An orally active antidiabetic vanadyl complex, bis(1-oxy-2-pyridinethiolato)oxovanadium(IV), with VO(S2O2) coordination mode; in vitro and in vivo evaluations in rats

Antiproliferative activity of Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) complexes of dithiocarbamate: synthesis, structural characterization, and thermal studies

Five new metal complexes of Fe(II) (1), Co(II) (2), Ni(II) (3), Cu(II) (4), and Zn(II) (5), derived from an N-cyclohexyl N-(3,4-dimethoxybenzyl) dithiocarbamate ligand, have been successfully synthesized and fully characterized by different analytical techniques i.e. elemental analyses, FT-IR, UV-Vis, 1H & 13C NMR, and HRMS. Furthermore, complexes 4 and 5 have been characterized by the SC-XRD technique. Complex 4 adopts a distorted square planar geometry around the Cu(II) center while complex 5 adopts a distorted tetrahedral geometry around the Zn(II) center. In addition, an eight-membered symmetric chair-like metallacycle ring containing two Zn(II) centers has also been found in complex 5. XRD data also show that complexes 4 and 5 are stabilized by various weak intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions. The course of the thermal degradation of metal complexes 1-5 has been examined by TG-DTA data which revealed that metal sulphide formed as the final residue. Complexes 1-5 demonstrated concentration-dependent cytotoxicity and growth inhibition of DL tumor cells. Among the compounds, complexes 1, 4, and 5 showed significant cytotoxicity and induced a loss in the viability of DL cells. Therapy with complexes 1, 4, and 5 protects DL tumor-bearing animals from exacerbation of the disease, increases lifespan, and significantly improves the histopathological parameters of the vascularized organ, including preventing metastasis. Overall cytotoxicity assay results indicate that all complexes have remarkable cytotoxic potential in comparison with the free ligand.

Vanadium Compounds with Antidiabetic Potential

Over the last four decades, vanadium compounds have been extensively studied as potential antidiabetic drugs. With the present review, we aim at presenting a general overview of the most promising compounds and the main results obtained with in vivo studies, reported from 1899-2023. The chemistry of vanadium is explored, discussing the importance of the structure and biochemistry of vanadate and the impact of its similarity with phosphate on the antidiabetic effect. The spectroscopic characterization of vanadium compounds is discussed, particularly magnetic resonance methodologies, emphasizing its relevance for understanding species activity, speciation, and interaction with biological membranes. Finally, the most relevant studies regarding the use of vanadium compounds to treat diabetes are summarized, considering both animal models and human clinical trials. An overview of the main hypotheses explaining the biological activity of these compounds is presented, particularly the most accepted pathway involving vanadium interaction with phosphatase and kinase enzymes involved in the insulin signaling cascade. From our point of view, the major discoveries regarding the pharmacological action of this family of compounds are not yet fully understood. Thus, we still believe that vanadium presents the potential to help in metabolic control and the clinical management of diabetes, either as an insulin-like drug or as an insulin adjuvant. We look forward to the next forty years of research in this field, aiming to discover a vanadium compound with the desired therapeutic properties.

The antihyperglycemic and hypolipidemic activities of a sulfur-oxidovanadium(IV) complex

