Abstract
Candida albicans (C. albicans) and Candida glabrata (C. glabrata) are part of the human microbiome. However, they possess numerous virulence factors, which confer them the ability to cause both local and systemic infections. Candidiasis can involve multiple organs, including the eye. In the present study, we investigated the anti-candidal activity and the re-epithelizing effect of Orobanche crenata leaf extract (OCLE). By the microdilution method, we demonstrated an inhibitory effect of OCLE on both C. albicans and C. glabrata growth. By crystal violet and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, we showed the ability of OCLE to inhibit the biofilm formation and the viability of yeast cells, respectively. By germ tube and adhesion assays, we proved the capacity of OCLE to affect the morphological transition of C. albicans and the adhesion of both pathogens to human retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19), respectively. Besides, by MTT and wound healing assay, we evaluated the cytotoxic and re-epithelizing effects of OCLE on ARPE-19. Finally, the Folin–Ciocalteu and the ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry revealed a high content of phenols and the presence of several bioactive molecules in the extract. Our results highlighted new properties of O. crenata, useful in the control of Candida infections.
Highlights
Candida is a heterogeneous yeast genus, belonging to the kingdom Fungi
By germ tube and adhesion assays, we proved the capacity of Orobanche crenata leaf extract (OCLE) to affect the morphological transition of C. albicans and the adhesion of both pathogens to human retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19), respectively
C. albicans possesses a large variety of virulence factors, including the ability to adhere to host cells and medical devices [5], change its morphology [6], produce hydrolytic enzymes [7], and form biofilm [8]
Summary
Candida is a heterogeneous yeast genus, belonging to the kingdom Fungi. According to the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS), the genus comprises approximately 59 species (Taxonomic Serial No.: 194591) [1]. C. albicans possesses a large variety of virulence factors, including the ability to adhere to host cells and medical devices [5], change its morphology (the so-called yeast-to-hypha transition) [6], produce hydrolytic enzymes [7], and form biofilm [8] All these features make C. albicans a relevant threat to human health, especially for immunocompromised individuals [9]. C. albicans-related infections can degenerate, causing complications sometimes severe enough to be fatal This is because the immune system of such patients fails to control the proliferation and invasion of opportunistic organisms, leading to an increased risk for invasive candidiasis [10]. Bloodstream infections constitute a rather severe condition since the blood is an efficient vehicle through which the pathogen can reach and infect multiple organs, including the kidney, liver and spleen, myocardium, brain, and eye [12]
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