Effect of gallium nitrate on the antibacterial activity of vancomycin in methicillin-sensitive and resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

The extension of multidrug-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is one of the main health challenges in the world, which requires serious solutions to deal with it. Combination therapies using conventional antibiotics and new antibacterial compounds that target different bacterial pathways are effective methods against resistant bacterial infections. Gallium is an iron-like metal that competes with iron for uptake into bacteria and has the potential to disrupt iron-dependent vital processes in bacteria. In this study, we explored the antibacterial effects of gallium nitrate (Ga(NO3)3) and vancomycin alone and in combination with each other on methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) using microdilution assay and checkerboard test, respectively. Then, their effect on the formation and destruction of biofilms was investigated. Finally, the amount of ROS production in the presence of these two compounds in bacteria was evaluated. The results indicated that the vancomycin/ Ga(NO3)3 combination reduced the MIC of vancomycin in the MRSA strain and had an additive effect on it. Vancomycin plus Ga(NO3)3 reduced the formation of biofilms and increased the destruction of biofilms formed in both strains, especially in the MRSA strain. ROS production was also higher in the combination of vancomycin with Ga(NO3)3 compared to vancomycin alone, especially in MRSA. Therefore, our results showed that Ga(NO3)3 enhances the antibacterial activity of vancomycin and this combination therapy can be considered as a new strategy for the treatment of MRSA infections.

Skin wound healing in diabetic rat model using low-dose photodynamic therapy.

Chronic wound is one of the major challenges in medicine and imposes a heavy financial burden on the healthcare of different countries. Diabetic foot ulcers as one of the important examples for chronic wounds can lead to lower limb amputation, disability, and death in diabetics. In this regard, novel technology with low side effects got attention in recent years. Low-dose photodynamic therapy (LDPDT) is one of the noninvasive techniques that can be considered for wound healing in diabetic wounds. In this experiment, we aim to study the effect of LDPDT on diabetic rats' wound healing and compare it to healthy rats. In this in vitro experimental study, 32 male rats were used. Rats in both normal and diabetic (streptozotocin injection) groups after being wounded (two wounds [0.8 × 0.8 cm]) on the back of each rat were randomly divided into four groups, including the control group (without treatment), radiation-only (660 nm-1 J/cm2) group, 5-ALA-only (1 µg/mL) group, and LDPDT-recipient group. The procedure has been done for 2 days, and at the end of Days 3, 7, 14, and 21, the wound sample was sent to the histopathology laboratory, and the wound size and tissue indices in these groups were evaluated by histology and microscopy techniques. The impact of low concentrations of 5-ALA and low irradiation energy density in both normal and diabetic rats were positive, which accelerated the wound-healing process as seen in the histology study. In diabetic rats treated with only radiation and LDPDT, the process of epithelial regeneration, collagen production, reduction of mast cells, and production of follicles was more as compared to the normal group. The results suggest that LDPDT can have a positive impact on the diabetic rat model wound healing.

Targeting ferroptosis in melanoma: cancer therapeutics.

Melanoma is an aggressive kind of skin cancer; its rate has risen rapidly over the past few decades. Melanoma reports for only about 1% of skin cancers but leads to a high majority of skin cancer deaths. Thus, new useful therapeutic approaches are currently required, to state effective treatments to consistently enhance the overall survival rate of melanoma patients. Ferroptosis is a recently identified cell death process, which is different from autophagy, apoptosis, necrosis, and pyroptosis in terms of biochemistry, genetics, and morphology which plays an important role in cancer treatment. Ferroptosis happens mostly by accumulating iron and lipid peroxides in the cell. Recently, studies have revealed that ferroptosis has a key role in the tumor's progression. Especially, inducing ferroptosis in cells can inhibit the tumor cells' growth, leading to back warding tumorigenesis. Here, we outline the ferroptosis characteristics from its basic role in melanoma cancer and mention its possible applications in melanoma cancer treatment. Video Abstract.

An update on the potential mechanism of gallic acid as an antibacterial and anticancer agent.