This study describes the synthesis, characterization, and biological activity of a new class of antidiabetic oxidovanadium(IV)-complexes with S₂O₂ coordination mode. The target complex 3,6-dithio-1,8-octanediolatooxidovanadium(IV), abbreviated as ([V^IVO(octd)]), where octd = 3,6-dithio-1,8-octanediol, is formed from the reaction between the 3,6-dithio-1,8-octanediol and vanadyl sulfate (V^IVOSO₄). The effects of treatment with ([V^IVO(octd)] on blood glucose, lipidic profile, body weight, food intake, water intake, urinary volume, glycogen levels, and biomarkers for liver toxicity were investigated using a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic Wistar rats model. The results have shown that the [V^IVO(octd)] complex caused a significant decrease in blood glucose (247.6 ± 19.3 mg/dL vs 430.1 ± 37.6 mg/dL diabetic group, p < 0.05), triglycerides (TG, 50%) and very low-density cholesterol (VLDL-C, 50%) levels in STZ-diabetic rats after 3 weeks of treatment. The [V^IVO(octd)] has shown antihyperglycemic activity in diabetic rats as well as a reduction in elevated lipid levels. Time-dependent studies using EPR and ⁵¹V NMR spectroscopy of [V^IVO(octd)] were done in aqueous solutions to determine the complex stability and species present in the oral gavage solution used for complex administration. The spectroscopic studies have shown that the antidiabetic/hypolipidemic activity could be attributed to [V^IVO(octd)], vanadium species resulting from redox processes, the hydrolysis of [V^IVO(octd)] and its decomposition products, or some combination of these factors. In summary, the oxidovanadium(IV) complex containing the S₂O₂ donor ligand has desirable antidiabetic properties eliminating the symptoms of Diabetes mellitus and its comorbidities.

Heteroleptic oxidovanadium(IV)-malate complex improves glucose uptake in HepG2 and enhances insulin action in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Diabetes mellitus, a complex and heterogeneous disease associated with hyperglycemia, is a leading cause of mortality and reduces life expectancy. Vanadium complexes have been studied for the treatment of diabetes. The effect of complex [VO(bpy)(mal)]·H₂O (complex A) was evaluated in a human hepatocarcinoma (HepG2) cell line and in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic male Wistar rats conditioned in seven groups with different treatments (n = 10 animals per group). Electron paramagnetic resonance and ⁵¹V NMR analyses of complex A in high-glucose Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) revealed the oxidation and hydrolysis of the oxidovanadium(IV) complex over a period of 24 h at 37 °C to give low-nuclearity vanadates "V1" (H₂VO₄^-), "V2" (H₂V₂O₇^2-), and "V4" (V₄O₁₂^4-). In HepG2 cells, complex A exhibited low cytotoxic effects at concentrations 2.5 to 7.5 μmol L^-1 (IC₅₀ 10.53 μmol L^-1) and increased glucose uptake (2-NBDG) up to 93%, an effect similar to insulin. In STZ-induced diabetic rats, complex A at 10 and 30 mg kg^-1 administered by oral gavage for 12 days did not affect the animals, suggesting low toxicity or metabolic impairment during the experimental period. Compared to insulin treatment alone, complex A (30 mg kg^-1) in association with insulin was found to improve glycemia (30.6 ± 6.3 mmol L^-1 vs. 21.1 ± 8.6 mmol L^-1, respectively; p = 0.002), resulting in approximately 30% additional reduction in glycemia. The insulin-enhancing effect of complex A was associated with low toxicity and was achieved via oral administration, suggesting the potential of complex A as a promising candidate for the adjuvant treatment of diabetes.

Therapeutic Application of Zinc and Vanadium Complexes against Diabetes Mellitus a Coronary Disease: A review

During the last two decades, number of peoples suffering from diabetes has increased from 30-230 million globally. Today, seven out of the ten top countries are suffering from diabetes, are emergent countries. Due to alarming situations of diabetes, chemists and pharmacist are continuously searching and synthesizing new potent therapeutics to treat this disease. Now a days, considerable attention is being paid to the chemistry of the metal-drug interactions. Metals and their organic based complexes are being used clinically for various ailments. In this review, a comprehensive discussion about synthesis and diabetic evaluation of zinc and vanadium complex is summarized.

