Abstract
Acne vulgaris is a common adolescent skin condition which is mainly caused by Propionibacterium acnes overcolonization and subsequent inflammation. Our previous studies have demonstrated that Cath-MH, an antimicrobial peptide from the skin of the frog Microhyla heymonsivogt, possesses potential antimicrobial, LPS-binding, and anti-septicemic properties. However, its protective effects and potential mechanisms against acne vulgaris are still unclear. In the present study, its anti-P. acnes effects were measured by two-fold broth dilution method, agglutination assay, scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy experiments. Its treatment potential for acne vulgaris was further evaluated in mice ear inoculated by P. acnes. In addition, the binding ability between Cath-MH and LTA was measured by the Circular Dichroism and antibacterial assay. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory efficiency of Cath-MH was evaluated in LTA- and LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Cath-MH was found to kill P. acnes with a MIC value of about 1.56 μM by membrane disruption mechanism. It also exhibited agglutination activity against P. acnes. Cath-MH was able to bind LTA as well as LPS, inhibit LTA/LPS-stimulated TLR2/4 expression, and subsequently decreased the inflammatory response in RAW 264.7 cells. As expected, Cath-MH alleviated the formation of edema and the infiltration of inflammatory cells in acne mouse model with concurrent suppression of P. acnes growth and inflammatory cytokines expression in vivo. The potent P. acnes inhibition activity combined with powerful anti-inflammatory effect of Cath-MH indicates its potential as a novel therapeutic option for acne vulgaris.
Highlights
Acne vulgaris is one of the most familiar chronic inflammatory skin conditions which affects 80–85% of adolescents globally (Cong et al, 2019; Habeshian and Cohen, 2020)
To determine the minimum concentration of Cath-MH causing bacterial death, minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was determined following the Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay. 10 μl of sample which exhibited no evident growth after 72 h incubation was inoculated onto brain heart infusion (BHI) agar plates
The results showed the Cath-MH-treated group with intense red fluorescence, which confirmed the majority of P. acnes with damaged membranes, while the untreated group showed intense green fluorescence which indicated with intact cell membrane (Figure 2D)
Summary
Acne vulgaris is one of the most familiar chronic inflammatory skin conditions which affects 80–85% of adolescents globally (Cong et al, 2019; Habeshian and Cohen, 2020). Anti-Acne Vulgaris Effects of Cath-MH initiating inflammation (Tanghetti, 2013; Cong et al, 2019). Besides skin pathogenic bacteria and inflammation, two other factors involved in this chronic inflammatory skin disease are the increased sebum production and follicular hyperkeratinization (Dréno, 2017). The long-term use of antibiotics may even induce bacterial resistance, which makes some antibiotics become ineffective for acne vulgaris (Nakase et al, 2014; Cong et al, 2019). It is essential to develop alternative therapeutic agents with fewer adverse effects and high efficacy (Habeshian and Cohen, 2020)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
