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Plant Cell Reports Aug 20215-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) modulates various defense systems in plants and confers abiotic stress tolerance. Enhancement of crop production is a challenge due to... (Review)
Review
5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) modulates various defense systems in plants and confers abiotic stress tolerance. Enhancement of crop production is a challenge due to numerous abiotic stresses such as, salinity, drought, temperature, heavy metals, and UV. Plants often face one or more abiotic stresses in their life cycle because of the challenging growing environment which results in reduction of growth and yield. Diverse studies have been conducted to discern suitable mitigation strategies to enhance crop production by minimizing abiotic stress. Exogenous application of different plant growth regulators is a well-renowned approach to ameliorate adverse effects of abiotic stresses on crop plants. Among the numerous plant growth regulators, 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is a novel plant growth regulator, also well-known to alleviate the injurious effects of abiotic stresses in plants. ALA enhances abiotic stress tolerance as well as growth and yield by regulating photosynthetic and antioxidant machineries and nutrient uptake in plants. However, the regulatory roles of ALA in plants under different stresses have not been studied and assembled systematically. Also, ALA-mediated abiotic stress tolerance mechanisms have not been fully elucidated yet. Therefore, this review discusses the role of ALA in crop growth enhancement as well as its ameliorative role in abiotic stress mitigation and also discusses the ALA-mediated abiotic stress tolerance mechanisms and its limitation and future promises for sustainable crop production.
Topics: Aminolevulinic Acid; Crops, Agricultural; Droughts; Metals, Heavy; Plant Growth Regulators; Plant Physiological Phenomena; Salinity; Soil Pollutants; Stress, Physiological
PubMed: 33839877
DOI: 10.1007/s00299-021-02690-9 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jan 2022Priming is an adaptive strategy that improves plant defenses against biotic and abiotic stresses. Stimuli from chemicals, abiotic cues, and pathogens can trigger the... (Review)
Review
Priming is an adaptive strategy that improves plant defenses against biotic and abiotic stresses. Stimuli from chemicals, abiotic cues, and pathogens can trigger the establishment of priming state. Priming with 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), a potential plant growth regulator, can enhance plant tolerance to the subsequent abiotic stresses, including salinity, drought, heat, cold, and UV-B. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the remarkable effects of ALA priming on plant physiology remain to be elucidated. Here, we summarize recent progress made in the stress tolerance conferred by ALA priming in plants and provide the underlying molecular and physiology mechanisms of this phenomenon. Priming with ALA results in changes at the physiological, transcriptional, metabolic, and epigenetic levels, and enhances photosynthesis and antioxidant capacity, as well as nitrogen assimilation, which in turn increases the resistance of abiotic stresses. However, the signaling pathway of ALA, including receptors as well as key components, is currently unknown, which hinders the deeper understanding of the defense priming caused by ALA. In the future, there is an urgent need to reveal the molecular mechanisms by which ALA regulates plant development and enhances plant defense with the help of forward genetics, multi-omics technologies, as well as genome editing technology.
Topics: Aminolevulinic Acid; Plant Development; Plants; Stress, Physiological
PubMed: 35054887
DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020702 -
International Journal of Molecular... May 2023Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide and several anticancer therapies take advantage of the ability of reactive oxygen species to kill cancer cells. Added to... (Review)
Review
Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide and several anticancer therapies take advantage of the ability of reactive oxygen species to kill cancer cells. Added to this is the ancient hypothesis that light alone can be used to kill cancer cells. 5-aminolevulinic acid-photodynamic therapy (5-ALA-PDT) is a therapeutic option for a variety of cutaneous and internal malignancies. PDT uses a photosensitizer that, activated by light in the presence of molecule oxygen, forms ROS, which are responsible for the apoptotic activity of the malignant tissues. 5-ALA is usually used as an endogenous pro-photosensitizer because it is converted to Protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), which enters into the process of heme synthesis and contextually becomes a photosensitizer, radiating a red fluorescent light. In cancer cells, the lack of the ferrochelatase enzyme leads to an accumulation of PpIX and consequently to an increased production of ROS. PDT has the benefit of being administered before or after chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery, without impairing the efficacy of these treatment techniques. Furthermore, sensitivity to PDT is unaffected by the negative effects of chemotherapy or radiation. This review focuses on the studies done so far on 5-ALA-PDT and its efficacy in the treatment of various cancer pathologies.
Topics: Humans; Aminolevulinic Acid; Photosensitizing Agents; Reactive Oxygen Species; Photochemotherapy; Neoplasms; Protoporphyrins; Cell Line, Tumor
PubMed: 37240309
DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108964 -
Frontiers in Bioscience (Scholar... Dec 2023Mitochondrial dysfunction is considered an important mechanism in the pathogenesis of various diseases. Therefore, mitochondria are currently being considered as...
