Effect of Shark Liver Oil on Peritoneal Murine Macrophages in Responses to Killed-Candida albicans

Objective(s) Shark Liver Oil (SLO) is an immunomodulator. Macrophages play a key role in host defense against pathogens like fungi. Candida albicans have mechanisms to escape immune system. We determined the effect of killed-Candida on the in vitro viability of macrophages and the effect of SLO on augmentation of this potency. Materials and Methods Peritoneal macrophages were separated and cultured (3×105/well). At first, the effect of killed-Candida (200 cells/well) on macrophage viability was evaluated, using MTT test. Then, MTT was performed on macrophages stimulated with killed-Candida in the presence of SLO. Results Killed-Candida suppressed the ability of MTT reduction and hence macrophages viability (P=0.026), but addition of SLO (100 mg/ml) significantly enhanced cell viability (P=0.00). So, SLO could neutralize the inhibitory effect of Candida. Conclusion Simultaneous with cytotoxic effect of killed-Candida cells on macrophages viability, SLO augment macrophages viability. So, it can be applied in candidiasis as a complement.