Differential expression of VEGF and IL-1alpha after photodynamic treatment in combination with doxorubicin or taxotere.

AIM: To show the impact of chemotherapeutic drugs doxorubicin and taxotere on the molecular pattern of cell response to photodynamic treatment (PDT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human squamous cell carcinoma cells A-431 were studied. Apoptosis was investigated by recording caspase-3 activity. Expression of IL-1alpha and VEGF on mRNA and protein levels was measured by qPCR and ELISA.

RESULTS: PDT in combination with either doxorubicin or taxotere was found to be more cytotoxic in comparison to either single-treatment. The expression of IL-1alpha and VEGF was up-regulated in PDT-treated cells, either alone or in combination with doxorubicin or taxotere. Addition of doxorubicin to the cytokine induction after PDT was not detected, however, taxotere promoted significant over-expression of IL-1alpha and VEGF on the protein level.

CONCLUSION: Contribution of chemotherapeutic drugs to IL-1 alpha and VEGF release from cells which received dual treatment involving PDT could be significantly different, despite the same level of cytotoxicity.