Sodium orthovanadate exhibits anti-angiogenic, antiapoptotic and blood glucose-lowering effect on colon cancer associated with diabetes.

BACKGROUND: The presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus increases the risk of developing the colon cancer. The main objective of this study was to determine the role of sodium orthovanadate (SOV) in colon cancer associated with diabetes mellitus by targeting the competitive inhibition of PTP1B. METHODS: For in vivo study, high fat diet with low dose streptozotocin model was used for inducing the diabetes mellitus. Colon cancer was induced by injecting 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (25 mg/kg, sc) twice a week. TNM staging and immunohistochemistry (IHC) was carried out for colon cancer tissues. In vitro studies like MTT assay, clonogenic assay, rhodamine-123 dye assay and annexin V-FITC assay using flow cytometry were performed on HCT-116 cell line. CAM assay was performed to examine the anti-angiogenic effect of the drug. RESULTS: Sodium orthovanadate reduces the blood glucose level and tumor parameters in the animals. In vitro studies revealed that SOV decreased cell proliferation dose dependently. In addition, SOV induced apoptosis as depicted from rhodamine-123 dye assay and annexin V-FITC assay using flow cytometry as well as p53 IHC staining. SOV showed reduced angiogenesis effect on eggs which was depicted from CAM assay and also from CD34 and E-cadherin IHC staining. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that SOV exhibits protective role in colon cancer associated with diabetes mellitus. SOV exhibits anti-proliferative, anti-angiogenic and apoptotic inducing effects hence can be considered for therapeutic switching in diabetic colon cancer.

Mitochondria-targeted cerium vanadate nanozyme suppressed hypoxia-ischemia injury in neonatal mice via intranasal administration.

Oxidative stress is a major obstacle for neurological functional recovery after hypoxia-ischemia (HI) brain damage. Nanozymes with robust anti-oxidative stress properties offer a therapeutic option for HI injury. However, insufficiency of nanozyme accumulation in the HI brain by noninvasive administration hinders their application. Herein, we reported a cerium vanadate (CeVO4) nanozyme to realize a noninvasive therapy for HI brain in neonatal mice by targeting brain neuron mitochondria. CeVO4 nanozyme with superoxide dismutase activity mainly co-located with neuronal mitochondria 1 h after administration. Pre- and post-HI administrations of CeVO4 nanozyme were able to attenuate acute brain injury, by inhibiting caspase-3 activation, microglia activation, and proinflammation cytokine production in the lesioned cortex 2 d after HI injury. Moreover, CeVO4 nanozyme administration led to short- and long-term functional recovery following HI insult without any potential toxicities in peripheral organs of mice even after prolonged delivery for 4 weeks. These beneficial effects of CeVO4 nanozyme were associated with suppressed oxidative stress and up-regulated nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression. Finally, we found that Nrf2 inhibition with ML385 abolished the protective effects of CeVO4 nanozyme on HI injury. Collectively, this strategy may provide an applicative perspective for CeVO4 nanozyme therapy in HI brain damage via noninvasive delivery.

Bioactive Vanadium Disulfide Nanostructure with "Dual" Antitumor Effects of Vanadate and Gas for Immune-Checkpoint Blockade-Enhanced Cancer Immunotherapy.

Bioactive inorganic nanomaterials and the biological effects of metal ions have attracted extensive attention in tumor therapy in recent years. Vanadium (V), as a typical bioactive metal element, regulates a variety of biological functions. However, its role in antitumor therapy remains to be revealed. Herein, biodegradable vanadium disulfide (VS2) nanosheets (NSs) were prepared as a responsive gas donor and bioactive V source for activating cancer immunotherapy in combination with immune-checkpoint blockade therapy. After PEGylation, VS2-PEG exhibited efficient glutathione (GSH) depletion and GSH-activated hydrogen sulfide (H2S) release. Exogenous H2S caused lysosome escape and reduced adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis in tumor cells by interfering with the mitochondrial membrane potential and inducing acidosis. In addition, VS2-PEG degraded into high-valent vanadate, leading to Na+/K+ ATPase inhibition, potassium efflux, and interleukin (IL)-1ß production. Together with further induction of ferroptosis and immunogenic cell death, a strong antitumor immune response was stimulated by reversing the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Moreover, the combined treatment of VS2-PEG and α-PD-1 amplified antitumor therapy, significantly suppressed tumor growth, and further elicited robust immunity to effectively defeat tumors. This work highlights the biological effects of vanadium for application in cancer treatment.

