ABSTRACT
Apoptosis is considered an escape mechanism from the host immune system for the fungus Paracoccidioides spp, and it serves as a vehicle for entry into macrophages without stimulating microbicidal activities. Recently, gp43 of P. brasiliensis was demonstrated to be involved in this process. Therefore, as a new therapeutic alternative, it is very important to study compounds that could reduce the modulation of the induction of apoptosis caused by this fungus. Decyl gallate (G14) is a known antifungal compound, and we decided to investigate its anti-apoptotic properties. Our results demonstrate that G14 was effective against apoptosis induced by gp43, as observed in epithelial cells, and led to a reduction in DNA damage, Bak down-regulation and Bcl-2 up-regulation. Together, these data show that G14 presents promising anti-apoptotic activity.
