Novel Topical Application of a Postbiotic, LactoSporin®, in Mild to Moderate Acne: A Randomized, Comparative Clinical Study to Evaluate its Efficacy, Tolerability and Safety

Acne vulgaris is a common skin disorder of pilosebaceous units. The therapy for mild-to-moderate acne includes topical antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide and retinoids. In this open-label, randomized monocentric study, we compared the efficacy of LactoSporin® 2% w/w cream with benzoyl peroxide in 64 male and female subjects with mild-to-moderate acne for three weeks. The efficacy parameters were evaluated based on the dermatologist visual assessment and instrumental measurements using Sebumeter® MPA580, Antera 3DTM and VISIA CR 2.2 and subject self-assessment questionnaires. Adverse events were recorded throughout the study period. In order to understand the mechanism of action and properties of LactoSporin, the pH stability, thermostability, antimicrobial activity and 5-alpha reductase activity were evaluated in vitro. A significant improvement was observed in the dermatological assessment of closed comedones (p < 0.0001), open comedones (p = 0.0069) and papules count (p < 0.0001) in comparison to the baseline in both LactoSporin and benzoyl peroxide groups. The antera analysis showed significant improvement in redness (p < 0.0001) and elevation (p < 0.0001) (small and medium) in both the treatment groups. The sebumeter analysis showed a significant decrease in sebaceous secretion (p < 0.0001) for LactoSporin, which resulted in reduced oiliness, pimples, acne spots and redness around the acne spot. The product was found to be safe without any irritancy. LactoSporin was stable at an acidic pH and temperature range of 70 to 90 °C, with antimicrobial activity against various pathogenic bacteria, including Cutibacterium acnes. It was also a potent inhibitor of 5-alpha reductase activity. Thus, it can be concluded that the efficacy of LactoSporin is equivalent to benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of mild-to-moderate acne lesions and better than benzoyl peroxide for reducing the sebaceous secretion and oily, greasy nature of the skin, implying its efficacy in other sebohorriec conditions.

Download Full-text

In vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Acne Drugs Against Skin-Associated Bacteria

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-019-50746-4 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Mark A. T. Blaskovich ◽

Alysha G. Elliott ◽

Angela M. Kavanagh ◽

Soumya Ramu ◽

Matthew A. Cooper

Keyword(s):

Antimicrobial Activity ◽

Resistant Bacteria ◽

Microbial Infection ◽

Antibiotic Resistant ◽

Drug Resistant Bacteria ◽

Cutibacterium Acnes ◽

Common Skin ◽

Sebum Production ◽

Resistant Strains

Abstract Acne is a common skin affliction that involves excess sebum production and modified lipid composition, duct blockage, colonization by bacteria, and inflammation. Acne drugs target one or more of these steps, with antibiotics commonly used to treat the microbial infection for moderate to severe cases. Whilst a number of other acne therapies are purported to possess antimicrobial activity, this has been poorly documented in many cases. We conducted a comparative analysis of the activity of common topical acne drugs against the principal etiological agent associated with acne: the aerotolerant anaerobic Gram-positive organism Propionibacterium acnes (recently renamed as Cutibacterium acnes). We also assessed their impact on other bacteria that could also be affected by topical treatments, including both antibiotic-sensitive and antibiotic-resistant strains, using broth microdilution assay conditions. Drugs designated specifically as antibiotics had the greatest potency, but lost activity against resistant strains. The non-antibiotic acne agents did possess widespread antimicrobial activity, including against resistant strains, but at substantially higher concentrations. Hence, the antimicrobial activity of non-antibiotic acne agents may provide protection against a background of increased drug-resistant bacteria.

Download Full-text

Effect of Blue Light and Photosensitizers on Cutibacterium acnes on Shoulder Periprosthetic Joint Infection Isolates

Journal of Bone and Joint Infection ◽

10.7150/jbji.46199 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 5 (4) ◽

pp. 187-197

Author(s):

Swati Bhargava ◽

Thomas Listopadzki ◽

Sara Diletti ◽

John K. Crane ◽

Thomas R. Duquin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antimicrobial Activity ◽

