CARBOXYFULLERENES AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF

摘要

The instant invention is a method for increasing a metazoan's lifespan, comprising administering a carboxylated derivative of a C60 fullerene. The instant invention further is a process for extending a metazoan's lifespan b y administering a superoxide dismutase-mimetic as well as a composition comprising a superoxide dismutase-mimetic. Further, the instant invention comprises a pharmaceutical composition comprising carboxyfullerenes having x pairs of adjacent carbon atoms bonded to two carbons of the C60 sphere where in said adjacent carbon atom is further bonded to two groups of the general formula -COOH and -R, wherein R is independently selected from the group consisting of -COOH and -H, and wherein x is at least 1. A further embodimen t is a non-metal containing composition which can catalytically eliminate two biologically reactive species. Another embodiment is a method of enhancing elimination of reactive oxygen species in eukaryotic cells by contacting cel ls with a superoxide dismutase mimetic.