Photosensitization of MCF-7 cells with diaziquone using visible light: correlation with DNA strand breaks and free radical production.

The ability of visible light to enhance the activity of diaziquone (AZQ) was evaluated in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. MCF-7 cells were sensitive to AZQ, while visible light illumination had no appreciable effect on cell survival. In the presence of AZQ, visible light potentiated AZQ's cytotoxicity. This potentiation of AZQ activity correlated with a 2-2.5-fold increase in the formation of free radicals (hydroxyl radicals and AZQ semiquinone) and with the production of DNA strand breaks as measured by electron paramagnetic resonance and gel electrophoresis respectively. These results support the hypothesis that free radical formation is part of the mechanism of action of AZQ.