Photodynamic Therapy for Atherosclerosis. International journal of molecular sciences Atherosclerosis, which currently contributes to 31% of deaths globally, is of critical cardiovascular concern. Current diagnostic tools and biomarkers are limited, emphasizing the need for early detection. Lifestyle modifications and medications form the basis of treatment, and emerging therapies such as photodynamic therapy are being developed. Photodynamic therapy involves a photosensitizer selectively targeting components of atherosclerotic plaques. When activated by specific light wavelengths, it induces localized oxidative stress aiming to stabilize plaques and reduce inflammation. The key advantage lies in its selective targeting, sparing healthy tissues. While preclinical studies are encouraging, ongoing research and clinical trials are crucial for optimizing protocols and ensuring long-term safety and efficacy. The potential combination with other therapies makes photodynamic therapy a versatile and promising avenue for addressing atherosclerosis and associated cardiovascular disease. The investigations underscore the possibility of utilizing photodynamic therapy as a valuable treatment choice for atherosclerosis. As advancements in research continue, photodynamic therapy might become more seamlessly incorporated into clinical approaches for managing atherosclerosis, providing a blend of efficacy and limited invasiveness. 10.3390/ijms25041958

Chemiexcited Photodynamic Therapy Integrated in Polymeric Nanoparticles Capable of MRI Against Atherosclerosis. International journal of nanomedicine Background:Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has achieved continued success in the treatment of tumors, but its progress in the treatment of atherosclerosis has been limited, mainly due to the low tissue-penetration ability of the excitation light for photosensitizers. Methods:In this study, we designed a chemiexcited system producing singlet oxygen in an attempt to apply PDT for the treatment of atherosclerosis without the irradiation of external light. The system designed was polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) equipped with chemical fuel and photosensitizers, cross-linked with an Fe-catechol complex for stabilization and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Results:The system (FeCNPs for short) accumulated effectively in plaques, providing persistent and enhanced -weighted contrast ability. FeCNPs also prevented progression of atherosclerosis via macrophage elimination, and obviously reduced plaque size and thickness revealed by -weighted MRI. Expression of CD68, MCP1, and TNFα was significantly reduced after treatment. However, low doses of FeCNPs exhibited better therapeutic efficacy than high doses. Furthermore, low-dose FeCNPs exhibited effective macrophage elimination in aortic arches and abdominal aortae, but inefficiency in the thoracic aorta, aortic hiatus, and aorta-iliac bifurcation. Conclusion:This study provides the first example of a combination of MRI and chemiexcited PDT for atherosclerosis, evidencing the effectiveness of PDT and providing significant pointers for developing nanotherapy on atherosclerosis. 10.2147/IJN.S355790

Photodynamic therapy for atherosclerosis. The potential of indocyanine green. Houthoofd S,Vuylsteke M,Mordon S,Fourneau I Photodiagnosis and photodynamic therapy AIM:The aim of this article is to summarize and review the use of photodynamic therapy for the treatment of atherosclerotic plaque and the prevention of intimal hyperplasia. Different photosensitizers are discussed and more specifically the role of indocyanine green as a potential photosensitizer. METHODS:Literature search with focus on the use of photodynamic therapy in atherosclerosis, the mechanism of action and the different photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy. RESULTS:In-vitro and in-vivo studies confirm the possibilities of using photodynamic therapy for the treatment of atherosclerosis and the prevention of restenosis. Insufficient specificity in the accumulation of photosensitizer and thus phototoxicity, remains an important problem. Indocyanine green is a photosensitizer with features in favor of photodynamic therapy. Results obtained so far of photodynamic therapy with indocyanine green point towards the potential of indocyanine green as a photosensitizer in photodynamic therapy for atherosclerosis. CONCLUSION:Photodynamic therapy is a promising tool for treating atherosclerosis. Many of the studied photosensitizers have toxic effects. Indocyanine green might be a good photosensitizer for the use of photodynamic therapy in atherosclerosis. These data justify further research to the use of indocyanine green as a photosensitizer in the treatment of atherosclerotic plaque both de novo or in restenotic lesions. 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2019.10.003