Pomegranate Extract Affects Fungal Biofilm Production: Consumption of Phenolic Compounds and Alteration of Fungal Autoinducers Release

Bruna Colombari, Davide Tagliazucchi, Alessandra Odorici, Eva Pericolini, Ismaela Foltran, Diego Pinetti, Aida Meto, Samuele Peppoloni and Elisabetta Blasi ()
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Bruna Colombari: Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphological Sciences with Interest in Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
Davide Tagliazucchi: Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Amendola, 2—Pad. Besta, 42100 Reggio Emilia, Italy
Alessandra Odorici: Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, School of Doctorate in Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
Eva Pericolini: Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphological Sciences with Interest in Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
Ismaela Foltran: Incos-Cosmeceutica Industriale, Funo di Argelato, 40050 Bologna, Italy
Diego Pinetti: Centro Interdipartimentale Grandi Strumenti (C.I.G.S), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
Aida Meto: Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphological Sciences with Interest in Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
Samuele Peppoloni: Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphological Sciences with Interest in Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
Elisabetta Blasi: Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphological Sciences with Interest in Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 21, 1-12

Abstract: Candida albicans expresses numerous virulence factors that contribute to pathogenesis, including its dimorphic transition and even biofilm formation, through the release of specific quorum sensing molecules, such as the autoinducers (AI) tyrosol and farnesol. In particular, once organized as biofilm, Candida cells can elude conventional antifungal therapies and the host’s immune defenses as well. Accordingly, biofilm-associated infections become a major clinical challenge underlining the need of innovative antimicrobial approaches. The aim of this in vitro study was to assess the effects of pomegranate peel extract (PomeGr) on C. albicans growth and biofilm formation; in addition, the release of tyrosol and farnesol was investigated. The phenolic profile of PomeGr was assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS) analysis before and after exposure to C. albicans . Here, we showed that fungal growth, biofilm formation and AI release were altered by PomeGr treatment. Moreover, the phenolic content of PomeGr was substantially hampered upon exposure to fungal cells; particularly pedunculagin, punicalin, punicalagin, granatin, di-(HHDP-galloyl-hexoside)-pentoside and their isomers as well as ellagic acid–hexoside appeared highly consumed, suggesting their role as bioactive molecules against Candida . Overall, these new insights on the anti- Candida properties of PomeGr and its potential mechanisms of action may represent a relevant step in the design of novel therapeutic approaches against fungal infections.

Keywords: anti-biofilm; Candida albicans; in vitro; phenolic compounds; pomegranate; virulence (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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