Extract of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix–Cnidii Fructus Couplet Medicines Treats Vulvovaginal Candidiasis by Affecting the Vaginal Mucosal Barrier

Abstract

Aim: This study investigated the inhibition of extract of Sophorae flavescentis radix–Cnidii fructus couplet medicines (ESCC) on Candida albicans ( C. albicans) in vitro and the effect of ESCC on the vaginal mucosal barrier in vivo. Materials & methods: Susceptibility testing was performed with C. albicans SC5314. A vulvovaginal candidiasis mouse model was successfully established. The plate method, Gram staining, hematoxylin and eosin staining and ELISA were used to detect relevant inflammatory indexes: IFN-γ, IL-1 and TNF-α. Quantitative real-time PCR and western blot were used to detect mucosal immune-related factors: MUC1, MUC4, DEFB1 and DEFB2. Results: ESCC was able to inhibit the proliferative activity of C. albicans, and it affected inflammation-related factors and indicators of vaginal mucosal immunity. Conclusion: ESCC showed potential value in the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Mitochondrial Protease Oct1p Regulates Mitochondrial Homeostasis and Influences Pathogenicity through Affecting Hyphal Growth and Biofilm Formation Activities in Candida albicans

“…Subsequently, all mice received subcutaneous injections in the neck on days 1, 3, and 5 with 0.1 mL of estradiol benzoate at a concentration of 0.1 mg/mL dissolved in sterile edible oil (dibai Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China). Three injections were administered to induce pseudo-estrus in mice, followed by inoculation with 20 µL of C. albicans suspension (2 × 10 7 cells/mL) in the vagina for vaginal infection on the day after the final injection [ 33 ]. The control group received 20 µL of PBS for vaginal stimulation.…”