| This study aimed to assess the effect of voriconazole (VCZ)-loaded nano-liposomes on biological activity and expression of ERG11, CDR1, and CDR2 genes in fluconazole (FCZ) resistant Candida albicans (C. albicans). In the present study, 5 resistant isolates of C. albicans and 3 Susceptible clinical isolates to FCZ were scrutinized from 60 patients suspected of candidiasis. The liposomal formulation of VCZ was produced. After that, the minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) testing was performed and determine the percentage of growth inhibition. Finally, ERG11, CDR1, and CDR2 mRNA levels were amplified by the qRT-PCR instrument. The obtained results unveiled that VCZ-loaded nano-liposome reduction of MIC in C. albicans isolates was remarkable. The results of the MBIC in the most optimum inhibitory concentration of VCZ-loaded nano-liposome was determined to be 4.54 µg/mL and 4.88 µg/mL for susceptible isolate and resistant isolate, respectively. The ERG11 gene expression in FCZ-resistant C. albicans strains in VCZ-treated, liposomal formulation of VCZ-treated, and non-treated specimens stood at 91%, 63%, and 100%, respectively. Expression levels of CDR1 genes in FCZ-resistant C. albicans were shown to be 91%, 88%, and 100%, respectively. Concerning CDR2 genes, this rate varied to 91%, 78%, and 100% in FCZ-resistant, respectively. What our study unveiled was that the use of liposomal VCZ formulation could further reduce the expression of azoles resistant genes compared to VCZ itself. Additionally, thanks to more efficacious penetration of the liposomal form, the rate of growth inhibition was considerably higher. |