Misinterpretations in Evaluating Interactions of Vanadium Complexes with Proteins and Other Biological Targets

In aqueous media, V-IV- and V-V-ions and compounds undergo chemical changes such as hydrolysis, ligand exchange and redox reactions that depend on pH and concentration of the vanadium species, and on the nature of the several components present. In particular, the behaviour of vanadium compounds in biological fluids depends on their environment and on concentration of the many potential ligands present. However, when reporting the biological action of a particular complex, often the possibility of chemical changes occurring has been neglected, and the modifications of the complex added are not taken into account. In this work, we highlight that as soon as most vanadium(IV) and vanadium(V) compounds are dissolved in a biological media, they undergo several types of chemical transformations, and these changes are particularly extensive at the low concentrations normally used in biological experiments. We also emphasize that in case of a biochemical interaction or effect, to determine binding constants or the active species and/or propose mechanisms of action, it is essential to evaluate its speciation in the media where it is acting. This is because the vanadium complex no longer exists in its initial form.

Automated summary

In aqueous media, vanadium compounds undergo chemical changes such as hydrolysis, ligand exchange, and redox reactions that depend on pH, concentration, and the nature of components present. These transformations are particularly extensive at low concentrations used in biological experiments. To determine biological effects, it is essential to evaluate the speciation of vanadium complexes in the media where they are acting, as they no longer exist in their initial form.