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[Hypoglycemic effects of sodium metavanadate in diabetic mice and its effect on glucose phosphorylation]
Ming-zhi Xu1, Ai-zhen Zhang, Xiang-rong Li
1Medical Nutrition and Food Hygiene Graduate School, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310031, China.
Objective:
To investigate the effects of sodium metavanadate (SMV) on blood sugar and glucose phosphorylation in mice, and to discuss the possible mechanism of its hypoglycemic effects.
Methods:
Diabetic mice (D) and control mice (V) were randomly allocated to drink SMV (0.2 mg/ml) (CV and DV groups) or NaCl (80 mmol/L) (C and V groups) respectively. The study lasted for 5 weeks. Liver glucokinase, muscle hexokinase, blood glucose and insulin were assayed at the end of each week.
Results:
Blood glucose was higher in the diabetic groups before the administration of SMV, and the blood glucose level of group DV decreased from (18.77 +/- 1.28) to (8.94 +/- 0.94) mmol/L (P < 0.01) after oral administration of SMV for one week. While liver glucokinase increased from (1.29 +/- 0.64) to (15.36 +/- 1.57) mIU/min/mg protein and muscle hexokinase increased from (1.93 +/- 0.50) to (18.62 +/- 1.71) mIU/min/mg protein (P < 0.01) respectively. There was no continuous change of these parameters during the later weeks. No significant change of serum insulin was observed in the diabetic mice. There was a remarkable negative correlation of blood glucose level with liver glucokinase and muscle hexokinase levels.
Conclusion:
The hypoglycemic effects of SMV was independent of insulin level. In consideration of the close relations of the activities of liver glucokinase and muscle hexokinase with diabetes, and the improving of impaired glucose phosphorylation in diabetic mice by oral sodium metavanadate, which might be the mechanism of hypoglycemic effects of SMV.
Insights
Sodium metavanadate (SMV) effectively lowered blood sugar in diabetic mice by enhancing glucose phosphorylation. This hypoglycemic effect appears independent of insulin levels, suggesting a novel therapeutic mechanism.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Endocrinology
Context:
- Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia.
- Impaired glucose metabolism and phosphorylation are key features of diabetes.
- Vanadium compounds have shown potential in modulating glucose homeostasis.
Purpose:
- To investigate the hypoglycemic effects of sodium metavanadate (SMV).
- To explore the impact of SMV on glucose phosphorylation in diabetic mice.
- To elucidate the potential mechanism underlying SMV's blood sugar-lowering action.
Summary:
- Administration of SMV to diabetic mice significantly reduced blood glucose levels.
- SMV treatment increased the activity of liver glucokinase and muscle hexokinase, enzymes crucial for glucose phosphorylation.
- The observed hypoglycemic effect was not associated with changes in serum insulin levels.
Impact:
- SMV demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent for managing hyperglycemia.
- The findings suggest that SMV's mechanism involves enhancing glucose phosphorylation, independent of insulin.
- This research opens avenues for developing novel diabetes treatments targeting glucose metabolism.