Iodine induces toxicity against Candida albicans and Candida glabrata through oxidative stress

Sergio  Cuellar-Rufino; Omar  Arroyo-Xochihua; Aranthxa  Salazar-Luna; Omar Arroyo-Helguera

doi:10.18502/ijm.v14i2.9195

Sergio Cuellar-Rufino Deparment of Biomedicine Applied to Public Health, Public Health Institute, Veracruzana University, Xalapa, Veracruz, México
Omar Arroyo-Xochihua Deparment of Biomedicine Applied to Public Health, Public Health Institute, Veracruzana University, Xalapa, Veracruz, México
Aranthxa Salazar-Luna Deparment of Biomedicine Applied to Public Health, Public Health Institute, Veracruzana University, Xalapa, Veracruz, México
Omar Arroyo-Helguera Deparment of Biomedicine Applied to Public Health, Public Health Institute, Veracruzana University, Xalapa, Veracruz, México

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijm.v14i2.9195

Keywords: Iodine; Oxidative stress; Antioxidants; Candida; Antifungal agents

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Candida species are antifungal-resistant opportunistic infections that spread through contami- nated medical staff hands and hospital surfaces creating a nosocomial infection risk. Iodine´s antibacterial properties are well established; however, its antifungal properties remain unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate the antifungal effects of lugol on cell viability and oxidative stress on Candida albicans and Candida glabrata strains.

Materials and Methods: MTT reduction test and sensitivity growth assay were used to determine viability and minimal inhibitory concentration, colorimetric tests were used to analyzing lipoperoxidation and antioxidant status in C. albicans, parental C. glabrata, C. glabrata lacking catalase gene (cta1) and superoxide dismutase 1 and 2 double mutants (sod1∆ sod2∆) strains exposure to lugol were used.

Results: In both C. albicans and C. glabrata wild types lugol treatment decreased cellular viability in a dose-dependent man- ner at 30 mm. The cytotoxic lugol effect was characterized by the increase of oxidative stress and the reduction of superoxide dismutase and catalase enzyme activities. C. glabrata strains lacking catalase (cta1) and superoxide dismutase 1 and 2 double mutants (sod1∆ sod2∆) were less resistant to lugol than parental C. glabrata strains.

Conclusion: In Candida strains iodine lugol solution has antifungal properties, producing cytotoxicity and oxidative stress. Superoxide dismutase 1 and 2 activities are involved in resistance of Candida to iodine.