CARDIOVASCULAR EFFECTS OF FULLERENE DERIVATIVES: A REVIEW OF CURRENT EVIDENCE

During two last decades, several unique physical and chemical properties of buckminsterfullerene or fullerene C60 have been described. However, much less is known about the effects of fullerenes and their derivatives on biological systems. Evidence is beginning to accumulate that fullerenes may exert influence on different physiological and pathophysiological processes primarily because of their antioxidant effects. The present paper focuses on the cardiovascular effects of fullerene C60 and its water-soluble derivatives. We present available evidence on the protective effects of fullerenes in ischemiareperfusion injury and their influence on vascular tone. In addition, we review data on the antiproliferative and antiatherogenic effects of fullerene derivatives. Perspectives of fullerenes utilization for photodynamic therapy