A Novel Mucidosphaerium sp. Downregulates Inflammatory Gene Expression in Skin and Articular Cells

Hot-spring therapy is occasionally used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Microorganisms might contribute to the anti-inflammatory functions seen in thermal mud therapies. Natural microorganisms, derived from traditional spa resorts, could be useful as a preventive strategy for alternative medical applications.

The aim of the study was to find effective microalgae from prominent hot springs to use for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

The research team performed an in-vitro study. Microalgae, derived from Beppu hot springs, were isolated and homogeneously cultured.

The study took place at the Saravio Central Institute at Saravio Cosmetics in Oita, Japan and the Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology in the Graduate School of Agriculture at Shinshu University in Nagano, Japan.

For identification, the 18S ribosomal RNA genes of microalgae were investigated by DNA sequencing and homology search, together with microscopic observation.

To examine the pharmacological activities of the algal extracts, real-time polymerase chain reactions were performed, using either primary dermal fibroblasts (DFs), dermal papilla cells (DPCs), or fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs). To test the antioxidant activity, both the oxygen radical absorbance capacity and the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were evaluated.

A novel strain of green algae, Mucidosphaerium sp., was isolated from a Beppu hot spring. The algal extract downregulated gene-expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor- alpha (TNF-α), in various primary cells pre-exposed to IL-1β. The protein level of the risk factors was concomitantly reduced. In addition, the algal extract suppressed the IL-1β-induced upregulation of cyclooxygenase-2, nerve growth factor, and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and MMP-3 in DFs. It also inhibited that of MMP-1, -3, and -9 in FLSs. Moreover, the extract inhibited total MMP protease activities. The microalgae decreased the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in FLSs with an antioxidant activity of 178.3 ± 0.9 μmol of trolox equivalent/g.

The present study showed that the novel Mucidosphaerium sp., derived from a Beppu hot spring, suppressed inflammatory reactions in both cutaneous and articular cells, partly due to its antioxidative properties. The novel algal strain may be a useful tool as an alternative medicine for skin and joint inflammatory disorders.