Toxic and DNA damaging effects of a functionalized fullerene in human embryonic lung fibroblasts

Water-soluble fullerenes have been studied as potential nanovectors and therapeutic agents, but their possible toxicity is of concern. We have studied the effects of F-828, a soluble fullerene [C60] derivative, on diploid human embryonic lung fibroblasts (HELFs) in vitro. F-828 causes complex time-dependent changes in ROS levels. Inhibition of Nox4 activity by plumbagin blocks F-828-dependent ROS elevation. F-828 induces DNA breaks, as measured by the comet assay and γH2AX expression, and the activities of the transcription factors NF-kB and p53 increase. F-828 concentrations >25 μM are cytotoxic; cell death occurs by necrosis. Expression levels of TGF-β, RHOA, RHOC, ROCK1, and SMAD2 increase following exposure to F-828. Our results raise the possibility that fullerene F-828 may induce pulmonary fibrosis in vivo.