Effects of Aqueous Dispersions of C60, C70 and Gd@C82 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 C₆₀, C₇₀, and Gd@C₈₂ 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 C₆₀, C₇₀, and Gd@C₈₂ fullerenes are active participants in reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis. Low and high concentrations of aqueous fullerene dispersions (AFD) have similar effects. C₇₀ was the most inert substance, C₆₀ was the most active substance. All AFDs have both “prooxidant” and “antioxidant” effects but with a different balance. Gd@C₈₂ was a substance with more pronounced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, while C₇₀ had more pronounced “prooxidant” properties.