Effect of dose responses of hydrophilic aluminium (III) phthalocyanine chloride tetrasulphonate based photosensitizer on lung cancer cells

Aluminum Phthalocyanine tetrasulfonate conjugated to surface-modified Iron oxide nanoparticles as a magnetic targeting platform for photodynamic therapy of Ehrlich tumor-bearing mice

BACKGROUND

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a targeted treatment option for cancers that are non-responding to ordinary anticancer therapies. It involves activating a photosensitizer with a light source of a specific wavelength to destroy targeted cells and their surrounding vasculature. Aluminum phthalocyanine tetra sulfonate (AlPcS4) has gained attention as a second-generation photosensitizer for its strong absorption in the red-light region. AlPcS4 can be conjugated to magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (IONs) to provide targeted drug delivery to the tumor cells while reducing its undesired effect on healthy tissues in other body parts.

METHODS

Magnetic glutamine functionalized iron oxide nanocomposites loaded with AlPcS4 (IONs-NH2-AlPcS4) were synthesized via the co-precipitation method. The conjugate (IONs-NH2-AlPcS4) was characterized by TEM, Zeta potential, DLS, FTIR, and UV-VIS absorption spectroscopy. Furthermore, its photodynamic activity was investigated using albino mice with induced Ehrlich solid tumors.

RESULTS

AlPcS4 was successfully conjugated to IONs-NH2 with a high loading efficiency of 54±2%. The synthesized conjugate exhibited a spherical shape, with 7±2 nm particle size. The In vivo experiment revealed that the albino mice with induced Ehrlich solid tumor that were treated by combined PDT and magnetic targeting conjugate exhibited significant tumor regression and notably higher levels of necrotic tissue compared to the animals in other groups.

CONCLUSION

PDT mediated by magnetic targeting significantly inhibited tumor growth with minimal adverse effects, indicating its great potential as a promising strategy for solid cancer treatment.

Development of Liposomes Loaded with Chloroaluminum Phthalocyanine for Application of Photodynamic Therapy in Breast Cancer

Chloraluminium phthalocyanine (ClAlPc) has potential therapeutic effect for the treatment of cancer; however, the molecule is lipophilic and may present self-aggregation which limits its clinical success. Thus, nanocarriers like liposomes can improve ClAlPc solubility, reduce off-site toxicity and increase circulation time. For this purpose, developing suitable liposomes requires the evaluation of different lipid compositions. Herein, we aimed to develop liposomes containing soy phosphatidylcholine (SPC), 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero- 3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[amino(polyethylene glycol)-2000] (DSPEPEG2000), cholesterol and oleic acid loaded with ClAlPc using the surface response methodology and the Box-Behnken design. Liposomes with particle size from 110.93 to 374.97 nm and PdI from 0.265 to 0.468 were obtained. The optimized formulation resulted in 69.09 % of ClAlPc encapsulated, with particle size and polydispersity index, respectively, at 153.20 nm and 0.309, providing stability and aggregation control. Atomic force microscopy revealed vesicles in a spherical or almost spherical shape, while the analyzes by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) suggested that the drug was adequately incorporated into the lipid bilayer of liposomes, in its amorphous state or molecularly dispersed. In vitro studies conducted in breast cancer cells (4T1) showed that liposome improved phototoxicity compared to the ClAlPc solution. ClAlPc-loaded liposomes also enhanced the production of ROS 3-fold compared to the ClAlPc solution. Finally, confocal microscopy and flow cytometry demonstrated the ability of the liposomes to enter cells and deliver the fluorescent ClAlPc photosensitizer with dose and time-dependent effects. Thus, this work showed that Box-Behnken factorial design was an effective strategy for optimizing formulation development. The obtained ClAlPc liposomes can be applied for photodynamic therapy in breast cancer cells.

Photoactive metabolite mediated photodynamic therapy of Rhabdomyosarcoma cell lines using medicinal plants and Doxorubicin co-treatments

BACKGROUND

Medicinal plant-mediated combinational therapies have gained importance globally due to minimal side effects and enhanced treatment outcomes compared to single-drug modalities. We aimed to analyze the cytotoxic potential of each conventional treatment i.e., photodynamic therapy (PDT), chemotherapy (doxorubicin hydrochloride; Dox-HCl) with or without various concentrations of medicinal plant extracts (PE) on soft tissue cancer Rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cell line.

