Effects of Thymus daenensis essential oil-loaded chitosan nanoparticles on BCR1 gene expression in Candida parapsilosis

Document Type : Original Articles

Authors

Department of Microbiology, Shahr-e-Qods Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

10.22092/ari.2024.364275.2958

Abstract

Background & Objective: Candida parapsilosis is a non-albicans species with high prevalence and potential for nosocomial infections. The BCR1 gene is involved in the regulation of virulence factors in this species. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Thymus daenensis essential oil encapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles (TDNs) on the expression of the BCR1 gene in C. parapsilosis isolates from animal and human sources.
Materials & Methods: Sixty C. parapsilosis isolates (30 from human and 30 from veterinary sources) were screened for the presence of the BCR1 gene by PCR. The TDNs were synthesized and characterized by various techniques. The isolates carrying the BCR1 gene were treated with TDNs to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The expression of the BCR1 gene after treatment with sub-MIC concentrations of TDNs was measured by real-time PCR and compared with the control group. The results were statistically analyzed.
Results: Five out of 60 isolates (8.33%) were positive for BCR1 gene. The physical properties of TDNs showed that they had a spherical shape, an average size of 92.3 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.129± 0.03, a zeta potential of +48.3 mV, and an encapsulation efficiency of 88.6 ± 0.2%. The MIC range for TDNs in these isolates was 0.032-1 μg/ml. The treatment with TDNs significantly reduced the expression of the BCR1 gene in all five isolates compared with the control group (p=0.012).
Conclusion: TDN has a suitable potential for inhibiting the expression of the BCR1 gene, which is associated with virulence in C. parapsilosis. This may enhance the antifungal activity of TDN and reduce the risk of nosocomial infections caused by this species.

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Archives of Razi Institute

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 24 February 2024

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