Synthesis of a new insulin-mimetic anti-diabetic drug containing vitamin A and vanadium(IV) salt: Chemico-biological characterizations

Diabetes patients suffer from chronic disorders in the metabolism due to high blood sugar caused by anomalies in insulin excretion. Recently, vanadium compounds have been prepared and functionalized to decrease the level of hyperglycemia. Vitamin A boosts beta cell activity; therefore, the lack of this vitamin plays a role in the development of type 2 diabetes. The aim of this article focused on the synthesis of a new anti-diabetic drug formed from the complexation of a vanadium(IV) salt with vitamin A. Vitamin A acts as a unidentate chelate through the oxygen of its -OH group. The vanadium(IV) compound is surrounded by two vitamin A molecules. The [VO(vitamin A)2(H2O)2] compound was synthesized in a binary solvent system consisting of MeOH/H2O (1:1 ratio) in alkaline media at pH = 8. This compound was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT-IR), electronic spectra (UV-vis), effective magnetic moment, electron spin resonance (ESR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and thermal analysis (thermogravimetry (TG)-differential thermal analysis (DTA)). Anti-diabetic efficiency for the vanadium(IV) compound was assessed in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. The results of the animal studies demonstrate the ability of the vanadium(IV) complex to act as an anti-diabetic agent, as measured by improvements of lipid profile, antioxidant activity (superoxide dismutase), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione, methionine synthase, and kidney and liver functions.

Assessment of total and organic vanadium levels and their bioaccumulation in edible sea cucumbers: tissues distribution, inter-species-specific, locational differences and seasonal variations

The objective of this study is to investigate the levels, inter-species-specific, locational differences and seasonal variations of vanadium in sea cucumbers and to validate further several potential factors controlling the distribution of metals in sea cucumbers. Vanadium levels were evaluated in samples of edible sea cucumbers and were demonstrated exhibit differences in different seasons, species and sampling sites. High vanadium concentrations were measured in the sea cucumbers, and all of the vanadium detected was in an organic form. Mean vanadium concentrations were considerably higher in the blood (sea cucumber) than in the other studied tissues. The highest concentration of vanadium (2.56 μg g(-1)), as well as a higher degree of organic vanadium (85.5 %), was observed in the Holothuria scabra samples compared with all other samples. Vanadium levels in Apostichopus japonicus from Bohai Bay and Yellow Sea have marked seasonal variations. Average values of 1.09 μg g(-1) of total vanadium and 0.79 μg g(-1) of organic vanadium were obtained in various species of sea cucumbers. Significant positive correlations between vanadium in the seawater and V org in the sea cucumber (r = 81.67 %, p = 0.00), as well as between vanadium in the sediment and V org in the sea cucumber (r = 77.98 %, p = 0.00), were observed. Vanadium concentrations depend on the seasons (salinity, temperature), species, sampling sites and seawater environment (seawater, sediment). Given the adverse toxicological effects of inorganic vanadium and positive roles in controlling the development of diabetes in humans, a regular monitoring programme of vanadium content in edible sea cucumbers can be recommended.

In vitro effects of bis(1,2-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-4-pyridinonato)oxidovanadium(IV), or VO(dmpp)2, on insulin secretion in pancreatic islets of type 2 diabetic Goto-Kakizaki rats

Vanadium compounds have been explored as therapy of diabetes, and most studies have focussed on insulin mimetic effects, i.e. reducing hyperglycemia by improving glucose sensitivity and thus glucose uptake in sensitive tissues. We have recently shown that bis(1,2-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-4-pyridinonato)oxidovanadium(IV), VO(dmpp)2, has promising effects when compared to another vanadium compound, bis(maltolato)oxidovanadium(IV), BMOV, and insulin itself, in isolated adipocytes and in vivo in Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats, an animal model of hereditary type 2 diabetes (T2D).We now have investigated in GK rats whether VO(dmpp)2 also modulates another important defect in T2D, impaired insulin secretion. VO(dmpp)2, but not BMOV, stimulated insulin secretion from isolated GK rat pancreatic islets at high, 16.7mM, but not at low–normal, 3.3 mM, glucose concentration. Mechanistic studies demonstrate that the insulin releasing effect of VO(dmpp)2 is due to its interaction with several steps in the stimulus-secretion coupling for glucose, including islet glucose metabolism and K-ATP channels, L-type Ca2+ channels, modulation by protein kinases A and C, as well as the exocytotic machinery. In conclusion, VO(dmpp)2 exhibits properties of interest for treatment of the insulin secretory defect in T2D, in addition to its well-described insulin mimetic activity.