Drug resistance to antibacterial and anticancer drugs is one of the most important global problems in the treatment field that is constantly expanding and hinders the recovery and survival of patients. Therefore, it is necessary to identify compounds that have antibacterial and anticancer properties or increase the effectiveness of existing drugs. One of these approaches is using natural compounds that have few side effects and are effective. Gallic acid (GA) has been identified as one of the most important plant polyphenols that health-promoting effects in various aspects such as bacterial and viral infections, cancer, inflammatory, neuropsychological, gastrointestinal, and metabolic disease. Various studies have shown that GA inhibits bacterial growth by altering membrane structure, and bacterial metabolism, and inhibits biofilm formation. Also, GA inhibits cancer cell growth by targeting different signaling pathways in apoptosis, increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, targeting the cell cycle, and inhibiting oncogenes and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) expression. Due to the powerful function of GA against bacteria and cancer cells. In this review, we describe the latest findings in the field of the sources and chemical properties of GA, its pharmacological properties and bioavailability, the antibacterial and anticancer activities of GA, and its derivatives alone, in combination with other drugs and in the form of nanoformulation. This review can be a comprehensive perspective for scientists to use medicinal compounds containing GA in future research and expand its clinical applications.

The Effect of Berberine Follow by Blue Light Irradiation and Valproic Acid on the Growth Inhibition of MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells.

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer after lung cancer in the world. Due to the anti-cancer properties of Berberine (Ber), in this study, the effect of combination therapy of Ber in the presence of blue LED irradiation and Valproic acid (Val) on the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line was investigated. For this reason, after culturing the cells using different concentrations of Ber and Val, breast cancer cells were treated in both mono-treatment and combination therapy. In combination therapy, two modes were considered: (1) treatment with Val and then treatment with Ber in the dark or in presence of blue light irradiation (PDT)at a wavelength of 465 nm and energy of 30 J/cm2 for 15 min, and (2) treatment with Ber in the dark or PDT and then treated with Val. In all cases, cell viability, morphological changes, and colonization were assessed. Evaluation of apoptosis was performed by fluorescence microscope and flow cytometry. According to the results, combination therapy has a higher mortality rate compared to mono-treatment, and in combination therapy, treatment of cells first with Ber (10 µg/mL)-PDT and then treatment with Val (250 µg/mL) caused a significant reduction (P < 0/05) in the survival rate of cancer cells. According to the findings, it can be said that the use of Ber-PDT in combination with Val, in addition to reducing the dose of the drug, has shown a synergistic effect which can suggest the potential of this strategy as a new treatment.

Effects of doxorubicin and apigenin on chronic myeloid leukemia cells (K562) in vitro: anti-proliferative and apoptosis induction assessments.

In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of the co-treatment with apigenin and doxorubicin (DOX) on K562 cells. Our results show that apigenin (0, 40, 60, 80 ,100 µM) and DOX (0-10 µM) as single therapy, could decrease K562 cell viability (after 24 h of treatment) in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, the co-treatment with apigenin (60, 80 µM) and 10 µM of DOX led to a greater reduction in cell growth (CI: 0.92 and 0.97) after 24 h of treatment compared to the single DOX treatment (p < 0.05). Consequently, apigenin and DOX, either as single or as co-treatment (24 h of treatment), were indicated to induce apoptosis in K562 cells through morphological studies, RT-qPCR, and western-blot analysis. Eventually, the expressions of Caspase 3, 6, 7, and 9 genes in the single treatment with DOX had higher alteration compared to the co-treatment with DOX and apigenin (p < 0.05).

Effect of red and near-infrared irradiation on periodontal ligament stem cells: ROS generation and cell cycle analysis.

Reconstruction of lost tooth structures and the periodontium with the help of tissue engineering has found a special place in dentistry in recent years with reports of great therapeutic success. Stem cells from the periodontal ligament have the potential for high differentiation into the bone and periodontal ligament cells and are therefore a suit candidate for regenerative therapies of the periodontium and other tissues. In this regard, the use of photobiomodulation on these cells by light irradiation can be effective in increasing the efficiency of these regenerative methods. The effect of red and near-infrared lasers was investigated in pulsed and continuous modes on the cell viability, ROS production and the cell cycle of Periodontal Ligament Stem cells (PDLSCs) using MTT assay and flowcytometry techniques. The result shows that both red and near-infra-red (NIR) irradiations at 3 J/cm2 maintain cell viability. ROS generation assay indicated that in PDL stem cells irradiated with NIR laser (940 nm), ROS production was greater than in the red (660 nm) irradiated groups. Cell cycle analysis revealed that NIR irradiation can enhance the proportion of S-phase cells and declinedecline the proportion of G1-phase cells compared to the red laser irradiation groups. Moreover, this enhancement was greater in the pulsed group compared to the continuous mode group. Overall, the current study results showed that photobiomodulation can support the cell viability of PDLSCs and could affect the ROS production and cell cycle. This effect was more with 940 nm (NIR) irradiation pulsed mode compared to 660 nm (red).Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

NIR irradiation of human buccal fat pad adipose stem cells and its effect on TRP ion channels.

