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Protective effect of amphotericin B against lethal photodynamic treatment in yeast
1Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bontchev, Sofia.
Abstract:
The effect of polyenic antibiotic amphotericin B on photodynamically induced cell damage was investigated using Kluyveromyces fragilis. The photosensitizers applied are known to act via cell membrane damage (rose bengal and toluidine blue) or via DNA modification causing genotoxic effects (8-methoxypsoralen). Methylene blue was shown to cause membrane damage comparable with the effect of rose bengal and toluidine blue. Under conditions of photodynamic damage a pronounced protective effect of the antibiotic was evident in increased cell survival with all of the photosensitizers tested. Mitochondrial activity indicated a tendency of the antibiotic to protect the cells. The protective role of amphotericin B is discussed in the light of possible implications for photodynamic therapy of microbial infections.
Insights
The polyenic antibiotic amphotericin B protects yeast cells from photodynamic damage caused by various photosensitizers. This antibiotic enhances cell survival, suggesting a protective role in combating microbial infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Photodynamic Therapy
Background:
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) utilizes photosensitizers to induce cell damage.
- Photosensitizers can cause damage through membrane disruption or DNA modification.
- Amphotericin B is a polyenic antibiotic with known antimicrobial properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of amphotericin B on photodynamically induced cell damage in Kluyveromyces fragilis.
- To determine if amphotericin B offers protection against photosensitizers targeting cell membranes or DNA.
- To explore the potential of amphotericin B in photodynamic therapy.
Main Methods:
- Yeast (Kluyveromyces fragilis) was exposed to photosensitizers (rose bengal, toluidine blue, 8-methoxypsoralen, methylene blue) with and without amphotericin B.
- Photodynamic damage was induced, and cell survival was assessed.
- Mitochondrial activity was monitored to evaluate cellular protection.
Main Results:
- Amphotericin B significantly increased cell survival under photodynamic stress induced by all tested photosensitizers.
- Methylene blue demonstrated membrane-damaging effects similar to rose bengal and toluidine blue.
- Mitochondrial activity assays suggested a protective tendency of amphotericin B.
Conclusions:
- Amphotericin B exhibits a pronounced protective effect against photodynamically induced cell damage in yeast.
- The findings suggest a potential role for amphotericin B in enhancing the efficacy of photodynamic therapy against microbial infections.