Apoptosis induced by ZnPcH1-based photodynamic therapy in Jurkat cells and HEL cells.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) can selectively and effectively kill tumor cells, and photosensitization is the key to these anti-tumor effects. In this study, we investigated the killing mechanisms of the photosensitizer ZnPcH1 (a mono-α-substituted zinc(II) phthalocyanine synthesized in China), in the acute lymphoid leukemia cell line Jurkat and the acute erythroleukemia cell line HEL. Results from acridine orange/ethidium bromide fluorescence staining, DNA gel electrophoresis, and Annexin-V(FITC/PI) double-stained flow cytometry analysis indicated that ZnPcH1-PDT induced apoptosis in Jurkat and HEL cells, with Jurkat cells being more sensitive. Following ZnPcH1-PDT treatment, upregulation of p53 and Bax, downregulation of HSP70, Bcl-2 and Akt, and inhibition of the phosphorylation of Akt and GSK3β were observed. Our results establish a theoretical basis for the application of ZnPcH1-PDT in the treatment of acute leukemia.