C60 Fullerene Reduces Liver Damage in Rat Model of Liver Cancer

A research study published in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity in 2020 by Halenova et al. investigates the effects of water-soluble C60 fullerene, a carbon-based nanoparticle, on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a common liver cancer, in rats. The study, shows that C60 fullerene can slow cancer growth, reduce liver damage, and improve survival.

In simple terms, liver cancer can be triggered by harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS), which damage cells. C60 fullerene acts like a powerful antioxidant, neutralizing these molecules. In lab tests on human liver cancer cells (HepG2), C60 stopped cell growth, triggered cell death (apoptosis), and altered key proteins and enzymes, making it harder for cancer cells to thrive. In rats with HCC, starting treatment at the liver cirrhosis stage with a daily dose of 0.25 mg/kg, C60 fullerene reduced liver injury and scarring, lowered liver enzyme levels, and balanced chemical markers of damage. It also extended survival (31 weeks, similar to the drug 5-fluorouracil’s 30 weeks, versus 17 weeks without treatment) and prevented cancer spread, unlike the drug.

This study highlights C60’s potential as a non-toxic treatment for liver cancer. By fighting oxidative stress, inducing cancer cell death, and supporting liver health, C60 fullerene could offer a promising approach to managing HCC, potentially leading to new therapies.

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