Investigation of thiosemicarbazide free or within chitosan nanoparticles in a murine model of vulvovaginal candidiasis

Abstract

Vulvovaginal candidiasis is a serious health problem affecting numerous women around the world. Its treatment is based on antifungals which may not provide an effective cure because of the resistance presented by its etiological pathogens Candida spp. Candida albicans is the most prevalent species related to vulvovaginal candidiasis. Here, we evaluated the in vivo antifungal potential of thiosemicarbazide and thiosemicarbazide encapsulated within chitosan nanoparticles in a murine model of vulvovaginal candidiasis. The results demonstrated the antifungal capacity of free or nanoencapsulated thiosemicarbazide within chitosan to reduce the fungal load in the vaginal tissue of infected mice. In addition, histological analyses indicated the absence or a mild to moderate infection in thiosemicarbazide-treated groups. Statistical tests confirmed the existence of significant differences between the treated and the control groups. Therefore, our results suggest a potential application of thiosemicarbazide and encapsulated thiosemicarbazide as an alternative vulvovaginal candidiasis therapy.

The Expanded Role of Chitosan in Localized Antimicrobial Therapy

“…Thiosemicarbazide is a compound with an antifungal effect, but its biological effect is reduced due to in vivo degradation. The CNP-associated thiosemicarbazide obtained a noticeable reduction in the fungal burden after seven days of treatment, suggesting a synergistic effect [287]. CNPs alone did not affect the fungal burden.…”

“…Clotrimazole Decreased antifungal activity in vitro but improved safety profile for CNP-associated clotrimazole [285] Callophycin A Synergetic and improved antifungal effect both in vitro and in vivo by Callophycin A in CNPs [286] Thiosemicarbazide CNP-associated thiosemicarbazide obtained a prominent reduction of fungal burden in vivo [287] Miconazole CNPs containing a seven-fold lower miconazole concentration than conventional miconazole cream obtained equal therapeutic effect [288] Miconazole and farnesol…”

“…Murine vulvovaginal candidiasis model was also applied in a study on the anticandidal effect of thiosemicarbazide encapsulated in CNPs [287]. Thiosemicarbazide is a compound with an antifungal effect, but its biological effect is reduced due to in vivo degradation.…”