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Cytotoxic activity of Propionibacterium acnes and other skin organisms
Abstract:
Culture supernatants from four species of skin micro-organisms were tested against VERO (monkey kidney cells) and skin fibroblasts for cytotoxic activity. Cytotoxic activity was produced by the three species of Propionibacterium tested (P. acnes, P. avidum and P. granulosum), and this activity was highest when cultures were grown in the presence of glucose. In contrast, Staphylococcus epidermidis was devoid of cytotoxic activity whether grown in the presence of glucose or not. The agent responsible for the cytotoxic activity was heat stable, of low molecular weight and removable from supernatants by ether extraction. These properties, coupled with the finding that the levels of cytotoxicity are directly proportional to the concentrations of propionate measured in samples, suggests that propionate is the agent responsible for the cytotoxicity of the culture supernatants. Pure propionate and the salts of other carboxylic acids (CI to C5) were tested at the same concentrations and showed different degrees of cytotoxicity depending on their chain length. Propionate may have an important role in the aetiology of the disease acne vulgaris.
Insights
Propionibacterium species produce cytotoxic compounds in skin cultures, with activity highest when grown with glucose. These findings suggest propionate is responsible for cytotoxicity and may play a role in acne vulgaris.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Dermatology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Skin micro-organisms, including Propionibacterium species, are implicated in skin conditions.
- Cytotoxicity of microbial products can affect host cells like VERO cells and skin fibroblasts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cytotoxic activity of culture supernatants from skin micro-organisms.
- To identify the agent responsible for cytotoxicity and its potential role in acne vulgaris.
Main Methods:
- Testing culture supernatants from four skin micro-organism species against VERO cells and skin fibroblasts.
- Characterizing the properties of the cytotoxic agent (heat stability, molecular weight, extraction).
- Measuring propionate concentrations and testing pure propionate and other carboxylic acids.
Main Results:
- Three Propionibacterium species (P. acnes, P. avidum, P. granulosum) exhibited cytotoxic activity, enhanced by glucose.
- Staphylococcus epidermidis showed no cytotoxic activity.
- The cytotoxic agent was heat-stable, low molecular weight, ether-extractable, and identified as propionate.
- Cytotoxicity correlated directly with propionate concentration.
Conclusions:
- Propionate is the cytotoxic agent in Propionibacterium culture supernatants.
- Propionate's cytotoxic properties suggest a significant role in the aetiology of acne vulgaris.