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Majchrzak-Celińska A, Studzińska-Sroka E. New Avenues and Major Achievements in Phytocompounds Research for Glioblastoma Therapy. Molecules 2024; 29:1682. [PMID: 38611962 PMCID: PMC11013944 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29071682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Phytocompounds have been evaluated for their anti-glioblastoma actions for decades, with promising results from preclinical studies but only limited translation into clinics. Indeed, by targeting multiple signaling pathways deregulated in cancer, they often show high efficacy in the in vitro studies, but their poor bioavailability, low tumor accumulation, and rapid clearance compromise their efficacy in vivo. Here, we present the new avenues in phytocompound research for the improvement of glioblastoma therapy, including the ways to enhance the response to temozolomide using phytochemicals, the current focus on phytocompound-based immunotherapy, or the use of phytocompounds as photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy. Moreover, we present new, intensively evaluated approaches, such as chemical modifications of phytochemicals or encapsulation into numerous types of nanoformulations, to improve their bioavailability and delivery to the brain. Finally, we present the clinical trials evaluating the role of phytocompounds or phytocompound-derived drugs in glioblastoma therapy and the less studied phytocompounds or plant extracts that have only recently been found to possess promising anti-glioblastoma properties. Overall, recent advancements in phytocompound research are encouraging; however, only with more 3D glioblastoma models, in vivo studies, and clinical trials it is possible to upgrade the role of phytocompounds in glioblastoma treatment to a satisfactory level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Majchrzak-Celińska
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 3 Str., 60-806 Poznan, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Studzińska-Sroka
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Biomaterials, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 3 Str., 60-806 Poznan, Poland;
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Alvarez N, Sevilla A. Current Advances in Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) and the Future Potential of PDT-Combinatorial Cancer Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1023. [PMID: 38256096 PMCID: PMC10815790 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a two-stage treatment that implies the use of light energy, oxygen, and light-activated compounds (photosensitizers) to elicit cancerous and precancerous cell death after light activation (phototoxicity). The biophysical, bioengineering aspects and its combinations with other strategies are highlighted in this review, both conceptually and as they are currently applied clinically. We further explore the recent advancements of PDT with the use of nanotechnology, including quantum dots as innovative photosensitizers or energy donors as well as the combination of PDT with radiotherapy and immunotherapy as future promising cancer treatments. Finally, we emphasize the potential significance of organoids as physiologically relevant models for PDT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niuska Alvarez
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Ana Sevilla
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain;
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Barcelona (IBUB), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
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Pevná V, Huntošová V. Imaging of heterogeneity in 3D spheroids of U87MG glioblastoma cells and its implications for photodynamic therapy. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 2023; 44:103821. [PMID: 37778715 DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2023.103821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, pharmacology and toxicology have emphasised the intention to move from in vivo models to simplified 3D objects represented by spheroidal models of cancer. Mitochondria are one of the subcellular organelles responsible for cell metabolism and are often a lucrative target for cancer treatment including photodynamic therapy (PDT). METHODS Hanging droplet-grown glioblastoma cells were forced to form spheroids with heterogeneous environments that were characterised by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry using fluorescent probes sensitive to oxidative stress and apoptosis. PDT was induced with hypericin at 590 nm. RESULTS It was found that the metabolic activity of the cells in the periphery and core of the spheroid was different. Higher oxidative stress and induction of caspase-3 were observed in the peripheral layers after PDT. These parts were more destabilised and showed higher expression of LC3B, an autophagic marker. However, the response of the whole system to the treatment was controlled by the cells in the core of the spheroids, which were hardly affected by the treatment. It has been shown that the depth of penetration of hypericin into this system is an important limiting step for PDT and the induction of autophagy and apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS In this work, we have described the fluorescence imaging of vital mitochondria, caspase-3 production and immunostaining of autophagic LC3B in cells from glioblastoma spheroids before and after PDT. Overall, we can conclude that this model represents an in vitro and in vivo applicable alternative for the study of PDT in solid microtumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktória Pevná
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Physics, Faculty of Science, P.J. Šafárik University in Košice, Jesenná 5, Košice SK-041 54, Slovakia
| | - Veronika Huntošová
- Center for Interdisciplinary Biosciences, Technology and Innovation Park, P.J. Šafárik University in Košice, Jesenná 5, Košice SK-041 54, Slovakia; Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 840 05, Slovakia.
