Medical-Grade Mānuka Honey and Mānuka Honey Extract Inhibit Mast Cell Degranulation through inhibition of MRGPRX2 expression: Potential Intravesical Agent for the Management of Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome?
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Rationale
Neurogenic inflammation is recognised as an important contributor to the pathophysiology of Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS). Substance P (Sub P), a neuropeptide released from sensory nerves, is a potent inducer of mast cell degranulation through the Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor member X2 (MRGPRX2), resulting in the release of pro-inflammatory mediators that perpetuate chronic bladder inflammation. Medihoney, a medical-grade Mānuka honey, possesses well-established antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, and we have recently demonstrated its ability to stabilise mast cells through inhibition of histamine release. However, its effects on Sub P-induced mast cell activation and MRGPRX2-mediated neurogenic inflammation have not previously been investigated.
Aim of the study
We aimed to investigate the inhibitory effects of Medihoney and a sugar-free Mānuka honey extract on Substance P-induced mast cell degranulation and MRGPRX2 activation as potential therapeutic approaches for chronic neurogenic inflammation associated with IC/BPS. In addition, we examined the expression of MRGPRX2 in bladder biopsies from patients with IC/BPS.
Materials and methods
Human LAD2 mast cells were stimulated with Substance P (1 μM) for 40 minutes following 20-minute pre-incubation with Medihoney or a sugar-free Mānuka honey extract. Mast cell degranulation was quantified by measuring β-hexosaminidase release. MRGPRX2 activation was assessed by intracellular calcium imaging using Fluo-4 in MRGPRX2-expressing HEK-293 cells. Bladder biopsies obtained from patients with IC/BPS and healthy controls were immunostained for mast cell tryptase, chymase and MRGPRX2.
Results
Medihoney at 2% and 4% markedly inhibited Substance P-induced mast cell degranulation in LAD2 cells by approximately 90%, an effect that was similarly observed with the sugar-free Mānuka honey extract. Both preparations produced a dose-dependent inhibition of Substance P-induced intracellular signalling in MRGPRX2-expressing HEK-293 cells, demonstrating suppression of MRGPRX2 activation. Furthermore, immunohistochemical analysis of bladder biopsies revealed that approximately 66% of tryptase-positive mast cells expressed MRGPRX2 in patients with IC/BPS, which was significantly higher than that observed in healthy control tissues (25%).
Conclusion
The present study demonstrates that mast cells within IC/BPS bladder tissue express increased levels of MRGPRX2, suggesting enhanced responsiveness to Substance P and supporting a role for neurogenic inflammation in the pathophysiology of IC/BPS. Medihoney and the sugar-free Mānuka honey extract significantly inhibit Substance P-induced mast cell degranulation through modulation of MRGPRX2-mediated intracellular signalling, highlighting their potential as novel therapeutic agents for reducing neurogenic bladder inflammation associated with IC/BPS.
Impact
This study provides evidence that MRGPRX2-mediated neurogenic mast cell activation is enhanced in IC/BPS and demonstrates, for the first time, that Medihoney and a sugar-free Mānuka honey extract effectively inhibit Substance P-induced mast cell degranulation through modulation of MRGPRX2 signalling. These findings provide new mechanistic insight into the anti-inflammatory actions of Mānuka honey-derived preparations and identify MRGPRX2 as a potential therapeutic target in IC/BPS. The observed inhibition of neurogenic mast cell activation suggests that these naturally derived preparations may offer a novel strategy for limiting chronic bladder inflammation. Overall, this work provides a foundation for future preclinical and clinical studies evaluating the safety and therapeutic efficacy of Medihoney and Mānuka honey-derived compounds in patients with IC/BPS.