Photodynamic Therapy ◽

Blue Light ◽

Periprosthetic Joint Infection ◽

Acne Vulgaris ◽

Joint Infection ◽

Prosthetic Joint ◽

Highly Sensitive ◽

Cutibacterium Acnes

Abstract. Introduction: Cutibacterium acnes is gaining recognition as a leading pathogen after orthopaedic shoulder procedures. Photodynamic therapy, a combination of light and a photosensitizer, has demonstrated antimicrobial activity against C. acnes in the treatment of acne vulgaris. We sought to evaluate the effect of photodynamic therapy using blue light and photosensitizers on C. acnes isolates from shoulder prosthetic joint infections.Methods: C. acnes strains isolated from 19 patients with shoulder PJI were exposed to blue light alone (415 nm) or in combination with photosensitizers (fluorescein, riboflavin and demeclocycline). C. acnes strains were divided into 4 categories: Highly Sensitive (HS), Sensitive (S), Weakly Sensitive (WS), Resistant to blue light.Results: 13 of 19 C. acnes strains (68%) were S or HS to blue light alone. Of these 19 strains tested, 11 were tested with blue light and fluorescein or blue light plus riboflavin. Fluorescein (1 µg/mL) enhanced the effect of blue light in 6 of 11 strains (55%). Blue light plus riboflavin (10 µg/mL) resulted enhanced killing in 3 of 11 strains (27%), but produced a paradoxical photoprotective effect in 4 of 11 strains (36%), resulting in a net decrease compared to blue light alone. Demeclocycline, however, enhanced the effect of blue light in 16 of 17 strains (94 %).Conclusions: Blue light with the addition of photosensitizers killed C. acnes from periprosthetic shoulder infections in vitro, with demeclocycline having the most pronounced effect.

Download Full-text

Treatment of acne and acne-related scarring with fixed combination clindamycin phosphate and benzoyl peroxide gel (1.2%/3.75%) and tretinoin gel microsphere 0.06% in an Asian American transgender female

SAGE Open Medical Case Reports ◽

10.1177/2050313x20984038 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

pp. 2050313X2098403

Author(s):

Edidiong CN Kaminska

Keyword(s):

Benzoyl Peroxide ◽

Asian American ◽

Skin Diseases ◽

Fixed Combination ◽

Acne Vulgaris ◽

Topical Therapy ◽

The United States ◽

Clindamycin Phosphate ◽

Common Skin ◽

Group Post

Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin diseases in the United States and can affect any gender or ethnic group. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and scarring from acne can have a negative psychosocial impact on patients. Skin of color patients are particularly prone to PIH, as the dark marks left from acne may take several months to resolve, far after the acne has cleared. Here, we report a case of moderate acne with associated scarring in a transgender, Asian American female who was successfully treated with fixed combination topical therapy with clindamycin phosphate and benzoyl peroxide gel 1.2%/3.75% and tretinoin gel microsphere 0.06%.

Download Full-text

Characterization of Weissella viridescens UCO-SMC3 as a Potential Probiotic for the Skin: Its Beneficial Role in the Pathogenesis of Acne Vulgaris

Microorganisms ◽

10.3390/microorganisms9071486 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (7) ◽

pp. 1486

Author(s):

Marcela Espinoza-Monje ◽

Jorge Campos ◽

Eduardo Alvarez Villamil ◽

Alonso Jerez ◽

Stefania Dentice Maidana ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Immune Response ◽

Oral Treatment ◽

Acne Vulgaris ◽

Topical Administration ◽

In Vivo Studies ◽

Mice Model ◽

Cutibacterium Acnes ◽

Snail Helix Aspersa

Previously, we isolated lactic acid bacteria from the slime of the garden snail Helix aspersa Müller and selected Weissella viridescens UCO-SMC3 because of its ability to inhibit in vitro the growth of the skin-associated pathogen Cutibacterium acnes. The present study aimed to characterize the antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties of W. viridescens UCO-SMC3 and to demonstrate its beneficial effect in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Our in vitro studies showed that the UCO-SMC3 strain resists adverse gastrointestinal conditions, inhibits the growth of clinical isolates of C. acnes, and reduces the adhesion of the pathogen to keratinocytes. Furthermore, in vivo studies in a mice model of C. acnes infection demonstrated that W. viridescens UCO-SMC3 beneficially modulates the immune response against the skin pathogen. Both the oral and topical administration of the UCO-SCM3 strain was capable of reducing the replication of C. acnes in skin lesions and beneficially modulating the inflammatory response. Of note, orally administered W. viridescens UCO-SMC3 induced more remarkable changes in the immune response to C. acnes than the topical treatment. However, the topical administration of W. viridescens UCO-SMC3 was more efficient than the oral treatment to reduce pathogen bacterial loads in the skin, and effects probably related to its ability to inhibit and antagonize the adhesion of C. acnes. Furthermore, a pilot study in acne volunteers demonstrated the capacity of a facial cream containing the UCO-SMC3 strain to reduce acne lesions. The results presented here encourage further mechanistic and clinical investigations to characterize W. viridescens UCO-SMC3 as a probiotic for acne vulgaris treatment.

