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Biomolecules Jun 2023Vitamin D plays an important role in skin inflammation in psoriasis. The beneficial effects of ultraviolet light B (UVB) phototherapy in psoriasis are partly attributed...
Vitamin D plays an important role in skin inflammation in psoriasis. The beneficial effects of ultraviolet light B (UVB) phototherapy in psoriasis are partly attributed to UVB-induced increase of vitamin D levels. In clinical practice, total 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels are measured to assess sufficiency, but it might be more accurate to measure free 25(OH)D levels. The aim of this study was to measure free serum 25(OH)D levels in psoriasis patients before and after phototherapy and to investigate if free 25(OH)D correlates stronger to disease severity than total 25(OH)D. Twenty adults (>18 years) with psoriasis were included for treatment with narrow-band UVB (NB-UVB) phototherapy for 10-12 weeks. Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were used to assess disease severity. Serum levels of total 25(OH)D, free 25(OH)D, and 1,25(OH)D were measured before and after NB-UVB. Total 25(OH)D, free 25(OH)D, 1,25(OH)D and the percentage of free 25(OH)D increased after NB-UVB, and PASI and VAS improved. The increase in total and free 25(OH)D remained significant when stratifying for vitamin D confounders. No correlations between disease severity and vitamin D levels were found. Total and free 25(OH)D levels were positively correlated before and after NB-UVB. NB-UVB is an effective treatment for mild to severe plaque psoriasis and increases not only total but also free 25(OH)D levels, as well as the percentage of free 25(OH)D, suggesting an increased bioavailability of skin-produced vitamin D.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Ultraviolet Therapy; Phototherapy; Vitamin D; Vitamins; Psoriasis
PubMed: 37509054
DOI: 10.3390/biom13071018 -
ACS Nano Feb 2021Inorganic/organic hybrid nanosystems have been increasingly developed for their versatility and efficacy at overcoming obstacles not readily surmounted by nonhybridized... (Review)
Review
Inorganic/organic hybrid nanosystems have been increasingly developed for their versatility and efficacy at overcoming obstacles not readily surmounted by nonhybridized counterparts. Currently, hybrid nanosystems are implemented for gene therapy, drug delivery, and phototherapy in addition to tissue regeneration, vaccines, antibacterials, biomolecule detection, imaging probes, and theranostics. Though diverse, these nanosystems can be classified according to foundational inorganic/organic components, accessory moieties, and architecture of hybridization. Within this Review, we begin by providing a historical context for the development of biomedical hybrid nanosystems before describing the properties, synthesis, and characterization of their component building blocks. Afterward, we introduce the architectures of hybridization and highlight recent biomedical nanosystem developments by area of application, emphasizing hybrids of distinctive utility and innovation. Finally, we draw attention to ongoing clinical trials before recapping our discussion of hybrid nanosystems and providing a perspective on the future of the field.
Topics: Drug Delivery Systems; Phototherapy
PubMed: 33497197
DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c09382 -
Theranostics 2021Targeted therapy and immunotherapy in combination is considered the ideal strategy for treating metastatic cancer, as it can eliminate the primary tumors and induce host... (Review)
Review
Targeted therapy and immunotherapy in combination is considered the ideal strategy for treating metastatic cancer, as it can eliminate the primary tumors and induce host immunity to control distant metastases. Phototherapy, a promising targeted therapy, eradicates primary tumors using an appropriate dosage of focal light irradiation, while initiating antitumor immune responses through induced immunogenic tumor cell death. Recently, phototherapy has been employed to improve the efficacy of immunotherapies such as chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Phototherapy and immunoadjuvant therapy have been used in combination clinically, wherein the induced immunogenic cell death and enhanced antigen presentation synergy, inducing a systemic antitumor immune response to control residual tumor cells at the treatment site and distant metastases. This review summarizes studies on photo-immunotherapy, the combination of phototherapy and immunotherapy, especially focusing on the development and progress of this unique combination from a benchtop project to a promising clinical therapy for metastatic cancer.
