Effect of photodynamic therapy with hypericin on the secretion of selected cytokines of colorectal cancer cells tested in vitro

Introduction and aim. Photodynamic therapy is a complex process involving the introduction of photosensitizers into the patient’s body and irradiation of them in order to destroy the lesion, and activate the immune system. An important role in photodynamic therapy is played by photobiochemical and physical mechanisms that affect the tumor vessels and lead to the death of the damaged cell. The aim of the study is to determine the effect of photodynamic therapy with the use of Hypericin (Hyp) on the secretion of selected cytokines by colorectal cancer cells. Material and methods. Two colorectal cancer cell lines SW480 and SW620 were used in the study. Cells treated Hypericin were exposed to visible light. Then cell viability was determined by the MTT assay with 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium. Assays were performed for control samples without hypericin and light exposure, with Hyp without light exposure, without Hyp and irradiated with light, and test samples with Hyp and light exposure. Results. In the experiment we reveal, that Hyp- photodynamic activity does not influence the secretion of cytokines. Conclusion. The obtaining results confirming the destructive effect of Hyp- PDT on the colon cancer cells, show a possibility of extending the indication for photodynamic therapy using Hyp, qualification of precancerous changes.