Vanadium: Risks and possible benefits in the light of a comprehensive overview of its pharmacotoxicological mechanisms and multi-applications with a summary of further research trends

Vanadium Decreases Hepcidin mRNA Gene Expression in STZ-Induced Diabetic Rats, Improving the Anemic State

“…Although clinical trials for some V compounds have been completed, many aspects remain to be studied, such as their interactions with other elements involved in homeostasis. A growing interest in the pharmacological effects, such as hypoglycemic or insulin-mimetic properties [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ], has led V metabolism to become an important area of current research. The following mechanisms of action of V (vanadyl complexes) have been suggested: (a) the in situ formation of peroxovanadates leads to inhibition of PTPases [ 3 , 4 ] in the insulin signaling cascade; (b) vanadyl stimulates cytosolic protein kinases, thus bypassing the insulin receptor altogether; (c) GLUT4 translocation from the intracellular compartment to the plasma membrane.…”

“…A growing interest in the pharmacological effects, such as hypoglycemic or insulin-mimetic properties [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ], has led V metabolism to become an important area of current research. The following mechanisms of action of V (vanadyl complexes) have been suggested: (a) the in situ formation of peroxovanadates leads to inhibition of PTPases [ 3 , 4 ] in the insulin signaling cascade; (b) vanadyl stimulates cytosolic protein kinases, thus bypassing the insulin receptor altogether; (c) GLUT4 translocation from the intracellular compartment to the plasma membrane. Most likely, the insulin-mimetic activity of V and its possible application as a hypoglycemic agent is associated with the combination of these three effects [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ].…”

“…The following mechanisms of action of V (vanadyl complexes) have been suggested: (a) the in situ formation of peroxovanadates leads to inhibition of PTPases [ 3 , 4 ] in the insulin signaling cascade; (b) vanadyl stimulates cytosolic protein kinases, thus bypassing the insulin receptor altogether; (c) GLUT4 translocation from the intracellular compartment to the plasma membrane. Most likely, the insulin-mimetic activity of V and its possible application as a hypoglycemic agent is associated with the combination of these three effects [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]. The administration of organometallic compounds is more effective and less toxic than the administration of the compound in its inorganic form [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ].…”

“…Most likely, the insulin-mimetic activity of V and its possible application as a hypoglycemic agent is associated with the combination of these three effects [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]. The administration of organometallic compounds is more effective and less toxic than the administration of the compound in its inorganic form [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]. Furthermore, some interaction between other trace elements could reduce the toxicity associated with V [ 7 ].…”

Evaluation of the genotoxicity, cytotoxicity and antimalarial effect of sodium metavanadate po in a Plasmodium yoelii yoelii infected murine model

“…In recent years, organic and inorganic vanadium compounds have gained pharmacological importance due to its therapeutic properties [ 8 , 9 ], for instance, sodium metavanadate (NaVO 3 ) (MV) has been proposed as anticarcinogen [ [10] , [11] , [12] ] and other vanadium complexes insulin-mimetic agents [ 13 , 14 ]. A detailed review from Šcibior et al, might be consulted for more detailed information about V effects [ 15 ]. The use of metals as antiparasitic agents, including MV, appears to be a possible alternative to face drug resistance, therefore, in the present study we evaluated the antimalarial efficacy of MV in murine malaria as well as its cytotoxicity and genotoxicity.…”