Effects of Thymus daenensis Essential Oil-loaded chitosan Nanoparticles on BCR1 Gene Expression in Candida Parapsilosis.

Abstract

Candida parapsilosis is a non-albicans species with a high prevalence and potential for nosocomial infections. The BCR1 gene plays a critical role in regulating virulence factors in this species. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Thymus daenensis essential oil encapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles (TDNs) on the expression of the BCR1 gene in C. parapsilosis isolates from animal and human sources. Sixty C. parapsilosis isolates (30 from human and 30 from veterinary sources) were screened for the presence of the BCR1 gene via PCR. The TDNs were synthesized and characterized using various techniques. The isolates carrying the BCR1 gene were treated with TDNs to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The expression of the BCR1 gene after treatment with sub-MIC concentrations of TDNs was measured by real-time PCR and compared with the control group. The results were statistically analyzed. Five out of 60 isolates (8.33%) tested positive for the BCR1 gene. The physical properties of TDNs showed that they had a spherical shape, an average size of 92.3 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.129±0.03, a zeta potential of +48.3 mV, and an encapsulation efficiency of 88.6 ± 0.2%. The MIC range for TDNs in these isolates was 0.032-1 μg/ml. Treatment with TDNs significantly reduced the expression of the BCR1 gene in all five isolates compared with the control group (p=0.012). TDN has substantial potential for inhibiting the expression of the BCR1 gene, associated with virulence in C. parapsilosis. This may enhance the antifungal activity of TDN and reduce the risk of nosocomial infections caused by this species.