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Anti-inflammatory effect of photodynamic therapy using guaiazulene and red lasers on peripheral blood mononuclear
Ampika Phutim-Mangkhalthon1, Aroon Teerakapong2, Patcharaporn Tippayawat3
1Division of Paediatric Dentistry, Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Khon Kaen University, 40002, Thailand.
Introduction:
Photodynamic therapy improves oral mucositis treatment. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated from this reaction could contribute to an anti-inflammatory effect by suppressing inflammatory cells.
Objective:
To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of photodynamic therapy using guaiazulene and a red laser in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).
Methods:
Guaiazulene solutions (1, 2, 5, 25, 35, and 100 μM in 99.8 % methanol) were irradiated with red laser light (625 nm, 146.2 mW/cm2) in continuous mode at 0, 4, and 8 J/cm2 in black 96-well plates. ROS were measured using spin trapping technique with electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy and fluorescence. The two highest concentrations were tested using cell viability (PrestoBlue®) and anti-inflammation (RANTES and PGE2 ELISA) assay kits. Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn Bonferroni tests were used for statistical analyses with significant differences at p-value < 0.05.
Results:
Guaiazulene solutions between 2 and 5 μM exposed to red laser light at 4-8 J/cm2 generated significantly more singlet oxygen compared to the no guaiazulene group (p < 0.01) and reduced RANTES and PGE2 levels in TNF-α-inflamed peripheral blood mononuclear cells without affecting cell viability.
Conclusion:
Photodynamic activation of guaiazulene generated singlet oxygen and suppressed inflammatory markers in PBMCs.

