MSF Enhances Human Antimicrobial Peptide β -Defensin (HBD2 and HBD3) Expression and Attenuates Inflammation via the NF- κ B and p38 Signaling Pathways.

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- κ B pathways. Furthermore, MSF treatment significantly reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF- α , IL-1 β , IL-6, and IL-8), also through p38 and NF- κ B 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.