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The protective effects of melittin on Propionibacterium acnes-induced inflammatory responses in vitro and in vivo
Woo-Ram Lee1, Kyung-Hyun Kim1, Hyun-Jin An1
1Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu, South Korea.
Abstract:
Melittin is the main component in the venom of the honey bee (Apis mellifera). It has multiple effects including antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory activities in various cell types. However, the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of melittin have not been elucidated in Propionibactierium acnes (P. acnes)-induced keratinocyte or inflammatory skin disease animal models. In this study, we examined the effects of melittin on the production of inflammatory cytokines in heat-killed P. acnes-induced HaCaT cells. Heat-killed P. acnes-treated keratinocytes increased the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and Toll-like receptor 2. However, melittin treatment significantly suppressed the expression of these cytokines through regulation of the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. Subsequently, the living P. acnes (1 × 10(7) CFU) were intradermally injected into the ear of mice. Living P. acnes-injected ears showed cutaneous erythema, swelling, and granulomatous response at 24 hours after injection. However, melittin-treated ears showed markedly reduced swelling and granulomatous responses compared with ears injected with only living P. acnes. These results demonstrate the feasibility of applying melittin for the prevention of inflammatory skin diseases induced by P. acnes.
Insights
Melittin, a honey bee venom component, effectively reduces inflammation in skin models. It suppresses inflammatory cytokines by regulating key signaling pathways, showing potential for treating inflammatory skin diseases.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Melittin, the primary component of honey bee venom (Apis mellifera), exhibits diverse biological activities, including anti-inflammatory effects.
- The precise anti-inflammatory mechanisms of melittin in Propionibactierium acnes (P. acnes)-induced skin inflammation models remain largely unelucidated.
- P. acnes is a key factor in the pathogenesis of inflammatory skin conditions like acne vulgaris.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of melittin in P. acnes-induced keratinocyte and animal models of inflammatory skin disease.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying melittin's anti-inflammatory action in the context of P. acnes infection.
Main Methods:
- HaCaT keratinocytes were stimulated with heat-killed P. acnes to induce inflammatory responses.
- Melittin treatment was applied to assess its impact on pro-inflammatory cytokine and Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) expression.
- NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways were analyzed to understand melittin's regulatory effects.
- A mouse model was utilized, involving intradermal injection of live P. acnes into the ear, followed by melittin treatment.
Main Results:
- Heat-killed P. acnes significantly upregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines and TLR2 in keratinocytes.
- Melittin treatment markedly suppressed the expression of these inflammatory mediators by modulating NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways.
- In the mouse model, melittin administration significantly reduced P. acnes-induced ear swelling and granulomatous responses.
Conclusions:
- Melittin demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory properties against P. acnes-induced skin inflammation.
- The therapeutic effects of melittin involve the regulation of NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways.
- Melittin holds promise as a potential therapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory skin diseases associated with P. acnes.
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