Free radical scavenging activity of fullerenol on the ischemia-reperfusionintestine in dogs

Fullerenol, a water-soluble C-60-fullerene derivative, has been demonstrate d to have the capability to scavenge free radicals in vitro and in vivo. Th e purpose of this study was to investigate whether fullerenol can scavenge the free radicals that are massively induced during ischemia-reperfusion (U R) injury of the small intestine, either preventively or therapeutically. C lamping the superior mesenteric artery and vein for 60 minutes to induce II R injury was performed on male mongrel dogs. Thirty dogs were divided into three groups (10 in each): The control (C) group received no medication; th e preventive (P) group received fullerenol (1 mg/kg) intravenously 30 minut es before ischemia; the therapeutic (T) group received the same dose of ful lerenol immediately after reperfusion. This study was an experimental rando mized trial. Intestinal segments were obtained 10, 20, 30, and 60 minutes a fter reperfusion; and blood samples and specimens of major organs were take n 60 minutes after reperfusion. Concentrations of lipid peroxidation produc ts, including conjugated diene (CD) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and the leve l of glutathione (GSH) in intestinal tissue were determined. Serum indicato rs of liver and renal function were measured. Histologic examination of the small intestine and major organs were also performed. A significant increa se in intestinal MDA and CD contents was detected at 30 and 60 minutes afte r reperfusion. The tissue GSH content, in contrast, was decreased 60 minute s after reperfusion. Administration of fullerenol diminished these changes both preventively and therapeutically. Liver and renal functions were withi n normal limits in all groups. Moreover no obvious histopathologic addition al damage could be found in either the P or the T group. It is suggested th at fullerenol can be considered a powerful scavenger for the free radicals induced by UR injury of the small intestine.