Iodine induces toxicity against Candida albicans and Candida glabrata through oxidative stress

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Candida species are antifungal-resistant opportunistic infections that spread through contami- nated medical staff hands and hospital surfaces creating a nosocomial infection risk. Iodine´s antibacterial properties are well established; however, its antifungal properties remain unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate the antifungal effects of lugol on cell viability and oxidative stress on Candida albicans and Candida glabrata strains.
 Materials and Methods: MTT reduction test and sensitivity growth assay were used to determine viability and minimal inhibitory concentration, colorimetric tests were used to analyzing lipoperoxidation and antioxidant status in C. albicans, parental C. glabrata, C. glabrata lacking catalase gene (cta1) and superoxide dismutase 1 and 2 double mutants (sod1∆ sod2∆) strains exposure to lugol were used.
 Results: In both C. albicans and C. glabrata wild types lugol treatment decreased cellular viability in a dose-dependent man- ner at 30 mm. The cytotoxic lugol effect was characterized by the increase of oxidative stress and the reduction of superoxide dismutase and catalase enzyme activities. C. glabrata strains lacking catalase (cta1) and superoxide dismutase 1 and 2 double mutants (sod1∆ sod2∆) were less resistant to lugol than parental C. glabrata strains.
 Conclusion: In Candida strains iodine lugol solution has antifungal properties, producing cytotoxicity and oxidative stress. Superoxide dismutase 1 and 2 activities are involved in resistance of Candida to iodine.

Improved efficacy of eugenol and <i>trans</i>-anethole in combination with octenidine dihydrochloride against <i>Candida albicans</i> and <i>Candida parapsilosis</i>

“…Intrinsic mechanisms include natural properties of a fungal cell, such as decreased permeability, stimulated activity of efflux pumps, repair mechanisms, phenotypic modulation, and inactivation of biocides [30]. Cuellar-Rufino et al [31] reported that C. albicans and C. glabrata lacking catalase gene (cta1) and superoxide dismutase 1 and 2 double mutants (sod1∆, sod2∆) strains, exposed to 10 mM of lugol, showed a significant increase in antioxidant enzymes activity, similar to that induced with the presence of catalase and superoxide dismutase. Additionally, superoxide dismutase 1 and 2 double mutants (sod1∆, sod2∆) of C. glabrata were more susceptible to lugol treatment in relation to the parental strain.…”