The Structural Basis of Action of Vanadyl (VO2+) Chelates in Cells

Much emphasis has been given to vanadium compounds as potential therapeutic reagents for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Thus far, no vanadium compound has proven efficacious for long-term treatment of this disease in humans. Therefore, in review of the research literature, our goal has been to identify properties of vanadium compounds that are likely to favor physiological and biochemical compatibility for further development as therapeutic reagents. We have, therefore, limited our review to those vanadium compounds that have been used in both in vivo experiments with small, laboratory animals and in in vitro studies with primary or cultured cell systems and for which pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics results have been reported, including vanadium tissue content, vanadium and ligand lifetime in the bloodstream, structure in solution, and interaction with serum transport proteins. Only vanadyl (VO²⁺) chelates fulfill these requirements despite the large variety of vanadium compounds of different oxidation states, ligand structure, and coordination geometry synthesized as potential therapeutic agents. Extensive review of research results obtained with use of organic VO²⁺-chelates shows that the vanadyl chelate bis(acetylacetonato)oxidovanadium(IV) [hereafter abbreviated as VO(acac)₂], exhibits the greatest capacity to enhance insulin receptor kinase activity in cells compared to other organic VO²⁺-chelates, is associated with a dose-dependent capacity to lower plasma glucose in diabetic laboratory animals, and exhibits a sufficiently long lifetime in the blood stream to allow correlation of its dose-dependent action with blood vanadium content. The properties underlying this behavior appear to be its high stability and capacity to remain intact upon binding to serum albumin. We relate the capacity to remain intact upon binding to serum albumin to the requirement to undergo transcytosis through the vascular endothelium to gain access to target tissues in the extravascular space. Serum albumin, as the most abundant transport protein in the blood stream, serves commonly as the carrier protein for small molecules, and transcytosis of albumin through capillary endothelium is regulated by a Src protein tyrosine kinase system. In this respect it is of interest to note that inorganic VO²⁺ has the capacity to enhance insulin receptor kinase activity of intact 3T3-L1 adipocytes in the presence of albumin, albeit weak; however, in the presence of transferrin no activation is observed. In addition to facilitating glucose uptake, the capacity of VO²⁺- chelates for insulin-like, antilipolytic action in primary adipocytes has also been reviewed. We conclude that measurement of inhibition of release of only free fatty acids from adipocytes stimulated by epinephrine is not a sufficient basis to ascribe the observations to purely insulin-mimetic, antilipolytic action. Adipocytes are known to contain both phosphodiesterase-3 and phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE3 and PDE4) isozymes, of which insulin antagonizes lipolysis only through PDE3B. It is not known whether the other isozyme in adipocytes is influenced directly by VO²⁺- chelates. In efforts to promote improved development of VO²⁺- chelates for therapeutic purposes, we propose synergism of a reagent with insulin as a criterion for evaluating physiological and biochemical specificity of action. We highlight two organic compounds that exhibit synergism with insulin in cellular assays. Interestingly, the only VO²⁺- chelate for which this property has been demonstrated, thus far, is VO(acac)₂.

Morphological analysis of the pancreas and liver in diabetic KK-Aymice treated with zinc and oxovanadium complexes

Pathological conditions for type 2 diabetes mellitus in mice are recovered after treatment with a Zn²⁺complex in terms of histology of organs.