Topical vanadate improves tensile strength and alters collagen organisation of excisional wounds in a mouse model.

Wound dehiscence, oftentimes a result of the poor tensile strength of early healing wounds, is a significant threat to the post-operative patient, potentially causing life-threatening complications. Vanadate, a protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor, has been shown to alter the organisation of deposited collagen in healing wounds and significantly improve the tensile strength of incisional wounds in rats. In this study, we sought to explore the effects of locally administered vanadate on tensile strength and collagen organisation in both the early and remodelling phases of excisional wound healing in a murine model. Wild-type mice underwent stented excisional wounding on their dorsal skin and were divided equally into three treatment conditions: vanadate injection, saline injection control and an untreated control. Tensile strength testing, in vivo suction Cutometer analysis, gross wound measurements and histologic analysis were performed during healing, immediately upon wound closure, and after 4 weeks of remodelling. We found that vanadate treatment significantly increased the tensile strength of wounds and their stiffness relative to control wounds, both immediately upon healing and into the remodelling phase. Histologic analysis revealed that these biomechanical changes were likely the result of increased collagen deposition and an altered collagen organisation composed of thicker and distinctly organised collagen bundles. Given the risk that dehiscence poses to all operative patients, vanadate presents an interesting therapeutic avenue to improve the strength of post-operative wounds and unstable chronic wounds to reduce the risk of dehiscence.

Antidepressant-like effect of sodium orthovanadate in a mouse model of chronic unpredictable mild stress.

Depression is a psychiatric disorder characterized by low-esteem, anhedonia, social deficit, and lack of interest. Decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and impaired tropomyosin kinase B receptor (TrkB receptor) signaling are associated with depression. In our study, depressive-like behavior was induced in mice by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model. Various behavioral tests like tail suspension test (TST), open field test (OFT), sucrose preference test (SPT); biochemical analyses for corticosterone, reduced glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), nitric oxide (NO) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for BDNF were performed. Body weight was measured every week. CUMS induced depressive-like behavior was found to be associated with increased oxidative stress in the brain and serum corticisterone with subsequent reduction of BDNF. Sodium orthovanadate (SOV), a protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor already reported to elevate BDNF levels, was used as the test drug. Sodium orthovanadate (5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg) and fluoxetine (FLX-10 mg/kg) was given to mice orally for 21days before 30 min of stress induction. The behavioral tests reflected depressive-like behavior in CUMS, which was attenuated by both SOV and fluoxetine. SOV at 10 mg/kg demonstrated significant results in the present study characterized by decreased malondialdehyde levels (MDA/LPO), NO levels, and increased GSH level and SOD activity in both the cortex and hippocampus. Besides, ELISA has revealed the significant elevation of BDNF levels in the treatment groups (SOV-5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg and FLX-10 mg/kg) as compared to the disease group (CUMS). Therefore, the treatment with SOV appeared to reverse both oxidative and nitrosative stress. Decreased serum corticosterone levels observed with SOV (5 & 10 mg/kg), FLX-10 mg/kg, FLX (10 mg/kg) + SOV (5 mg/kg); and SOV-10 mg/kg per-se treatment and elevated BDNF level with SOV (5 & 10 mg/kg), FLX-10 mg/kg were associated with attenuation of depressive-like behavior. The findings of this preliminary study indicate that SOV has the potential to restore antidepressant-like effects or prevent stress-induced anhedonia and so further molecular mechanisms are warranted for clinical translation.

Metforminium Decavanadate (MetfDeca) Treatment Ameliorates Hippocampal Neurodegeneration and Recognition Memory in a Metabolic Syndrome Model.

The consumption of foods rich in carbohydrates, saturated fat, and sodium, accompanied by a sedentary routine, are factors that contribute to the progress of metabolic syndrome (MS). In this way, they cause the accumulation of body fat, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia. Additionally, MS has been shown to cause oxidative stress, inflammation, and death of neurons in the hippocampus. Consequently, spatial and recognition memory is affected. It has recently been proposed that metformin decavanadate (MetfDeca) exerts insulin mimetic effects that enhance metabolism in MS animals; however, what effects it can cause on the hippocampal neurons of rats with MS are unknown. The objective of the work was to evaluate the effect of MetfDeca on hippocampal neurodegeneration and recognition memory in rats with MS. Administration of MetfDeca for 60 days in MS rats improved object recognition memory (NORt). In addition, MetfDeca reduced markers of oxidative stress and hippocampal neuroinflammation. Accompanied by an increase in the density and length of the dendritic spines of the hippocampus of rats with MS. We conclude that MetfDeca represents an important therapeutic agent to treat MS and induce neuronal and cognitive restoration mechanisms.

