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International Journal of Molecular... Feb 2024Atherosclerosis, which currently contributes to 31% of deaths globally, is of critical cardiovascular concern. Current diagnostic tools and biomarkers are limited,... (Review)
Review
Atherosclerosis, which currently contributes to 31% of deaths globally, is of critical cardiovascular concern. Current diagnostic tools and biomarkers are limited, emphasizing the need for early detection. Lifestyle modifications and medications form the basis of treatment, and emerging therapies such as photodynamic therapy are being developed. Photodynamic therapy involves a photosensitizer selectively targeting components of atherosclerotic plaques. When activated by specific light wavelengths, it induces localized oxidative stress aiming to stabilize plaques and reduce inflammation. The key advantage lies in its selective targeting, sparing healthy tissues. While preclinical studies are encouraging, ongoing research and clinical trials are crucial for optimizing protocols and ensuring long-term safety and efficacy. The potential combination with other therapies makes photodynamic therapy a versatile and promising avenue for addressing atherosclerosis and associated cardiovascular disease. The investigations underscore the possibility of utilizing photodynamic therapy as a valuable treatment choice for atherosclerosis. As advancements in research continue, photodynamic therapy might become more seamlessly incorporated into clinical approaches for managing atherosclerosis, providing a blend of efficacy and limited invasiveness.
Topics: Humans; Atherosclerosis; Photochemotherapy; Photosensitizing Agents; Plaque, Atherosclerotic; Inflammation
PubMed: 38396639
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25041958 -
Cells Nov 2023Phototherapy, encompassing the utilization of both natural and artificial light, has emerged as a dependable and non-invasive strategy for addressing a diverse range of... (Review)
Review
Phototherapy, encompassing the utilization of both natural and artificial light, has emerged as a dependable and non-invasive strategy for addressing a diverse range of illnesses, diseases, and infections. This therapeutic approach, primarily known for its efficacy in treating skin infections, such as herpes and acne lesions, involves the synergistic use of specific light wavelengths and photosensitizers, like methylene blue. Photodynamic therapy, as it is termed, relies on the generation of antimicrobial reactive oxygen species (ROS) through the interaction between light and externally applied photosensitizers. Recent research, however, has highlighted the intrinsic antimicrobial properties of light itself, marking a paradigm shift in focus from exogenous agents to the inherent photosensitivity of molecules found naturally within pathogens. Chemical analyses have identified specific organic molecular structures and systems, including protoporphyrins and conjugated C=C bonds, as pivotal components in molecular photosensitivity. Given the prevalence of these systems in organic life forms, there is an urgent need to investigate the potential impact of phototherapy on individual molecules expressed within pathogens and discern their contributions to the antimicrobial effects of light. This review delves into the recently unveiled key molecular targets of phototherapy, offering insights into their potential downstream implications and therapeutic applications. By shedding light on these fundamental molecular mechanisms, we aim to advance our understanding of phototherapy's broader therapeutic potential and contribute to the development of innovative treatments for a wide array of microbial infections and diseases.
Topics: Humans; Photosensitizing Agents; Phototherapy; Photochemotherapy; Anti-Infective Agents; Acne Vulgaris
PubMed: 37998399
DOI: 10.3390/cells12222664 -
Nature Communications Aug 2023Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems have gained much attention in the treatment of various malignant tumors during the past decades. However, limited tumor...
Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems have gained much attention in the treatment of various malignant tumors during the past decades. However, limited tumor penetration of nanodrugs remains a significant hurdle for effective tumor therapy due to the existing biological barriers of tumoral microenvironment. Inspired by bubble machines, here we report the successful fabrication of biomimetic nanodevices capable of in-situ secreting cell-membrane-derived nanovesicles with smaller sizes under near infrared (NIR) laser irradiation for synergistic photothermal/photodynamic therapy. Porous Au nanocages (AuNC) are loaded with phase transitable perfluorohexane (PFO) and hemoglobin (Hb), followed by oxygen pre-saturation and indocyanine green (ICG) anchored 4T1 tumor cell membrane camouflage. Upon slight laser treatment, the loaded PFO undergoes phase transition due to surface plasmon resonance effect produced by AuNC framework, thus inducing the budding of outer cell membrane coating into small-scale nanovesicles based on the pore size of AuNC. Therefore, the hyperthermia-triggered generation of nanovesicles with smaller size, sufficient oxygen supply and anchored ICG results in enhanced tumor penetration for further self-sufficient oxygen-augmented photodynamic therapy and photothermal therapy. The as-developed biomimetic bubble nanomachines with temperature responsiveness show great promise as a potential nanoplatform for cancer treatment.