Download Full-text

Pro-Inflammatory and Neurotrophic Factor Responses of Cells Derived from Degenerative Human Intervertebral Discs to the Opportunistic Pathogen Cutibacterium acnes

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22052347 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (5) ◽

pp. 2347

Author(s):

Manu N. Capoor ◽

Anna Konieczna ◽

Andrew McDowell ◽

Filip Ruzicka ◽

Martin Smrcka ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Neurotrophic Factor ◽

Acne Vulgaris ◽

Opportunistic Pathogen ◽

Intervertebral Discs ◽

Disc Disease ◽

Gene Target ◽

Cutibacterium Acnes ◽

Pre Treatment

Previously, we proposed the hypothesis that similarities in the inflammatory response observed in acne vulgaris and degenerative disc disease (DDD), especially the central role of interleukin (IL)-1β, may be further evidence of the role of the anaerobic bacterium Cutibacterium (previously Propionibacterium) acnes in the underlying aetiology of disc degeneration. To investigate this, we examined the upregulation of IL-1β, and other known IL-1β-induced inflammatory markers and neurotrophic factors, from nucleus-pulposus-derived disc cells infected in vitro with C. acnes for up to 48 h. Upon infection, significant upregulation of IL-1β, alongside IL-6, IL-8, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 3 (CCL3), chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 4 (CCL4), nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), was observed with cells isolated from the degenerative discs of eight patients versus non-infected controls. Expression levels did, however, depend on gene target, multiplicity and period of infection and, notably, donor response. Pre-treatment of cells with clindamycin prior to infection significantly reduced the production of pro-inflammatory mediators. This study confirms that C. acnes can stimulate the expression of IL-1β and other host molecules previously associated with pathological changes in disc tissue, including neo-innervation. While still controversial, the role of C. acnes in DDD remains biologically credible, and its ability to cause disease likely reflects a combination of factors, particularly individualised response to infection.

Download Full-text

Association of Antimicrobial Susceptibility and Treatment Outcome in Acne Vulgaris Patients: A Pilot Study

Journal of Laboratory Physicians ◽

10.1055/s-0040-1720943 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (04) ◽

pp. 233-238

Author(s):

Ashvini K. Yadav ◽

Suneel Bhooshan ◽

Allen Johnson ◽

Dinesh P. Asati ◽

Shashwati Nema ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Treatment Outcome ◽

Antimicrobial Susceptibility ◽

Acne Vulgaris ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Care Hospital ◽

In Vitro Susceptibility ◽

Persistent Infections ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Cutibacterium Acnes

Abstract Purpose Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) is an emerging pathogen that is highly resistant to antibiotics and is capable of causing persistent infections that are difficult to treat. Methods & Materials Acne vulgaris patients visiting dermatology OPD of our tertiary care hospital during the study period of 2 months were recruited. Skin swabs were collected, and the sample was processed on 5% sheep-blood agar for anaerobic culture by the GasPak method. Isolates were identified by the standard biochemical test. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed for clinically relevant antibiotics by the E-strip method. The clinical response was evaluated after 1-month follow-up to the prescribed antibiotics. Results Minocycline, doxycycline, ceftriaxone, and tetracycline were the most effective antibiotics. Nonsusceptibility to clindamycin and erythromycin were observed in 11.9% and 31% isolates, respectively, with 9.5% isolates being nonsusceptible to both. For none of the antibiotics we found significant difference in the proportion of susceptible and nonsusceptible isolates between mild, moderate, and severe grades of acne vulgaris. For none of the antibiotic regimens, significant difference was observed between nonresponders and responders. Twenty-seven patients received clindamycin and among them 16 of 19 responders and 6 of 8 nonresponders yielded growth of clindamycin-susceptible isolates (p = 0.57). Conclusion We observed significant prevalence of resistant strains of C. acnes among patients with acne vulgaris. No association was observed between in vitro susceptibility results and treatment outcome.

