Metabolomic Profiling of Autotoxic and Autoprotective Compounds in Clinical Candida albicans Isolates via Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS)

Abstract

Candida albicans is a prominent opportunistic pathogen, whose persistence in clinical environments may be influenced by its metabolic secretions. This study used gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to investigate the exometabolite profiles of clinical Candida albicans isolates from symptomatic female patients clinically diagnosed with vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) in hospitals across Odisha, India. Clinical symptoms included vaginal itching, discharge, burning sensation, and dysuria. After biochemical verification and culturing, the ethyl acetate extracts were subjected to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify volatile and semi-volatile compounds.

Metabolites were categorized as autotoxic compounds for self-regulation and autoprotective metabolites for stress adaptation and environmental resilience. The autotoxic metabolites included 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol (RT: 25.237 min), phthalate derivatives (RT: 33.104, 34.284 min), cyclotetrasiloxane (RT: 6.421 min), methylated alkanes, and dotriacontane (RT: 35.402, 36.557 min), which are known for their cytotoxic properties, suggesting their role in autolysis. The autoprotective profile included squalene (RT: 45.370 and RT: 45.444 min), methyl stearate, 13-docosenamide (Z), glycerol monostearate (TMS derivative), long-chain alkanes, and cyclic siloxanes, which are implicated in membrane stabilization and stress resistance.

The identification of both harmful and protective metabolites in Candida albicans reveals a complex self-regulatory mechanism that contributes to its pathogenicity and resistance to antifungal drugs. These findings suggest that the disruption of this metabolic balance could be a potential approach for antifungal treatment. Future studies should focus on quantifying these metabolites under stress conditions and evaluating their role in antifungal resistance.