Topics: Biomimetics; Hyperthermia, Induced; Photochemotherapy; Phototherapy; Indocyanine Green; Oxygen; Nanoparticles; Cell Line, Tumor
PubMed: 37567901
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40474-9 -
Biomolecules Nov 2023BODIPY (4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene) derivatives have attracted attention as probes in applications like imaging and sensing due to their unique... (Review)
Review
BODIPY (4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene) derivatives have attracted attention as probes in applications like imaging and sensing due to their unique properties like (1) strong absorption and emission in the visible and near-infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, (2) strong fluorescence and (3) supreme photostability. They have also been employed in areas like photodynamic therapy. Over the last decade, BODIPY-based molecules have even emerged as candidates for cancer treatments. Cancer remains a significant health issue world-wide, necessitating a continuing search for novel therapeutic options. BODIPY is a flexible fluorophore with distinct photophysical characteristics and is a fascinating drug development platform. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the most recent breakthroughs in BODIPY-based small molecules for cancer or disease detection and therapy, including their functional potential.
Topics: Boron Compounds; Photochemotherapy; Fluorescence; Fluorescent Dyes
PubMed: 38136594
DOI: 10.3390/biom13121723 -
The Journal of Dermatological Treatment Dec 2023Onychomycosis is difficult to treat due to long treatment durations, poor efficacy rates of treatments, high relapse rates, and safety issues when using systemic... (Review)
Review
Onychomycosis is difficult to treat due to long treatment durations, poor efficacy rates of treatments, high relapse rates, and safety issues when using systemic antifungal agents. Device-based treatments are targeted to specific regions of the nail, have favorable safely profiles, and do not interfere with systemic agents. They may be an effective alternative therapy for onychomycosis especially with increasing reports of squalene epoxidase gene mutations and potential resistance to terbinafine therapy. In this review, we discuss four devices used as antifungal treatments and three devices used as penetration enhancers for topical agents. Lasers, photodynamic therapy, microwaves, and non-thermal plasma have the capacity to inactivate fungal pathogens demonstrated through studies. Efficacy rates for these devices, however, remain relatively low pointing toward the need to further optimize device or usage parameters. Ultrasound, nail drilling, and iontophoresis aid in improving the permeability of topical agents through the nail and have been investigated as adjunctive therapies. Due to the paucity in clinical data, their efficacy in treating onychomycosis has not yet been established. While the results of clinical studies point toward the potential utility of devices for onychomycosis, further large-scale randomized clinical trials following regulatory guidelines are required to confirm current results.
Topics: Humans; Onychomycosis; Antifungal Agents; Terbinafine; Nails; Photochemotherapy; Administration, Topical
PubMed: 37807661
DOI: 10.1080/09546634.2023.2265658 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2023Gliomas are one of the most common primary malignant tumours of the central nervous system (CNS), of which glioblastomas (GBMs) are the most common and destructive type.... (Review)
Review
Gliomas are one of the most common primary malignant tumours of the central nervous system (CNS), of which glioblastomas (GBMs) are the most common and destructive type. The glioma tumour microenvironment (TME) has unique characteristics, such as hypoxia, the blood-brain barrier (BBB), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and tumour neovascularization. Therefore, the traditional treatment effect is limited. As cellular oxidative metabolites, ROS not only promote the occurrence and development of gliomas but also affect immune cells in the immune microenvironment. In contrast, either too high or too low ROS levels are detrimental to the survival of glioma cells, which indicates the threshold of ROS. Therefore, an in-depth understanding of the mechanisms of ROS production and scavenging, the threshold of ROS, and the role of ROS in the glioma TME can provide new methods and strategies for glioma treatment. Current methods to increase ROS include photodynamic therapy (PDT), sonodynamic therapy (SDT), and chemodynamic therapy (CDT), etc., and methods to eliminate ROS include the ingestion of antioxidants. Increasing/scavenging ROS is potentially applicable treatment, and further studies will help to provide more effective strategies for glioma treatment.
Topics: Humans; Reactive Oxygen Species; Glioma; Photochemotherapy; Antioxidants; Tumor Microenvironment
PubMed: 38130720
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1259797 -
International Journal of Molecular... Mar 2024Cardiovascular diseases are the third most common cause of death in the world. The most common are heart attacks and stroke. Cardiovascular diseases are a global problem... (Review)
Review
Cardiovascular diseases are the third most common cause of death in the world. The most common are heart attacks and stroke. Cardiovascular diseases are a global problem monitored by many centers, including the World Health Organization (WHO). Atherosclerosis is one aspect that significantly influences the development and management of cardiovascular diseases. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is one of the therapeutic methods used for various types of inflammatory, cancerous and non-cancer diseases. Currently, it is not practiced very often in the field of cardiology. It is most often practiced and tested experimentally under in vitro experimental conditions. In clinical practice, the use of PDT is still rare. The aim of this review was to characterize the effectiveness of PDT in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, the most frequently used photosensitizers in cardiology are summarized.
