Vanadium induces apoptosis and modulates the expressions of metallothionein, Ki-67 nuclear antigen, and p53 during 2-acetylaminofluorene-induced rat liver preneoplasia

Response of Cytoprotective and Detoxifying Proteins to Vanadate and/or Magnesium in the Rat Liver: The Nrf2-Keap1 System

Oxidative stress (OS) is a mechanism underlying metal-induced toxicity. As a redox-active element, vanadium (V) can act as a strong prooxidant and generate OS at certain levels. It can also attenuate the antioxidant barrier and intensify lipid peroxidation (LPO). The prooxidant potential of V reflected in enhanced LPO, demonstrated by us previously in the rat liver, prompted us to analyze the response of the nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-related factor 2/Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Nrf2-Keap1) system involved in cellular regulation of OS to administration of sodium metavanadate (SMV, 0.125 mg V/mL) and/or magnesium sulfate (MS, 0.06 mg Mg/mL). The levels of some Nrf2-dependent cytoprotective and detoxifying proteins, i.e., glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC), glutathione synthetase (GSS), NAD(P) H dehydrogenase quinone 1 (NQO1), UDP-glucumno-syltransferase 1 (UGT1), and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1); glutathione (GSH); metallothionein (MT1); and glutamate-cysteine ligase (GCL) mRNA were measured. We also focused on the V-Mg interactive effects and trends toward interactive action as well as relationships between the examined indices. The elevated levels of Nrf2, GCL mRNA, and GCL catalytic subunit (GCLC) confirm OS in response to SMV and point to the capacity to synthesize GSH. The results also suggest a limitation of the second step in GSH synthesis reflected by the unchanged glutathione synthetase (GSS) and GSH levels. The positive correlations between certain cytoprotective/detoxifying proteins (which showed increasing trends during the SMV and/or MS administration, compared to the control) and between them and malondialdehyde (MDA), the hepatic V concentration/total content, and/or V dose (discussed by us previously) point to cooperation between the components of antioxidant defense in the conditions of the hepatic V accumulation and SMV-induced LPO intensification. The V-Mg interactive effect and trend are involved in changes in Nrf2 and UGT1, respectively. The p62 protein has to be determined in the context of potential inhibition of degradation of Keap1, which showed a visible upward trend, in comparison with the control. The impact of Mg on MT1 deserves further exploration.

Vanadium Compounds as PTP Inhibitors

Phosphotyrosine signaling is regulated by the opposing actions of protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) and protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs). Here we discuss the potential of vanadium derivatives as PTP enzyme inhibitors and metallotherapeutics. We describe how vanadate in the V oxidized state is thought to inhibit PTPs, thus acting as a pan-inhibitor of this enzyme superfamily. We discuss recent developments in the biological and biochemical actions of more complex vanadium derivatives, including decavanadate and in particular the growing number of oxidovanadium compounds with organic ligands. Pre-clinical studies involving these compounds are discussed in the anti-diabetic and anti-cancer contexts. Although in many cases PTP inhibition has been implicated, it is also clear that many such compounds have further biochemical effects in cells. There also remain concerns surrounding off-target toxicities and long-term use of vanadium compounds in vivo in humans, hindering their progress through clinical trials. Despite these current misgivings, interest in these chemicals continues and many believe they could still have therapeutic potential. If so, we argue that this field would benefit from greater focus on improving the delivery and tissue targeting of vanadium compounds in order to minimize off-target toxicities. This may then harness their full therapeutic potential.

Vanadium (V) and magnesium (Mg) - In vivo interactions: A review

Vanadium (V) and magnesium (Mg) arouse interest of many research centres worldwide. Many aspects of their action have already been recognized but some of them have not been fully elucidated yet. Relatively little is known about the mechanisms of absorption, transport, and excretion of V. There is also a lack of sufficient data about the most sensitive biomarkers of V toxicity and the mechanisms of its toxic action, which have not been fully explained yet. There is also a lack of comprehensive research on the consequences, character, and mechanisms of mutual interactions of V (which has strong pro-oxidant properties) with elements with an antioxidant potential such as Mg, the recognition of which, besides the cognitive value, may have great practical importance. It should be highlighted that the question of interactions between elements is always up to date and it is still an important issue in toxicology. A comprehensive research on interactions of V with Mg can be particularly important in the studies of the usage of V (which has a narrow margin of safety) in the treatment of certain diseases in humans, especially diabetes, which is accompanied by changes in the level of Mg in the tissues and weakening of the antioxidant barrier and oxidative stress. Therefore, the aspect concerning the possible interaction of V (as a potent pro-oxidant) with Mg (as an antioxidant) was the subject of our special interest. In addition, the examination of the effects of the interactions between V and Mg is very important especially for extending the knowledge of the mechanism of the influence of V on the organism and a potential role of Mg (which is characterized by a wide therapeutic window) in prevention of V toxicity. This review summarizes the most important results obtained from our experiments in a rodent model referring to the interactions of V with Mg on the background of the in vivo experimental data published by other researchers of this issue. Our studies have shown that V and Mg supplied in combination are able to modulate the response in an interactive manner to produce a specific effect that is distinct from that observed during separate administration thereof. The present report also provides the most important information about the effects of the action of V and Mg with other metals.