Download Full-text

Phytochemical composition and in vitro screening of the antimicrobial activity of essential oils on oral pathogenic bacteria

Natural Product Research ◽

10.1080/14786419.2017.1329730 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 32 (5) ◽

pp. 544-551 ◽

Cited By ~ 27

Author(s):

Roberta Tardugno ◽

Federica Pellati ◽

Ramona Iseppi ◽

Moreno Bondi ◽

Giacomo Bruzzesi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antimicrobial Activity ◽

Essential Oils ◽

Pathogenic Bacteria ◽

In Vitro Screening ◽

Phytochemical Composition

Download Full-text

Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles by Punica Granatum Peel Extract and their Biological Activity on different Pathogenic Bacteria

NeuroQuantology ◽

10.14704/nq.2021.19.9.nq21135 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (9) ◽

pp. 38-45

Author(s):

Hussein H. Al-Turnachy ◽

Fadhilk. alibraheemi ◽

Ahmed Abd Alreda Madhloom ◽

Zahraa Yosif Motaweq ◽

Nibras Yahya Abdulla

Keyword(s):

Antimicrobial Activity ◽

Silver Nanoparticles ◽

Biological Activity ◽

Pathogenic Bacteria ◽

Punica Granatum ◽

Gram Positive ◽

Gram Negative ◽

Inhibition Zones ◽

Peel Extract

The present study was included the assessment of the antimicrobial activity of AgNPs synthesized by Punica granatum peel extract against pathogenic bacteria by testing warm aqueous P. granatum peel extract and silver nanoparticles. Punica granatum indicated potency for AgNP extracellular nanobiosynthesis after addition of silver nitrate (AgNO3) 4mM to the extract supernatant, in both concentrations (100mg and 50mg). The biogenic AgNPs showed potency to inhibit both gram-negative and gram-positive bacterial growth. Zons of inhibition in (mm) was lesser in gram-positive than gram-negative bacteria. The resulted phytogenic AgNPs gave higher biological activity than warm aqueous Punica granatum peel extract. The inhibition zone of the phytogenic AgNPs on E. coli reached 17.53, 22.35, and 26.06 mm at (0.1, 0.5, and 1) mg/ml respectively. While inhibition zones of Punica warm aqueous extract reached 5.33, 10.63, and 16.08 mm at the same concentrations. phytogenic AgNPs gave smaller inhibition zones in gram-positive than gram- negative. Cytotoxic activity of the phytogenic AgNPs was assayed in vitro agaist human blood erythrocytes (RBCs), spectroscopic results showed absorbance at 540 nm hemolysis was observed. In general, AgNPs showed least RBCs hemolysis percentage, at 1 mg/ml concentration, hemolysis percentage was (4.50%). This study, concluded that the Punica granatum peel extract has the power of synthses of AgNPs characterized by broad spectrum antimicrobial activity with cyto-toxicity proportional to AgNPs concentration.

Download Full-text

Apis andreniformis associated Actinomycetes show antimicrobial activity against black rot pathogen (Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris)

PeerJ ◽

10.7717/peerj.12097 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

pp. e12097

Author(s):

Yaowanoot Promnuan ◽

Saran Promsai ◽

Wasu Pathom-aree ◽

Sujinan Meelai

Keyword(s):

Antimicrobial Activity ◽

16S Rrna ◽

16S Rrna Gene ◽

Honey Bee ◽

Pseudomonas Syringae ◽

Xanthomonas Campestris ◽

Pathogenic Bacteria ◽

Rrna Gene ◽

Apis Andreniformis

This study aimed to investigate cultivable actinomycetes associated with rare honey bee species in Thailand and their antagonistic activity against plant pathogenic bacteria. Actinomycetes were selectively isolated from the black dwarf honey bee (Apis andreniformis). A total of 64 actinomycete isolates were obtained with Streptomyces as the predominant genus (84.4%) followed by Micromonospora (7.8%), Nonomuraea (4.7%) and Actinomadura (3.1%). All isolates were screened for antimicrobial activity against Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris, Pectobacterium carotovorum and Pseudomonas syringae pv. sesame. Three isolates inhibited the growth of X. campestris pv. campestris during in vitro screening. The crude extracts of two isolates (ASC3-2 and ASC5-7P) had a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 128 mg L−1against X. campestris pv. campestris. For isolate ACZ2-27, its crude extract showed stronger inhibitory effect with a lower MIC value of 64 mg L−1 against X. campestris pv. campestris. These three active isolates were identified as members of the genus Streptomyces based on their 16S rRNA gene sequences. Phylogenetic analysis based on the maximum likelihood algorithm showed that isolate ACZ2-27, ASC3-2 and ASC5-7P were closely related to Streptomyces misionensis NBRC 13063T (99.71%), Streptomyces cacaoi subsp. cacaoi NBRC 12748T (100%) and Streptomyces puniceus NBRC 12811T (100%), respectively. In addition, representative isolates from non-Streptomyces groups were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. High similarities were found with members of the genera Actinomadura, Micromonospora and Nonomuraea. Our study provides evidence of actinomycetes associated with the black dwarf honey bee including members of rare genera. Antimicrobial potential of these insect associated Streptomyces was also demonstrated especially the antibacterial activity against phytopathogenic bacteria.

Download Full-text