Dynamics and metabolic profile of oral keratinocytes (NOK-si) and Candida albicans after interaction in co-culture.

Understanding the interaction between oral keratinocytes (NOK-si) and Candida albicans is fundamental for the development of prevention strategies and new therapies for oral candidiasis. This study evaluated the dynamics and metabolic profile of these cells growing in co-culture by means of cell metabolism, number of CFU ml-1, and production of enzymes, cytokines, and metabolites. The data were analyzed by ANOVAs and post hoc tests (α = 0.05). In co-cultures, there were significant decreases in the cell metabolism of NOK-si and C. albicans and increases in the CFU ml-1 values of C. albicans biofilm. There were also significant increases in the production of cytokines by NOK-si and proteinase by C. albicans biofilm after their interaction. The metabolic balance of the main metabolites, amino acids, and extracellular and intracellular metabolites was shifted in favor of the co-cultures, while aromatic alcohols were secreted in higher amounts by the biofilm of C. albicans. It was concluded that the interaction of cells in co-culture influenced their dynamics over time.