Cellular and molecular biology of Candida albicans estrogen response.

ABSTRACT: Candida albicans is the most common etiological agent of vaginal candidiasis. Elevated host estrogen levels and the incidence of vaginal candidiasis are positively associated. Elevated estrogen levels may affect host and/or fungal cells. This study investigates the effect of 17-beta-estradiol, 17-alpha-estradiol, ethynyl estradiol, and estriol on several C. albicans strains at concentrations ranging from 10(-5) to 10(-10) M. The addition of 17-beta-estradiol or ethynyl estradiol to C. albicans cells caused an increase in the number of cells forming germ tubes and an increase in germ tube length in a dose- and strain-dependent manner. The addition of 17-alpha-estradiol or estriol did not have a significant effect on germ tube formation by the cultured cells. Exposure to exogenous estrogens

SUBMITTER: Cheng G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1360257 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature