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Milmed Yeast Alters the LPS-Induced M1 Microglia Cells to Form M2 Anti-Inflammatory Phenotype
Federica Armeli1, Beatrice Mengoni1, Elisa Maggi1
1Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Corso della Repubblica 79, 04100 Latina, Italy.
Abstract:
Microglial cells polarized towards a proinflammatory phenotype are considered the main cellular players of neuroinflammation, underlying several neurodegenerative diseases. Many studies have suggested that imbalance of the gut microbial composition is associated with an increase in the pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress that underlie chronic neuroinflammatory diseases, and perturbations to the gut microbiota were detected in neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. The importance of gut-brain axis has been uncovered and the relevance of an appropriate microbiota balance has been highlighted. Probiotic treatment, rebalancing the gut microbioma, may reduce inflammation. We show that Milmed yeast, obtained from S. cerevisiae after exposure to electromagnetic millimeter wavelengths, induces a reversal of LPS-M1 polarized microglia towards an anti-inflammatory phenotype, as demonstrated morphologically by the recovery of resting phenotype by microglia, by the decrease in the mRNAs of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and in the expression of iNOS. Moreover, Milmed stimulated the secretion of IL-10 and the expression of Arginase-1, cell markers of M2 anti-inflammatory polarized cells. The present findings data suggest that Milmed may be considered to be a probiotic with diversified anti-inflammatory activity, capable of directing the polarization of microglial cells.
Insights
Milmed yeast, a novel probiotic, reverses pro-inflammatory microglial activation. This finding suggests potential for treating neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases by rebalancing gut microbiota and reducing inflammatory cytokines.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Microglia play a key role in neuroinflammation, a factor in neurodegenerative diseases.
- Gut microbiota imbalance is linked to increased pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress, impacting chronic neuroinflammatory conditions.
- The gut-brain axis highlights the importance of microbiota balance for neurological health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of Milmed yeast on microglial cells.
- To determine if Milmed can reverse the pro-inflammatory M1 polarization of microglia.
Main Methods:
- Milmed yeast, derived from *S. cerevisiae* exposed to millimeter wavelengths, was used.
- LPS-M1 polarized microglia were treated with Milmed.
- Microglial phenotype, mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, iNOS expression, IL-10 secretion, and Arginase-1 expression were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Milmed induced a morphological recovery of microglia towards a resting phenotype.
- Milmed decreased mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) and iNOS expression.
- Milmed stimulated the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and increased Arginase-1 expression.
Conclusions:
- Milmed yeast demonstrates diversified anti-inflammatory activity.
- Milmed can direct microglial polarization from a pro-inflammatory (M1) to an anti-inflammatory (M2) phenotype.
- Milmed shows potential as a probiotic for managing neuroinflammation and related diseases.
