Mitochondria-involved apoptosis induced by MPPa mediated photodynamic therapy

Abstract

Numerous new photosensitizers are now in various stages of trials demonstrating the broad applicability of Photodynamic therapy (PDT). However, only a handful of photosensitizers have received regulatory approval. Lack of effective photosensitizers has become a major limit for extensive application of PDT. Our previous study showed MPPa to be a good photosensitizer candidature, MPPa-PDT can lead PC-3M cell line to death mainly via apoptotic way both in vitro and in vivo, and part of the mechanism was investigated. Mitochondria may play a key role in the process, in order to further elucidate the mechanism, we investigated the level of ROS, GSH, NO, Ca2+, mitochondrial membrane potential, as well as cytochrome C. All in all, ROS production, depletion of GSH, and the activation of ROS downstream, such as mitochondria depolarization, cytochrome C release, were detected in our study. The results provide a mechanism by which oxidative stress provokes apoptosis of PC-3M cells.