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Testicular Mineralization in KK-A(y) Mice Treated with an Oxovanadium Complex
Takayasu Moroki1, Yutaka Yoshikawa, Katsuhiko Yoshizawa
1Department of Analytical and Bioinorganic Chemistry, Division of Analytical and Physical Chemistry, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, 5 Nakauchi-cho, Misasagi, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto 607-8414, Japan.
Abstract:
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(VO(2+)) complexes. Therefore, we studied VO(2+) 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(VO(2+)) (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 VO(2+) complexes.
Insights
Oxovanadium(VO(2+)) complexes, investigated for diabetes therapy, showed testicular toxicity in mice. Oral administration of VO(opt)2 caused severe seminiferous tubule mineralization and degeneration, highlighting potential risks.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Endocrinology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Vanadium compounds show promise for diabetes treatment.
- Inorganic vanadium salts are known to have toxic effects.
- Limited data exists on the toxicity of oxovanadium(VO(2+)) complexes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the toxicity of oxovanadium(VO(2+)) complexes.
- To examine histological changes and vanadium concentration in testes.
- To assess the effects of bis(1-oxy-2-pyridine-thiolato)oxovanadium(VO(2+)) (VO(opt)2) in KK-A(y) mice.
Main Methods:
- Repeated oral administration of VO(opt)2 to KK-A(y) mice for 2 or 4 weeks.
- Histological examination of testicular tissues.
- Measurement of vanadium concentration in testes.
Main Results:
- Severe mineralization and degeneration/necrosis of seminiferous tubules observed.
- Vacuolar changes in Sertoli cells and seminiferous epithelia noted.
- Leydig cell hyperplasia occurred in some animals.
- Significantly higher vanadium concentrations in mineralized testes.
Conclusions:
- VO(opt)2 administration can induce mineralization of seminiferous tubules.
- This study is the first to report VO(opt)2-induced seminiferous tubule mineralization.
- Findings provide crucial information on the potential toxicity of VO(2+) complexes.
