Study on the antibiofilm activity of kaempferol in Candida albicans / 药学实践杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To study the action of kaempferol (KAE) against Candida albicans biofilms and explore the potential mechanisms. Methods Biofilm metabolic activity assay was used to investigate the action of KAE against C. albicans biofilm formation as well as mature biofilm. The inhibition of KAE in hyphal formation was examined by microscope. The water-hydrocarbon two-phase separation assay was used to test the effect of KAE on the cell surface hydrophobicity of C. albicans. The mRNA expression of the genes involved in biofilm formation was determined by real time RT-PCR. Results KAE showed inhibition effect on C. albicans biofilm formation in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, KAE inhibited mature biofilm. The biomass of biofilm was reduced upon KAE treatment. KAE inhibited hyphal formation and reduced the cell surface hydrophobicity of C. albicans. In the presence of KAE, the mRNA expression of the genes involved in biofilm formation was changed, with the up-regulation of BCR1,NRG1,TUP1 and down-regulation of HWP1,EFG1,CPH1,ALS1,ALS3 and CSH1. Conclusion KAE showed antifungal activity against C. albicans biofilm. The mechanisms may relate to the inhibition of hyphal formation and reduction of cell surface hydrophobicity.