METHODS

The Rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cell line was cultured and treated with Photosensitizer (Photosense (AlPc4)), Chemo (Dox-HCl), and their combinations with different concentrations of each plant extract i.e., Thuja occidentalis, Moringa oleifera, Solanum surattense. For the source of illumination, a Diode laser (λ = 630 nm ± 1 nm, Pmax = 1.5 mW) was used. Photosensitizer uptake time (∼ 45 min) was optimized through spectrophotometric measurements (absorption spectroscopy). Drug response of each treatment arm was assessed post 24 h of administration using 3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2, 5- 5-diphenyl-2 H- tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay.

RESULTS

PE-mediated Chemo-Photodynamic therapy (PDT) exhibited synergistic effects (CI < 1). Moreover, Rhabdomyosarcoma culture pretreated with various plant extracts for 24 h exhibited significant inhibition of cell viability however most effective outcomes were shown by low and high doses of Moringa oleifera compared to other plant extracts. Post low doses treated culture with all plant extracts followed by PDT came up with more effectiveness when compared to all di-therapy treatments.

CONCLUSION

The general outcome of this work shows that the ethanolic plant extracts (higher doses) promote the death of cancerous cells in a dose-dependent way and combining Dox-HCl and photo-mediated photodynamic therapy can yield better therapeutic outcomes.

Aluminium phthalocyanine-mediated photodynamic therapy induces ATM-related DNA damage response and apoptosis in human oesophageal cancer cells

Introduction

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a light-based technique used in the treatment of malignant and non-malignant tissue. Aluminium-phthalocyanine chloride tetra sulfonate (AlPcS4Cl)-mediated PDT has been well investigated on several cancer types, including oesophageal cancer. However, the effects of (AlPcS4Cl)-mediated PDT on DNA damage response and the mechanism of cell death in oesophageal cancer needs further investigation.

Methods

Here, we examined the in vitro effects of AlPcS4Cl-mediated PDT on cell cycle, DNA damage response, oxidative stress, and intrinsic apoptotic cell death pathway in HKESC-1 oesophageal cancer cells. The HKESC-1 cells were exposed to PDT using a semiconductor laser diode (673.2 nm, 5 J/cm2 fluency). Cell viability and cytotoxicity were determined by the ATP cell viability assay and the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay, respectively. Cell cycle and DNA damage response (DDR) analyses were conducted using the Muse™ cell cycle kit and the Muse® multi-color DNA damage kit, respectively. The mode of cell death was identified using the Annexin V-FITC/PI detection assay and Muse® Autophagy LC3 antibody-based kit. The intrinsic apoptotic pathway was investigated by measuring the cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) function, cytochrome c levels and the activity of caspase 3/7 enzymes.

Results

The results show that AlPcS4Cl-based PDT reduced cell viability, induced cytotoxicity, cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase, and DNA double-strand break (DSB) through the upregulation of the ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM), a DNA damage sensor. In addition, the findings showed that AlPcS4Cl-based PDT induced cell death via apoptosis, which is observed through increased ROS production, reduced ΔΨm, increased cytochrome c release, and activation of caspase 3/7 enzyme. Finally, no autophagy was observed in the AlPcS4Cl-mediated PDT-treated cells.

Conclusion

Our findings showed that apoptotic cell death is the main cell death mechanism triggered by AlPcS4Cl-mediated PDT in oesophageal cancer cells.

The synthesis of novel water-soluble zinc (II) phthalocyanine based photosensitizers and exploring of photodynamic therapy activities on the PC3 cancer cell line

In this study, Schiff base substituted phthalocyanine complexes (Zn1c, Zn2c) and their quaternized derivatives (Q-Zn1c, Q-Zn2c) were synthesized for the first time. Their structures have been characterized by FT-IR, 1H-NMR, UV-Vis, mass spectrometry and elemental analysis as well as. The photophysicochemical properties (fluorescence, singlet oxygen and photodegradation quantum yield) of these novel complexes were investigated in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) for both non-ionic and quaternized cationic phthalocyanine complexes and in aqueous solution for quaternized cationic phthalocyanine complexes. Water soluble cationic phthalocyanine compounds gave good singlet oxygen quantum yield (0.65 for Q-Zn1c, 0.66 for Q-Zn2c in DMSO; 0.65 for Q-Zn2c in aqueous solution). The binding of Q-Zn1c and Q-Zn2c to BSA/DNA was studied by using UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy and these. Studies indicate that the mechanism of BSA quenching by quaternized zinc(II) phthalocyanines was static quenching. Quaternized zinc(II) phthalocyanines interacted with ct-DNA by intercalation. Quaternized zinc(II) phthalocyanines caused a decrease in cell viability and triggered apoptotic cell death after PDT was applied at a concentration that did not have a toxic effect on their own. Q-Zn1c and Q-Zn2c mediated PDT reduced the activity of SOD, CAT, GSH while increased MDA level in the prostate cancer cells. Furthermore, expression of apoptotic proteins after PDT was examined. The results revealed that the synthesized water soluble quaternized zinc(II) phthalocyanine complexes (Q-Zn1c and Q-Zn2c) are promising potential photosensitizers for PDT.

