Photodynamic activity of Photogem(R) in Leishmania promastigotes and infected macrophages

Author(s)

Pinto, Juliana G. ^[1] ; Marcolino, Luciana M. C. ^[1] ; Ferreira-Strixino, Juliana ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univap Univ Vale Paraiba, Res & Dev Inst, Photobiol Appl Hlth, Sao Jose Dos Campos, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: FUTURE MICROBIOLOGY; v. 16, n. 2 JAN 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with Photogem(R) in promastigotes of Leishmania braziliensis and Leishmania major, and in infected macrophages. Materials \& methods: The following parameters were analyzed: Photogem(R) internalization, mitochondrial activity, viability, tubulin marking and morphological alterations in promastigotes and viability in infected macrophages. Results: Photogem(R) accumulated in the cytosol and adhered to the flagellum. Changes were observed in the mitochondrial activity in groups maintained in the dark, with no viability alteration. After PDT, viability decreased up to 80%, and morphology was affected. Conclusion: The results point out that PDT with Photogem(R) can reduce parasite and macrophage viability. Lay abstract Cutaneous Leishmaniasis is a disease that can cause deforming lesions, the treatment of which is highly toxic. It is considered a neglected disease and little progress has been made in the treatment of this disease. Photodynamic therapy can be an alternative treatment which is less costly, and involves local treatment of the lesion, thereby reducing side effects for the patient. The present study aims to test the photodynamic therapy with Photogem(R), a photosensitive drug, and to verify if the parasites can be affected by this therapy, aiming to apply this therapy in lesions in patients in the near future. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/07276-1 - CEPOF - Optics and Photonic Research Center
• Grantee: Vanderlei Salvador Bagnato
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC
• FAPESP's process: 13/12284-3 - Evaluation of photodynamic therapy action in Leishmania sp.: in vitro study
• Grantee: Juliana Ferreira Strixino
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 16/12211-4 - Study of the genotoxic effect, the membrane potential and cell death pathways of curcumin in photodynamic therapy in promastigote and amastigote forms of L. major and L. braziliensis: in vitro
• Grantee: Juliana Ferreira Strixino
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants