Forced expression of BCL-2 and BCL-x_L by novel water-soluble fullerene, C₆₀(glucosamine)₆, reduces renal ischemia/reperfusion-induced oxidative stress

Apoptosis induced by oxidative stress, especially reactive oxygen species, resulting from ischemia/reperfusion would lead to organ dysfunction. C₆₀(glucosamine)₆, a water-soluble fullerene with strong free radical scavenging activity, was applied to evaluate its effect on renal ischemia/reperfusion-induced apoptosis formation and superoxide generation. C₆₀(glucosamine)₆ pretreatment, but not posttreatment, significantly reduced renal ischemia/reperfusion-induced apoptosis and superoxide generation and, consequently, ameliorated renal hemodynamic effects. Up-regulation in bcl-2 and bcl-x_L of the rat kidney was evident in C₆₀(glucosamine)₆ pretreated, posttreated, and nontreated groups. However, exaggerated forced expression of bcl-2 and bcl-x_L was found in the C₆₀(glucosamine)₆ pretreated group. Our results conclude that forced expression of bcl-2 and bcl-x_L by the novel water-soluble fullerene, C₆₀(glucosamine)₆, can reduce renal ischemia/reperfusion-induced oxidative stress.