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Published on: January 27, 2015
Novel thiazolinyl-picolinamide-based palladium(II) complex extenuates the virulence and biofilms of vulvovaginal
Munieswaran Gayatri1,2, Sowndarya Jothipandiyan1, Mohamed Khalid Abdul Azeez1
1Biofilm Biology Laboratory, Centre for Research on Infectious Diseases (CRID), School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Tirumalaisamudram, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, 613401, India.
Abstract:
Candida infections are growing all over the world as a result of their resistance to anti-fungal drugs. This raises concerns about public health, particularly in cases of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). Therefore, the need for effective treatment options for Candida infections has become crucial. The main goal of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of novel palladium metal complexes against fluconazole-resistant Candida spp., particularly C. albicans and C. auris. The process begins with identifying the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), followed by growth curve assays, colony morphology analysis, characterization, and gene expression analysis. The investigation revealed that sub-MIC of Pd(II) complex B (250 μg/mL) inhibited Candida spp. more effectively than amphotericin B (500 μg/mL). Further, Pd(II) complex B drastically reduced the growth of Candida spp. biofilms by 70-80% for nascent biofilms and 70-75% for mature biofilms. Additionally, the yeast-to-hyphal switch and SEM studies revealed that Pd(II) complex B effectively hinders the growth of drug-resistant Candida cells. The gene expression investigation also evidenced that Pd(II) complex B downregulated virulence genes in C. albicans (ERG, EFG, UME6, and HGC) and C. auris (ERG, CDR, and HGC). The findings showed that Pd(II) complex B effectively inhibited the growth of Candida biofilm formation and was reported as a potential anti-biofilm agent against Candida spp. that are resistant to drugs.
Insights
Novel palladium complex B shows promise against drug-resistant Candida infections, including vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). It effectively inhibits Candida growth and biofilm formation, offering a potential new treatment for antifungal-resistant fungal infections.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Rising global incidence of Candida infections due to antifungal drug resistance.
- Urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies to combat resistant fungal pathogens.
- Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) represents a significant public health concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of novel palladium (Pd) metal complexes against fluconazole-resistant Candida species.
- To investigate the anti-Candida activity of Pd(II) complex B, focusing on Candida albicans and Candida auris.
- To assess the potential of Pd(II) complex B as an anti-biofilm agent.
Main Methods:
- Determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC).
- Growth curve assays, colony morphology, and characterization studies.
- Gene expression analysis of virulence factors and biofilm formation.
Main Results:
- Pd(II) complex B demonstrated superior inhibition of Candida spp. compared to amphotericin B at sub-inhibitory concentrations.
- Significant reduction (70-80%) in nascent and mature Candida biofilms by Pd(II) complex B.
- Pd(II) complex B effectively inhibited yeast-to-hyphal transition and downregulated key virulence genes (ERG, EFG, UME6, HGC, CDR).
Conclusions:
- Pd(II) complex B exhibits potent anti-Candida activity against drug-resistant strains.
- The compound effectively inhibits Candida biofilm formation, acting as a potential anti-biofilm agent.
- Pd(II) complex B represents a promising therapeutic candidate for treating resistant Candida infections.
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