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Updated: May 24, 2026
Bio-energetics Investigation of Candida albicans Using Real-time Extracellular Flux Analysis
Published on: March 19, 2019
Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate reduces the mortality in Candida albicans bloodstream infection and prevents the
Roberto Christ Vianna Santos1, Rafael Noal Moresco, Miguel Angel Peña Rico
1Laboratório de Microbiologia Clínica, Ciências da Saúde, Centro Universitário Franciscano, UNIFRA, Rua dos Andradas 1614, sala 115, 97010-032, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. roberto@unifra.br
Abstract:
Due to the fact that an increased number of patients have experienced bloodstream infections caused by Candida species and the high mortality of this infection, there is a need for a strategy to reduce this scenery. One possible strategy is the use of new drugs, such as fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (FBP), which is a high-energy glycolytic metabolite and has shown to have therapeutic effects in several pathological conditions such as ischemia, shock, toxic injuries, and bacterial sepsis. The aim of this manuscript was to determine the role of FBP in experimental Candida albicans bloodstream infection. We used mice that were divided into three experimental groups: sham (not induced), bloodstream infection (induced with intratracheal instillation of C. albicans) and FBP (bloodstream infection plus FBP 500 mg/kg i.p.). Blood was taken for assessment of complete hematological profile and cytokine assay (IL-6 and MCP-1). Results of the study demonstrated that mortality decreased significantly in groups that received FBP. All cytokine and hematological indexes of FBP group were similar to bloodstream infection group with exception of platelets count. FBP significantly prevented the decrease in platelets. Taken together, our results demonstrate that FBP prevented the mortality in C. albicans bloodstream infection.
Insights
Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (FBP) significantly reduced mortality in experimental Candida albicans bloodstream infections. This high-energy metabolite also prevented a decrease in platelet counts, offering a potential therapeutic strategy.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Candida species bloodstream infections are a growing concern with high mortality rates.
- Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (FBP), a glycolytic metabolite, shows therapeutic potential in various conditions.
- There is a need for novel strategies to combat Candida bloodstream infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of FBP in an experimental model of Candida albicans bloodstream infection.
- To assess the impact of FBP on hematological parameters and cytokine profiles during infection.
Main Methods:
- A mouse model of Candida albicans bloodstream infection was established.
- Mice were divided into sham, infection, and FBP treatment groups (500 mg/kg i.p.).
- Hematological profiles and cytokine levels (IL-6, MCP-1) were analyzed.
Main Results:
- FBP treatment significantly decreased mortality in infected mice.
- Most hematological and cytokine markers remained similar between infection and FBP groups.
- FBP administration notably prevented the reduction in platelet counts observed during infection.
Conclusions:
- Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (FBP) demonstrates a protective effect against mortality in experimental Candida albicans bloodstream infections.
- FBP's ability to preserve platelet counts suggests a specific mechanism of action.
- FBP represents a promising therapeutic candidate for managing Candida bloodstream infections.
