Heamanetic Effects of a Dioxidovanadium(V) Complex in STZ-Induced Diabetic Male Sprague Dawley Rats

Nombuso Xulu,1 Phikelelani Ngubane,1 Andile Khathi,1 Irvin Booysen,2 Ntethelelo Sibiya3 1School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa; 2School of Chemistry and Physics, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; 3Pharmacology Division, Faculty of Pharmacy, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South AfricaCorrespondence: Phikelelani NgubaneDepartment of Human Physiology University of KwaZulu Natal, E-Block, Level 4, University Road, Chiltern Hills, Westville Campus, 3629 Private Bag X54001, Westville, Durban, 4000, South AfricaEmail ngubanep1@ukzn.ac.zaBackground: Despite the effective maintenance of glucose homeostasis by insulin in type 1 diabetes mellitus, the drug has been implicated as one of the causes of haematological disturbances, which give rise to cardiovascular complications. As a result, research into alternative therapies for diabetes is needed. In our laboratory, an anti-hyperglycaemic novel vanadium complex has been synthesized using organic heterocyclic ligands. The complex has been shown and improve glycaemic control. The effects of this complex on haematological function, however, have not yet been established. Therefore, this study sought to investigate the haematological effects of dioxidovanadium(V) complex in (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.Methods: Diabetic rats received vanadium complex (40 mg kg − 1 p.o), diabetic untreated (H2O) and insulin treated (0.175 mg kg− 1 s.c), groups acted as a negative and positive control, respectively. Vanadium complex was administered twice daily, and blood glucose concentration was monitored weekly for 5 weeks. Thereafter, the animals were sacrificed followed by blood and kidneys collection for haematological (full blood count and Annexin V), hormonal (EPO) and oxidative status (SOD and GPx) analysis.Results: After 5 weeks, untreated diabetic rats presented with hyperglycaemia compared to no