Topics: Animals; Combined Modality Therapy; Humans; Immunotherapy; Neoplasms; Phototherapy
PubMed: 33500721
DOI: 10.7150/thno.53056 -
Indian Journal of Dermatology,... 2010Psoriasis is a common dermatosis in children with about one third of all patients having onset of disease in the first or second decade of life. A chronic disfiguring... (Review)
Review
Psoriasis is a common dermatosis in children with about one third of all patients having onset of disease in the first or second decade of life. A chronic disfiguring skin disease, such as psoriasis, in childhood is likely to have profound emotional and psychological effects, and hence requires special attention. Psoriasis in children has been reported to differ from that among adults being more frequently pruritic; plaque lesions are relatively thinner, softer, and less scaly; face and flexural involvement is common and guttate type is the characteristic presentation. Whether onset in childhood predicts a more severe form of psoriasis is a matter of controversy, it may cause significant morbidity particularly if it keeps relapsing. Most children have mild form of psoriasis which can be generally treated effectively with topical agents such as emollients, coal tar, corticosteroids, dithranol, calcipotriol etc. according to age and the sites affected. Narrow band UVB is the preferred form of phototherapy in children for moderate to severe disease or in patients not responding to topical therapy alone. Systemic therapies are reserved for more severe and extensive cases that cannot be controlled with topical treatment and/or phototherapy such as severe plaque type, unstable forms like erythrodermic and generalized pustular psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. There are no controlled trials of systemic therapies in this age group, most experience being with retinoids and methotrexate with favorable results. Cyclosporine can be used as a short-term intermittent crisis management drug. There is an early promising experience with the use of biologics (etanercept and infliximab) in childhood psoriasis. Systemic treatments as well as phototherapy have limited use in children due to cumulative dose effects of drugs, low acceptance, and risk of gonadal toxicity. More evidence-based data is needed about the effectiveness and long-term safety of topical, phototherapy and systemic therapies in children.
Topics: Child; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; India; Phototherapy; Psoriasis
PubMed: 20657115
DOI: 10.4103/0378-6323.66580 -
Nature Communications May 2023The immunologically "cold" microenvironment of triple negative breast cancer results in resistance to current immunotherapy. Here, we reveal the immunoadjuvant property...
The immunologically "cold" microenvironment of triple negative breast cancer results in resistance to current immunotherapy. Here, we reveal the immunoadjuvant property of gas therapy with cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS-STING) pathway activation to augment aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-active luminogen (AIEgen)-based photoimmunotherapy. A virus-mimicking hollow mesoporous tetrasulfide-doped organosilica is developed for co-encapsulation of AIEgen and manganese carbonyl to fabricate gas nanoadjuvant. As tetra-sulfide bonds are responsive to intratumoral glutathione, the gas nanoadjuvant achieves tumor-specific drug release, promotes photodynamic therapy, and produces hydrogen sulfide (HS). Upon near-infrared laser irradiation, the AIEgen-mediated phototherapy triggers the burst of carbon monoxide (CO)/Mn. Both HS and CO can destroy mitochondrial integrity to induce leakage of mitochondrial DNA into the cytoplasm, serving as gas immunoadjuvants to activate cGAS-STING pathway. Meanwhile, Mn can sensitize cGAS to augment STING-mediated type I interferon production. Consequently, the gas nanoadjuvant potentiates photoimmunotherapy of poorly immunogenic breast tumors in female mice.
Topics: Animals; Female; Mice; Adjuvants, Immunologic; Immunotherapy; Light; Nucleotidyltransferases; Photochemotherapy; Phototherapy; Breast Neoplasms
PubMed: 37221157
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38601-7 -
Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews Dec 2021With rapid emergence of multi-drug resistant microbes, it is imperative to seek alternative means for infection control. Optical waveguides are an auspicious delivery... (Review)
Review
With rapid emergence of multi-drug resistant microbes, it is imperative to seek alternative means for infection control. Optical waveguides are an auspicious delivery method for precise administration of phototherapy. Studies have shown that phototherapy is promising in fighting against a myriad of infectious pathogens (i.e. viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa) including biofilm-forming species and drug-resistant strains while evading treatment resistance. When administered via optical waveguides, phototherapy can treat both superficial and deep-tissue infections while minimizing off-site effects that afflict conventional phototherapy and pharmacotherapy. Despite great therapeutic potential, exact mechanisms, materials, and fabrication designs to optimize this promising treatment option are underexplored. This review outlines principles and applications of phototherapy and optical waveguides for infection control. Research advances, challenges, and outlook regarding this delivery system are rigorously discussed in a hope to inspire future developments of optical waveguide-mediated phototherapy for the management of infection and beyond.