Recent Studies in Photodynamic Therapy for Cancer Treatment: From Basic Research to Clinical Trials

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an emerging and less invasive treatment modality for various types of cancer. This review provides an overview of recent trends in PDT research, ranging from basic research to ongoing clinical trials, focusing on different cancer types. Lung cancer, head and neck cancer, non-melanoma skin cancer, prostate cancer, and breast cancer are discussed in this context. In lung cancer, porfimer sodium, chlorin e6, and verteporfin have shown promising results in preclinical studies and clinical trials. For head and neck cancer, PDT has demonstrated effectiveness as an adjuvant treatment after surgery. PDT with temoporfin, redaporfin, photochlor, and IR700 shows potential in early stage larynx cancer and recurrent head and neck carcinoma. Non-melanoma skin cancer has been effectively treated with PDT using methyl aminolevulinate and 5-aminolevulinic acid. In prostate cancer and breast cancer, PDT research is focused on developing targeted photosensitizers to improve tumor-specific uptake and treatment response. In conclusion, PDT continues to evolve as a promising cancer treatment strategy, with ongoing research spanning from fundamental investigations to clinical trials, exploring various photosensitizers and treatment combinations. This review sheds light on the recent advancements in PDT for cancer therapy and highlights its potential for personalized and targeted treatments.

Photodynamic therapy of lung cancer with photosensitizers based on polycationic derivatives of synthetic bacteriochlorin (experimental study)

BACKGROUND

One of the tasks of anticancer photodynamic therapy is increasing the efficacy of treatment of cancer nodes with large (clinically relevant) sizes using near-infrared photosensitizers (PS).

METHODS

The anticancer efficacy and mechanisms of the photodynamic action of PS based on polycationic derivatives of synthetic bacteriochlorin against Lewis lung carcinoma were studied in vitro and in vivo.

RESULTS

It was found that studied PS have high phototoxicity against Lewis lung carcinoma cells: the IC50 values were about 0.8 μM for tetracationic PS and 0.5 μM for octacationic PS. In vivo studies have shown that these PS provide effective inhibition of the tumor growth with an increase in the lifespan of mice in the group by more than 130%, and more than 50% survival of mice in the group.

CONCLUSIONS

Photosensitizers based on polycationic derivatives of synthetic bacteriochlorin have high photodynamic efficacy caused by the induction of necrosis and apoptosis of cancer cells, including cancer stem cells, and a sharp decrease of mitotic and proliferative activity. Studied polycationic photosensitizers are much more effective at destroying cancer stem cells and newly formed cancer vessels in comparison with anionic photosensitizers, and ensure the cessation of tumor blood flow without hemorrhages and thrombosis.

940 nm diode laser induced differentiation of human adipose derived stem cells to temporomandibular joint disc cells

Background

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) refers to a group of disorders that affect temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and its associated muscles with very limited treatment options. Stem cell research is emerging as one of the promising fields in the treatment of degenerative diseases. The ability of human adipose derived stem cells to differentiate into many cell types is driving special interest in several disease management strategies. Photobiomodulation has enhanced the role of these stem cells through their ability to promote cell proliferation and differentiation. Hence, this study examined the differentiation potential of human adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) into fibroblasts and chondrocytes using a 940 nm diode laser for possible TMD therapy.

Materials and methods

ADSCs were cultured at different seeding densities and for different time intervals. After irradiation at 24, 48, 72 h, 1, 2 and 3 weeks, ADSC viability and morphological changes were assessed in groups with and without basic fibroblast growth factor. Additionally, the level of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the cells was also recorded. The differentiated fibroblasts and chondrocytes were characterized with flow cytometry and immunofluorescence techniques, at 1- and 2-weeks post-irradiation.

Results

Increased ATP proliferation and cell viability above 90% were observed in all post-irradiation experimental groups. Post irradiation results from flow cytometry and immunofluorescence at 1- and 2‐weeks confirmed the expression of chondrogenic and fibroblastic cell surface markers.

Conclusion

This study describes stimulatory techniques utilized to differentiate ADSCs into fibroblastic and chondrogenic phenotypes using diode lasers at 940 nm. The study proposes a new treatment model for patients with degenerative disc diseases of the TMJ. The study will offer new possibilities in tissue engineering and TMJ disc management through photobiomodulation of ADSCs using a 940 nm diode laser.

