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Published on: January 7, 2019
Protective effect of melittin against inflammation and apoptosis on Propionibacterium acnes-induced human THP-1
Woo-Ram Lee1, Kyung-Hyun Kim1, Hyun-Jin An1
1Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, 3056-6, Daemyung-4-Dong, Nam-gu, Daegu 705-718, South Korea.
Abstract:
Melittin is a cationic, hemolytic peptide that is the main toxic component in the venom of the honey bee (Apis mellifera). It has been used in treatment of various chronic inflammatory diseases. However, the cellular mechanism and the anti-apoptotic effect of melittin in Propionibactierium acnes (P. acnes)-induced THP-1 cells have not been explored. In the present study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic mechanism by examining the effect of melittin on P. acnes-induced THP-1 monocytic cells. THP-1 monocytic cells were stimulated by heat-killed P. acnes in the presence of melittin. The expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, NF-κB signaling, caspase family, and PARP signaling were measured by ELISA or Western blot analysis. The number of apoptotic cells and changes of cell morphology were examined using fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. Heat-killed P. acnes increased the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and cleavage of caspase-3 and -8 in heat-killed P. acnes-induced THP-1 cells. However, treatment with melittin inhibited the pro-inflammatory cytokines and cleavage of the caspase-3 and -8. Moreover, the cleaved PARP appeared after 8h of heat-killed P. acnes treatment and its cleavage was reduced by melittin treatment. These results demonstrate that 1.0×10(7) CFU/ml of heat-killed P. acnes induces THP-1 cell apoptosis and secretion of inflammatory cytokines. Also, administration of melittin significantly decreases the expression of various inflammatory cytokines in heat-killed P. acnes-treated THP-1 monocytic cells. In particular, melittin exerts anti-apoptotic effects against 1.0×10(7) CFU/ml of heat-killed P. acnes injury to THP-1 cells.
Insights
Melittin, a honey bee venom peptide, reduces inflammation and prevents cell death caused by Propionibactierium acnes (P. acnes) in THP-1 cells. This study explores melittin's anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects against P. acnes.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Melittin, a peptide from honey bee venom (Apis mellifera), is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
- The effects of melittin on Propionibactierium acnes (P. acnes)-induced inflammation and apoptosis in THP-1 cells remain largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic mechanisms of melittin in P. acnes-stimulated THP-1 monocytic cells.
- To elucidate the role of melittin in modulating pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion and apoptotic signaling pathways.
Main Methods:
- THP-1 monocytic cells were stimulated with heat-killed P. acnes in the presence or absence of melittin.
- Pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, NF-κB signaling, caspase family, and PARP signaling were assessed using ELISA and Western blot.
- Apoptosis was evaluated via fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry.
Main Results:
- Heat-killed P. acnes induced pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion and caspase-3/-8 cleavage in THP-1 cells.
- Melittin treatment significantly inhibited P. acnes-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine release and caspase activation.
- Melittin reduced the cleavage of PARP, an indicator of apoptosis, in P. acnes-treated cells.
Conclusions:
- Heat-killed P. acnes at 1.0×10(7) CFU/ml triggers apoptosis and inflammation in THP-1 cells.
- Melittin demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects against P. acnes-induced cellular damage.
- Melittin offers a potential therapeutic strategy for managing P. acnes-related inflammatory conditions.
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