Topics: Communicable Diseases; Humans; Low-Level Light Therapy; Nanoparticle Drug Delivery System; Photochemotherapy; Photosensitizing Agents
PubMed: 34740763
DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.114036 -
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 -
Technology in Cancer Research &... 2023Carbonaceous nanomaterials (CNMs) have drawn tremendous biomedical research interest because of their unique structural features. Recently, CNMs, namely carbon dots,... (Review)
Review
Carbonaceous nanomaterials (CNMs) have drawn tremendous biomedical research interest because of their unique structural features. Recently, CNMs, namely carbon dots, fullerenes, graphene, etc, have been successful in establishing them as considerable nanotherapeutics for phototherapy applications due to their electrical, thermal, and surface properties. This review aims to crosstalk the current understanding of CNMs as multimodal compounds in photothermal and photodynamic therapies as an integrated approach to treating cancer. It also expounds on phototherapy's biomechanics and illustrates its relation to cancer biomodulation. Critical considerations related to the structural properties, fabrication approaches, surface functionalization strategies, and biosafety profiles of CNMs have been explained. This article provides an overview of the most recent developments in the study of CNMs used in phototherapy, emphasizing their usage as nanocarriers. To conquer the current challenges of CNMs, we can raise the standard of cancer therapy for patients. The review will be of interest to the researchers working in the area of photothermal and photodynamic therapies and aiming to explore CNMs and their conjugates in cancer therapy.
Topics: Humans; Phototherapy; Nanostructures; Carbon; Photochemotherapy; Neoplasms
PubMed: 37461375
DOI: 10.1177/15330338231186388 -
Actas Dermo-sifiliograficas Apr 2021Prurigo nodularis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by highly pruritic nodular lesions that cause constant itching and scratching and significant... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
Prurigo nodularis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by highly pruritic nodular lesions that cause constant itching and scratching and significant quality-of-life impairment. It has been described in a range of conditions, including skin diseases (mainly atopic dermatitis) and metabolic, neurological, and psychiatric disorders. The pathophysiological mechanisms are largely unknown. Various modalities of phototherapy have been described as appropriate and safe treatments for achieving clinical control and alleviating symptoms. In this article, we describe our experience with phototherapy in patients with prurigo nodularis.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Retrospective observational study of patients who received their first cycle of phototherapy to treat prurigo nodularis between March 2011 and October 2019. Information was collected on epidemiological and clinical characteristics, concomitant treatments, type and duration of phototherapy, maximum dose reached, and response to treatment.
RESULTS
We studied 44 patients (30 women and 14 men) with a median age of 65.5years. The most common form of phototherapy used was narrowband UV-B phototherapy (34 cycles, 77.27%) followed by a combination of UV-B and UV-A phototherapy (8 cycles). Response to treatment was considered satisfactory (clearance rate of ≥75%) in 24 patients (55.4%).
CONCLUSIONS
Phototherapy is a suitable treatment for prurigo nodularis in a considerable proportion of patients. It can be used as monotherapy or combined with other treatments.
Topics: Aged; Female; Humans; Male; Observational Studies as Topic; Phototherapy; Prurigo; Pruritus; Skin; Ultraviolet Therapy
PubMed: 33221272
DOI: 10.1016/j.ad.2020.11.007 -
Cancer Letters Feb 2019Phototherapy is a non-invasive or minimally invasive therapeutic strategy. Immunotherapy uses different immunological approaches, such as antibodies, vaccines,... (Review)
Review
Phototherapy is a non-invasive or minimally invasive therapeutic strategy. Immunotherapy uses different immunological approaches, such as antibodies, vaccines, immunoadjuvants, and cytokines to stimulate the host immune system to fight against diseases. In cancer treatment, phototherapy not only destroys tumor cells, but also induces immunogenic tumor cell death to initiate a systemic anti-tumor immune response. When combined with immunotherapy, the effectiveness of phototherapy can be enhanced. Because of their special physical, chemical, and sometimes immunological properties, nanomaterials have also been used to enhance phototherapy. In this article, we review the recent progress in nanotechnology-based phototherapy, including nano-photothermal therapy, nano-photochemical therapy, and nano-photoimmunological therapy in cancer treatment. Specifically, we focus on the immunological responses induced by nano-phototherapies.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Immunotherapy; Nanomedicine; Neoplasms; Phototherapy
PubMed: 30476523
DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.10.044