The effects of dioxidovanadium (V) complex on cardiovascular metabolism in STZ-induced diabetic male Sprague Dawley rats

Aims/hypothesis Insulin is an effective hyperglycemia agent, however hyperinsulinemia, as result of prolonged administration, has been shown to lead to cardiovascular disease (CVD) in DM. As a result, research into alternative therapies for the management of diabetes is needed. In our laboratory, a novel vanadium complex has been synthesized and has been shown to improve glycaemic control and liver function. The effects of this complex on cardiovascular metabolism, however, have not yet been established. Therefore, this study sought to investigate the effects of a dioxidovanadium (V) complex on cardiac muscle metabolism in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Vanadium complex was administered twice daily, and blood glucose concentration was monitored for 5 weeks. The animals were sacrificed, blood and hearts were collected for biochemical analysis (western blot (GLUT 1 and 4), pyruvate kinase (PK), acetyl-coA synthetase and ATP synthase) and microscopical analysis (TEM). After 5 weeks, untreated diabetic rats presented with hyperglycaemia compared to non-diabetic rats which was attenuated by vanadium complex administration. The administration of the complex showed an increase in the metabolic activity of enzymes, GLUT 1 and 4 expression. This was further supported by an increased number of mitochondria and their improved structure as shown by transmission electron microscopy. The administration of the dioxidovanadium (V) complex improved cardiovascular metabolism could be a vital hypoglycaemic agent in the management CVD and DM. Keywords: Hyperglycaemia; Vanadium complex; Cardiovascular Metabolism; Diabetes;Hyperlipidaemia.