Testicular Mineralization in KK-A(y) Mice Treated with an Oxovanadium Complex

Vanadium has potential for use in diabetes therapy. Many investigators have reported toxic effects of inorganic vanadium salts; however, there are few reports on toxic effects of oxovanadium(VO²⁺) complexes. Therefore, we studied VO²⁺ toxicity by examining histological changes and measuring the vanadium concentration in the testis after repeated oral administration of bis(1-oxy-2-pyridine-thiolato)oxovanadium(VO²⁺) (VO(opt)₂) for 2 or 4 weeks in KK-A^y mice. Severe mineralization and degeneration/necrosis of the seminiferous tubules were detected after either 2 or 4 weeks of administration. Vacuolar changes in Sertoli cells and the seminiferous epithelia, and hyperplasia of Leydig cells were observed in the testes of some animals. Vanadium concentrations in the mineralized testis were much higher than those in the testis of untreated KK-A^y mice. These results represent the first report of the possibility for seminiferous tubules mineralization induced by VO(opt)₂ administration. Therefore, our research provides important information about the potentially toxic effects of VO²⁺ complexes.

Evaluation of antioxidant efficacy of vanadium-3-hydroxyflavone complex in streptozotocin-diabetic rats

Since 1985, when Heyliger et al., first demonstrated that oral administration of sodium orthovanadate (0.8mg/ml) to STZ induced diabetic rats resulted in normoglycemia, numerous extensive studies have been reported on the antidiabetic actions of vanadium. The acceptance of vanadium compounds as promising therapeutic antidiabetic drugs has been slowed due to the concern for chronic toxicity associated with vanadium accumulation. In order to circumvent the toxic effects of vanadium, a combinational approach wherein a novel V3HF complex was synthesized, characterized and its toxic as well as antidiabetic potential were evaluated in STZ diabetic rats. Experimental and clinical studies suggest that hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress primarily contributes to the pathogenesis and progression of both primary as well as secondary complications of diabetes. It is possible to reduce the risks caused by excessive generation of free radicals by either enhancing the body's natural antioxidant defenses or by supplementing with proven antioxidants. The present study was aimed to study the role of V3HF complex on hyperglycemia mediated oxidative stress in STZ-diabetic rats and the results indicate that the complex improves pancreatic beta cell function. Histological and ultrastructural studies also evidenced that the complex protect the beta cells from hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress.

Synthesis, spectral, thermal and thermodynamic studies of oxovanadium(IV) complexes of Schiff bases derived from 3,4-diaminobenzoic acid with salicylaldehyde derivatives

Synthesis and evaluation of three new oxovanadium(IV) complexes, formed by the interaction of vanadyl acetylacetonate and the Schiff bases: 3,4-bis((E)-2-hydroxybenzylideneamino)benzoic acid (L(1)), 3,4-bis-((E)-2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylideneamino)benzoic acid (L(2)) and 3,4-bis((E)-2,4-dihydroxybenzylideneamino)benzoic acid (L(3)) in methanol. The complexes have been characterized and studied by IR spectra, UV-Vis spectroscopy and thermogravimetry in order to evaluate their thermal stability and thermal decomposition. According to the results discussed from TG curves, the order of thermal stability for the complexes is VOL(3)>VOL(1)>VOL(2). Their formation constants (Kf) were obtained by UV-Vis spectroscopic titration at 15, 25, 35 and 45 °C in methanol by SQUAD software. The trend of formation constants of the complexes as follows: VOL(3)>VOL(2)>VOL(1).

A novel insulin mimetic vanadium-flavonol complex: synthesis, characterization and in vivo evaluation in STZ-induced rats

Since 1985, when Heyliger et al., first demonstrated a serendipitous discovery that oral administration of 0.8 mg/ml of sodium orthovanadate in drinking water to streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats resulted in normoglycemia, numerous extensive studies have been pursued on the anti-diabetic and insulinomimetic actions of vanadium. The acceptance of vanadium compounds as promising therapeutic antidiabetic agents has been slowed due to the concern for chronic toxicity associated with vanadium accumulation. In order to circumvent the toxic effects of vanadium, we have taken up a combinational approach wherein a novel vanadium-flavonol complex was synthesized, characterized and its toxic as well as insulin mimetic potential was evaluated in STZ-induced experimental diabetes in rats. The results indicate that the complex is non-toxic and possess anti-diabetic activity.