BACKGROUND
Mitochondrial dysfunction is considered an important mechanism in the pathogenesis of various diseases. Therefore, mitochondria are currently being considered as subjects for targeted therapies, particularly, phototherapy using 5-aminolevulinic acid. This study aimed to investigate the activity of mitochondria in cells with different mutation loads.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The study was conducted using 11 cybrid lines obtained from the THP-1 cell line (a human monocytic leukemia cell line) and platelets of patients with different mitochondrial mutations.
RESULTS
Our results illustrate that 5-aminolevulinic acid was metabolized equally in all cell lines, however, there was a significant decrease in mitochondrial potential, which differed among lines.
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study can be used to develop a personalized therapeutic approach based on different mitochondrial activities.
Topics: Humans; Aminolevulinic Acid; Photosensitizing Agents; Mitochondria; Cell Line; THP-1 Cells; Cell Line, Tumor
PubMed: 38163956
DOI: 10.31083/j.fbs1504017 -
Dermatologic Surgery : Official... Aug 2004Photodynamic therapy, utilizing the topical administration of 20% 5-aminolevulinic acid, has generated a great deal of interest in the dermatology community over the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Photodynamic therapy, utilizing the topical administration of 20% 5-aminolevulinic acid, has generated a great deal of interest in the dermatology community over the past several years.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this article is to review the history of photodynamic therapy in dermatology and to review recent new advances with this technology that will increase its appeal to all dermatologists.
METHODS
A literature review and results of new clinical trials with regards to photorejuvenation and acne vulgaris treatments with 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy are presented.
RESULTS
Short-contact, full-face 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy treatments with a variety of lasers and light sources have shown to be successful in treating all facets of photorejuvenation and the associated actinic keratoses as well as disorders of sebaceous glands, including acne vulgaris. The treatments are relatively pain-free, efficacious, and safe. They are also making already available laser/light source therapies work better for acne vulgaris and photorejuvenation.
CONCLUSIONS
The use of 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy with short-contact, full-face broad-application therapy is now able to bridge the world of medical and cosmetic dermatologic surgery. This therapy is available for all dermatologists to utilize in the care of their patients.
Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Administration, Cutaneous; Aminolevulinic Acid; Clinical Trials as Topic; Humans; Keratosis; Photochemotherapy; Photosensitizing Agents; Skin Diseases
PubMed: 15274696
DOI: 10.1111/j.1524-4725.2004.30331.x -
International Journal of Molecular... Mar 2024Antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation (aPDI) is a method that specifically kills target cells by combining a photosensitizer and irradiation with light at the... (Review)
Review
Antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation (aPDI) is a method that specifically kills target cells by combining a photosensitizer and irradiation with light at the appropriate wavelength. The natural amino acid, 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA), is the precursor of endogenous porphyrins in the heme biosynthesis pathway. This review summarizes the recent progress in understanding the biosynthetic pathways and regulatory mechanisms of 5-ALA synthesis in biological hosts. The effectiveness of 5-ALA-aPDI in destroying various groups of pathogens (viruses, fungi, yeasts, parasites) was presented, but greater attention was focused on the antibacterial activity of this technique. Finally, the clinical applications of 5-ALA in therapies using 5-ALA and visible light (treatment of ulcers and disinfection of dental canals) were described.
Topics: Aminolevulinic Acid; Photosensitizing Agents; Amino Acids; Porphyrins; Anti-Bacterial Agents
PubMed: 38612403
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073590 -
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology 2000Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is the treatment of tumors or dysplasic tissue with drugs that produce cytotoxic metabolites when exposed to light. Aminolevulinic acid HCl... (Review)
Review
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is the treatment of tumors or dysplasic tissue with drugs that produce cytotoxic metabolites when exposed to light. Aminolevulinic acid HCl (5-aminolevulinic acid HCl; ALA) is a prodrug that is metabolized intracellularly to form the photosensitizing molecule protoporphyrin (PpIX). When PpIX is activated by light, cytotoxic reactive oxygen species and free radicals are generated. ALA can diffuse through skin and preferentially localizes in tumors and dysplasic tissue; subsequent exposure of PpIX-loaded tumor cells to light can destroy the tumor. After application of a 20% solution of ALA to actinic keratosis lesions of the head, PpIX (as measured by skin fluorescence) peaked 11 hours after treatment and the mean clearance half-life was 30 hours. In phase II trials 10 J/cm2 of blue light (wavelength = 417 nm) delivered at 10 mW/cm2 for 1000 seconds was found to provide maximal therapeutic effect on lesions of the head after treatment with 20% ALA. In phase III trials of ALA PDT in 241 patients with lesions of the head 72% of patients had a complete response to treatment at 12 weeks versus 20% of those treated with vehicle and light alone. Some of these patients had been re-treated at 8 weeks. In these trials 12% of ALA-treated patients and 37.5% of those receiving vehicle whose lesions had cleared at 8 weeks had relapsed at 12 weeks. When the total number of lesions were considered the recurrence rate was 5 and 27.9% for ALA- and vehicle-treated lesions, respectively. All patients reported some degree of burning or stinging during PDT but this usually subsided after irradiation was completed and was rarely treatment-limiting. Localized erythema and edema were also common. No other significant adverse effects were noted and treatment was generally well tolerated. A well designed dermal applicator ensured perilesional skin was spared collateral damage.