Sodium orthovanadate inhibits growth of acute leukemia HL60 cells and HL60/A cells in vitro.

Vanadium is an ultratrace element. The transition metal vanadium, widely exists in the environment and exhibits various biological and physiological effects in the human body, yet with no presently known specific physiological function in mammals. Sodium orthovanadate (SOV) is a kind of vanadium compound. SOV has shown promising antineoplastic activity in several human cancers. But the effects of SOV on acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) are still unknown. In the present study, for the first time, we found that SOV could inhibit proliferation, induce G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, and could inhibit autophagy of acute leukemia cell lines in vitro. Thus, our findings suggest that SOV could effectively suppress the growth of acute leukemia HL60 cells and HL60/A cells through the regulations of proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis and autophagy, and thus may act as a potential therapeutic agent in APL treatment.

Inhibition of EphA/Ephrin-A signaling using genetic and pharmacologic approaches improves recovery following traumatic brain injury in mice.

Primary Objective: Eph/Ephrin signaling is inhibitory for developing axons and blocking Eph pathways enhances regeneration after spinal cord injury. It was hypothesized that inhibition of Eph signaling promotes cellular and behavioral recovery after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Research design: Lateral fluid percussion (LFP) injury was performed on wildtype (WT) and EphA6 knockout (KO) mice. EphA6-Fc, Ephrin-A5-Fc fusion proteins, and sodium orthovanadate were used to alter the signaling pathway. Immunohistochemistry and tissue explants revealed cellular changes. Rotarod tests demonstrated vestibulomotor function. Outcomes: The EphA6 receptor expression is upregulated following LFP. Uninjured EphA6 KO mice exhibit greater neurite density and clustered Ephrin-A5-Fc causes growth cone collapse in vitro. After LFP, EphA6 KO mice demonstrate longer neurites and decreased neuronal cell death and astrocytosis compared to WT mice. Blocking EphA signaling by soluble EphA6-Fc fusion protein reduces cell death and improves motor function following LFP whereas clustered Ephrin-A5-Fc exacerbates cell death and neurodegeneration. Sodium orthovanadate rescues growth cone collapse in vitro as well as cell death and neurodegeneration in vivo. Conclusions: Eph/Ephrin signaling plays an inhibitory role following TBI. Targeting the Eph signaling pathway with Fc fusion proteins and pharmacological agents can be a novel strategy to counter the damaging effects of TBI. Abbreviations: LFP: lateral fluid percussion; TBI: traumatic brain injury; KO: knockout; WT: wildtype; PTP2: protein phosphotyrosine phosphatase 2; Tg: transgenic; YFP: yellow fluorescent protein; ATM: atmospheres; RT-qPCR: Real-time-quantitative PCR; dpi: days post injury; GAPDH: glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase; DAPI: 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole; PBS: phosphate buffered saline; GFAP: glial fibrillary acidic protein; FLJC: fluorojade C; CA: cornu ammonis; SEM: standard error of the mean; ANOVA: analysis of variance; PLSD: posthoc least significant difference.

Synthesis of a vanadyl (IV) folate complex for the treatment of diabetes: spectroscopic, structural, and biological characterization.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to design a compound with folic acid (FAH2) and vanadyl (IV) for use in the treatment of diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A novel vanadyl (IV) FAH2 complex was synthesized and characterized [(FA2-)(VO2+)]⋅3H2O. The speculated structure of this folate complex was determined using physicochemical techniques including microanalytical analysis, conductivity studies, spectroscopic examination, magnetic measurements, thermogravimetric analyses, and morphological X-ray powder diffraction, and scanning and transmission electron microscopies. The anti-diabetic therapeutic potential of the complexes was tested in a 30-day streptozotocin-induced diabetes rat model. RESULTS: The conductivity test of the complex implied electrolyte behavior. The spectroscopic assessments of the isolated dark yellow solid complex revealed that FAH2 acts as a bidentate ligand. The coordination process with two vanadyl (IV) ions occurred through the deprotonation of both carboxyl groups of FAH2 in a regular square pyramid arrangement at a 2(FA)2-: 2(VO)2+ molar ratio. XRD, SEM, and TEM analyses revealed the complex crystalline nature of the complex. Treating diabetic rats with vanadyl (IV) FAH2 complex significantly improved many biological parameters relevant to diabetes pathology with minimal toxicity. CONCLUSION: The data generated in this study indicate that the synthesized vanadyl (IV) folate complex acts as a model of anti-diabetic agent.