Anti-diabetic effects of a series of vanadium dipicolinate complexes in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes

The effects of oral treatment of rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes with a range of vanadium dipicolinate complexes (Vdipic) and derivatives are reviewed. Structure-reactivity relationships are explored aiming to correlate properties such as stability, to their insulin-enhancing effects. Three types of modifications are investigated; first, substitutions on the aromatic ring, second, coordination of a hydroxylamido group to the vanadium, and third, changes in the oxidation state of the vanadium ion. These studies allowed us to address the importance of coordination chemistry, and redox chemistry, as modes of action. Dipicolinate was originally chosen as a ligand because the dipicolinatooxovanadium(V) complex (V5dipic), is a potent inhibitor of phosphatases. The effect of vanadium oxidation state (3, 4 or 5), on the insulin-enhancing properties was studied in both the Vdipic and VdipicCl series. Effects on blood glucose, body weight, serum lipids, alkaline phosphatase and aspartate transaminase were selectively monitored. Statistically distinct differences in activity were found, however, the trends observed were not the same in the Vdipic and VdipicCl series. Interperitoneal administration of the Vdipic series was used to compare the effect of administration mode. Correlations were observed for blood vanadium and plasma glucose levels after V5dipic treatment, but not after treatment with corresponding V4dipic and V3dipic complexes. Modifications of the aromatic ring structure with chloride, amine or hydroxyl groups had limited effects. Global gene expression was measured using Affymetrix oligonucleotide chips. All diabetic animals treated with hydroxyl substituted V5dipic (V5dipicOH) and some diabetic rats treated with vanadyl sulfate had normalized hyperlipidemia yet uncontrolled hyperglycemia and showed abnormal gene expression patterns. In contrast to the normal gene expression profiles previously reported for some diabetic rats treated with vanadyl sulfate, where both hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia were normalized. Modification of the metal, changing the coordination chemistry to form a hydroxylamine ternary complex, had the most influence on the anti-diabetic action. Vanadium absorption into serum was determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy for selected vanadium complexes. Only diabetic rats treated with the ternary V5dipicOH hydroxylamine complex showed statistically significant increases in accumulation of vanadium into serum compared to diabetic rats treated with vanadyl sulfate. The chemistry and physical properties of the Vdipic complexes correlated with their anti-diabetic properties. Here, we propose that compound stability and ability to interact with cellular redox reactions are key components for the insulin-enhancing activity of vanadium compounds. Specifically, we found that the most overall effective anti-diabetic Vdipic compounds were obtained when the compound administered had an increased coordination number in the vanadium complex.

Identification of a new anti-diabetic agent by combining VOSO4 and vitamin E in a single molecule: studies on its spectral, thermal and pharmacological properties

Vanadium(IV) complex of vitamin E (Vit E) ligand was reported. In this complex, binuclear ligand acts as a monodentate via oxygen of phenolic group. The vanadyl(II) ion is surrounded by two molecules of Vit E and two water molecules. The [VO(Vit E)(2)(H(2)O)(2)]2H(2)O complex was isolated by the reaction between VOSO(4) and vitamin E in ethanol/water solvent (50/50 w/w) at pH=8. The solid vanadyl(II) complex has been characterized by elemental analyses (CHN), photometric titrations, infrared spectra, molar conductivity, electronic spectra, TGA/DSC, SEM and XRD studies. Electronic and magnetic measurements are confirmed that the speculated geometry of vanadyl(II) complex is square pyramidal geometry. The microbial test was performed for the vanadyl complex against some kinds of bacteria and fungi. The [VO(Vit E)(2)(H(2)O)(2)]2H(2)O complex was proved effective in addressing diabetic of type I in case of experimental animal than other compounds were prepared in the literature.

