Acne bacterium may protect against skin disease

LUND, Sweden, Nov. 11 (UPI) -- Scientists at Lund University in Sweden have identified a skin bacterium which may help protect its human hosts from a variety of diseases.

The pathogen is called Propionibacterium acnes, and takes its name from being discovered on a patient with severe acne. However, its link to acne is currently unknown. Lund researchers say the proteins secreted by the bacterium may actually be beneficial.

In a study published in the journal Scientific Reports, a research team found that Propionibactrium acnes produces a protein known as RoxP, which helps protect against oxidative stress. A common cause of this condition is ultra-violet radiation from prolonged exposure to the sun, which damages cells in the skin. According to the study's authors, humans and the pathogen in question enjoy a mutually beneficial relationship during this phenomenon.

"This protein is important for the bacterium's very survival on our skin. The bacterium improves its living environment by secreting RoxP, but in doing so it also benefits us," researcher Rolf Lood explained in a press release.

Oxidative stress has been linked to a variety of skin diseases, including cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic inflammation and cardiovascular diseases.

Researchers studied the P. acnes by culturing the bacteria under strict anaerobic conditions, and noted RoxP expression. Lood and his team plan to conduct further studies involving humans and animal models. The team also hopes to learn more about the relationship between RoxP proteins and UV radiation.

"If the study results are positive, they could lead to the inclusion of RoxP in sunscreens and its use in the treatment of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis," Lood added.