Antifungal and Antivirulence Activities of Hydroalcoholic Extract and Fractions of Platonia insignis Leaves against Vaginal Isolates of Candida Species.

Anderson França Da Silva,Douglas Henrique Dos Santos Silva,Alexsander Rodrigues Carvalho Júnior,Elizangela Pestana Motta,Josivan Regis Farias,Flávia Raquel F Nascimento,Carmem Duarte Lima Campos,Luís Cláudio Nascimento Da Silva,Cláudia Quintino Da Rocha,Rayssa De Sousa Silva,Cristina Andrade Monteiro,Aluísio Da Silva Oliveira,Iven Neylla Farias Vale Mendes,Andrea Borges De Araruna,Rosane Nassar Meireles Guerra

doi:10.3390/pathogens9020084

Anderson França Da Silva, Douglas Henrique Dos Santos Silva + Show 13 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens9020084

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Abstract

Vulvovaginal candidiasis is a common fungal infection in women. In this study, Platonia insignis hydroalcoholic extract (PiHE) and its fractions were evaluated for antifungal and antivirulence activities against vaginal Candida species. Dichloromethane (DCMF) and ethyl acetate fractions (EAF) obtained from PiHE effectively inhibited the pathogen. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry was used for identifying the main compounds in extracts. Minimal inhibitory and fungicidal concentrations (MIC and MFC, respectively) were determined by a broth microdilution assay. Furthermore, we evaluated the effect of the extract and fractions on the virulence properties of Candida albicans, and their cytotoxicity effect was determined on RAW 264.7 cells. Compounds found in extracts were flavonoid glycosides, mainly derivatives of quercetin and myricetin. Extracts showed antifungal potential, with the lowest MIC value for EAF (1.3 mg/mL) and inhibited Candida adherence and biofilm formation. EAF disrupted 48 h biofilms with an inhibition rate of more than 90%. The extract and its fractions exhibited no cytotoxicity. The antifungal effects were attributed to the ability of these extracts to alter the mitochondrial membrane potential for the release of pro-apoptotic factors in the cytosol. In conclusion, our data suggest that PiHE and EAF could act as novel candidates for the development of new therapeutic treatments against fungal infections.

Highlights

IntroductionCandida albicans is considered the main etiologic agent of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and is responsible for 80%–85% of cases, followed by Candida glabrata, accounting for 10%–20% of cases [1]
Candida albicans is considered the main etiologic agent of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and is responsible for 80%–85% of cases, followed by Candida glabrata, accounting for 10%–20% of cases [1].VVC is the most prevalent acute human fungal infection, affecting 50%–75% of women of a childbearing age once in their lifetime, with a 5%–8% chance of developing the severe chronic form, known as recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) [2]
The full scan spectrum of the ions obtained is shown in Figure 1, and the fragmentation data recorded are listed in Pathogens 2020, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW

Summary

Introduction

Candida albicans is considered the main etiologic agent of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and is responsible for 80%–85% of cases, followed by Candida glabrata, accounting for 10%–20% of cases [1]. VVC is the most prevalent acute human fungal infection, affecting 50%–75% of women of a childbearing age once in their lifetime, with a 5%–8% chance of developing the severe chronic form, known as recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) [2]. 138 million women worldwide are affected by RVVC [3,4]. Virulence factors expressed by Candida spp. are important for the development of infection, such as the ability to form biofilms [6]. About 80% of microorganisms live in biofilms [7] and sessile cells within Candida biofilms are resistant to antifungal agents [8]

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