Hemin activation abrogates Mycoplasma hyorhinis replication in chronically infected prostate cancer cells via heme oxygenase-1 induction

Mycoplasma hyorhinis (M. hyorhinis) lacks a cell wall and resists multiple antibiotics. We describe here the striking > 90% inhibitory effect of hemin, a natural inducer of the cytoprotective enzyme heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), on M. hyorhinis replication in chronically infected LNCaP prostate cancer cells. The role of HO-1 in interrupting M. hyorhinis replication was confirmed by HO-1-specific siRNA suppression of hemin-induced HO-1 protein expression, which increased intracellular M. hyorhinis DNA levels in LNCaP cells. Proteomic analysis and transmission electron microscopy of hemin-treated cells confirmed the complete absence of M. hyorhinis proteins and intact microorganisms, respectively, strongly supporting these findings. Our study is the first to our knowledge suggesting therapeutic potential for activated HO-1 in cellular innate responses against mycoplasma infection.

Automated summary

Hemin has a significant inhibitory effect on the replication of M. hyorhinis in chronically infected prostate cancer cells, with over 90% inhibition. This effect is mediated through the induction of HO-1 protein expression, leading to increased intracellular levels of M. hyorhinis DNA. The study suggests that activated HO-1 has therapeutic potential in cellular innate responses against mycoplasma infection.