Antifungal activity of Punicalagin-nystatin combinations againstCandida albicans

Author(s)

da Silva, Rafaela Alves ^[1] ; Colombini Ishikiriama, Bella Luna ^[2] ; Ribeiro Lopes, Marcelo Milanda ^[1] ; de Castro, Ricardo Dias ^[3] ; Garcia, Cindy Ruiz ^[4] ; Porto, Vinicius Carvalho ^[4] ; Santos, Carlos Ferreira ^[2] ; Neppelenbroek, Karin Hermana ^[4] ; Lara, Vanessa Soares ^[5]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Integrated Res Ctr, Bauru Sch Dent, Bauru, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Biol Sci, Bauru Sch Dent, Bauru, SP - Brazil

^[3] Univ Fed Paraiba, Dept Clin & Social Dent, Castelo Branco 3, Joao Pessoa, Paraiba - Brazil

^[4] Univ Sao Paulo, Bauru Sch Dent, Dept Prosthodont & Periodont, Alameda Dr Octavio Pinheiro Brisolla 9-75, BR-17012901 Bauru, SP - Brazil

^[5] Univ Sao Paulo, Bauru Sch Dent, Dept Surg Stomatol Pathol & Radiol, Bauru, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ORAL DISEASES; v. 26, n. 8, p. 1810-1819, NOV 2020.
• Web of Science Citations: 1

Abstract

Objectives Oral candidiasis is the most common opportunistic fungal infection of oral mucosa and results from an overgrowth of Candida, especially Candida albicans. The potential anti-C. albicans and cytotoxicity of punicalagin (PCG), isolated from Punica granatum, alone or with nystatin (NYS) were evaluated. Methods Activity of compounds alone or in combinations was determined against two C. albicans strains (ATCC 90028 and SC5314). Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC)-50 and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) were assessed by XTT assay and CFU counts, respectively. For combinations, determination of fractional inhibitory concentration index was performed. Ergosterol pathway was investigated as a possible PCG antifungal mechanism. Cytotoxicity assays were undertaken on human primary oral keratinocytes and gingival fibroblasts incubated with antifungal concentrations of PCG and/or NYS for 24 hr. Results Combination of NYS and PCG increased antifungal efficacy, compared with compounds tested alone. Combinations 4 (PCG-6.25 mu g/ml; NYS-3.9 mu g/ml) and 5 (PCG-12.5 mu g/ml; NYS-1.95 mu g/ml) were more effective since they reduced the MIC-50 of PCG (50 mu g/ml) by 8 and 4 times, respectively, increased the candidal inhibition and nullified the PCG cytotoxicity for keratinocytes. PCG antifungal mechanism did not involve ergosterol biosynthesis pathway. Conclusions The favorable outcomes for combination of PCG and NYS encourage further testing this therapeutic strategy againstC. albicans. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/03965-2 - Role of the renin-angiotensin system in different oral inflammatory models: an experimental interdisciplinary and clinical approach
• Grantee: Carlos Ferreira dos Santos
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants