Glutathione as a promising anti-hydrophobicity agent against Malassezia spp.
The genus Malassezia has recently attracted wide attention in medical microbiology and dermatology as a pathogen. They are lipophilic yeasts possessing high level of cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH). L-glutathione (GSH) is a ubiquitous antioxidant which offers protection against microbial infections. This study is intended to investigate the role of GSH as a potential anti-hydrophobicity agent against Malazessia spp. Microbial adherence to hydrocarbon assay was performed to assess the anti-hydrophobicity activity (AHA) of GSH against four Malassezia spp. The assay revealed that GSH at 400 μg ml(-1) concentration inhibited CSH, ranging from 84% to 95% in M. furfur, M. globosa, M. restricta and M. sympodialis without killing the cells. The AHA of GSH was corroborated by auto-aggregation assay and zeta-potential measurement, through which delayed cell aggregation was observed due to reduction in CSH level and not by modification in cell surface charge. In addition, colony-forming unit assay was performed in which 62-93% of CSH reduction was observed in Malassezia spp. tested. Furthermore, GSH treatment enhanced the sensitivity of Malassezia spp. towards human blood at the rate of 64-72%. The AHA was further confirmed through Fourier transform infrared analysis. Thus, this study portrays GSH as a prospective therapeutic alternative for Malassezia-mediated infections.
Department of Biotechnology, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, India.
Chandran
C
Sivasankar
Department of Biotechnology, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, India.
Ayyappan
A
Ponmalar
ITC R&D Centre, Bengaluru, India.
James P
JP
Bhaskar
Department of Biotechnology, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, India.
Shunmugiah K
SK
Pandian
D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000187:drug effects; D003881:Dermatomycoses / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D005978:Glutathione / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D057927:Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions / Q000187:drug effects; D008290:Malassezia / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D017550:Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared / Q000379:methods
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D005978:Glutathione
Fourier transform infrared spectrum analysis; Malassezia; cell surface hydrophobicity; l-glutathione