The effect of near infrared (NIR) laser irradiation on proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of buccal fat pad-derived stem cells and the role of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels was investigated in the current research. After stem cell isolation, a 940 nm laser with 0.1 W, 3 J/cm2 was used in pulsed and continuous mode for irradiation in 3 sessions once every 48 h. The cells were cultured in the following groups: non-osteogenic differentiation medium/primary medium (PM) and osteogenic medium (OM) groups with laser-irradiated (L +), without irradiation (L -), laser treated + Capsazepine inhibitor (L + Cap), and laser treated + Skf96365 inhibitor (L + Skf). Alizarin Red staining and RT-PCR were used to assess osteogenic differentiation and evaluate RUNX2, Osterix, and ALP gene expression levels. The pulsed setting showed the best viability results (P < 0.05) and was used for osteogenic differentiation evaluations. The results of Alizarin red staining were not statistically different between the four groups. Osterix and ALP expression increased in the (L +) group. This upregulation abrogated in the presence of Capsazepine, TRPV1 inhibitor (L + Cap); however, no significant effect was observed with Skf96365 (L + Skf).

Effect of Berberine and Blue LED Irradiation on Combating Biofilm of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.

Nowadays, with increasing resistance of microorganisms to drugs, it is necessary to look for new solutions beside antibiotic therapy. One of these effective approaches is the use of plant compounds and blue LED Irradiation. Berberine (an alkaloid compound) has several properties, including antibacterial effect. This compound destroys bacterial cells by producing reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, the combined effect of blue LED Irradiation and berberine on Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Gram-negatives) and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) and also their effect on human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells were investigated. The obtained results showed that the combination of berberine and blue light irradiation had a better effect on both bacteria and this antimicrobial effect was higher in Gram-positive bacteria. These compounds also prevented the formation of biofilms and were able to destroy the created biofilms. Therefore, this method can be suggested to treat infection in chronic wounds, such as diabetic wounds.

Accelerating skin regeneration and wound healing by controlled ROS from photodynamic treatment.

Cellular metabolisms produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) which are essential for cellular signaling pathways and physiological functions. Nevertheless, ROS act as "double-edged swords" that have an unstable redox balance between ROS production and removal. A little raise of ROS results in cell proliferation enhancement, survival, and soft immune responses, while a high level of ROS could lead to cellular damage consequently protein, nucleic acid, and lipid damages and finally cell death. ROS play an important role in various pathological circumstances. On the contrary, ROS can show selective toxicity which is used against cancer cells and pathogens. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is based on three important components including a photosensitizer (PS), oxygen, and light. Upon excitation of the PS at a specific wavelength, the PDT process begins which leads to ROS generation. ROS produced during PDT could induce two different pathways. If PDT produces control and low ROS, it can lead to cell proliferation and differentiation. However, excess production of ROS by PDT causes cellular photo damage which is the main mechanism used in cancer treatment. This review summarizes the functions of ROS in living systems and describes role of PDT in production of controllable ROS and finally a special focus on current ROS-generating therapeutic protocols for regeneration and wound healing.

An update on molecular mechanisms of curcumin effect on diabetes.

Owing to its prevalent nature, diabetes mellitus has become one of the most serious endocrine illnesses affecting a patient's quality of life due to the manifestation of side effects such as cardiovascular diseases, retinopathy, neuropathy, and nephropathy. Curcumin ((1E, 6E) 21, 7-bis (4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione), a major compound of turmeric, has been used in conventional medicine because of its safe nature and cost-effectiveness to meliorate diabetes and its comorbidities. These effects have also been observed in rodent models of diabetes resulting in a reduction of glycemia and blood lipids. Both the preventive and therapeutic activities of this compound are due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics. Furthermore, preclinical outcomes and clinical investigation demonstrate that the use of curcumin neutralizes insulin resistance, obesity, and hyperglycemia. Despite the many benefits of curcumin, its two limiting factors, solubility and bioavailability, remain a challenge for researchers; therefore, several methods such as drug formulation, nano-drug delivery, and the use of curcumin analogs have been developed to deliver curcumin and increase its bioavailability. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The rise of people with type 2 diabetes has become a major concern at the global healthcare level. The best diabetes treatments today are anti-diabetic drug administration, lifestyle-related interventions (such as healthy eating and daily physical activity), arterial pressure detection, and fat control. The polyphenol curcumin, found in turmeric, can promote health by acting on a variety of cellular signaling pathways. This review article discusses curcumin and its role in the treatment of diabetes.