Sodium orthovanadate overcomes sorafenib resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by inhibiting Na+/K+-ATPase activity and hypoxia-inducible pathways.

The resistance to sorafenib highly affects its clinical benefits for treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Sodium orthovanadate (SOV) is a phosphate analog that displays anti-cancer activities against various types of malignancies including HCC. The present study has demonstrated that SOV is able to overcome sorafenib resistance and strengthens sorafenib in suppressing sorafenib-resistant HCC cells in vitro and in animal models. Similar to its action on parental HCC cells, SOV induced cell cycle arrest at G2/M phases by regulating cyclin B1 and cyclin-dependent kinase 1, and apoptosis by reducing mitochondrial membrane potential, in sorafenib-resistant HCC cells. More importantly, SOV inhibited ATPase activity, which was significantly elevated in sorafenib-resistant HCC cells. SOV also reduced the expression of HIF-1α and HIF-2α and their nuclear translocation, resulting in downregulation of their downstream factors including vascular endothelial growth factor, lactate dehydrogenase-A and glucose transporter 1. Its ability to inhibit ATPase activity and hypoxia-inducible pathways enabled SOV to efficiently suppress both normoxic and hypoxic cells, which compose cancer cell populations inside sorafenib-resistant HCC tumors. The present results indicate that SOV may be a potent candidate drug for overcoming the resistance to sorafenib in treating HCC.

Attenuation of macrophage accumulation and polarisation in obese diabetic mice by a small molecule significantly improved insulin sensitivity.

Accumulation and polarization of anti-inflammatory M2 to proinflammatory M1 macrophage in the adipose tissue of obese diabetic mice is an important pathogenic signature. It worsens lipid induced inflammation and insulin resistance. Here we demonstrate that a small molecule, a peroxyvanadate compound i.e. DmpzH [VO(O2)2 (dmpz)] or dmp, could robustly decrease macrophage infiltration, accumulation and their polarization in high fat diet (HFD) induced obese diabetic mice. In searching the underlying mechanism it was revealed that SIRT1 level was strikingly low in the inflamed adipose tissue of HFD mice as compared to mice fed with standard diet (SD). Administration of dmp markedly increased SIRT1 level by inducing its gene expression with a consequent decrease in macrophage population. Elevation of SIRT1 coincided with the decrease of MCP1, Fetuin-A (FetA) and IFNγ. Since MCP1 and FetA drive macrophage to inflamed adipose tissue and IFNγ promotes M2 to M1 transformation, both recruitment and M1 induced inflammation were found to be significantly repressed by dmp. In addressing the question about how dmp induced excess SIRT1 could reduce MCP1, FetA and IFNγ levels, we found that it was due to the inactivation of NFκB because of its deacetylation by SIRT1. Since NFκB is the transcriptional regulator of these molecules, their expressions were significantly suppressed and that caused sharp decline in macrophage recruitment and their polarity to M1. This effected a marked fall in proinflammatory cytokine level which significantly improved insulin sensitivity. dmp is likely to be the first molecule that rescues inflammatory burden contributed by macrophage in obese diabetic mice adipose tissue which causes significant increase in insulin sensitivity therefore it may be a meaningful choice to treat type 2 diabetes.

Topical vanadate enhances the repair of median laparotomy incisions.

