MSF Enhances Human Antimicrobial Peptide β-Defensin (HBD2 and HBD3) Expression and Attenuates Inflammation via the NF-κB and p38 Signaling Pathways
Anh Nguyen, Min Ho Kim, Ye-eun Kim, Hangeun Kim, Sanghyun Lee, Yunji Lee, Ki‐Young Kim
Abstract
Both defensin and inflammation are part of the human innate immune system that responds rapidly to pathogens. The combination of defensins with pro- or anti-inflammatory effects can be a potential research direction for the treatment of infection by pathogens. This study aimed to identify whether MSF (Miracle Synergy material made using Filipendula glaberrima), a probiotic lysate of Filipendula glaberrima extracts fermented with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum K8, activates the expression of human β-defensin (HBD2 and HBD3) to protect the host against pathogens and inhibit inflammation caused by S. aureus, in vitro with Western blot analysis, qRT-PCR and in vivo studies with a mouse model were used to evaluate the effects of MSF. The MSF treatment induced HBD2 and HBD3 expression via the p38 and NF-κB pathways. Furthermore, MSF treatment significantly reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8), also through p38 and NF-κB in S. aureus-induced inflammatory condition. MSF treatment remarkably reduced erythema in mice ears caused by the injection of S. aureus, while K8 lysate treatment did not initiate a strong recovery. Taken together, MSF induced the expression of HBD2 and HDB3 and activated anti-inflammatory activity more than the probiotic lysates of L. plantarum K8. These findings show that MSF is a potential defensin inducer and anti-inflammatory agent.