Copper Nanoparticles Reduce Expression of Key Virulence Genes in Vaginal Candida albicans Infection: Implications for Novel Antifungal Therapies
Introduction: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a common and often chronic condition affecting approximately 75% of women worldwide. Candida albicans is a primary fungal pathogen responsible for a significant proportion of VVC cases. This cross-sectional study investigated the expression levels o...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Pasteur Institute of Iran
2024-03-01
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| Series: | Journal of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases |
| Subjects: | |
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| Summary: | Introduction: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a common and often chronic
condition affecting approximately 75% of women worldwide. Candida albicans
is a primary fungal pathogen responsible for a significant proportion of VVC
cases. This cross-sectional study investigated the expression levels of two critical
virulence genes, ALS1 and HWP1, in C. albicans isolates from women diagnosed
with VVC. Moreover, we examined the effect of copper nanoparticles on the
expression of these genes, exploring their potential as a novel antifungal therapy
for VVC treatment. Methods: This study recruited 30 patients diagnosed with
VVC from Razi Hospital, Iran. We employed polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
to confirm the presence of the ALS1 and HWP1 genes in C. albicans isolates.
Subsequently, we extracted RNA from the isolates and assessed the effect of
copper nanoparticles on the expression of ALS1 and HWP1 genes using
quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Results: Of the 30 C. albicans clinical
isolates analyzed, 17 (56.7%) harbored both HWP1 and ALS1 virulence genes.
Copper nanoparticles significantly downregulated the expression of these genes.
Notably, treatment with 8.8 μg/mL copper nanoparticles resulted in a significant
reduction of HWP1 gene expression, while 3.23 μg/mL copper nanoparticles led
to a significant decrease in ALS1 gene expression. Conclusion: This study
identified the presence of ALS1 and HWP1 virulence genes in C. albicans
isolates from women with VVC and demonstrated the potential of copper
nanoparticles to downregulate their expression. These findings offer promising
insights into the development of novel antifungal therapies for VVC treatment.
However, further investigations with larger, more diverse cohorts and
comprehensive analyses are necessary to fully understand the effects of copper
nanoparticles on C. albicans gene expression and their potential clinical
applications for VVC management. |
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| ISSN: | 2345-5349 2345-5330 |