New vanadium-based magnetic resonance imaging probes: clinical potential for early detection of cancer

We have developed a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method for improved detection of cancer with a new class of cancer-specific contrast agents, containing vanadyl (VO(2+))-chelated organic ligands, specifically bis(acetylacetonato)oxovanadium(IV) [VO(acac)(2)]. Vanadyl compounds have been found to accumulate within cells, where they interact with intracellular glycolytic enzymes. Aggressive cancers are metabolically active and highly glycolytic; an MRI contrast agent that enters cells with high glycolytic activity could provide high-resolution functional images of tumor boundaries and internal structure, which cannot be achieved by conventional contrast agents. The present work demonstrates properties of VO(acac)(2) that may give it excellent specificity for cancer detection. A high dose of VO(acac)(2) did not cause any acute or short-term adverse reactions in murine subjects. Calorimetry and spectrofluorometric methods demonstrate that VO(acac)(2) is a blood pool agent that binds to serum albumin with a dissociation constant K (d) ~ 2.5 +/- 0.7 x 10(-7) M and a binding stoichiometry n = 1.03 +/- 0.04. Owing to its prolonged blood half-life and selective leakage from hyperpermeable tumor vasculature, a low dose of VO(acac)(2) (0.15 mmol/kg) selectively enhanced in vivo magnetic resonance images of tumors, providing high-resolution images of their interior structure. The kinetics of uptake and washout are consistent with the hypothesis that VO(acac)(2) preferentially accumulates in cancer cells. Although VO(acac)(2) has a lower relaxivity than gadolinium-based MRI contrast agents, its specificity for highly glycolytic cells may lead to an innovative approach to cancer detection since it has the potential to produce MRI contrast agents that are nontoxic and highly sensitive to cancer metabolism.

Cardioprotection by vanadium compounds targeting Akt-mediated signaling

Treatment with inorganic and organic compounds of vanadium has been shown to exert a wide range of cardioprotective effects in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion-induced injury, myocardial hypertrophy, hypertension, and vascular diseases. Furthermore, administration of vanadium compounds improves cardiac performance and smooth muscle cell contractility and modulates blood pressure in various models of hypertension. Like other vanadium compounds, we documented bis(1-oxy-2-pyridinethiolato) oxovanadium (IV) [VO(OPT)] as a potent cardioprotective agent to elicit cardiac functional recovery in myocardial infarction and pressure overload-induced hypertrophy. Vanadium compounds activate Akt signaling through inhibition of protein tyrosine phosphatases, thereby eliciting cardioprotection in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion-induced injury and myocardial hypertrophy. Vanadium compounds also promote cardiac functional recovery by stimulation of glucose transport in diabetic heart. We here discuss the current understanding of mechanisms underlying vanadium compound-induced cardioprotection and propose a novel therapeutic strategy targeting for Akt signaling to rescue cardiomyocytes from heart failure.

Activation of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase by a Vanadium Compound Ameliorates Pressure Overload-Induced Cardiac Injury in Ovariectomized Rats

We here investigated the effect of bis(1-oxy-2-pyridinethiolato) oxovanadium (IV), [VO(OPT)], against myocardial hypertrophy and cardiac functional recovery in pressure overload–induced hypertrophy in ovariectomized female rats and defined mechanisms underlying its cardioprotective action. Wistar rats subjected to bilateral ovariectomy were further treated with abdominal aortic stenosis. VO(OPT) (containing 1.25 and 2.50 mg of vanadium per kg) was administered orally once a day for 14 days starting from 2 weeks after aortic banding. Treatment with VO(OPT) significantly inhibited pressure overload–induced increase both in the heart weight:body weight ratio and the lung weight:body weight ratio. VO(OPT) also attenuated hypertrophy-induced impaired left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, left ventricular developed pressure, and left ventricular contractility (±dp/dt max ). VO(OPT) treatment significantly restored pressure overload–induced impaired endothelial NO synthase activity with concomitant increased phosphorylation of endothelial NO synthase (Ser1179). Moreover, VO(OPT) treatment significantly restored pressure overload–induced reduced Akt activity, as indicated by increased phosphorylation at Ser473 and at Thr308. Treatment with VO(OPT) also secondarily inhibited calpastatin and dystrophin breakdown and decreased myosin light chain phosphorylation. Finally, VO(OPT) treatment significantly attenuated mortality after repeated isoproterenol administration in pressure overloaded–ovariectomized rats. Taken together, VO(OPT) attenuates cardiac myocytes hypertrophy in vivo in pressure overload–induced hypertrophy in ovariectomized rats and prevents the process from hypertrophy to heart failure. These effects are mediated by inhibition of calpastatin and dystrophin breakdown in addition to increased Akt and endothelial NO synthase activities.