Photodynamic Therapy with an AlPcS4Cl Gold Nanoparticle Conjugate Decreases Lung Cancer’s Metastatic Potential

Cancer metastasis and the risk of secondary tumours are the leading causes of cancer related death, and despite advances in cancer treatment, lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. A crucial characteristic of metastases is cell invasion potential, which is mainly determined by cell motility. Photodynamic therapy (PDT), known for its minimally invasive cancer treatment approach, has been extensively researched in vitro and is currently being developed clinically. Due to their physicochemical and optical properties, gold nanoparticles have been shown to increase the effectivity of PDT by increasing the loading potential of the photosensitizer (PS) inside cancer cells, to be biocompatible and nontoxic, to provide enhanced permeability and retention, and to induce lung cancer cell death. However, effects of gold nano phototherapy on lung cancer metastasis are yet to be investigated. The aim of this in vitro study was to determine the inhibitory effects of PS-gold nano bioconjugates on lung cancer metastasis by analysing cell proliferation, migration, cell cycle analysis, and extracellular matrix cell invasion. The findings indicate that nano-mediated PDT treatment of lung cancer prevents lung cancer migration and invasion, induces cell cycle arrest, and reduces lung cancer proliferation abilities, elaborating on the efficacy of the nano-mediated PDT treatment of lung cancer.

Advances in photosensitizer-related design for photodynamic therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is highly effective in treating tumors located near body surface, offering strong tumor suppression and low damage to normal tissue nearby. PDT is also effective for treating a number of other conditions. PDT not only provide a precise and selective method for the treatment of various diseases by itself, it can also be used in combination with other traditional therapies. Because PDT uses light as the unique targeting mechanism, it has simpler and more direct targeting capability than traditional therapies. The core material of a PDT system is the photosensitizer which converts light energy to therapeutic factors/substances. Different photosensitizers have their distinct characteristics, leading to different advantages and disadvantages. These could be enhanced or compensated by using proper PDT system. Therefore, the selected type of photosensitizer would heavily influence the overall design of a PDT system. In this article, we evaluated major types of inorganic and organic PDT photosensitizers, and discussed future research directions in the field.

Aluminium (III) phthalocyanine chloride tetrasulphonate is an effective photosensitizer for the eradication of lung cancer stem cells

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are considered to contribute to the recurrence of lung cancer due to their stem-like nature and the involvement of genetic markers associated with drug efflux, regeneration and metastases. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a cost-effective and non-invasive therapeutic application that can act as an alternative therapy for lung cancer when considering CSC involvement. Stem-like cells derived from the A549 lung cancer cell line, positive for CD133, CD56 and CD44 antigen markers, were characterized, intracellular localization of aluminium (III) phthalocyanine chloride tetrasulphonate (AlPcS₄Cl) determined and its anti-cancer PDT effects were evaluated. Results confirmed that isolated cells were stem cell-like and subcellular localization of AlPcS₄Cl in integral organelles involved in cell homeostasis supported the destruction of CSC. AlPcS₄Cl's effectivity was demonstrated with CSC eradication showing a significant increase in cytotoxicity and cell death via apoptosis, caused by a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential. PDT could serve as a palliative treatment for lung cancer and improve prognosis by elimination of lung CSCs.

Lysosome-targeted photodynamic treatment induces primary keratinocyte differentiation

Photodynamic therapy is an attractive technique for various skin tumors and non-cancerous skin lesions. However, while the aim of photodynamic therapy is to target and damage only the malignant cells, it unavoidably affects some of the healthy cells surrounding the tumor as well. However, data on the effects of PDT to normal cells are scarce, and the characterization of the pathways activated after the photodamage of normal cells may help to improve clinical photodynamic therapy. In our study, primary human epidermal keratinocytes were used to evaluate photodynamic treatment effects of photosensitizers with different subcellular localization. We compared the response of keratinocytes to lysosomal photodamage induced by phthalocyanines, aluminum phthalocyanine disulfonate (AlPcS_2a) or aluminum phthalocyanine tetrasulfonate (AlPcS₄), and cellular membrane photodamage by m-tetra(3-hydroxyphenyl)-chlorin (mTHPC). Our data showed that mTHPC-PDT promoted autophagic flux, whereas lysosomal photodamage induced by aluminum phthalocyanines evoked differentiation and apoptosis. Photodamage by AlPcS_2a, which is targeted to lysosomal membranes, induced keratinocyte differentiation and apoptosis more efficiently than AlPcS₄, which is targeted to lysosomal lumen. Computational analysis of the interplay between these molecular pathways revealed that keratin 10 is the coordinating molecular hub of primary keratinocyte differentiation, apoptosis and autophagy.

