Open AccessInduction of cell death by pyropheophorbide‐ α methyl ester‐mediated photodynamic therapy in lung cancer A549 cells
Author(s) -
Tu Pinghua,
Huang Wenjun,
Wu Zhanling,
Peng Qingzhen,
Xie Zhibin,
Bao Ji,
Zhong Minghua
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
cancer medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.403
H-Index - 53
ISSN - 2045-7634
DOI - 10.1002/cam4.1012
Subject(s) - photodynamic therapy , lung cancer , cancer research , medicine , cancer , a549 cell , oncology , chemistry , organic chemistry
Pyropheophorbide‐ α methyl ester ( MPP a) was a promising photosensitizer with stable chemical structure, strong absorption, higher tissue selectivity and longer activation wavelengths. The present study investigated the effect of MPP a‐mediated photodynamic treatment on lung cancer A549 cells as well as the underlying mechanisms. Cell Counting Kit‐8 was employed for cell viability assessment. Reactive oxygen species levels were determined by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. Cell morphology was evaluated by Hoechst staining and transmission electron microscopy. Mitochondrial membrane potential, cellular apoptosis and cell cycle distribution were evaluated flow‐cytometrically. The protein levels of apoptotic effectors were examined by Western blot. We found that the photocytotoxicity of MPP a showed both drug‐ and light‐ dose dependent characteristics in A549 cells. Additionally, MPP a‐ PDT caused cell apoptosis by reducing mitochondrial membrane potential, increasing reactive oxygen species ( ROS ) production, inducing caspase‐9/caspase‐3 signaling activation as well as cell cycle arrest at G 0 /G 1 phase. These results suggested that MPP a‐ PDT mainly kills cells by apoptotic mechanisms, with overt curative effects, indicating that MPP a should be considered a potent photosensitizer for lung carcinoma treatment.