Fullerene-based antioxidants and neurodegenerative disorders

Water-soluble derivatives of buckminsterfullerene (C-60) derivatives are a unique class of compounds with potent antioxidant properties. Studies on on e class of these compounds, the malonic acid C-60 derivatives (carboxyfulle renes), indicated that they are capable of eliminating both superoxide anio n and H2O2, and were effective inhibitors of lipid peroxidation, as well, C arboxyfullerenes demonstrated robust neuroprotection against excitotoxic, a poptotic and metabolic insults in cortical cell cultures. They were also ca pable of rescuing mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons from both MPP+ and 6-h ydroxydopamine-induced degeneration. Although there is limited in vivo data on these compounds to date, we have previously reported that systemic admi nistration of the C-3 carboxyfullerene isomer delayed motor deterioration a nd death in a mouse model of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (FALS). Ongoing studies in other animal models of CNS disease states suggest that these novel antioxidants art: potential neuroprotective: agents for other n eurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson's disease. (C) 2001 Elsevie r Science Ltd. All rights reserved.