Sodium 3-mercaptopropanesulphonate substituted phthalocyanine: Synthesis, photophysical properties, in vitro and in vivo PDT efficacy

This article has been retracted. For details, please refer to the Retraction Notice published in Vol.25, No.2 (2021).

Laser-Induced Differentiation of Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells to Temporomandibular Joint Disc Cells

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is an incapacitating disease with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc degenerative changes in patients. Despite several research attempts to find a definitive treatment, there is no evidence of a permanent solution. The objective of the current study was to observe the role of 660 nm diode laser in the differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) to fibroblasts and chondrocytes.

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS

After irradiation, the morphology, viability, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) proliferation of the ADSCs were analyzed at different time intervals. The differentiation of ADSCs toward fibroblastic and chondrogenic phenotypes was supported using flow cytometry and immunofluorescence at 1- and 2-week post-irradiation.

RESULTS

More than 90% of viable cells were observed in all experimental groups, with an increase in ATP proliferation. Flow cytometry analyses and immunofluorescence demonstrated the presence of chondrogenic and fibroblastic cell surface markers at 1- and 2-week post-irradiation.

CONCLUSION

This study has demonstrated methods to induce the differentiation of ADSCs toward fibroblastic and chondrogenic phenotypes with a 660 nm diode laser. The study also proposes a future alternative method of treatment for patients with degenerative TMJ disc disorders and presents a positive prospect in the application of photobiomodulation and ADSCs in the treatment of degenerative TMJ disc. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Effective Gold Nanoparticle-Antibody-Mediated Drug Delivery for Photodynamic Therapy of Lung Cancer Stem Cells

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a leading contributor to lung cancer mortality rates. CSCs are responsible for tumor growth and recurrence through inhibition of drug-induced cell death, decreasing the effect of traditional cancer therapy and photodynamic therapy (PDT). PDT can be improved to successfully treat lung cancer by using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), due to their size and shape, which have been shown to facilitate drug delivery and retention, along with the targeted antibody (Ab) mediated selection of CSCs. In this study, a nanobioconjugate (NBC) was constructed, using a photosensitizer (PS) (AlPcS₄Cl), AuNPs and Abs. The NBC was characterized, using spectroscopy techniques. Photodynamic effects of the NBC on lung CSCs was evaluated, using biochemical assays 24 h post-irradiation, in order to establish its anticancer effect. Results showed successful conjugation of the nanocomposite. Localization of the NBC was seen to be in integral organelles involved in cell homeostasis. Biochemical responses of lung CSCs treated using AlPcS₄Cl-AuNP and AlPcS₄Cl-AuNP-Ab showed significant cell toxicity and cell death, compared to free AlPcS₄Cl. The PDT effects were enhanced when using the NBC, showing significant lung CSC destruction to the point of eradication.

Nanomolar photodynamic activity of porphyrins bearing 1,4,7-trioxanonyl and 2-methyl-5-nitroimidazole moieties against cancer cells

Despite the continuous development of medicine, there is still a lack of effective and fully safe protocols for the treatment of neoplastic diseases. The drug-drug conjugates approach seems to give a chance to obtain more efficient molecules. New alkoxy and metronidazole substituted porphyrins were synthesized. Novel porphyrins were purified by flash column chromatography and characterized using NMR, MS, UV-Vis and HPLC. The Nuclear Magnetic Resonance study was performed to annotate experimentally observed ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR signals of new compounds. The 2D NMR techniques such as ¹H-¹H COSY (Correlation Spectroscopy), ¹H-¹³C HSQC (Heteronuclear Single Quantum Correlation) and 1H-13C HMBC (Heteronuclear Multiple Bond Correlation) were used for the structure elucidation of the new compounds. In the range of 250-450 nm of the absorption spectra, the Soret band was observed, whereas the Q band was noted in the range of 500-650 nm. Compounds revealed a fluorescence quantum yield in the range 0.03-0.12. Singlet oxygen generation quantum yields up to 0.54 were determined. Electrochemical properties has also been studied. It has been noticed electropolymerization of compound bearing 5-nitroimidazole substituents. The photodynamic activity of the studied porphyrins against A549 and HEK001/HPV16 cancer cells were examined. The most active against A549 and HEK 001/HPV16 was light-excited trioxanonylporphyrin with the values of IC₅₀ equal to 0.49 μM and 50 nM respectively.