C60 fullerene and its nanocomplexes with anticancer drugs modulate circulating phagocyte functions and dramatically increase ROS generation in transformed monocytes

Abstract

BackgroundC60 fullerene-based nanoformulations are proposed to have a direct toxic effect on tumor cells. Previous investigations demonstrated that C60 fullerene used alone or being conjugated with chemotherapeutic agents possesses a potent anticancer activity. The main aim of this study was to investigate the effect of C60 fullerene and its nanocomplexes with anticancer drugs on human phagocyte metabolic profile in vitro.MethodsAnalysis of the metabolic profile of phagocytes exposed to C60 fullerene in vitro revealed augmented phagocytic activity and down-regulated reactive nitrogen species generation in these cells. Additionally, cytofluorimetric analysis showed that C60 fullerene can exert direct cytotoxic effect on normal and transformed phagocytes through the vigorous induction of intracellular reactive oxygen species generation.ResultsCytotoxic action as well as the pro-oxidant effect of C60 fullerene was more pronounced toward malignant phagocytes. At the same time, C60 fullerenes have the ability to down-regulate the pro-oxidant effect of cisplatin on normal cells. These results indicate that C60 fullerenes may influence phagocyte metabolism and have both pro-oxidant and antioxidant properties.ConclusionsThe antineoplastic effect of C60 fullerene has been observed by direct toxic effect on tumor cells, as well as through the modulation of the functions of effector cells of antitumor immunity.

C60 Fullerene as an Effective Nanoplatform of Alkaloid Berberine Delivery into Leukemic Cells

“…The estimation of C 60 FAS impact on Drosophila melanogaster at DNA, tissue, and organism levels showed that C 60 at the concentration 40 μg/mL does not affect the reproductive system and embryogenesis [50]. Recently, a low toxicity of C 60 FAS towards human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells and mice (IC 50 383.4 μg/mL, LD 50 721 mg/kg) [51] and the selective strong toxic effect of C 60 FAS against tumor cells (rat and human glioma cells) and transformed human phagocytes [52] were demonstrated.…”

The Hemocompatibility of Nanoparticles: A Review of Cell–Nanoparticle Interactions and Hemostasis

“…The results showed a sharp increase in ROS production after treatment with all the studied NP preparations and an eightfold increase caused by C60 fullerene NPs alone. It was therefore concluded that these particles are strong inducers of intracellular ROS generation and can possibly counteract the pro-oxidant effects of anticancer drugs like cisplatin [102].…”

“…The degree of NP cellular uptake directly influences the cytotoxicity of the NP and must therefore be carefully considered during NP synthesis and design [78]. Furthermore, Pujari-Palmer et al found that NP geometry can have a pertinent influence on leukocyte functioning where fiber-shaped HAP-NPs inducing the greatest amount of ROS generation, caspase 3/7 activation and acute in vivo inflammation compared to other geometries such as rods, dots and sheets [102].…”

Carbon Based Nanodots in Early Diagnosis of Cancer

“…A study involving anti-cancer drug conjugated to C 60 fullerene showed C 60 to trigger phagocyte activity. In addition, fullerenes with anticancer drugs promotes ROS production by phagocytes, a promising strategy for treatment of cancer ( Skivka et al, 2018 ).…”