Photodynamic Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Porphyrin Derivative on In-Vitro Activated Macrophages

Abstract

Porphyrin derivatives have been known for their photodynamic therapy (PDT) application potential. In the present work, we have studied an asymmetric tetraphenyl substituted porphyrin derivative synthesized previously. Although traditional PDT applications focus on antibacterial and anti-cancer activities of the drug candidates, these compounds may have functional properties at subtoxic concentrations due to the chemically active groups that they carry. In this study, we aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory PDT potential of this porphyrin derivative. For this purpose, mammalian macrophage cells were used. Trypan blue staining was done to confirm that this compound was effective at non-toxic concentrations. Moreover, TNF and IL6 ELISAs were done to the supernatants of the stimulated cells. Xenon light exposure was done to activate the porphyrin derivative. Our results suggest that this derivative had differential effects on these cytokine production levels by activated macrophages. These effects are light activation-dependent which makes this derivative a viable option for anti-inflammatory PDT applications. Moreover, it did not exert any cytotoxic effect at concentration used both in the dark and under light conditions.