Effects of Aqueous Dispersions of C(60), C(70) and Gd@C(82) Fullerenes on Genes Involved in Oxidative Stress and Anti-Inflammatory Pathways

Background: Fullerenes and metallofullerenes can be considered promising nanopharmaceuticals themselves and as a basis for chemical modification. As reactive oxygen species homeostasis plays a vital role in cells, the study of their effect on genes involved in oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory responses are of particular importance. Methods: Human fetal lung fibroblasts were incubated with aqueous dispersions of C(60), C(70), and Gd@C(82) in concentrations of 5 nM and 1.5 µM for 1, 3, 24, and 72 h. Cell viability, intracellular ROS, NOX4, NFκB, PRAR-γ, NRF2, heme oxygenase 1, and NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 expression have been studied. Results & conclusion: The aqueous dispersions of C(60), C(70), and Gd@C(82) fullerenes are active participants in reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis. Low and high concentrations of aqueous fullerene dispersions (AFD) have similar effects. C(70) was the most inert substance, C(60) was the most active substance. All AFDs have both “prooxidant” and “antioxidant” effects but with a different balance. Gd@C(82) was a substance with more pronounced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, while C(70) had more pronounced “prooxidant” properties.