Lycopene induces apoptosis in Candida albicans through reactive oxygen species production and mitochondrial...

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Biochemistry
• Antimicrobial research

Background:

• Lycopene, a carotenoid from tomatoes, exhibits diverse biological activities.
• Previous studies demonstrated lycopene's ability to induce apoptosis hallmarks in Candida albicans.
• Further investigation into lycopene's antifungal mechanisms is warranted.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate lycopene's capacity to induce apoptosis in Candida albicans.
• To elucidate the specific molecular mechanisms underlying lycopene-induced apoptosis.
• To confirm lycopene's antifungal efficacy through apoptosis induction.

Main Methods:

• FITC-Annexin V staining to detect apoptosis.
• Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay for DNA fragmentation.
• 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining for nuclear changes.
• Measurement of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Ca(2+) levels.
• Assessment of mitochondrial function (depolarization, cytochrome c release).
• Caspase activation assays.

Main Results:

• Lycopene induced apoptosis in both early and late stages of Candida albicans.
• Apoptosis was associated with increased intracellular ROS, particularly hydroxyl radicals.
• Lycopene treatment led to Ca(2+) overload and mitochondrial dysfunction.
• Mitochondrial depolarization and cytochrome c release were observed.
• Caspase activation was a downstream event in the lycopene-induced apoptosis pathway.

Conclusions:

• Lycopene exhibits antifungal activity against Candida albicans by inducing apoptosis.
• The mechanism involves ROS production and subsequent mitochondrial dysfunction.
• Lycopene represents a potential natural antifungal agent targeting apoptosis pathways.