Targeting protein kinase B/Akt signaling with vanadium compounds for cardioprotection

BACKGROUND

Akt is an important signaling molecule that modulates many cellular processes such as cell growth, survival and metabolism. Akt activation has been proposed as a potential strategy for increasing cardiomyocyte survival following ischemia.

OBJECTIVES

Vanadium compounds activate Akt signaling through inhibition of protein tyrosine phosphatases, thereby eliciting cardioprotection in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion-induced injury along with cardiac functional recovery. Like other vanadium compounds, we documented bis(1-oxy-2-pyridinethiolato) oxovanadium (IV) as a potent cytoprotective agent on myocardial infarction and elicited cardiac functional recovery through activation of Akt signaling pathway.

RESULTS/CONCLUSION

The ability of vanadium compounds to activate Akt signaling pathways are responsible for their ability to modulate cardiovascular functions and is probably beneficial as a cardioprotective drug in subjects undergoing reperfusion therapy following myocardial infarction.

Bis(1-oxy-2-pyridinethiolato)oxovanadium(IV) enhances neurogenesis via phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt and extracellular signal regulated kinase activation in the hippocampal subgranular zone after mouse focal cerebral ischemia

Although neurogenesis in the hippocampus is critical for improvement of depressive behaviors and cognitive functions in neurodegeneration disorders, there is no therapeutic agent available to promote neurogenesis in adult brain following brain ischemic injury. Here we found that i.p. administration of bis(1-oxy-2-pyridinethiolato)oxovanadium(IV) [VO(OPT)], which stimulates phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) pathways, markedly enhanced brain ischemia-induced neurogenesis in the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the mouse hippocampus. VO(OPT) treatment enhanced not only the number of proliferating cells but also migration of neuroblasts. VO(OPT)-induced neurogenesis was associated with Akt and ERK activation in neural precursors in the SGZ. Likewise, VO(OPT)-induced neurogenesis was blocked by both PI3K/Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal regulated kinase kinase (MEK)/ERK inhibitors. VO(OPT) treatment rescued decreased phosphorylation of glycogen synthesis kinase 3beta (GSK-3beta) at Ser-9. Finally, amelioration of cognitive dysfunction seen following brain ischemia was positively correlated with VO(OPT)-induced neurogenesis. Taken together, VO(OPT) is a potential therapeutic agent that enhances ischemia-induced neurogenesis through PI3K/Akt and ERK activation, thereby improving memory and cognitive deficits following brain ischemia.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of decavanadate Na4Co(H2O)6V10O28.18H2O

We have reported the synthesis and biological evaluation of a decavanadate Na(4)Co(H(2)O)(6)V(10)O(28).18H(2)O (CoV(10)) designed as a potential antitumoral agent. The human cancer cell lines SMMC-7721 (liver cancer) and SK-OV-3 (ovary cancer) were tested for their viability by the MTT method in vitro, which showed that the compound exhibited a remarkable activity against two cell lines with IC(50) values smaller than 0.24 microg/mL, 0.32 microg/mL, respectively. CoV(10) showed the tumor growth suppression for Hep-A-22 (mice liver cancer) in tumor bearing mice in vivo. In addition, using flow cytometry analysis, the ratio of apoptotic cells was up to 8.33% with treatment of CoV(10) at 1.56 microg/mL after 30 min, suggesting that the antitumoral activity of CoV(10) comes from the activation of the apoptotic pathway.