CARDIOVASCULAR PROTECTION

Cardiovascular effects of Fullerene derivatives: A review of current evidence

Alexander V. Syrensky, Elena I. Egorova, Ilia V. Alexandrov, and Michael M. Galagudza
V.A. Almazov Research Institute of Cardiology of the Ministry of Health Care and Saint-Petersburg I.P. Pavlov Federal Medical University, Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation
Kopf Carrier #63 (2006)

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Summary:

During two last decades, several unique physical and chemical properties of buckminsterfullerene or fullerene C60 have been described. However, much less is known about the effects of fullerenes and their derivatives on biological systems.

Evidence is beginning to accumulate that fullerenes may exert influence on different physiological and pathophysiological processes primarily because of their antioxidant effects.

The present paper focuses on the cardiovascular effects of fullerene C60 and its water-soluble derivatives.

We present available evidence on the protective effects of fullerenes in ischemia-reperfusion injury and their influence on vascular tone. In addition, we review data on the antiproliferative and antiatherogenic effects of fullerene derivatives. Perspectives of fullerenes utilization for photodynamic therapy of cardiovascular diseases are also discussed.

Current findings demonstrate that fullerenes may show several potentially physiologically and clinically relevant activities, including antiischemic effect, vasodilatation, inhibition of low-density lipoprotein oxidation, and limitation of proliferative activity of vascular smooth muscle cells. Additional studies will be required to define the molecular mechanisms responsible for the observed effects.

Conclusion:

A whole series of photosensitisers including fullerene C60 and its derivatives is able to inactivate various types of viruses and, particularly, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

The exact mechanisms of photodynamic virus inactivation remains obscure and may, conceivably, involve direct damaging effect of 1Î2, cleavage of viral DNA, and formation of new crosslinks in viral membrane and capsid proteins.

Taking into account viral theory of atherosclerosis suggesting the key etiological role of cytomegalo- and herpesviruses, it seems logical to assume that PDT of coronary vessels with fullerenes may theoretically be a useful tool in prevention of atherosclerosis. However, the detailed investigation of photodynamic antiviral effects of fullerenes is required to validate this concept.

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