Study of photodymanic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT) on C. albicans and low lev...
| Grant number: | 14/19677-3 |
| Support type: | Regular Research Grants |
| Duration: | December 01, 2014 - May 31, 2017 |
| Field of knowledge: | Engineering - Biomedical Engineering |
| Principal Investigator: | Maricilia Silva Costa |
| Grantee: | Maricilia Silva Costa |
| Home Institution: | Instituto de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento (IP&D). Universidade do Vale do Paraíba (UNIVAP). São José dos Campos , SP, Brazil |
Abstract
The use of Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) on both inflammatory process and pain has been suggested as an alternative to the conventional therapy, since it is not invasive, producing minimal side effects. Recently, it was demonstrated the ability of LLLT in inhibit the expression of both COX-2 and mPGES-1 mRNA both in subplantar and brain tissues from rats submitted to model of edema formation and hyperalgesia induced by carrageenan administration. These results showed for the first time the ability of LLLT reducing the inflammatory process, as in the site of inflammation, as in the Central Nervous System (CNS) of rats submitted to the peripheral inflammation model. These results suggest that LLLT could reduce the production and release of PGE2 in the CNS, reducing the inflammatory response. Understand the mechanism by which LLLT is able to reduce the inflammatory process, as in the site of inflammation, as in the CNS in crucial to the success of this therapy.Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungal able to produce both superficial and systemic infections in immunocompromised patients. It has been demonstrated that biofilms produced by Candida albicans are resistant to different antifungal drugs, and, that infections related to biofilm formation are, frequently, refractory to the standard antifungal therapies. C. albicans has been described as an important cause of diseases associated to invasive fungal, however, the number of infections related to species of Candida non albicans has increased in the last years. Candida krusei is an opportunistic fungal, presenting intrinsic resistance to the conventional antifungal drugs, such as fluconazol. Thus, the development of efficient antifungal therapies, mainly against infections associated to biofilm formation is critical. Photodynamic Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (PACT) is a potential antimicrobial therapy, which combines the visible light and a nontoxic dye, known as a photosensitizer, producing Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) that can kill the treated cells. The photodynamic effects of different photosensitizer drugs on Candida albicans have been demonstrated, and the potential of PACT promoting the eradication of microorganisms has been progressively accepted. In addition, the ability of different organochalcogenides to inhibit both growth and germ tube formation in Candida albicans has been demonstrated. Thus, the objective of this project is to study both the effects of LLLT on the expression of inflammatory mediators in rats submitted to the model of peripheral inflammation induced by administration of carrageenan and the effects of PACT and different organochalcogenides compounds on C. albicans e C. krusei. (AU)