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Pevná V, Zauška Ľ, Benziane A, Vámosi G, Girman V, Miklóšová M, Zeleňák V, Huntošová V, Almáši M. Effective transport of aggregated hypericin encapsulated in SBA-15 nanoporous silica particles for photodynamic therapy of cancer cells. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY. B, BIOLOGY 2023; 247:112785. [PMID: 37714000 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2023.112785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) represents an interesting modality for the elimination of damaged biomaterials and cells. This treatment takes advantage of the photosensitizing properties of molecules that are active only when irradiated with light. In the present work, a dual property of hypericin, a hydrophobic molecule with high performance in photodiagnostics and photodynamic therapy, was exploited. The non-fluorescent and photodynamically inactive form of hypericin aggregates was loaded into the nanopores of SBA-15 silica particles. The synthesized particles were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, differential thermal analysis, small-angle X-ray scattering and transmission electron microscopy. Hypericin aggregates were confirmed by absorption spectra typical of aggregated hypericin and by its short fluorescence lifetime. Release of hypericin from the particles was observed toward serum proteins, mimicking physiological conditions. Temperature- and time-dependent uptake of hypericin by cancer cells showed gradual release of hypericin from the particles and active cellular transport by endocytosis. A closer examination of SBA-15-hypericin uptake by fluorescence lifetime imaging showed that aggregated hypericin molecules, characterized by a short fluorescence lifetime (∼4 ns), were still present in the SBA-15 particles upon uptake by cells. However, monomerization of hypericin in cancer cells was observed by extending the hypericin fluorescence lifetime by ∼8 ns, preferentially in lipid compartments and the plasma membrane. This suggests a promising prognosis for delayed biological activity of the entire cargo, which was confirmed by effective PDT in vitro. In summary, this work presents an approach for safe, inactive delivery of hypericin that is activated at the target site in cells and tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktória Pevná
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Physics, Faculty of Science, P.J. Šafárik University in Košice, Jesenná 5, SK-041 54 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Ľuboš Zauška
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, P. J. Šafárik University in Košice, Moyzesova 11, SK-041 54, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Anass Benziane
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - György Vámosi
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Vladimír Girman
- Department of Solid State Physics, Faculty of Science, P.J. Šafárik University in Košice, Park Angelinum, SK-041 54, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Monika Miklóšová
- 2(nd) Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, P.J. Šafárik University in Košice, Rastislavova 43, SK-040 01 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Vladimír Zeleňák
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, P. J. Šafárik University in Košice, Moyzesova 11, SK-041 54, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Veronika Huntošová
- Center for Interdisciplinary Biosciences, Technology and Innovation Park, P.J. Šafárik University in Košice, Jesenná 5, SK-041 54 Košice, Slovakia.
| | - Miroslav Almáši
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, P. J. Šafárik University in Košice, Moyzesova 11, SK-041 54, Košice, Slovakia
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Bartusik-Aebisher D, Woźnicki P, Dynarowicz K, Aebisher D. Photosensitizers for Photodynamic Therapy of Brain Cancers-A Review. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1299. [PMID: 37759900 PMCID: PMC10526171 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13091299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
On average, there are about 300,000 new cases of brain cancer each year. Studies have shown that brain and central nervous system tumors are among the top ten causes of death. Due to the extent of this problem and the percentage of patients suffering from brain tumors, innovative therapeutic treatment methods are constantly being sought. One such innovative therapeutic method is photodynamic therapy (PDT). Photodynamic therapy is an alternative and unique technique widely used in dermatology and other fields of medicine for the treatment of oncological and nononcological lesions. Photodynamic therapy consists of the destruction of cancer cells and inducing inflammatory changes by using laser light of a specific wavelength in combination with the application of a photosensitizer. The most commonly used photosensitizers include 5-aminolevulinic acid for the enzymatic generation of protoporphyrin IX, Temoporfin-THPC, Photofrin, Hypericin and Talaporfin. This paper reviews the photosensitizers commonly used in photodynamic therapy for brain tumors. An overview of all three generations of photosensitizers is presented. Along with an indication of the limitations of the treatment of brain tumors, intraoperative photodynamic therapy and its possibilities are described as an alternative therapeutic method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Bartusik-Aebisher
- Department of Biochemistry and General Chemistry, Medical College of the University of Rzeszów, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland;
| | - Paweł Woźnicki
- Students English Division Science Club, Medical College of the University of Rzeszów, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland;
| | - Klaudia Dynarowicz
- Center for Innovative Research in Medical and Natural Sciences, Medical College of the University of Rzeszów, 35-310 Rzeszów, Poland;
| | - David Aebisher
- Department of Photomedicine and Physical Chemistry, Medical College of the University of Rzeszów, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland
