chlorophyll-a and Arteriosclerosis

Topics: Arteriosclerosis; Chlorophyll; Chlorophyllides; Humans; Inflammation; Neoplasms; Psoriasis; Wound Healing

The aim of this study was to demonstrate acute efficacy of photodynamic therapy on atheromas by using a pheophorbide derivative, PH-1126. Cholesterol-fed atherosclerotic rabbits were injected intravenously with 1 mg/kg of PH-1126. Twenty-four hours later, PH-1126 selectively accumulated in atherosclerotic plaques. Then, atherosclerotic lesions in the upper thoracic aorta were treated by irradiation with a krypton ion laser at a wave-length of 647 nm. At 6 h after photodynamic therapy, the treated aorta was examined by scanning electron microscopy. Numerous teardrop-shaped cells were observed on the endothelial surface of the plaque irradiated at a total energy of 100 J/cm2. These cells were larger than monocytes and macrophages, and resembled foam cells in size and shape. The body of the teardrop-shaped cell resembled pumice stone, mainly because of the presence of globular elements in the cytoplasm. A part of the cell appeared to remain in the subendothelial space. These findings suggest that the cells may be foam cells from the intimal layer of atherosclerotic plaque that were expelled into the aortic lumen. It may become possible to flatten atheroma in a long-term period after photodynamic therapy using PH-1126 as a potent photosensitizer.

Topics: Animals; Aorta, Thoracic; Aortic Diseases; Arteriosclerosis; Chlorophyll; Endothelium, Vascular; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Female; Ions; Krypton; Laser Therapy; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Photochemotherapy; Photosensitizing Agents; Rabbits

The effect of Cuprofilin, a newly synthesized C.(II)-chlorophyll complex, was assessed in rats with experimental atherosclerosis. The study was focused on changes in serum cholesterol, lipids, and triglycerides concentration as well as on serum and abdominal aorta Cu and Zn values. It has been ascertained that after 90 d in animals fed a rich lipid diet there was a statistically significant increase in serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and lipid concentration (p < 0.01). A significant augmentation of serum Cu values (p < 0.01) accompanied by a marked lowering of the same element in abdominal aorta (p < 0.01) was also found, as compared to the results registered in the control group. However, Cuprofilin, administered for 90 d in the group of animals with experimental atherosclerosis, significantly decreased the serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and serum lipid values (p < 0.01), increased copper content in aortic tissue (p < 0.01) and lowered serum copper concentration (p < 0.01) as compared to the untreated group. Moreover, in the aorta of administered animals the lipid infiltration has been demonstrated to be significantly diminished vs the untreated group.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Animals; Aorta, Abdominal; Arteriosclerosis; Chlorophyll; Chlorophyllides; Cholesterol; Cholesterol, Dietary; Copper; Disease Models, Animal; Lipids; Male; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Spectrophotometry, Atomic; Tissue Distribution; Triglycerides; Zinc

Topics: Animals; Arteriosclerosis; Chlorophyll; Hematoporphyrin Derivative; Hematoporphyrin Photoradiation; Hematoporphyrins; Humans; In Vitro Techniques; Laser Therapy; Male; Photochemotherapy; Rabbits; Radiation-Sensitizing Agents; Tetracycline

Topics: Arteriosclerosis; Chlorophyll; Humans; Mistletoe

Topics: Arteriosclerosis; Chlorophyll; Humans; Hypertension; Muscle Hypertonia