C60 fullerene reduces the level of fluctuations in the force response of muscle gastrocnemius in chronically alcoholized rats

The biomechanical parameters of muscle gastrocnemius contraction and biochemical parameters of blood and muscle tissue in rats after chronic alcoholization for 3, 6, and 9 months were studied. The oral administration of C₆₀ fullerene aqueous solution (C₆₀FAS) at doses of 0.5, 1, and 2 mg/kg throughout the experiment was used as a therapeutic agent. C₆₀FAS in each of the experimental groups was administered in three ways: 1 h before alcohol intake, together with alcohol, and 1 h after alcohol intake. The most significant positive effects were recorded when alcohol and C₆₀FAS were administered together at the optimal dose of 1 mg/kg. So, the increase in muscle gastrocnemius contraction force was 20 ± 1%, 33 ± 2% and 65 ± 3% (p < 0.05) compared with control at 3, 6, and 9 months alcoholization, respectively, as well as a high level of its fluctuations correction was observed throughout the experiment. Biochemical parameters such as blood levels of creatinine, creatine phosphokinase, lactate and lactate dehydrogenase as well as pro- and antioxidant balance (content of hydrogen peroxide and reduced glutathione, as well as catalase, selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities) in muscle gastrocnemius tissues decreased from 15 ± 2% (3 months of alcoholization) to 45 ± 2% (9 months of alcoholization) (p < 0.05) compared to controls. The results indicate promising prospects for the use of water-soluble C₆₀ fullerenes, as powerful antioxidants, for the correction of pathological conditions of the muscular system arising from alcohol intoxication.