Molecular and histopathological evaluation of green-synthesized nanoparticles against Candida-induced inflammation in experimental mice

Author(s): Neibras Hamoud Abd Al- Hussein
Date: 09/10/2026
doi: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8425890

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Abstract

Background: C. Albicans can initiate a significant innate immune response responsible for inflammatory 
responses and damage of tissues. The reason why green synthesis nanoparticle therapy is interesting is 
that it may possess both antifungal and anti-inflammatory activities while having a more straightforward 
and feasible production process. 
Methods: Four groups of Swiss albino mice were formed in each containing six animals (control group 
treated with saline, Candida infection (1 x 10^6 CFU, intraperitoneally), Candida infection + green
synthesized nanoparticle treatment (50 mg/kg, orally, 7 days) and Candida infection + fluconazole (10 
mg/kg, orally, 7 days)). The raw data includes the body weight changes, liver weight/total body weight 
ratio, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, iNOS levels, histopathology scores, and the relative expression of TLR-2 and 
NF-κB receptors. The analysis was done with the help of normality and homogeneity tests, one-way 
ANOVA test, and Kruskal-Wallis test. 
Results: Infection with Candida resulted in significant weight loss, enlargement of the liver, increase in 
cytokine levels, elevation of iNOS, extensive inflammation in the liver, necrosis, and fibrosis with up
regulation of TLR-2 and NF-κB. Both treatment groups had beneficial effects on all parameters 
investigated. Nanoparticles exhibited a substantial reduction in inflammation compared to control and 
showed similarity to fluconazole in all but one endpoint. 
Conclusion: Green synthesis nanoparticles showed anti-inflammatory activity against Candida infection 
in mice with down-regulation of the TLR-2/NF-κB inflammatory pathway. These results encourage 
further investigation for the use of plant-based nanoparticles as adjunctive antifungals. 

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