JoVE - Journal of Visualized Experiments
JoVE Visualize
Contact Us

Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma May Prevent Oral Mucositis-Related Candidemia in Chemotherapy-Treated Rats

  • 0Oral Health Applied Science Program, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos 12245-000, SP, Brazil.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences +

|

November 9, 2024

|

November 9, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Cold atmospheric pressure plasma jets (CAPPJs) effectively reduced Candida albicans in a murine oral mucositis model. This innovative therapy significantly lowered fungal dissemination, offering a promising approach for cancer patients at risk of candidemia.

Area Of Science

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Plasma Physics

Background

  • Oral mucositis, often linked to candidiasis, poses a severe risk of systemic candidemia in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
  • Current treatments for oral mucositis and associated fungal infections have limitations, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
  • Cold atmospheric pressure plasma jets (CAPPJs) exhibit known antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To evaluate the efficacy of CAPPJs in preventing systemic fungal dissemination in a murine model of oral mucositis associated with candidiasis.
  • To assess the impact of CAPPJ treatment on Candida albicans load and systemic spread following chemotherapy-induced mucositis.

Main Methods

  • Wistar rats were subjected to chemotherapy (cisplatin and 5-FU) and oral inoculation with Candida albicans to induce oral mucositis.
  • Lesions on the tongue were treated with CAPPJs for 5 minutes daily over two days.
  • Fungal recovery from oral lesions and systemic organs, along with body weight changes, were monitored over 24 and 72 hours.

Main Results

  • CAPPJ treatment demonstrated a significant inhibitory effect on Candida albicans, reducing fungal recovery from the tongue within 24 hours (p < 0.05).
  • Systemic fungal dissemination was significantly decreased in CAPPJ-treated rats compared to controls at both 24 and 72 hours (p < 0.05).
  • Chemotherapy induced significant body weight loss, indicating its impact on the animals' general health.

Conclusions

  • CAPPJs show significant potential in controlling Candida albicans proliferation in oral mucositis.
  • CAPPJ therapy effectively reduces systemic fungal dissemination, mitigating the risk of candidemia in this preclinical model.
  • These findings suggest CAPPJs could be a valuable adjunctive therapy for managing oral mucositis and preventing candidemia in immunocompromised patients.

Keywords: