Quantum dots (QDs) have received considerable attention due to their potential role in
photosensitization during
photodynamic therapy. Although QDS are attractive nanomaterials due to their novel and unique physicochemical properties, concerns about their toxicity remain. We suggest a combination strategy, CdSe/ZnS QDs together with
curcumin, a natural yellow pigment from turmeric, to reduce QD-induced cytotoxicity. The aim of this study was to explore a potentially effective
cancer treatment: co-exposure of HL-60 cells and human normal lymphocytes to CdSe/ZnS QDs and
curcumin. Cell viability, apoptosis,
reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and DNA damage induced by QDs and/or
curcumin with or without ultraviolet A (UVA) irradiation were evaluated in both HL-60 cells and normal lymphocytes. In HL-60 cells, cell death, apoptosis, ROS generation, and single/double
DNA strand breaks induced by QDs were enhanced by treatment with
curcumin and UVA irradiation. The protective effects of
curcumin on cell viability, apoptosis, and ROS generation were observed in normal lymphocytes, but not
leukemia cells. These results demonstrated that treatment with QD combined with
curcumin increased cell death in HL-60 cells, which was mediated by ROS generation. However,
curcumin acted as an
antioxidant in cultured human normal lymphocytes.