Sub-lethal Concentrations of Chlorhexidine Inhibit Growth by Disrupting ROS and Metal Ion Homeostasis

Overview

Journal J Oral Microbiol

Specialty Dentistry

Date 2024 Feb 28

PMID 38415078

Authors

Qian Jiang

Yuchen Deng

Shuaihu Li

Deqin Yang

Li Tao

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

is a normal resident of the human oral cavity. It is also the most common fungal pathogen, causing various oral diseases, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Chlorhexidine digluconate (CHG) is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent widely used in dental practice and has been recommended to treat oral candidiasis. However, its action mechanism against the fungal pathogen remains poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of CHG at sub-lethal concentrations against . CHG inhibited the growth of in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Cells treated with CHG exhibited altered membrane permeability, reduced metabolic activity, and enhanced metal ion and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. Copper-sensing transcription factor Mac1, iron-sensing transcription factors Sfu1 and Sef2, and copper transporter Ctr1 regulated intracellular metal ion and ROS homeostasis in response to CHG. Deletion of , , or increased intracellular ROS production and cell susceptibility to CHG. This study revealed a novel mechanism by which CHG induced apoptosis of cells through the disruption of metal ion and ROS homeostasis, which may help to identify new targets for fungal infections.

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