A Dioxidovanadium Complex cis-[VO2 (obz) py] Attenuates Hyperglycemia in Streptozotocin (STZ)-Induced Diabetic Male Sprague-Dawley Rats via Increased GLUT4 and Glycogen Synthase Expression in the Skeletal Muscle.

Bonisiwe Mbatha,Phikelelani Ngubane,Irvin Booysen,Ntethelelo Sibiya,Andile Khathi,Gianluca Tamagno

doi:10.1155/2022/5372103

Abstract

Vanadium has demonstrated antihyperglycemic effects in diabetes mellitus (DM) but is, however, associated with toxicity. Therefore, new vanadium complexes envisaged to possess heightened therapeutic potency while rendering less toxicity are being explored. Accordingly, the aim of the study was to investigate the effects of a dioxidovanadium (V) complex, cis-[VO2 (obz) py], on selected glucose metabolism markers in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. STZ-induced diabetic rats were treated orally with cis-[VO2 (obz) py] (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg) twice every 3rd day for 5 weeks. Blood glucose concentrations, body weight, and food and water intake were monitored weekly, for 5 weeks. Rats were then euthanized after which blood, liver, and muscle tissues were collected for biochemical analysis. The administration of dioxidovanadium complex significantly decreased blood glucose concentrations throughout the 5-week period in comparison with the diabetic control (DC). The attenuation of hyperglycemia was accompanied by an increased glycogen concentration in both liver and muscle tissues in the treated groups. Furthermore, a significant increase was observed in the expression of glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) in the skeletal muscle tissues and glycogen synthase in the liver tissues. These findings indicate that our vanadium complex cis-[VO2 (obz) py] may exert antihyperglycemic effects through increased glucose uptake, glycogen synthesis, and increased GLUT4 and glycogen synthase expression.

Highlights

Glucose metabolism is often impaired in diabetes mellitus (DM) due to either the inability of the pancreatic beta cells to produce insulin or the inability of insulin to exert its effects [1]
Insulin administered as a bolus is effective in lowering blood glucose concentrations, it is, associated with various complications including hyperinsulinemia, which results in hypoglycemia and increased sodium retention [6, 7]. ere is an imperative need to seek
Therapeutic effects of vanadium have been investigated for decades and favourable results have been obtained, this transition metal is still not being used in humans for treating diabetes. e major concern about using vanadium for the treatment of a chronic condition such as DM is the toxicity and the tissue accumulation that is associated with prolonged use of this metal

Summary

Introduction

Glucose metabolism is often impaired in diabetes mellitus (DM) due to either the inability of the pancreatic beta cells to produce insulin (type 1) or the inability of insulin to exert its effects (type 2) [1]. Vanadium is a transition metal that has been reported to possess therapeutic effects including antibacterial, antioxidant, and antidiabetic effects [11, 12]. E major concern about using vanadium for the treatment of a chronic condition such as DM is the toxicity and the tissue accumulation that is associated with prolonged use of this metal. To avert these complications, researchers are focusing on synthesizing organic vanadium complexes, making use of heterocyclic ligands, which have been reported to reduce toxicity, provide stability, and promote bioavailability [13]

Objectives

Methods

Results