Results show that irradiation of diabetic wounded fibroblast cells at 830 nm with 5 J/cm(2) has a positive effect on wound healing in vitro. There was a decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha) and irradiation stimulated the release of ROS and NO due to what appears to be direct photochemical processes.

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Phototherapy resulted in hastened wound closure, increased proliferation, and normalization of cellular function. The decrease in the different pro-inflammatory cytokines and NF-κB translocation was model and time dependent. Overall, laser irradiation resulted in a reduction in inflammatory cytokines and directed cells into the cell survival pathway.

Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer. Amongst treatments that have been explored, photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment that is of interest as it poses ideal advantages such as affinity for cancer cells. This study aimed to determine the correlation between the localization site of a sulfonated zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPcSmix) photosensitizer (PS) and its associated cell death pathwayin vitroin colorectal cancer cell lines (DLD-1 and CaCo-2). Visible morphological changes were observed in PDT treated cells after 24 h. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected and visualized 1 h after PDT.ZnPcSmixwas predominantly localized in lysosomes and partially in the mitochondria. FITC Annexin V staining showed a significant decrease in the percentage of viable DLD-1 and CaCo-2 cells 24 h after PDT, with an increase in apoptotic cell population. Moreover, there was a significant increase in both cathepsin D and cytochrome C at 1 and 24 h. In conclusion,ZnPcSmixshowed the ability of inducing apoptotic cell death features in PDT treated cells.

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Backgrond: Despite global legislative and regulatory efforts to ensure sustainable food safety and security, mycotoxins remain a challenge in the supply of staple food commodities like maize and other grains in South Africa. Objectives: We reviewed mycotoxin contamination of maize, maize-associated food products, and other cereals to emphasis the need for continuous monitoring and management in South Africa. Methods: A scoping review was conducted on mycotoxin contamination of maize, maize-related products, and other cereals, as well as associated health implications in South Africa. The literature review intended to identify relevant articles and reports from 1980 to 2020 based on Arksey and O’Malley guidelines. Results: Of 103 articles/reports identified for the research question “that defines to what extend the South African population is exposed to mycotoxins, and why”, 31 (30 %) were eligible for this study. The most recurrent mycotoxins were fumonisins (FBs) and aflatoxins (AFs). The levels of FBs and AFs were as high as 140480 µg/kg and 762 µg/kg, respectively. Conclusions: The FBs and AFs were the main mycotoxins in maize, cereals, and related products. Therefore, adopting effective, sustainable, and scalable measures in limiting mycotoxin contamination is critical for the mitigation of food insecurity and the resulted health burden. Training farmers and other stakeholders on good hygiene and farming practices in the food chain supply is important.

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