The effect of C60 fullerene on the musculus gastrocnemius contraction in chronically alcohol-exposed rats and the potential mechanism of its action

Abstract

Abstract Over 90% of consumed alcohol is metabolized through oxidative and non-oxidative pathways, producing highly reactive compounds capable of generating reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS induce increased oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, thereby disrupting the structural integrity of myocytes and the functions of skeletal muscles in general. It is hypothesized that biocompatible and bioavailable C60 fullerenes, as potent antioxidants, can effectively absorb ROS, normalizing the functional state of the muscular system during the chronic alcoholic myopathy (CAM). Here, for the first time, the effect of C60 fullerenes (oral daily dose of 1 mg/kg) administered together with alcohol (40% ethanol in drinking water) on the contractile activity of the musculus gastrocnemius in male Wistar rats (age 1 month, weight 170 ± 10 g; n = 36) during the development of CAM over 3, 6, and 9 months was analyzed using tensometry. Biochemical analysis was used to evaluate pro- and antioxidant balance indicators in the blood of alcohol-exposed animals under the influence of C60 fullerenes. Finally, the potential mechanism of action of C60 fullerenes under chronic alcohol intoxication in rats was analyzed using a computer simulation technique. The data obtained indicate an improvement in the studied biomechanical markers of contraction in alcohol-exposed musculus gastrocnemius with a range of 16–50 ± 3%. Additionally, significant biochemical changes were observed in the pro- and antioxidant balance in the blood of experimental rats, showing an improvement of 22–39 ± 2% due to the action of C60 fullerenes, compared to the alcohol-exposed group. It is demonstrated that C60 fullerene nanoparticles can bind ethanol molecules, thereby reducing the negative effects of alcohol on the functioning of the muscular system.