Topics: Humans; Photochemotherapy; Cardiovascular Diseases; Photosensitizing Agents; Neoplasms
PubMed: 38474220
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052974 -
Survey of Ophthalmology 2023We compare efficacy of treatments for chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) > 3 months. Four treatment classes were considered: photodynamic therapy (PDT),... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
We compare efficacy of treatments for chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) > 3 months. Four treatment classes were considered: photodynamic therapy (PDT), subthreshold laser therapies (SLT), mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA) and antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents. Pairwise and network meta-analyses (NMA) of the primary outcomes (complete resolution of subretinal fluid (SRF), mean change in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA as logMAR) and mean change in SRF) and secondary outcomes (mean change in central retinal thickness, and central choroidal thickness (μm), recurrence of SRF, and adverse events) at 3, 6, and 12 months were compared. Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis (CINeMA) informed the certainty of NMA evidence. Eleven RCTs of 458 eyes (450 patients) were included. NMA at 3 months showed that both PDT and SLT were superior to control for resolution of SRF (OR 4.83; 95% CI 1.72-13.55 and 2.27; 1.14-4.49, respectively) and SLT was superior to control for improving BCVA (MD -0.10; -0.17 to -0.04). PDT was superior to SLT for improving CRT (MD -42.88; -75.27 to -10.50). On probability ranking, PDT and SLT were consistently the best-ranked treatments for each outcome at 3 months, but low confidence of evidence and paucity of studies preclude definitive conclusions.
Topics: Humans; Central Serous Chorioretinopathy; Network Meta-Analysis; Retina; Laser Therapy; Photochemotherapy; Tomography, Optical Coherence; Photosensitizing Agents; Chronic Disease; Fluorescein Angiography; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 36931437
DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2023.03.001 -
Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy Feb 2024Acne is an inflammatory cutaneous disease affecting the pilosebaceous unit and hair follicles on the face, neck, back, and chest, with a typical onset in adolescence...
Acne is an inflammatory cutaneous disease affecting the pilosebaceous unit and hair follicles on the face, neck, back, and chest, with a typical onset in adolescence and, in some cases, persisting into adulthood. Systemic treatments with antibiotics or isotretinoin present many limitations, like antimicrobial resistance phenomena and teratogenicity, which appear more relevant in the pediatric population, both for the treatment-related risks and for the reticence of the parents. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has already shown encouraging results in the treatment of acne in adult patients, with good aesthetic results compared to other therapies and few side effects. However, its use is still not standardized in the pediatric population. On this topic, we report our experience with PDT in a young patient affected by dorsal acne. After five sessions of ALA-PDT at monthly intervals, a remarkable improvement of the lesions was observed, with the healing of the inflamed nodules and pustules, resolution of the painful symptoms, and an acceptable cosmetic outcome. Our case is paradigmatic of the potentiality of PDT to treat difficult and resistant-to-treatment lesions. Despite being time-consuming, this procedure has been demonstrated to be safe and well-tolerated. Lastly, the therapy is also well accepted by parents, due to its minimal invasiveness and mild side effects, compared to the other therapeutic options.
Topics: Child; Adult; Adolescent; Humans; Photosensitizing Agents; Aminolevulinic Acid; Photochemotherapy; Administration, Cutaneous; Acne Vulgaris
PubMed: 37951327
DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2023.103893 -
Ceska a Slovenska Oftalmologie :... 2024Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is a disease characterized by serous detachment of the neuroretina, especially in the posterior pole of the eye. It is often... (Review)
Review
Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is a disease characterized by serous detachment of the neuroretina, especially in the posterior pole of the eye. It is often accompanied by serous detachment of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and associated with the leakage of fluid into the subretinal space through the defective RPE. CSC most often affects men of working age. The exact pathophysiology of the disease is not completely known. Based on indocyanine green angiography (ICG), which revealed increased permeability of choroidal vessels, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) showing increased choroidal thickness, choroidal vasculopathy is assumed to be the primary cause of CSC. In most cases, CSC has a good prognosis with spontaneous resorption of the subretinal fluid (SRF) and improvement of visual functions. However, in a small percentage of patients the disease progresses to a chronic or recurrent course, and can lead to irreversible functional and anatomical changes of the retina with a final clinical picture of diffuse retinal pigment epitheliopathy (DRPE). The optimal treatment approach for patients with CSC remains controversial. In recent decades, myriad therapeutic approaches have been used in the treatment of chronic forms of CSC (cCSC); these included for example laser photocoagulation, pharmaceutical treatment, standard photodynamic therapy (PDT) or anti-VEGF. In recent years a less destructive method, specifically PDT in reduced dose regimens, either with a reduced dose of verteporfin or the laser beam energy used, has been preferred in the treatment of cCSC. Comparable efficacy and safety has been demonstrated using reduced-dose or reduced-fluence PDT regimens in patients with cCSC, with an improvement in best-corrected visual acuity and reduction of SRF.
Topics: Male; Humans; Central Serous Chorioretinopathy; Photosensitizing Agents; Photochemotherapy; Visual Acuity; Fluorescein Angiography; Tomography, Optical Coherence; Retrospective Studies; Porphyrins
PubMed: 38531681
DOI: 10.31348/2023/27