The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential effects of photodynamic therapy (PDT) mediated by the cationic porphyrin, 5,10,15,20-tetra-(N-methyl-4-pyridyl)porphine (TMPyP4), on an ovarian carcinoma cell line and the underlying mechanisms by which TMPyP4-PDT exerts its actions. The analysis of cell viability, hematoxylin and eosin staining and flow cytometric apoptosis assays revealed that TMPyP4-PDT potently suppressed the growth of the A2780 cells in a laser energy- and dose-dependent manner. Mechanically, it was observed that TMPyP4-PDT suppressed the proliferation and motility of the A2780 cells. In addition, the expression levels of minichromosome maintenance protein-2 (MCM2) and carbonic anhydrase IX (CA-IX) were detected by western blot analysis. The results indicated that the TMPyP4-PDT-induced apoptosis and antimetastatic activity in the A2780 cells was accompanied by the inhibition of the expression of MCM2 and CA-IX. Therefore, TMPyP4-PDT may represent a potential therapeutic method for the treatment of ovarian carcinoma.
Keywords: 5,10,15,20-tetra-(N-methyl-4-pyridyl) porphine; carbonic anhydrase IX; human ovarian carcinoma; minichromosome maintenance protein-2; photodynamic therapy.