Cellular apoptosis: An alternative mechanism of action for caspofungin against Candida glabrata.

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:

Although the mechanism of action for echinocandins is known, the physiological mechanisms by which these antifungal agents cause cell death via the classical apoptotic pathways are not well-defined yet. Regarding this, the present study aimed to evaluate the mechanisms of caspofungin-induced Candida glabrata cell death.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

For the purpose of the study, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of caspofungin against C. glabrata (ATCC 90030) was determined using the broth microdilution reference method (CLSI M27-A2 and M27-S4). The annexin V and propidium iodide staining was performed to determine the way through which caspofungin acts against C. glabrata (i.e., through the induction of apoptosis and/or necrosis). Additionally, the possible effect of caspofungin on inducing the expression of two apoptotic genes, namely MCA1 and NUC, was studied using the real-time polymerase chain reaction assay.

RESULTS:

According to the obtained MIC value (0.5 µg/mL), C. glabrata, exposed to 0.25, 0.5, and 1 µg/mL of caspofungin, exhibited the features of late apoptosis/necrosis after 18 h of incubation. Furthermore, the use of 0.25, 0.5, and 1 µg/ml caspofungin induced apoptosis (early/late) in 14.67%, 17.04%, and 15.89% of the cells, respectively. The results showed a significant difference between the percentages of early-apoptotic cells at the three concentrations (P<0.05). In addition, the rate of necrosis was significantly greater than that of apoptosis in response to caspofungin. Accordingly, necrosis occurred in 71.26%, 71.26%, and 61.26% of the cells at the caspofungin concentrations of 0.25, 0.5, and 1 µg/mL, respectively (P<0.05). The analysis of the data in the REST software demonstrated a significant increase in the expression of MCA1 and NUC1 genes (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION:

As the findings of the present study indicated, caspofungin promoted both necrosis and apoptosis of C. glabrata cells at concentrations higher than or equal to the MIC value.

• Authors: Parisa Aryamloo, Hossein Asgarian-Omran, Narges Aslani, Hadi Hossein-Nataj, Tahereh Shokohi, Hamid Badali, Mojtaba Nabili, Atefeh Abdollahi Gohar, Maryam Moazeni
• Journal: Current medical mycology (Curr Med Mycol) Vol. 5 Issue 2 Pg. 9-15 (Jun 2019) ISSN: 2423-3439 [Print] Iran
• PMID: 31321332 (Publication Type: Journal Article)