Functional and morphological olfactory bulb modifications in mice after vanadium inhalation

Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, have olfaction impairment. These pathologies have also been linked to environmental pollutants. Vanadium is a pollutant, and its toxic mechanisms are related to the production of oxidative stress. In this study, we evaluated the effects of inhaled vanadium on olfaction, the olfactory bulb antioxidant, through histological and ultrastructural changes in granule cells. Mice in control group were made to inhale saline; the experimental group inhaled 0.02-M vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) for 1 hr twice a week for 4 weeks. Animals were sacrificed at 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks after inhalation. Olfactory function was evaluated by the odorant test. The activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR) was assayed in olfactory bulbs and processed for rapid Golgi method and ultrastructural analysis. Results show that olfactory function decreased at 4-week vanadium exposure; granule cells showed a decrease in dendritic spine density and increased lipofuscin, Golgi apparatus vacuolation, apoptosis, and necrosis. The activity of GPx and GR in the olfactory bulb was increased compared to that of the controls. Our results demonstrate that vanadium inhalation disturbs olfaction, histology, and the ultrastructure of the granule cells that might be associated with oxidative stress, a risk factor in neurodegenerative diseases.

The influence of combined magnesium and vanadate administration on the level of some elements in selected rat organs: V–Mg interactions and the role of iron-essential protein (DMT-1) in the mechanism underlying altered tissues iron level

The levels of elements in rats' organs in the V–Mg interaction. A role of DMT-1 in tissue Fe homeostasis.

Anticancer activity of oxovanadium compounds

Cytotoxic and antitumor activity of the biligand vanadyl derivative of L-malic acid (bis(L-malato)oxovanadium(IV) (VO(mal) ) was investigated in comparison with inorganic vanadium(IV) compound - vanadyl sulfate (VOSO ) and also with oxovanadium monocomplex with L-malic acid (VO(mal)) and vanadyl biscomplex with acetylacetonate. In this purpose the effect of vanadyl compounds on growth of normal human skin fibroblasts and tumor cells of different lines: mouse fibrosarcoma (L929), rat pheochromocytome (PC12), human liver carcinoma (HepG2), virus transformated mouse fibroblast (NIN 3T3), virus transformated cells of human kidney (293) were investigated. The results showed that VO(mal) was not toxic for normal human skin fibroblasts but considerably inhibited growth of cancer cells in culture. Cytotoxic antitumor effect of vanadium complexes was found to be dependent оn incubation time and concentration and on type of cells and nature of ligands of the central group of the complex (VO2+). These studies provide evidence that VO(mal) may be considered as a potential antitumor agent due to its low toxicity in non-tumor cells and significant anticancer activity.

Hepatic megalocytosis due to vanadium inhalation: participation of oxidative stress

The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphological changes, liver function test (LFT), and oxidative stress damage caused by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), in mice exposed to vanadium via inhalation. Male CD-1 mice were exposed to vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) via inhalation (0.02 M), 1 hour twice a week for 6 weeks. At the end of the protocol, controls and exposed mice were killed to evaluate the changes. Histological analysis and LFT were performed to detect the damage. TBARS detection was assessed for oxidative stress. Inflammatory infiltration, binucleation, and meganucleus were detected in the liver of V2O5-exposed mice ( p < 0.05). Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were also significantly increased ( p < 0.05). Lipid peroxidation was significantly higher in V2O5-exposed animals compared to controls ( p < 0.05). V2O5 exposure induced inflammation and cell damage detected by the increase in ALT and AST levels, as well as histological changes that suggest regenerative changes, such as binucleation and meganucleus.

Vanadium in the detection, prevention and treatment of cancer: the in vivo evidence

Vanadium, a dietary micronutrient, is yet to be established as an essential part of the human diet. Over the past century, several biological effects of vanadium, such as insulin-mimetic action as well as amelioration of hyperlipidemia and hypertension, have been discovered. This transition element is known to influence a battery of enzymatic systems, namely phosphatases, ATPases, peroxidases, ribonucleases, protein kinases and oxidoreductases. Multiple biochemical and molecular actions of vanadium have been implicated in its inhibitory effects on various tumor cells of human origin. Successful in vitro studies over the past few decades have advanced the anticancer research on vanadium into the preclinical stage. Vanadium in several animal cancer models provides protection against all stages of carcinogenesis--initiation, promotion, and progression. This review focuses on the current advances in cancer prevention and treatment as well as early detection by vanadium compounds in preclinical animal models while pointing to possible mechanisms of such diverse beneficial effects. Clinical pharmacokinetic and potential toxicity studies on vanadium are also highlighted in this review. Supporting and challenging evidence as well as future directions of vanadium research exploring the possibility of using this dietary agent for detection, prevention and treatment of human cancers are critically discussed.