BACKGROUND: There are over two million laparotomies performed in the United States each year with an incisional hernia rate between 2% and 11%. A total of 100,000 ventral hernia repairs are undertaken each year with recurrences as high as 50%. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Full thickness midline fascia incisions from the xiphoid to the pubic symphysis were made in rats. The fascia and/or muscular layer was sutured closed and a gel with 300 µM of sodium orthovanadate or saline was placed over the suture line with the skin closed over it. On day 10, 1-cm strips from the superior, middle, and inferior regions of the abdominal wall were tested for breaking strength and processed for histology. RESULTS: The mean wound breaking strength of vanadate-treated wounds was 18.6 ± 2.7 N compared with 9.4 ± 3.6 N for controls (P < 0.0001). Similar quantities of granulation tissue were deposited in treated and control wounds. Fine green birefringence patterns, characteristic of immature connective tissue, were seen in control samples viewed with polarized light. In contrast, vanadate-treated wounds showed thick yellow-orange birefringence patterns characteristics of more mature connective tissue. Using α-smooth muscle actin immunostaining, myofibroblasts were prominent in control incisions, but few were identified in vanadate-treated incisions. CONCLUSIONS: In rat laparotomy wounds, a single application of vanadate increases wound breaking strength, through enhanced connective tissue organization. These combined data suggest topical application of vanadate immediately after fascial closure will increase wound strength, possibly reducing hernia recurrences in the repaired abdominal wall.

Ameliorative effect of an oxovanadium (IV) complex against oxidative stress and nephrotoxicity induced by cisplatin.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was designed to investigate the chemoprotective efficacy of an L-cysteine-based oxovanadium (IV) complex, namely, oxovanadium (IV)-L-cysteine methyl ester complex (VC-IV) against cisplatin (CDDP)-induced renal injury in Swiss albino mice. METHODS: CDDP was administered intraperitoneally (5 mg/kg body weight) and VC-IV was administered orally (1 mg/kg body weight) in concomitant and 7 days pre-treatment schedule. RESULTS: CDDP-treated mice showed marked kidney damage and renal failure. Administration of VC-IV caused significant attenuation of renal oxidative stress and elevation of antioxidant status. VC-IV also significantly decreased serum levels of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, and improved histopathological lesions. Western blot analysis of the kidneys showed that VC-IV treatment resulted in nuclear translocation of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) through modulation of cytosolic Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1. Thus, VC-IV stimulated Nrf2-mediated activation of antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway and promoted expression of ARE-driven cytoprotective proteins, heme oxygenase 1 and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1, and enhanced activity of antioxidant enzymes. Interestingly, VC-IV did not alter the bioavailability and renal accumulation of CDDP in mice. DISCUSSION: In this study, VC-IV exhibited strong nephroprotective efficacy by restoring antioxidant defense mechanisms and hence may serve as a promising chemoprotectant in cancer chemotherapy.

Metforminium Decavanadate as a Potential Metallopharmaceutical Drug for the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus.

New potential drugs based on vanadium are being developed as possible treatments for diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications. In this regard, our working group developed metforminium decavanadate (MetfDeca), a compound with hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties. MetfDeca was evaluated in models of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, on male Wistar rats. Alloxan-induction was employed to produce DM1 model, while a hypercaloric-diet was employed to generate DM2 model. Two-month treatments with 3.7 µg (2.5 µM)/300 g/twice a week for DM2 and 7.18 µg (4.8 µM)/300 g/twice a week for DM1 of MetfDeca, respectively, were administered. The resulting pharmacological data showed nontoxicological effects on liver and kidney. At the same time, MetfDeca showed an improvement of carbohydrates and lipids in tissues and serum. MetfDeca treatment was better than the monotherapies with metformin for DM2 and insulin for DM1. Additionally, MetfDeca showed a protective effect on pancreatic beta cells of DM1 rats, suggesting a possible regeneration of these cells, since they recovered their insulin levels. Therefore, MetfDeca could be considered not only as an insulin-mimetic agent, but also as an insulin-enhancing agent. Efforts to elucidate the mechanism of action of this compound are now in progress.

Decavanadate Toxicology and Pharmacological Activities: V10 or V1, Both or None?

This review covers recent advances in the understanding of decavanadate toxicology and pharmacological applications. Toxicological in vivo studies point out that V10 induces several changes in several oxidative stress parameters, different from the ones observed for vanadate (V1). In in vitro studies with mitochondria, a particularly potent V10 effect, in comparison with V1, was observed in the mitochondrial depolarization (IC50 = 40 nM) and oxygen consumption (99 nM). It is suggested that mitochondrial membrane depolarization is a key event in decavanadate induction of necrotic cardiomyocytes death. Furthermore, only decavanadate species and not V1 potently inhibited myosin ATPase activity stimulated by actin (IC50 = 0.75 µM) whereas exhibiting lower inhibition activities for Ca(2+)-ATPase activity (15 µM) and actin polymerization (17 µM). Because both calcium pump and actin decavanadate interactions lead to its stabilization, it is likely that V10 interacts at specific locations with these proteins that protect against hydrolysis but, on the other hand, it may induce V10 reduction to oxidovanadium(IV). Putting it all together, it is suggested that the pharmacological applications of V10 species and compounds whose mechanism of action is still to be clarified might involve besides V10 and V1 also vanadium(IV) species.