Topics: Administration, Topical; Aminolevulinic Acid; Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic; Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic; Humans; Photochemotherapy; Photosensitizing Agents
PubMed: 11702313
DOI: 10.2165/00128071-200001020-00009 -
Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy Dec 2023The treatment of deep-invasive cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is difficult. Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) has showed advantages in large penetration depth, small...
BACKGROUND
The treatment of deep-invasive cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is difficult. Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) has showed advantages in large penetration depth, small trauma, good repeatability, high targeting selectivity and effective protection for intact structure and function of tissues and organs.
OBJECTIVE
To study the efficacy and safety of 5-aminolevulinic acid SDT (ALA-SDT) in the treatment of cSCC.
METHODS
The absorption and transformation of ALA after co-incubation with cSCC were detected by UV-Vis and fluorescence absorption. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) when protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) excited with ultrasound was detected by ROS detection probe. Cytotoxicity of ALA-SDT to cSCC was detected with cytotoxicity indicators. The tumor volume changes and tumor weight of mice after ALA-SDT were detected. The effects of ALA-SDT on the growth of mice were evaluated through the changes in body weight of mice. Biosafety of treatment was further evaluated by histopathology to determine whether the tissues and organs of mice were affected after ALA-SDT.
RESULTS
ALA can be absorbed and converted into PpIX when incubated with cSCC cells and produces ROS with ultrasound irradiation. ALA-SDT showed a significant cytotoxicity on cSCC cells. With one session of ALA-SDT in vivo, tumor growth was slowed but not stopped and would proceed once treatment was ended. ALA-SDT had no significant effect on body weight changes and major tissues and organs of the mice.
CONCLUSION
ALA-SDT could safely and reduce cSCC cells growth both in vitro and in vivo.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Aminolevulinic Acid; Photosensitizing Agents; Ultrasonic Therapy; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Reactive Oxygen Species; Photochemotherapy; Skin Neoplasms; Body Weight; Cell Line, Tumor
PubMed: 37717674
DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2023.103801 -
Photochemical & Photobiological... Nov 2018The administration of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) to generate enhanced intracellular levels of endogenous porphyrins is currently one of the most important approaches... (Review)
Review
The administration of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) to generate enhanced intracellular levels of endogenous porphyrins is currently one of the most important approaches for photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photodiagnosis (PDD). Despite the great promise of ALA-based PDT, the physicochemical behaviour and chemical reactivity of ALA are problematic, and a variety of chemical approaches have been brought to bear to improve cellular delivery, enhance porphyrin production, and generate ALA prodrugs that have appropriate stability for convenient clinical use, as well as selectivity for cancerous tissues. While there has been considerable success, there are still a number of challenges to be addressed and opportunities to be exploited through application of chemical insight in this area.
Topics: Aminolevulinic Acid; Antineoplastic Agents; Humans; Neoplasms; Photochemotherapy; Photosensitizing Agents
PubMed: 30328459
DOI: 10.1039/c8pp00362a -
Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology Sep 20145-Aminolevulinic acid (ALA), an important intermediate in tetrapyrrole biosynthesis in organisms, has been widely applied in many fields, such as medicine, agriculture,... (Review)
Review
5-Aminolevulinic acid (ALA), an important intermediate in tetrapyrrole biosynthesis in organisms, has been widely applied in many fields, such as medicine, agriculture, and the food industry, due to its biochemical characteristics. Research efforts supporting the microbial production of ALA have received increasing interest due to its dominant advantages over chemical synthesis, including higher yields, lesser pollutant emissions, and a lesser monetary cost. ALA synthesis using photosynthetic bacteria (PSB) is a promising approach in various microbial synthesis methods. In this review, recent advances on the microbial production of ALA with an emphasis on PSB are summarized, the key enzymes in the biosynthesis pathway (especially the relationship between key enzymes and key genes) are detailed, regulation strategies are described, and the significant influencing factors on the ALA biosynthesis and application of ALA are outlined. Furthermore, the eco-friendly perspective involving the combination of wastewater treatment and microbial production of ALA is conceived.
Topics: Aminolevulinic Acid; Bacteria; Biotechnology; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial; Metabolic Networks and Pathways; Wastewater; Water Purification
PubMed: 25022665
DOI: 10.1007/s00253-014-5925-y