Water-Soluble C60 Fullerene Reduces Lung Scarring in Mice

A research study published in International Journal of Nanomedicine in 2020 by Li et al. investigates the potential of water-soluble C60 fullerene (C60(OH)22), a carbon-based nanoparticle, to protect against lung scarring in a mouse model of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The study, shows that C60 can reduce lung damage by acting as a powerful antioxidant.

In simple terms, IPF is a serious lung disease where scar tissue builds up, making breathing difficult, partly due to harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS) causing oxidative stress. The researchers tested water-soluble C60 on mice with lung fibrosis caused by a drug called bleomycin. They found that a 10 mg/kg dose of C60 improved survival and reduced lung scarring, as seen in CT scans, lung tissue samples, and levels of scar-related proteins like collagen. Compared to untreated mice, those given C60 had lower ROS, reduced inflammation (less TNF-α in lung fluid), fewer scar-forming cells (fibroblasts), and more healthy lung cells.

This study highlights C60’s potential to fight lung fibrosis by neutralizing harmful molecules. These findings suggest water-soluble C60 could lead to new treatments for IPF, helping reduce lung damage and improve quality of life.

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