THE EFFECT OF GADOLINIUM ORTHOVANADATE NANOPARTICLES BY NEONATAL INDUCED REPRODUCTIVE DISEASE IN MALE RATS.

For the purpose to develop of method for treatment of male hypofertility the efficiency of gadolinium orthovanadate nanoparticles (NP GdVO4) in rats with neonatal induced reproductive disease, has been investigated. The progeny of intact rats parents were exposed to emotional stress (Maternal separation stressn) and received an excessive amount of the blend of phytoestrogens (Ph) with mother's milk (1st group) from 3 to 22 day life. At the age of 10 months males received NP GdVO4 (0.33 mg/kg; 2nd group) or speman (158 mg/kg; 3rd group) with feed over the 70 days. Sexual behavior and fertility of males were investigated; the integrated indicator of reproductive potential (FI) was calculate and was estimated with the data of animals from group Control who were given vehicle (water). In the 1st group sexual behavior of males was characterized by accelerating sexual responses on female (double shortening of mounting and intromission latency) and a reduced ability to achieve ejaculation and to start the second round of copulations. The less females have been inseminated by these males (67% vs. 91% in Control group), but almost all became pregnant. As a result of the neonatal induction deterioration in the quality of male gametes intrauterine pregnancy loss increased more than twice, and the total number of foetus decreased (on 21%). These changes have led to a reduction of the male integrated indicator of reproductive potential (Fi) in 2.6 times compared with control animals. Using a NP GdVO4 rehabilitated male sexual behaviour indicators to Control group level, resulting in an increase in the number of fertilized females (up to 95%). In pregnant females decreased fetal losses (up to 15.2% vs. 18.1% in control, p<0,05) and increase in the number of fetuses (on 25%, p<0,05) that shows an improvement in the quality of sperm. The integrated indicator of reproductive potential (F1) increased to (8.3 ± 0.5) vs. (3.0 ± 0.3) u. in the 1st group (without treatment), that statistically higher than in groups Control and 3rd. Application of NP GdVO4 in rats with neonatal inductive pathology of the reproductive function and metabolic disorders normalizes sexual behaviour, the quality of sperm that restores male fertility and improves reproductive potential much more efficiently than the reference drug speman.

Green Synthesis of Oxovanadium(IV)/chitosan Nanocomposites and Its Ameliorative Effect on Hyperglycemia, Insulin Resistance, and Oxidative Stress.

In this paper, the preparation, characterization, and ameliorative effect on high-fat high-sucrose diet-induced hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, oxidative stress in mice of novel oxovanadium(IV)/chitosan (OV/CS) nanocomposites were investigated. The nanobiocomposite was produced by chemical reduction by chitosan and L-ascorbic acid using microwave heating, under environment-friendly conditions, using aqueous solutions, and notably, by using both mediators as reducing and stabilizing agents. In addition, OV/CS nanocomposites were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, particle size, and zeta potential measurements. In vivo experiments were designed to examine whether the OV/CS nanocomposites would provide additional benefits on oxidative stress, hyperglycemia, and insulin resistance in mice with type 2 diabetes. The results rendered insulin resistant by treating with OV/CS nanocomposites alleviate insulin resistance and improve oxidative stress. Such nanocomposite seem to be a valuable therapy to achieve and/or maintain glycemic control and therapeutic agents in the treatment arsenal for insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

Beneficial Effect of Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Inhibitor and Phytoestrogen in Dyslipidemia-Induced Vascular Dementia in Ovariectomized Rats.

