Evaluation of liposomal effect of voriconazole on growth, ergosterol biosynthesis and expression of ERG11, CDR1 and CDR2 genes in fluconazole resistant Candida albicans isolates using Real-time PCR technique

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the effect of voriconazole (VCZ)-loaded nano-liposomes on biological activity and expression of ERG11, CDR1, and CDR2 genes in fluconazole (FCZ) resistant Candida albicans (C. albicans). Materials and Methods: In the present study, 5 resistant isolates of C. albicans and 3 Susceptible clinical isolates to FCZ were scrutinized from 60 patients suspected of candidiasis. The liposomal formulation of VCZ was produced. After that, Ergosterol biosynthesis was measured with and without liposomal voriconazole. Finally, ERG11, CDR1, and CDR2 mRNA levels were amplified by the qRT-PCR instrument. Results: The obtained results unveiled that VCZ-loaded nano-liposome reduction of MIC in C. albicans isolates was remarkable. The results of the biological activity of ergosterol biosynthesis showed that a dose-dependent decrease in ergosterol production was observed when the isolates were grown in the presence of VCZ and nano-liposomes loaded in VCZ. The ERG11 gene expression in FCZ-resistant C. albicans strains in VCZ-treated, liposomal formulation of VCZ-treated, and non-treated specimens stood at 91%, 63%, and 100%, respectively. Expression levels of CDR1 genes in FCZ-resistant C. albicans were shown to be 91%, 88%, and 100%, respectively. Concerning CDR2 genes, this rate varied to 91%, 78%, and 100% in FCZ-resistant, respectively.