Indole propionic acid induced Ca2+ -dependent apoptosis in Candida albicans.

Indole propionic acid (IPA) which majorly influences the modulation of cellular respiration is a metabolite generated by gut microbiota. The antimicrobial effects of IPA have not been previously demonstrated. Therefore, this study focused on investigating the antimicrobial activity of IPA. Initially, antifungal activity of IPA against Candida albicans was observed, accompanied by variations in mitochondrial respiration indicating modulation of NAD+ /NADH ratios. Consumption of O2 contributes to the respiratory regulation and triggered by Ca2+ overloading. After treatment with IPA, the cells were monitored, and Ca2+ increases leading to membrane depolarization and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in mitochondria were noted. Depolarization of mitochondria membrane induced release of pro-apoptotic proteins in mitochondria. Oxidative stress exerted by ROS contributed to glutathione depletion and oxidation of GSH. Fragmentation of DNA is a characteristic event leading to apoptosis and accompanies major hallmarks of apoptosis including phosphatidylserine exposure and metacaspase activation. In addition, phosphatidylserine exposure and metacaspase activation. In conclusion, IPA triggered apoptosis in C. albicans under the influence of Ca2+ . This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.