\[Abstract\]ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of long-term exposure to high concentration of sodium chloride on resistance to oxidative stress in Candida albicans (C. albicans). MethodsTwo C. albicans strains, SC5314 and ATCC76615, were challenged with 1 mol/L NaCl for 24 consecutive days. Spot assay was performed to compare the resistance to hydrogen peroxide and miconazole between the wild-type and derivative strains. The transcription levels of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD1), catalase (CAT1), and glutathione reductase (GR), were determined by real-time RT-PCR, and their activities were also examined. Peroxidation of lipid was examined by determining the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA); the cellular level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was also determined.ResultsLong-term exposure to high concentration of sodium chloride enhanced the resistance of C. albicans to oxidative stress (hydrogen peroxide \[12 mmol/L\] and miconazole \[4 μg/ml\]); the exposure increased the transcription of antioxidant enzymes, SOD1, CAT1, and GR by 2-5 folds; and it also significantly increased the activities of the antioxidant enzymes (P<0.05). Meanwhile, it significantly alleviated the peroxidation of lipid (P<0.01) and decreased the intracellular ROS contents (P<0.01). ConclusionLong-term exposure to salt stress can increase the resistance to oxidative stress in C. albicans.