Effect of Photobiomodulation on Structure and Function of Extracellular Vesicle Secreted from Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

The current study intended to evaluate the effect of photobiomodulation on the morphology and function of EVs secreted from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from periodontal ligament (PDL) and the adipose tissue (ADSCs) (from buccal fat pad) in vitro. These cells were irradiated at 660 nm or kept in dark as control. EVs were then isolated from each group using ultracentrifugation. EVs were defined by flow cytometry and Western blot. Electron microscopy (SEM) was used to study the morphology of EVs. Then, MTT and wound-healing scratch assays were applied to compare the cell survival and migration of human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells treated with the EVs obtained from the four groups. According to SEM images, isolated EV were round and cup-shaped in all groups showing no destructive effects of laser irradiation on EV morphology. MTT test results revealed a statistically significant difference between the HDF cells treated with different EV groups from hPDLSCs-Dark in comparison with control (0 µg/mL) (P < 0.05) and treated with exosome from hPDLSCs-Irradiation cells compared with dark group (P < 0.05). However, scratch wound-healing assay did not show a significant difference between various groups (P ˃ 0.05). Further studies with different irradiation protocols are recommended to find an optimal strategy.

Radioprotective Role of Natural Polyphenols: From Sources to Mechanisms.

The identification and development of radioprotective agents have emerged as a subject matter of research during recent years due to the growing usage of ionizing radiation in different areas of human life. Previous work on synthetic radioprotectors has achieved limited progress because of the numerous issues associated with toxicity. Compounds extracted from plants have the potential to serve as lead candidates for developing ideal radioprotectors due to their low cost, safety, and selectivity. Polyphenols are the most abundant and commonly dispersed group of biologically active molecules possessing a broad range of pharmacological activities. Polyphenols have displayed efficacy for radioprotection during various investigations and can be administered at high doses with lesser toxicity. Detoxification of free radicals, modulating inflammatory responses, DNA repair, stimulation of hematopoietic recovery, and immune functions are the main mechanisms for radiation protection with polyphenols. Epicatechin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, apigenin, caffeic acid phenylethylester, and silibinin provide cytoprotection together with the suppression of many pro-inflammatory cytokines owing to their free radical scavenging, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin, resveratrol, quercetin, gallic acid, and rutin's radioprotective properties are regulated primarily by the direct or indirect decline in cellular stress. Thus, polyphenols may serve as potential candidates for radioprotection in the near future; however, extensive investigations are still required to better understand their protection mechanisms.

Spectroscopic investigation on molecular aspects and structural and functional effects of tetraethyl pyrophosphate organophosphorus insecticide interaction with adult human hemoglobin.

Organophosphates are extremely toxic compounds that use extensively in agriculture and household as insecticides. However, their binding mechanism to bio-macromolecules especially blood proteins is not clearly understood. In this research, various spectroscopic techniques utilized to analyze the effect of Tetraethyl Pyrophosphate (TEPP), as an organophosphorus insecticide, on the structure, function, stability, and aggregation of adult human hemoglobin and also hemolysis potential of the TEPP on red blood cells (RBCs) examined. Molecular docking was used for TEPP binding to human Hemoglobin (Hb), too. The results demonstrated that the TEPP insecticide has the potential for lysing RBCs. UV-Vis experiment indicated that globin part and heme group influenced by TEPP. Oxygen affinity measurements revealed the formation of deoxy-Hb and met-Hb, also decreased in oxygen affinity of Hb upon interaction with TEPP that is due to heme destruction. Fluorescence spectroscopy confirmed the production of heme degradation species after interaction of Hb with TEPP, which is inconsistent with oxygen affinity measurements. Thermal and aggregation studies indicated that TEPP induced aggregation of Hb in a concentration manner and Tm of protein reduced to lower temperatures. Docking's study also showed that TEPP interacts with Hb through hydrophobic interactions, which confirms UV-Vis results. ATR-FTIR study also revealed that TEPP can induce changes in the alpha helix element of Hb's secondary structure. Totally, Experimental and theoretical results indicate that tetraethyl pyrophosphate has unfavorable effects on hemoglobin structure and function.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Combination effect of red light irradiation and Traychspermum ammi essential oil on colorectal cancer cells (SW480).

