Baicalin prevents Candida albicans infections via increasing its apoptosis rate.

BACKGROUND: These experiments were employed to explore the mechanisms underlying baicalin action on Candida albicans.

METHODOLOGY AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We detected the baicalin inhibition effects on three isotope-labeled precursors of (3)H-UdR, (3)H-TdR and (3)H-leucine incorporation into C. albicans using the isotope incorporation technology. The activities of Succinate Dehydrogenase (SDH), cytochrome oxidase (CCO) and Ca(2)(+)-Mg(2+) ATPase, cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration, the cell cycle and apoptosis, as well as the ultrastructure of C.albicans were also tested. We found that baicalin inhibited (3)H-UdR, (3)H-TdR and (3)H-leucine incorporation into C.albicans (P<0.005). The activities of the SDH and Ca(2)(+)-Mg(2+) ATPase of C.albicans in baicalin groups were lower than those in control group (P<0.05). Ca(2+) concentrations of C. albicans in baicalin groups were much higher than those in control group (P<0.05). The ratio of C.albicans at the G0/G1 stage increased in baicalin groups in dose dependent manner (P<0.01). There were a significant differences in the apoptosis rate of C.albicans between baicalin and control groups (P<0.01). After 12-48 h incubation with baicalin (1mg/ml), C. albicans shown to be markedly damaged under transmission electron micrographs.

INNOVATION AND SIGNIFICANCE: Baicalin can increase the apoptosis rate of C. albicans. These effects of Baicalin may involved in its inhibiting the activities of the SDH and Ca(2)(+)-Mg(2+) ATPase, increasing cytosolic Ca(2+) content and damaging the ultrastructure of C. albicans.