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Pevná V, Zauška Ľ, Almáši M, Hovan A, Bánó G, Máčajová M, Bilčík B, Zeleňák V, Huntošová V. Redistribution of hydrophobic hypericin from nanoporous particles of SBA-15 silica in vitro, in cells and in vivo. Int J Pharm 2023; 643:123288. [PMID: 37532008 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Nanoporous silica is nowadays used in various fields of nano- and micro-materials research. The advantage of nanoporous material is that it can be filled with various hydrophilic and hydrophobic molecules, which are then delivered to the target cells and tissues. In the present study, we have studied the interaction of nanoporous silica with hydrophobic and photodynamically active molecule - hypericin. Hypericin was adsorbed on/in SBA-15 silica, which led to the disappearance of its fluorescence due to hypericin aggregate formation. However, it was observed here that hypericin can be easily redistributed from these particles towards proteins and lipids in serum and cells in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the charged surface character of SBA-15 pores forced the creation of protein/lipid corona on particles. Such complex enabled monomerization of hypericin on the surface of particles presented by fluorescence in the corona and singlet oxygen production suitable for photodynamic therapy (PDT). The PDT efficacy achieved by introducing the new construct into the PDT protocol was comparable to the efficacy of hypericin PDT. In conclusion, this study demonstrates a promising approach for the delivery of hydrophobic photosensitizers to cancer cells by nanoporous silica using fluorescence techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktória Pevná
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Physics, Faculty of Science, P.J. Šafárik University in Košice, Jesenná 5, 041 54 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Ľuboš Zauška
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, P. J. Šafárik University in Košice, Moyzesova 11, 041 54 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Miroslav Almáši
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, P. J. Šafárik University in Košice, Moyzesova 11, 041 54 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Andrej Hovan
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Physics, Faculty of Science, P.J. Šafárik University in Košice, Jesenná 5, 041 54 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Gregor Bánó
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Physics, Faculty of Science, P.J. Šafárik University in Košice, Jesenná 5, 041 54 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Mariana Máčajová
- Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 840 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Boris Bilčík
- Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 840 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Vladimír Zeleňák
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, P. J. Šafárik University in Košice, Moyzesova 11, 041 54 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Veronika Huntošová
- Center for Interdisciplinary Biosciences, Technology and Innovation Park, P.J. Šafárik University in Košice, Jesenná 5, 041 54 Košice, Slovakia.
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Pevná V, Máčajová M, Hovan A, Bánó G, Meta M, Bilčík B, Palková J, Huntošová V. Spheroidal Model of SKBR3 and U87MG Cancer Cells for Live Imaging of Caspase-3 during Apoptosis Induced by Singlet Oxygen in Photodynamic Therapy. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092141. [PMID: 36140241 PMCID: PMC9495824 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspects related to the response of cells to photodynamic therapy (PDT) have been well studied in cell cultures, which often grow in monolayers. In this work, we propose a spheroidal model of U87MG and SKBR3 cells designed to mimic superficial tumor tissue, small spheroids (<500 µm) suitable for confocal fluorescence microscopy, and larger spheroids (>500 µm) that can be xenografted onto quail chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) to study the effects of PDT in real time. Hypericin was used as a model molecule for a hydrophobic photosensitizer that can produce singlet oxygen (1O2). 1O2 production by hypericin was detected in SKBR3 and U87MG spheroid models using a label-free technique. Vital fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry revealed the heterogeneity of caspase-3 distribution in the cells of the spheroids. The levels of caspase-3 and apoptosis increased in the cells of spheroids 24 h after PDT. Lactate dehydrogenase activity was evaluated in the spheroids as the most reliable assay to detect differences in phototoxicity. Finally, we demonstrated the applicability of U87MG spheroids on CAM in photodiagnostics. Overall, the variability and applicability of the prepared spheroid models were demonstrated in the PDT study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktória Pevná
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Physics, Faculty of Science, P.J. Safarik University in Kosice, Jesenna 5, 041 54 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Mariana Máčajová
- Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 840 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Andrej Hovan
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Physics, Faculty of Science, P.J. Safarik University in Kosice, Jesenna 5, 041 54 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Gregor Bánó
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Physics, Faculty of Science, P.J. Safarik University in Kosice, Jesenna 5, 041 54 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Majlinda Meta
- Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 840 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Boris Bilčík
- Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 840 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Júlia Palková
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Physics, Faculty of Science, P.J. Safarik University in Kosice, Jesenna 5, 041 54 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Veronika Huntošová
- Center for Interdisciplinary Biosciences, Technology and Innovation Park, P.J. Safarik University in Kosice, Jesenna 5, 041 54 Kosice, Slovakia
- Correspondence:
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