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.