Speaker
Abstract content <br> (Max 300 words)
I.M.Tynga, N.N. Houreld and H. Abrahamse
Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 17011, Doornfontein, Johannesburg, 2028, South Africa Tel: +27 11 559-6406 Fax +27 11 559-6884 Email: habrahamse@uj.ac.za
Background: Approximately 180,000 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed yearly worldwide and is the leading cancer for women in SA and around the world. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a light induced chemotherapy process which is used for cancer treatment. The administration of a drug and its incorporation into body tissues is done in a selective manner so that cancerous tissues are mainly affected. The aims of this study were to determine the effects of ZnPcSmix on MCF-7 cells and identify the mode of cell death induced by PDT using the optimum ZnPcSmix concentration and laser fluency. Methodology: In order to determine the ability of ZnPcSmixto induce cell death in MCF-7 cells the following techniques and assays were performed: cellular morphology (inverted microscopy), subcellular localization (fluorescence microscopy), viability (trypan blue staining and adenosine triphosphate, ATP, luminescence), proliferation (AlamarBlue® assay) and cytotoxicity (Lactate Dehydrogenase, LDH). The mode of cell death was determined by flow cytometry (Annexin-V), Hoechst staining and Enzyme linked immunosorbet assay (ELISA). Results: Most PDT-treated cells rounded off and were identified as free floating structures. Mitochondrial, lysosomal and perinuclear localizations were found to be the cellular primary localization sites of ZnPcSmix. The optimal parameters were identified as 0.5 μM of ZnPcSmix at 10 J/cm2and treated cells showed a 50% decrease in cell viability, low proliferation and high cytotoxicity. More than 90% of cells were found to be apoptotic, and nuclear and nucleosomal fragmentation occurred after treatment. Conclusion: The treatment is an effective method to induce cell death in MCF-7 cells and apoptosis was found to be the main mode of cell death. ZnPcSmix mediated PDT may be considered for designing a more effective cancer treatment.
Level for award<br> (Hons, MSc, <br> PhD)?
Msc
Would you like to <br> submit a short paper <br> for the Conference <br> Proceedings (Yes / No)?
yes
Main supervisor (name and email)<br>and his / her institution
Prof Abrahamse, Laser Research Centre, University of Johannesburg
Apply to be<br> consider for a student <br> award (Yes / No)?
yes
