Authors
1
Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
2
Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
3
Department of Genetics, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
Abstract
Background and Purpose: Use of curcumin, as a promising antifungal agent, is considered an alternative treatment
for fungal infections; however, the low solubility of this agent limits its efficacy. Accordingly, in this study, we aimed
to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo antifungal activities of dendrosomal nanocurcumin with improved solubility and
bioavailability.
Materials & Methods: The in vitro antifungal activities of several Candida species, including C. albicans, C. tropicalis,
C. krusei, C. parapsilosis, and C. dubliniensis, were evaluated, using the broth microdilution method. In the in vivo study,
different doses of nanocurcumin (5, 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg) were administered to mice with systemic C. albicans infection
via intraperitoneal injection. All mice were euthanized at 20 days following the administration of different doses of
nanocurcumin. Different organs were extracted for organ culture and histopathological investigation.
Results: Based on the findings, 40 mg/kg of nanocurcumin significantly decreased the fungal load in the evaluated
organs; the results were confirmed with histopathological examination. The kidney was found to be the most affected
organ with the highest number of severe lesions. Yeasts and pseudohyphae were observed in the blood vessels, kidney,
and brain. Also, yeasts were present in the liver, brain, lungs, and heart of the control group.
Conclusion: Although curcumin is generally an excellent antifungal component, its nano-sized form showed more
potent properties. Based on the gathered data, dendrosomal nanocurcumin is an effective antifungal agent with good
efficacy against disseminated candidiasis. However, further studies are required to evaluate the effects of dendrosomal
nanocurcumin on other fungal infections. Also, this agent could be useful for the prevention of fungal infections, such as
candidiasis, particularly in high-risk patients
Keywords
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