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 H-3-UdR, H-3-TdR and H-3-leucine incorporation into C. albicans using the isotope incorporation technology. The activities of Succinate Dehydrogenase (SDH), cytochrome oxidase (CCO) and Ca2+-Mg2+ ATPase, cytosolic Ca2+ concentration, the cell cycle and apoptosis, as well as the ultrastructure of C. albicans were also tested. We found that baicalin inhibited H-3-UdR, H-3-TdR and H-3-leucine incorporation into C. albicans (P < 0.005). The activities of the SDH and Ca2+-Mg2+ ATPase of C. albicans in baicalin groups were lower than those in control group (P < 0.05). Ca2+ 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 (1 mg/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 Ca2+-Mg2+ ATPase, increasing cytosolic Ca2+ content and damaging the ultrastructure of C. albicans. (C) 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc.