Antifungal and Interactive Effects of NO Donor Complexes and Common Antifungal Drugs on Candida Species and Cryptococcus Neoformans

Nitric oxide(NO) is a molecule with expanded and numerous roles in biologic system of the body. It shows antitumor and antimicrobial activities. Stimulation of macrophages by different microorganisms leads to the production of a large amount of NO with toxic property that causes the death of microorganisms. Mechanisms related to NO perform an important role in host’s defense against fungal infections. In candidial infections NO is regarded as the most important factor in killing candida albicans by polimorphonuclear cells. This experimental study was designed to investigate antifungal potential of two NO donor complexes namely DPTA/NO(Dipropylenetriamine nitric oxide) and DEA/NO(Diethyleamine nitric oxide) per se and in combination with antifungal drugs such as ketoconazole and amphotricin B against candida albicans, candida parapsilosis, candida tropicalis, candida glabrata, and cryptococcus neoformans. In order to do so, we determined MIC(Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) and MFC(Minimum Fungicidal Concentration) of the above-mentioned complexes as per NCCLS(National Committee of Clinical Laboratory Standards) using microdilution broth method. The obtained findings showed that DPTA/NO complex per se exerted antifungal effects. In addition, this complex revealed synergic effects on C. tropicalis, C. glabrata II, and cryptococcus neoformans(FIX<0.5) and additive effects on C. albicans, C. parapsilosis, and C. glabrata I(0.5Conclusion