Colon cancer is the third significant reason for death related to cancers in the world. There are various treatments for colon cancer, which have several side effects. Polyphenol agents are a type of antioxidant in plants that have diverse biological properties, such as anti-cancer effects. Here, we investigate the effect of Trachyspermum ammi essential oil (TEO) and red light irradiation on the colorectal cancer cell line (SW 480). The colorectal cancer cell lines were irradiated at 660 nm for 90 s and then the cells were incubated with different TEO concentrations. In another study, cells initially were treated with various TEO concentrations and then irradiation for 90 s. Effect of TEO and the red light irradiation on viability of the cell, ROS generation, and cell cycle was assessed by MTT and flow cytometry, respectively. The findings demonstrated that early incubation with TEO and then irradiation decreased the SW 480 cells survival more than the early irradiation at 660 nm and then essential oil. In addition, TEO treatment at IC50 concentration in combination with low-level laser irradiation induces ROS generation in SW 480 cells as compared to the dark group. In addition, TEO treatment at IC50 in combination with low-level laser irradiation induces G0/G1 arrest of the cell cycle in SW 480 cells in comparison to the dark group. This study revealed that the Trachyspermum ammi essential oil in combination with low-level laser results in more reduction in survival which leads to ROS generation and cell cycle arrest in SW 480 colorectal cancer cells.

Characteristics of circRNA and its approach as diagnostic tool in melanoma.

One of the most common types of cancer in the world is skin cancer, which has been divided into two groups: non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancer. Different external and internal agents are considered as risk factors for melanoma skin cancer pathogenesis but the exact mechanisms are not yet confirmed. Genetic and epigenetic changes, UV exposure, arsenic compounds, and chemical substances are contributory factors to the development of melanoma. A correlation has emerged between new therapies and the discovery of a basic molecular pattern for skin cancer patients. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are described as a unique group of extensively expressed endogenous regulatory RNAs with closed-loop structure bonds connecting the 5' and 3' ends, which are commonly expressed in mammalian cells. In this review, we describe the biogenesis of circular RNAs and its function in cancerous conditions focusing on the crosstalk between different circRNAs and melanoma. Increasing evidence suggests that circRNAs appears to be relative to the origin and development of skin-related diseases like malignant melanoma. Different circular RNAs like hsa_circ_0025039, hsa_circRNA006612, circRNA005537, and circANRIL, by targeting different cellular and molecular targets (e.g., CDK4, DAB2IP, ZEB1, miR-889, and let-7 c-3p), can participate in melanoma cancer progression.

Photodynamic inactivation with curcumin and silver nanoparticles hinders Pseudomonas aeruginosa planktonic and biofilm formation: evaluation of glutathione peroxidase activity and ROS production.

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria result in high mortality in the world. Therefore, it is necessary to find new methods as alternative antibacterial agents that decline bacterial resistance and limit the spread of serious infectious bacterial diseases. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is a non-invasive strategy against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. aPDT contains the combination of non-toxic dyes with harmless visible light to create reactive oxygen species (ROS) that selectively lead to microbial cell death. Curcumin and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have antibacterial properties. In this study, the aPDT with curcumin plus AgNPs as photosensitizers on planktonic and biofilm forms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was investigated. Also, the phototoxicity effect of curcumin and AgNPs on human fibroblast cells was studied. Finally, the ROS formation and the glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity were evaluated. The results showed that the use of curcumin in combination with AgNPs then aPDT reduced the number of bacteria in planktonic and biofilm forms. Curcumin and AgNPs did not show any significant photocytotoxic effect against human normal fibroblast. Finally, the GPx activity was decreased in presence of curcumin in combination with AgNPs then aPDT compared to control. The ROS production in curcumin plus AgNPs then aPDT was higher than the control group. Therefore, curcumin-aPDT plus AgNPs could be suggested as novel strategies in treating multi-drug-resistant bacteria such as P. aeruginosa.

