Antifungal activity of the ethanolic extracts of Punica granatum L. and evaluation of the morphological and structural modifications of its compounds upon the cells of Candida spp.

Ethanolic crude extracts prepared from the arils and seeds, pericarp, peels and from the whole fruit of Punica granatum, known as pomegranate, had their antifungal activity tested against Candida spp. The ethanolic crude extracts were analyzed by Mass Spectrometry and yielded many compounds such as punicalagin and galladydilacton. The extracts from the pericarp and peel showed activity against Candida spp., with MICs of 125 µg/mL. The effect of pericarp and peel extracts upon the morphological and structure of C. albicans and C. krusei were examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, with the visualization of an irregular membrane and hyphae, formation of vacuoles and thickening of the cell wall. The data obtained revealed potential antimicrobial activity against yeasts cells of the Candida genus, and the bioactive compounds could be responsible for changes in cell morphology and structure. The data obtained open new perspectives for future research in continuation to this study, where information such as determination of the site of action of the compounds could contribute to an alternative therapy against these organisms.

Conventional and alternative antifungal therapies to oral candidiasis

Candida-associated denture stomatitis is the most common form of oral candidal infection, with Candida albicans being the principal etiological agent. Candida adheres directly or via an intermediary layer of plaque-forming bacteria to denture acrylic. Despite antifungal therapy to treat denture stomatitis, infection is reestablished soon after the treatment ceases. In addition, many predisposing factors have been identified as important in the development of oral candidiasis, including malnourishment, common endocrine disorders, such as diabetis mellitus, antibacterial drug therapy, corticosteroids, radiotherapy and other immunocompromised conditions, such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). These often results in increased tolerance to the most commonly used antifungals. So this review suggests new therapies to oral candidiasis.

Evidências científicas da colonização de Candida spp. em bolsas periodontais / Scientific evidence of Candida spp. colonization in periodontal pockets

Objetivo: o objetivo do presente trabalho é apresentar uma breve revisão de literatura a respeito da colonização de Candida spp. em bolsas periodontais, seus principais fatores de virulência e possível influência sobreas doenças periodontais. Revisão de Literatura: Apesar de a mucosa bucal ser considerada o principal reservatóriode Candida spp, este micro-organismo pode estar coagregado a bactérias do biofilme dental, sendo considerado um fator importante para o processo decolonização de bolsas periodontais. Além disso, possui vários fatores de virulência relevantes na patogênese dadoença periodontal, tais como a capacidade de aderir ao epitélio e invadir o tecido conjuntivo gengival. Também pode inibir a função de neutrófilos polimorfonucleares, bem como produzir enzimas como colagenases e proteinases, que são capazes de degradar imunoglobulinas.Considerações finais: Os fatores de virulência de Candida spp. associada à suscetibilidade do hospedeiro poderiam desempenhar um papel importante nasalterações inflamatórias associadas com as doenças periodontais destrutivas

Evidence of Heterokaryon compatibility on Candida albicans biofilm

Aims: Candida species, especially Candida albicans, are frequently found associated with biomaterials and immunosuppressed patients, and have been described as the most virulent yeasts in human fungi diseases. These yeasts have recently been isolated from periodontal pockets, revealing the penetration of hyphae into the periodontal connective tissue. Methods: In this study, 7 periodontal C. Albicans strains were applied individually in biofilm development on titanium discs and the samples were thereafter analyzed as for the number of colony forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL), dry-weight and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: Counting of CFU/ mL and determination of dry-weight showed that all samples formed biofilm. SEM analysis showed the development of a polymorphic network in the biofilms and the presence of hyphal anastomosis in the sites where fusion between the hyphae occurred. Conclusion: periodontal C. albicans strains present heterokaryon compatibility.

Susceptibility of Candida spp. Oral isolates for azolic antifungals and amphotericin B

Aims: Among the oral infections, candidosis may be considered the most frequent, and C. albicans the most prevalent species. Meanwhile, the non-albicans species may also be related to other infections processes and be able to affect the oral cavity, including periodontal disease. In this sense, understanding the relationship between Candida spp. and host, it is necessary and justified the search of mechanisms modulators of infections and treatments against diseases associated with these yeasts. Methods: Nineteen patients with periodontal disease were involved in this study. The aim was evaluate the susceptibility to azoles antifungals fluconozole, itraconazole, ketoconazole and the polienic anfotericin B against Candida spp isolated from three different sites of the oral cavity from these patients (periodontal disease, being periodontal pocket, oral mucosa and ridge gingival), by the minimum inhibitory concentration method – MIC. Results: Among the samples of C. albicans, 88% showed susceptibility depending on the concentration (SCD) and 3.6 % were resistant to at least one antifungal azole studied. Among the others species, 57% presented SDC and 42.8% showed resistance to at least one of the antifungal azole tested. Regarding to Anfotericin B, 90% of the C. albicans isolates and 3% of the nonalbicans showed resistance. There was no occurrence of resistance to the fluconazole and only 3.6% of C. albicans and 40% of the non-albicans were SDC to this antifungal. Conclusions: Patients with periondontal disease showed relevant levels of colonization by Candida spp, mainly at the oral mucosa and periodontal pocket showing important occurrence of SDC and resistance to the antifungals drugs tested.