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Photodynamic treatment as a novel approach in the therapy of arthritic joints
Author(s) -
Hansch Andreas,
Frey Oliver,
Gajda Mieczyslaw,
Susanna Graefe,
Boettcher Joachim,
Bräuer Rolf,
Kaiser Werner A.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
lasers in surgery and medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.888
H-Index - 112
eISSN - 1096-9101
pISSN - 0196-8092
DOI - 10.1002/lsm.20620
Subject(s) - photodynamic therapy , photosensitizer , liposome , rheumatoid arthritis , medicine , arthritis , chlorin , peg ratio , polyethylene glycol , in vivo , pharmacology , chemistry , photochemistry , biochemistry , microbiology and biotechnology , organic chemistry , finance , economics , biology
Background and Objective Minimal invasive local treatment of joints is a desirable option in the therapy of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of photodynamic treatment (PDT) with different doses of the photosensitizer meta‐tetra(hydroxyphenyl)chlorin (m‐THPC; or temoporfin) in a murine model of RA (antigen‐induced arthritis, AIA). Methods In vivo distribution The distribution of native and liposomal m‐THPC (including a formulation with polyethylene glycol [PEG] coating) was assessed by fluorescence spectrometry in arthritic joints, normal joints, and skin. Treatment AIA mice received different concentrations of pegylated liposomal m‐THPC (0.1, 0.05, 0.01, or 0.005 mg/kg body weight; n = 5 per group) and subjected to PDT with a laser system 12 hours post‐injection of the photosensitizer. Treatment effects were evaluated histologically in comparison to untreated AIA ( n = 5). Results Pegylated liposomal m‐THPC showed the most favorable accumulation in arthritic joints compared to native m‐THPC and to non‐peg‐liposomal m‐THPC, therefore it was selected as photosensitizer for PDT treatment. In comparison to untreated AIA, PDT reduced the arthritic score with all doses of pegylated liposomal m‐THPC; statistical significant effects were obtained with doses of 0.05 and 0.01 mg/kg. Conclusion Our study demonstrated that local PDT of arthritic joints is feasible. Application of pegylated liposomal m‐THPC for PDT resulted in significant reduction of arthritis scores. Lasers Surg. Med. 40:265–272, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.