BACKGROUND: Estrogen deficiency and increase in protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTPase) activity may be a key mechanism in postmenopausal dyslipidemia-induced vascular dysfunction and dementia. Thus, the present study has been designed to investigate the effect of biochanin A (BCA, a phytoestrogen) and sodium orthovanadate (SOV), an inhibitor of PTPase in dyslipidemia-induced vascular dementia in ovariectomized rats. METHODS: Female Wistar rats were ovariectomized and fed on high fat diet for 4 weeks to produce dyslipidemia. Dyslipidemia was assessed by estimation of serum lipid levels including total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL, and LDL levels. Dementia was assessed in terms of increase in brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and attenuation of learning ability (escape latency time) and memory retention (time spent in target quadrant) using Morris water maze. Vascular dysfunction was assessed in terms of attenuation of acetylcholine-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation (isolated carotid ring preparation), mRNA expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, and increase in serum thiobarbituric acid reactive species, superoxide anion level. Neurodegeneration was assessed in hippocampus by hematoxylin and eosin staining. BCA (2.5 and 5 mg/kg) and SOV (5 and 10 mg/kg) were administered alone and in low-dose combination to ovariectomized dyslipidemic rats. RESULTS: BCA (2.5 and 5 mg/kg), SOV (5 and 10 mg/kg), and donepezil (1 mg/kg) significantly improves vascular function, and learning and memory ability and decreases the neuronal cell death, oxidative stress, and AChE in ovariectomized dyslipidemic rats. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, it may be concluded that BCA and SOV attenuate vascular dysfunction and dementia in dyslipidemic ovariectomized rats.

Ameliorative effect of vanadyl(IV)-ascorbate complex on high-fat high-sucrose diet-induced hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and oxidative stress in mice.

There is mounting evidence demonstrating causative links between hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance, the core pathophysiological features of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Using a combinational approach, we synthesized a vanadium-antioxidant (i.e., l-ascorbic acid) complex and examined its effect on insulin resistance and oxidative stress. This study was designed to examine whether vanadyl(IV)-ascorbate complex (VOAsc) would reduce oxidative stress, hyperglycemia, and insulin resistance in high-fat high-sucrose diet (HFSD)-induced type 2 diabetes in mice. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a HFSD for 12 weeks to induce insulin resistance, rendering them diabetic. Diabetic mice were treated with rosiglitazone, sodium l-ascorbate, or VOAsc. At the end of treatment, fasting blood glucose, fasting serum insulin, homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance index, and serum adipocytokine levels were measured. Serum levels of nitric oxide (NO) parameters were also determined. The liver was isolated and used for determination of malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione, and catalase levels, and superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities. VOAsc groups exhibited significant reductions in serum adipocytokine and NO levels, and oxidative stress parameters compared to the corresponding values in the untreated diabetic mice. The results indicated that VOAsc is non-toxic. In conclusion, we identified VOAsc as a potentially effective adjunct therapy for the management of type 2 diabetes.

Triple Therapy with Prednisolone, Pegylated Interferon and Sodium Valproate Improves Clinical Outcome and Reduces Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus Type 1 (HTLV-1) Proviral Load, Tax and HBZ mRNA Expression in Patients with HTLV-1-Associated Myelopathy/Tropical Spastic Paraparesis.

Considering that there is no effective treatment for human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1)-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis, this study aimed to assess the impact of triple combination therapy-interferon-α, valproic acid, and prednisolone-on clinical outcomes, main HTLV-1 viral factors, and host anti-HTLV-1 antibody response. HTLV-1 proviral load (PVL), and HBZ and Tax mRNA expression levels were measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 13 patients with HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis before and after treatment with 180 µg pegylated interferon once a week, 10-20 mg/kg/day sodium valproate, and 5 mg/day prednisolone for 25 weeks using a TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction assay. Furthermore, anti-HTLV-1 titer, Osame Motor Disability Score, Ashworth spasticity scale, and urinary symptoms (through standard questionnaire and clinical monitoring) were assessed in patients before and after the treatment. HTLV-1 PVL and HBZ expression significantly decreased after the treatment [PVL from 1443 ± 282 to 660 ± 137 copies/10(4) peripheral blood mononuclear cells (p = 0.01); and HBZ from 8.0 ± 1.5 to 3.0 ± 0.66 (p < 0.01)]. Tax mRNA expression decreased after the treatment from 2.26 ± 0.45 to 1.44 ± 0.64, but this reduction was not statistically significant (p = 0.10). Furthermore, anti-HTLV-1 titer reduced dramatically after the treatment, from 3123 ± 395 to 815 ± 239 (p < 0.01). Clinical signs and symptoms, according to Osame Motor Disability Score and Ashworth score, improved significantly (both p < 0.01). Urinary symptoms and sensory disturbances with lower back pain were reduced, though not to a statistically significant degree. Although signs and symptoms of spasticity were improved, frequent urination and urinary incontinence were not significantly affected by the triple therapy. The results provide new insight into the complicated conditions underlying HTLV-1-associated diseases.