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Hypoglycemic effect of copper(II) acetate imidazole complexes
A S Abdul-Ghani1, A L Abu-Hijleh, N Nahas
1Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Birzeit University, West Bank, Palestine.
Biological Trace Element Research
|August 1, 1996
Summary
Copper(II) complexes, particularly bis(acetato)tetrakis(imidazole) copper (II) [Cu(OAc)2(Im)4], significantly lower blood glucose in rats. The hypoglycemic effect depends on the complex structure and imidazole ligand, with high doses causing adverse effects.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry and Pharmacology
- Metal-organic Chemistry
Background:
- Copper(II) complexes are explored for potential therapeutic applications.
- Glucose metabolism dysregulation is central to diabetes mellitus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of various copper(II) complexes on glucose metabolism in normal and diabetic rats.
- To determine the structure-activity relationship of copper(II) complexes regarding their hypoglycemic effects.
Main Methods:
- Administration of different copper(II) complexes, including bis(acetato)tetrakis(imidazole) copper (II) [Cu(OAc)2(Im)4], to rats via intramuscular injection.
- Monitoring of blood glucose and insulin levels at various time points post-administration.
- Comparison of effects between different copper(II) complexes, their ligands, and inorganic copper salts.
Main Results:
- Cu(OAc)2(Im)4 demonstrated a dose-dependent decrease in blood glucose levels, with maximum effect at 3 hours.
- High doses (100 mg/kg) of Cu(OAc)2(Im)4 induced irreversible hypoglycemic shock and reduced insulin levels.
- Other tested complexes like Cu(OAc)2(2mIm)2, Cu2(OAc)4(NmIm)4.6H2O, and Cu(OAc)2(1,2dmIm)2 also showed hypoglycemic activity, varying in intensity.
- Imidazole ligand, binary copper(II) acetate, and copper(II) chloride had no significant impact on blood glucose.
Conclusions:
- The hypoglycemic activity of copper(II) complexes is significantly influenced by the specific imidazole ligand and the overall complex structure.
- Certain copper(II) complexes show potential for modulating glucose metabolism, but careful dose management is crucial due to risks of hypoglycemia.