Molecular basis of vanadium-mediated inhibition of hepatocellular preneoplasia during experimental hepatocarcinogenesis in rats

Carcinogen-induced early DNA lesions and metallothionein (MT) over-expression have been implicated in cell proliferation and thereby subsequent expression of premalignant phenotype of the cell. We have therefore investigated the chemopreventive potential of vanadium in a multi-biomarker approach, viz. 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosines (8-OHdGs), DNA single-strand breaks (SSBs), DNA-protein crosslinks (DPCs), chromosomal aberrations (CAs), in situ MT expression, and cell proliferation in rat liver preneoplasia. Hepatocarcinogenesis was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats with a single, necrogenic, intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of diethylnitrosamine (DEN) (200 mg/Kg body weight) at week 4 of the experimental protocol followed by promotion with phenobarbital (PB) (0.05% in basal diet), on and from week 8 and continued till 32 weeks in a long-term regimen. There was a significant and steady elevation of modified DNA bases 8-OHdGs (P < 0.0001; 90.69%) along with substantial increments of the extent of SSBs (P < 0.001) and CAs (P < 0.001) following DEN exposure. Supplementation of vanadium at a dose of 0.5 ppm abated the formations of 8-OHdGs (80.63%; P < 0.0001), SS-DNAs (P < 0.001) and SSBs/DNA unit (P < 0.01; 56.39%), DPCs (59.26%; P < 0.0001) and CAs (71.52%; P < 0.001) in preneoplastic rat liver studied at various time points. Low dose of vanadium treatment further reduced liver-MT immunoreactivity (P < 0.05) and BrdU-labeling index (P < 0.02) and a significant positive correlation (r = 0.92; r2 = 0.85; P = 0.0001) was noted between them. Continuous vanadium administration also decreased nodular incidence (66.67%) and nodule multiplicity (62.12%; P < 0.001) along with substantial improvement in the altered hepatocellular phenotype when compared to DEN + PB treatment alone. The study indicates that vanadium-mediated suppression of cell proliferation and resulting premalignant expression might be due to the observed reductions in hepatic 8-OHdGs, SSBs, DPCs, CAs, and MT immunoreactivity. Vanadium is chemopreventive for DEN-induced hepatocellular preneoplasia in rats.

Metallothionein: An overview

Metallothioneins (MTs) were discovered in 1957 by Margoshes and Vallee and identified as low-molecular weight and sulphydryl rich proteins. It is not surprising that most mammalian tissues contain age related basal levels of MTs since they are involved in metalloregulatory processes that include cell growth and multiplication. In an effort to understand the biology of this intriguing tumor, various biomarkers such as oncogenes, p53 tumor suppressor gene, waf 1 protein, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, telomerase, microsatellite markers and cytogenetic changes have been examined. One biomarker which has recently shown to be expressed in various human tumors but still less reported in carcinoma is MT. Immunohistochemical detection of MT proteins in cold acetone-fixed paraffin embedded liver sections was performed by the streptavidin-avidin-biotin immuno-peroxidase complex method.

Phosphorylation of p53 at serine 15 in A549 pulmonary epithelial cells exposed to vanadate: involvement of ATM pathway

When A549 cells were exposed to sodium metavanadate (NaVO(3)), the pentavalent species of vanadium (vanadate), phosphorylation of p53 protein at Ser15 was found in a time (8-48 h)- and dose (10-200 microM)-dependent manner. After the incubation with 50 or 100 microM NaVO(3) for 48 h, accumulation of p53 protein was accompanied with Ser15 phosphorylation. Among serines in p53 protein immunoprecipitated from A549 cells treated with 100 microM NaVO(3) for 48 h, only Ser15 was markedly phosphorylated. Treatment with other vanadate compounds, sodium orthovanadate (Na(3)VO(4)) and ammonium metavanadate (NH(4)VO(3)), also induced Ser15 phosphorylation and accumulation of p53 protein. While phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) was found in cells treated with NaVO(3), treatment with U0126 did not suppress Ser15 phosphorylation. On the other hand, treatment with wortmannin or caffeine, the inhibitors to phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase related kinases (PIKKs), suppressed both NaVO(3)-induced Ser15 phosphorylation and accumulation of p53 protein. The silencing of ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) expression using short-interference RNA resulted in the marked suppression of Ser15 phosphorylation in A549 cells exposed to NaVO(3). However, treatment with antioxidants such as catalase and N-acetylcysteine did not suppress NaVO(3)-induced Ser15 phosphorylation. Transcriptional activation of p53 and DNA fragmentation in A549 cells treated with NaVO(3) were suppressed only slightly by S15A mutation, suggesting that Ser15 phosphorylation is not essential for these responses. The present results showed that vanadate induces the phosphorylation of p53 at Ser15 depending on ATM, one of the members of PIKK family, in this human pulmonary epithelial cell line.