Aluminum phthalocyanine chloride (AlPcCl) is a photoactive compound which has been used as a photosensitizer (PS) in photodynamic therapy (PDT). Its spectroscopic properties have been studied in solvents of different polarities (ethanol, acetone, dimethylsulfoxide and chloroform). Its solubility has been found to decrease with increasing solvent polarity, together with full self-aggregation in aqueous solution. The binding of AlPcCl to the copolymer Pluronic TM micellar class P-123 and F-127 used as solubilizer/carriers was studied. Greater interaction between the more hydrophobic copolymer P-123 and AlPcCl was observed, besides a complex interaction profile involving different AlPcCl forms (self-aggregate/monomeric form) in the copolymers. Time- and temperature-dependent structural organization of AlPcCl in the copolymers was also observed. Thus, AlPcCl has a strong tendency to self-aggregate with increasing solvent polarity, an effect also observed in micellar media. ]]>

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Photodynamic therapy (PDT) promotes cell death, and it has been successfully employed as a treatment resource for neuropathic complications of diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and hepatocellular carcinoma. The liver is the major organ involved in the regulation of energy homeostasis, and in pathological conditions such as T1DM, changes in liver metabolic pathways result in hyperglycemia, which is associated with multiple organic dysfunctions. In this context, it has been suggested that chlorophyll-a and its derivatives have anti-diabetic actions, such as reducing hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and hypertriglyceridemia, but these effects have not yet been proven. Thus, the biological action of PDT with chlorophyll-a on hepatic parameters related to energy metabolism and oxidative stress in T1DM Wistar rats was investigated. Evaluation of the acute effects of this pigment was performed by incubation of isolated hepatocytes with chlorophyll-a and the chronic effects were evaluated by oral treatment with chlorophyll-based extract, with post-analysis of the intact liver by in situ perfusion. In both experimental protocols, chlorophyll-a decreased hepatic glucose release and glycogenolysis rate and stimulated the glycolytic pathway in DM/PDT. In addition, there was a reduction in hepatic oxidative stress, noticeable by decreased lipoperoxidation, reactive oxygen species, and carbonylated proteins in livers of chlorophyll-treated T1DM rats. These are indicators of the potential capacity of chlorophyll-a in improving the status of the diabetic liver.