Unmodified hydrated С 60 fullerene molecules exhibit antioxidant properties, prevent damage to DNA and proteins induced by reactive oxygen species and protect mice against injuries caused by radiation-induced oxidative stress.

Unmodified hydrated С60 fullerene molecules (C60 UHFM) were shown to reduce the formation ROS in water and 8-oxoguanine in DNA upon ionizing radiation impact. C60 UHFM efficiently eliminate long-lived protein radicals arising after irradiation. In irradiated mice C60 UHFM reduce the rate of single/double-strand DNA breaks and amount of chromosomal breaks. The radioprotective activity of C60 UHFM was estimated by the survival rate of animals; the dose modification factor for animal survival was 1.3. Hematological tests showed that C60 UHFM injection in mice prior to irradiation results in a decrement of irradiation-induced leucopenia and thrombocytopenia. Histological analysis testified that C60 UHFM provide significant protection of small intestine tissues in mice against irradiation-induced damage. The obtained data assume that the radioprotective properties of C60 UHFM are determined by their antioxidant, antiradical and DNA-protective qualities. Thus, it was demonstrated that C60 UHFM are a novel antioxidant and radioprotective agent capable of substantial reduction of the harmful effects of ionizing radiation.