Protective effect of macrocyclic binuclear oxovanadium complex on oxidative stress in pancreas of streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

Chronic hyperglycemia in diabetes is a major causative factor of free radical generation which further leads to many secondary diabetic complications via the damage to cellular proteins, membrane lipids, nucleic acids and eventually to cell death. Recently we have reported on the hypoglycemic efficacy of a new macrocyclic binuclear oxovanadium complex and its non-toxic nature. This study focuses on the effect of the above complex in ameliorating oxidative stress in the pancreas of diabetic rats. Streptozotocin induced diabetic rats were treated orally with the vanadium complex (5 mg/kg body weight) for 30 days and the level of pancreatic antioxidants and lipid peroxides were determined. Treatment with the macrocyclic binuclear oxovanadium complex decreased the lipid peroxides and the antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase to near control levels. Histological examinations also revealed the protective effect of the complex on pancreatic beta cells. The results demonstrate the protective effect of the macrocyclic binuclear oxovanadium complex on the pancreatic antioxidant status. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.