this study provides crucial new information in exploring new wound-healing medications.