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

Authors

1 1Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran

2 Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran

3 Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran

4 Invasive Fungi Research Centre, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran

5 Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Sari Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sari, Iran

6 Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran

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.
 

Keywords

References

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Current Medical Mycology
Volume 5, Issue 2
June 2019
Pages 9-15

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History

  • Receive Date: 09 July 2019
  • Revise Date: 07 September 2020
  • Accept Date: 09 July 2019
  • First Publish Date: 09 July 2019

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