A Cyclam Salt as an Antifungal Agent: Interference with <i>Candida</i> spp. and <i>Cryptococcus neoformans</i> Mechanisms of Virulence

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2024

Authors

Cerqueira, F (Author) Other; Rui Medeiros (Author) ICBAS; Lopes, I (Author) Other; Campos, C (Author) Other; Ferraz, MP (Author) FEUP; Silva, F (Author) Other; Alves, LG (Author) Other; Pinto, E (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Antibiotics

Vol. 13

Final page: 222

Publisher: MDPI

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 1 Citation

Scopus - 1 Citation

Scientific classification

CORDIS: Technological sciences ; Health sciences

FOS: Medical and Health sciences ; Engineering and technology

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-010-1J8

DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13030222

Abstract (EN): The importance of fungal infections, particularly those caused by yeasts, is increasing among the medical community. Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans are amongst the high-priority fungal species identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) and are considered in the critical group, while Candida krusei is included in the medium-priority group. The cyclam salt H4[H2(4-CF3PhCH2)2Cyclam]Cl4 proved to be active against the growth of these three yeasts, and the aim of this work was to verify its interference with their virulence mechanisms, whether shared or unique. H4[H2(4-CF3PhCH2)2Cyclam]Cl4 significantly inhibited biofilm production and catalase activity, being able to interfere with C. albicans dimorphic transition and C. neoformans melanin production. At the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values, H4[H2(4-CF3PhCH2)2Cyclam]Cl4 had no antioxidant effect, as determined by the DPPH method. When using the RAW264.7 macrophage cell line, H4[H2(4-CF3PhCH2)2Cyclam]Cl4 reduced nitric oxide (NO) detection (the Griess reaction), but this effect was associated with a significant toxic effect on the cells.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 13