Fullerenol, a water-soluble C(60)-fullerene derivative, has been demonstrated to have the capability to scavenge
free radicals in vitro and in vivo. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether
fullerenol can scavenge the
free radicals that are massively induced during
ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury of the small intestine, either preventively or therapeutically. Clamping the superior mesenteric artery and vein for 60 minutes to induce I/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; the preventive (P) group received
fullerenol (1 mg/kg) intravenously 30 minutes before
ischemia; the therapeutic (T) group received the same dose of
fullerenol immediately after reperfusion. This study was an experimental randomized trial. Intestinal segments were obtained 10, 20, 30, and 60 minutes after reperfusion; and blood samples and specimens of major organs were taken 60 minutes after reperfusion. Concentrations of lipid peroxidation products, including conjugated diene (CD) and
malondialdehyde (MDA), and the level of
glutathione (GSH) in intestinal tissue were determined. Serum indicators of liver and renal function were measured. Histologic examination of the small intestine and major organs were also performed. A significant increase in intestinal MDA and CD contents was detected at 30 and 60 minutes after reperfusion. The tissue GSH content, in contrast, was decreased 60 minutes after reperfusion. Administration of
fullerenol diminished these changes both preventively and therapeutically. Liver and renal functions were within normal limits in all groups. Moreover no obvious histopathologic additional damage could be found in either the P or the T group. It is suggested that
fullerenol can be considered a powerful scavenger for the
free radicals induced by I/R injury of the small intestine.