Fullerenol C60(OH)36 at relatively high concentrations impairs hippocampal theta oscillations (in vivo and in vitro) and triggers epilepsy (in vitro) - A dose response study

The Effect of Fullerenol C60(OH)36 on the Antioxidant Defense System in Erythrocytes

Background: Fullerenols (water-soluble derivatives of fullerenes), such as C60(OH)36, are biocompatible molecules with a high ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS), but the mechanism of their antioxidant action and cooperation with endogenous redox machinery remains unrecognized. Fullerenols rapidly distribute through blood cells; therefore, we investigated the effect of C60(OH)36 on the antioxidant defense system in erythrocytes during their prolonged incubation. Methods: Human erythrocytes were treated with fullerenol at concentrations of 50-150 µg/mL, incubated for 3 and 48 h at 37 °C, and then hemolyzed. The level of oxidative stress was determined by examining the level of thiol groups, the activity of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione transferase), and by measuring erythrocyte microviscosity. Results: The level of thiol groups in stored erythrocytes decreased; however, in the presence of higher concentrations of C60(OH)36 (100 and 150 µg/mL), the level of -SH groups increased compared to the control. Extending the incubation to 48 h caused a decrease in antioxidant enzyme activity, but the addition of fullerenol, especially at higher concentrations (100-150 µg/mL), increased its activity. We observed that C60(OH)36 had no effect on the microviscosity of the interior of the erythrocytes. Conclusions: In conclusion, our results indicated that water-soluble C60(OH)36 has antioxidant potential and efficiently supports the enzymatic antioxidant system within the cell. These effects are probably related to the direct interaction of C60(OH)36 with the enzyme that causes its structural changes.

Nanomaterials and Aging

As the proportion of the elderly population increases, more and more people suffer from aging-related diseases. Even if aging is inevitable, prolonging the time of healthy aging, delaying the progression of aging-related diseases, and the incidence of morbidity can greatly alleviate the pressure on individuals and society. Current research and exploration in the field of materials related to aging are expanding tremendously. Here, we present a summary of recent research in the field of nanomaterials relevant to aging. Some nanomaterials, such as silica nanomaterials (NMs) and carbon nanotubes, cause damage to the cells similar to aging processes. Other nanomaterials such as fullerenes and metalbased nanomaterials can protect the body from endogenous and exogenous harmful substances such as ROS by virtue of their excellent reducing properties. Another new type of nucleic acid nanomaterial, tetrahedral framework nucleic acids, works effectively against cell damage. This material selectively clears existing senescent cells in the tissue and thus prevents the development of the chronic inflammatory environment caused by senescent cells secreting senescence-associated secretory phenotype to the surroundings. We believe that nanomaterials have tremendous potential to advance the understanding and treatment of aging-related disorders, and today's research only represents the beginning stages.

Fullerol C60(OH)24 nanoparticles modulate aflatoxin B1 biosynthesis in Aspergillus flavus

The water soluble fullerene C₆₀ daughter product - fullerols C₆₀(OH)₂₄ (FNP) possesses a great potential of modifying secondary metabolites biosynthesis. In order to clarify the extent of interaction, the impact of FNP (10, 100 and 1000 ng mL^-1) on aflatoxin production and the available precursors of biosynthesis pathway from Aspergillus flavus NRRL 3251 was determined, in both the mycelia and yeast extract sucrose (YES) medium, during a 168-hour growth period at 29 °C in the dark. The FNP of 8 nm in diameter, and with a zeta potential of -33 mV affected mycelial growth at 1000 ng mL^-1 while conidia production was slightly affected at 10 ng mL^-1. The FNP effect on aflatoxin and it biosynthetic precursors was concentration dependent and alteration of the sterigmatocystin (ST) export from the cell was observed. Most of the monitored aflatoxin precursors, except norsolorinic acid, were detected in both mycelia and YES medium. However, observed precursor concentrations were much higher in mycelia, with exception of ST. The study shows the loss of FNP antioxidative effect after 120 hours of growth, and strong concentration dependent aflatoxigenic effect after that time. Thus, this data is relevant to guide future considerations on FNP-fungal interactions in the environments and on risk assessment.