The protective effect of vanadium against diabetic cataracts in diabetic rat model

The present study was designed to investigate the effect of vanadium in alloxan-induced diabetes and cataract in rats. Different doses of vanadium was administered once daily for 8 weeks to alloxan-induced diabetic rats. To know the mechanism of action of vanadium, lens malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl content, activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), activities of aldose reductase (AR), and sorbitol levels were assayed, respectively. Supplementation of vanadium to alloxan-induced diabetic rats decreased the blood glucose levels due to hyperglycemia, inhibited the AR activity, and delayed cataract progression in a dose-dependent manner. The observed beneficial effects may be attributed to polyol pathway activation but not decreased oxidative stress. Overall, the results of this study demonstrate that vanadium could effectively reduce the alloxan-induced hyperglycemia and diabetic cataracts in rats.