Current understanding of epigenetics mechanism as a novel target in reducing cancer stem cells resistance.

At present, after extensive studies in the field of cancer, cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been proposed as a major factor in tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and recurrence. CSCs are a subpopulation of bulk tumors, with stem cell-like properties and tumorigenic capabilities, having the abilities of self-renewal and differentiation, thereby being able to generate heterogeneous lineages of cancer cells and lead to resistance toward anti-tumor treatments. Highly resistant to conventional chemo- and radiotherapy, CSCs have heterogeneity and can migrate to different organs and metastasize. Recent studies have demonstrated that the population of CSCs and the progression of cancer are increased by the deregulation of different epigenetic pathways having effects on gene expression patterns and key pathways connected with cell proliferation and survival. Further, epigenetic modifications (DNA methylation, histone modifications, and RNA methylations) have been revealed to be key drivers in the formation and maintenance of CSCs. Hence, identifying CSCs and targeting epigenetic pathways therein can offer new insights into the treatment of cancer. In the present review, recent studies are addressed in terms of the characteristics of CSCs, the resistance thereof, and the factors influencing the development thereof, with an emphasis on different types of epigenetic changes in genes and main signaling pathways involved therein. Finally, targeted therapy for CSCs by epigenetic drugs is referred to, which is a new approach in overcoming resistance and recurrence of cancer.

Preparation of cerium-curcumin and cerium-quercetin complexes and their LEDs irradiation assisted anticancer effects on MDA-MB-231 and A375 cancer cell lines.

Cancer remains common and often is difficult to eradicate. In particular resistant forms like triple negative breast cancer and melanoma generally allow for very short survival. Curcumin and quercetin as two important polyphenols from plants which have different biological roles, potentially including anti-cancer effect. But their clinical application is limited due to poor solubility in aqueous medium. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a cancer treatment using select chemical compounds as photosensitizers, which when activated by light create toxic singlet oxygen. Studies done on plant based photosensitizers such as curcumin and quercetin have shown the ability to ablate tumors. Here we discuss using them as improved PS by making their complex with cerium ions as a delivery system for MDA-MB-231 and A375 cancer cell lines treatment. For this purpose, the MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell line exposed to red light irradiation (as pretreatment) then treated with curcumin and quercetin alone and also their complex with cerium. In another study the cells treated with curcumin-cerium and quercetin-cerium complex and then irradiated with blue light (photodynamic treatment). Cell survival and apoptosis were determined using MTT and fluorescence microscopy. The result showed that curcumin and quercetin in complex with cerium ions have better toxic effect against both breast and melanoma cancer cells as compared to each compound alone. The finding revealed that curcumin and quercetin in cerium complex could be considered as a new approach in the photodynamic treatment of breast and melanoma cancer cells.

Low-dose photodynamic therapy effect on closure of scratch wounds of normal and diabetic fibroblast cells: An in vitro study.

Chronic wounds such as diabetic ulcers are a serious public health problem. Extensive research is needed to find new alternatives for wound treatment. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a non-invasive method, which has been studied for several decades to treat cancer, infections, and other diseases. PDT involves the administration of a photosensitizer compound followed by irradiation with using light at specific wavelength to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) using molecular oxygen. It is possible that low dose photodynamic therapy (LDPDT) could improve wound healing and stimulates the cell repair process. This study we explored the effect of LDPDT on wound healing in vitro using normal and diabetic cellular wound models. The effects of different concentrations of 5-ALA and different energy densities (dark or light) on the cell viability of human fibroblast cells were studied using the MTT assay. After ascertaining the optimum parameters, a scratch wound assay was performed on both normal and diabetic cells and then cells treated with 1 and 5 µg/mL of 5-ALA at 1 J/cm2 energy density. ROS production and morphological alteration of the cells were studied. The mortality of normal fibroblast cells increased with increasing 5-ALA concentration and also increasing energy density (up to 3 J/cm2 ). However, in diabetic cells, the mortality rate did not decrease. Diabetic cells showed increased migration and closure of the scratch compared to normal cells under similar conditions. A low concentration of 5-ALA (5 µg/mL) and low energy density of 1 J/cm2 in both normal and diabetic cells gave a small increase in ROS levels compared to controls. This may explain the positive effects of LDPDT on wound healing. The findings of this study suggest that LDPDT may have a potential effect on the wound healing of diabetic wounds.