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1 "Yun Huang"
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Antifungal effects of Metformin against Candida albicans by autophagy regulation
Xiao Zhao, Yang Wang, Qinqin Zhang, Yun Huang, Xin Wei, Daming Wu
J. Microbiol. 2025;63(4):e2411008.   Published online April 29, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.71150/jm.2411008
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AbstractAbstract PDF

Candida albicans (C. albicans) is a common opportunistic fungal pathogen that can cause infections ranging from superficial to severe systemic diseases. This study investigates the antifungal effects of metformin on C. albicans and explores its underlying mechanisms. Growth inhibition was assessed via XTT assays, and hyphal formation and morphological changes were observed by light microscope and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured with JC-1 and DCFH-DA probes, respectively. Gene expression related to ROS and autophagy was quantified by RT-qPCR, and autophagosomes were visualized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Metformin significantly inhibited C. albicans growth and hyphal formation, altered cell morphology, reduced MMP, and increased ROS levels. It activated autophagy in planktonic C. albicans but suppressed it in biofilm forms. Additionally, metformin exhibited synergistic effects with amphotericin B against planktonic C. albicans and with caspofungin against biofilms. The findings suggest that metformin exerts antifungal activity by modulating MMP, ROS levels, and autophagy-related pathways, and enhances the efficacy of specific antifungal drugs.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  
  • Chloroquine Alone and Combined with Antifungal Drug Against Candida albicans Biofilms In Vitro and In Vivo via Autophagy Inhibition
    Xiao Zhao, Qiaochu Wu, Chenyu Weng, Shuangbo Xu, Yufei Wang, Weiyu Yuan, Xuening Xiong, Wanjing Chen, Xin Wei
    Mycopathologia.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Updates on Candida albicans infections: pathogenesis, resistance, and emerging nanopharmaceutical strategies
    Marilena Pariano, Matteo Puccetti, Consuelo Fabi, Emilia Nunzi, Sarah Balucchi, Luana Perioli, Maurizio Ricci, Stefano Giovagnoli, Enrico Garaci, Luigina Romani
    Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy.2025; : 1.     CrossRef

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