Jingpixian tincture induces apoptosis of Trichophyton rubrum

Abstract:

[Objective] To investigate the role of Jingpixian tincture (JPXT) in inducing apoptosis of Trichophyton rubrum and reveal the antifungal mechanism of JPXT. [Methods] Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) was used to evaluate the effect of JPXT on the viability of T. rubrum. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in T. rubrum were measured by flow cytometry. Annexin V-FITC/PI staining was employed to observe the externalization of phosphatidylserine (PS) in T. rubrum. Flow cytometry, FITC-VAD-FMK staining, and an ultraviolet spectrophotometer were employed to determine the apoptosis rate, metacaspase activity, and cytochrome C oxidase activity, respectively. [Results] After JPXT treatment, the viability and MMP of T. rubrum decreased, and the ROS level increased. Furthermore, the JPXT treatment promoted PS externalization, increased the apoptosis rate and metacaspase activity, and decreased the cytochrome C oxidase activity. [Conclusion] JPXT can inhibit T. rubrum by inducing apoptosis.