Radioprotective Efficiency of Fullerenol in Irradiated Mice

Abstract

In vitro studies have demonstrated that fullerenol, a polyhydroxylated derivative of fullerene (C60(OH)n n = 12-26), has a high antioxidative potential. Since any radiation injury is mainly a consequence of the action of free radical species, the aim of this study was to examine radioprotective efficiency of fullerenol in whole-body irradiated mice. The experiment was performed on male, adult, white mice, whole-body irradiated with Xrays doses of 6 to 8 Gy (X-ray energy of 8 MV). Fullerenol C60(OH)24 was given in doses of 10 and 100 mg/kg i.p. 30 minutes before irradiation. The experimental groups consisted of 25-30 animals each. The survival rate and body mass gain of irradiated animals were monitored for 30 days after irradiation. The mean lethal times (LT50) of irradiated mice and mean lethal dose of X-rays were calculated and compared. The results showed that fullerenol C60(OH)24, in a dose of 100 mg/kg i.p., prolonged LT50 of irradiated mice. This effect was especially pronounced in mice irradiated with 7 and 8 Gy of X-rays. It seems that radioprotective efficiency of fullerenol C60(OH)24 is more marked in mice irradiated by higher doses of X-rays.