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Propionibacterium acnes-killed attenuates the inflammatory response and protects mice from sepsis by modulating

José Bruno Nunes Ferreira da Silva1, Samara Kelly Mendonça de Oliveira, Ingrid Araújo Campos

  • 1Laboratory Bioassays for Research of Drugs, Department of Antibiotics, Biological Science Center, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil.

The Brazilian Journal of Infectious Diseases : an Official Publication of the Brazilian Society of Infectious Diseases
|January 8, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Propionibacterium acnes-killed treatment significantly improved survival rates in a sepsis model. This sepsis treatment reduced inflammatory markers and bacterial load, highlighting its protective effects.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Microbiology
  • Sepsis Research

Background:

  • Sepsis is a life-threatening systemic inflammation triggered by infection.
  • High mortality rates associated with sepsis underscore the need for effective treatments.
  • Pathogenic microorganisms are the primary cause of sepsis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the protective effects of Propionibacterium acnes-killed against polymicrobial sepsis.
  • To assess the impact of P. acnes-killed on survival rates and inflammatory responses in a sepsis model.

Main Methods:

  • Mice were prophylactically treated with P. acnes-killed via intramuscular injection before inducing sepsis through cecal ligation and puncture (CLP).
  • Survival was monitored, and peritoneal lavage fluid was analyzed for neutrophil migration, bacterial counts, and cytokine levels (TNF-α, MCP-1, IL-6, IL-10) six hours post-CLP.

Main Results:

  • Prophylactic P. acnes-killed administration significantly increased animal survival following CLP.
  • Treatment led to reduced levels of TNF-α, IL-10, and MCP-1 in peritoneal lavage.
  • P. acnes-killed decreased bacterial counts and enhanced leukocyte, particularly neutrophil, migration into the peritoneal cavity.

Conclusions:

  • P. acnes-killed demonstrates significant potential in increasing survival rates for sepsis.
  • The immunomodulatory properties of P. acnes-killed contribute to better control of infection and reduced inflammation.
  • Reduced bacterial load and enhanced immune cell migration are key mechanisms behind P. acnes-killed's protective effects in sepsis.

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