Inhibitory effect of chlorophyllin on the Propionibacterium acnes-induced chemokine expression

J Microbiol. 2013 Dec;51(6):844-9. doi: 10.1007/s12275-013-3015-y. Epub 2013 Dec 19.

Abstract

Chlorophyllin (CHL), a chlorophyll-derivative, exhibits several beneficial properties, including antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. However, its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities against Propionibacterium acnes have not been described. The antibacterial activity of this compound was evaluated in vitro using the broth microdilution method. CHL had an inhibitory effect on the growth of P. acnes (MIC = 100 μM). In a real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, CHL significantly decreased interleukin-8 (IL-8) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) production in a dose-dependent manner, decreasing both mRNA and protein levels for these chemokines in THP-1 cells indicating the anti-inflammatory effects of it. To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory properties of CHL in THP-1 cells stimulated by P. acnes, we used western blotting to analyze the effect of CHL on activation of the nuclear factor (NF)-κB. CHL inhibited P. acnes-induced IL-8 and MCP-1 production via blockade of NF-κB activation in THP-1 cells. Therefore, based on these results, we suggest that CHL is a useful agent to control the growth of P. acnes involved in acne inflammation and prevent acne.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acne Vulgaris / genetics
  • Acne Vulgaris / immunology
  • Acne Vulgaris / microbiology
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Cell Line
  • Chemokine CCL2 / genetics
  • Chemokine CCL2 / immunology
  • Chemokines / genetics*
  • Chemokines / immunology
  • Chlorophyllides / pharmacology*
  • Down-Regulation / drug effects
  • Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / genetics*
  • Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / immunology
  • Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / microbiology
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-8 / genetics
  • Interleukin-8 / immunology
  • NF-kappa B / genetics
  • NF-kappa B / immunology
  • Propionibacterium acnes / drug effects*
  • Propionibacterium acnes / physiology

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • CCL2 protein, human
  • Chemokine CCL2
  • Chemokines
  • Chlorophyllides
  • Interleukin-8
  • NF-kappa B
  • chlorophyllin