Fullerenol/iron nanocomposite diminishes doxorubicin-induced toxicity

Fullerenol C60(OH)24 with its spherical shape, symmetrical structure, 1 nm size and the ability to form polyionic nanoparticles in water solution, was used to synthesise a novel nanocomposite made of fullerenol nanoparticles (FNP) and iron ions (Fe2+). The FNP/Fe2+ nanocomposite was characterised by DLS and TEM-EDS analyses which have shown that the size distribution of FNP/Fe2+ stayed in the same scope as the size distribution of FNP, ranging from 11 to 60 nm. However, Fe2+ did affect the change of FNP’s zeta potential (− 49.2 mV), shifting it to more positive values (− 30.8 mV). In this study, it was assumed that FNP/Fe2+ could reduce the toxic effects of doxorubicin (Dox). Male Wistar rats were treated i.p. with FNP/Fe2+ nanocomposite 1 h prior to Dox treatment. At the subcellular level, the ultrastructural analysis revealed minor alterations sporadically displayed within the heart and liver tissues. Moreover, at the molecular level, the gene expressions analysis of mRNAs for catalase (heart and liver) and MnSOD (only liver) were significantly downregulated, indicating reduction in oxidative stress. Overall, the pretreatment with FNP/Fe2+ nanocomposite, followed by Dox application, significantly diminished harmful effects of the applied drug on the heart and liver, suggesting the potential protective effect of the nanocomposite on the healthy tissues.