Cerium oxide nanoparticles with antioxidant properties ameliorate strength and prolong life in mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeNPs) neutralize reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Since oxidative stress plays a role in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in humans and in the SOD1 mouse model of ALS, we tested whether administration of CeNPs would improve survival and reduce disease severity in SOD1 transgenic mice. Twice a week intravenous treatment of SOD1 mice with CeNPs started at the onset of muscle weakness preserved muscle function and increased longevity in males and females.

Custom cerium oxide nanoparticles protect against a free radical mediated autoimmune degenerative disease in the brain.

Cerium oxide nanoparticles are potent antioxidants, based on their ability to either donate or receive electrons as they alternate between the +3 and +4 valence states. The dual oxidation state of ceria has made it an ideal catalyst in industrial applications, and more recently, nanoceria's efficacy in neutralizing biologically generated free radicals has been explored in biological applications. Here, we report the in vivo characteristics of custom-synthesized cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeNPs) in an animal model of immunological and free-radical mediated oxidative injury leading to neurodegenerative disease.