Fullerenols Mitigate Radiation-Induced Myocardial Injury.

Radiation-induced heart disease (RIHD) is a serious side effect of radiation therapy that can lead to severe consequences. However, effective and safe methods for their prevention and treatment are presently lacking. This study reports the crucial function of fullerenols in protecting cardiomyocytes from radiation injury. Firstly, we synthesized fullerenols using a simple base-catalyzed method. Next, we applied the as-prepared fullerenols as an effective free radical scavenger and broad-spectrum antioxidant to protect against X-ray-induced cardiomyocyte injury. We then verified their ability to reduce apoptosis via the mitochondrial signaling pathway at the cellular level. Finally, we observed in animal models that fullerenols accumulate in the heart and alleviate myocardial damage induced by X-rays. This study represents a timely and essential analysis of the prevention and treatment of radiological myocardial injury, providing new insights into the applications of fullerenols for therapeutic strategies. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.