Effects of bis(maltolato)oxovanadium(IV) are distinct from food restriction in STZ-diabetic rats

In association with the insulin-mimetic properties, vanadium and related compounds have been shown to normalize hyperphagia associated with diabetes mellitus. The objective of this study was to clarify the effects of an organic vanadium compound, bis(maltolato)oxovanadium(IV) (BMOV), vs. food restriction on the metabolic abnormalities that occur in diabetes. BMOV was administered daily in drinking water to streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats for 6 wk. Pair-fed groups were fed based on the intake for their respective counterparts from the previous day. Plasma parameters mere measured weekly after a carefully controlled 5-h fasting period. BMOV reduced plasma glucose (diabetic = 31.2 +/- 1.9, diabetic treated = 10.2 +/- 1.8, and diabetic pair fed = 34.2 +/- 1.1 mM), triglyceride, and cholesterol levels to normal without a concomitant increase in plasma insulin levels. There was no body weight gain in the diabetic pair-fed group compared with all other groups. BMOV but not pair feeding was effective in preventing the decreased cardiac function observed in STZ-diabetic rats. These data suggest that the glucose-lowering properties of BMOV are independent of the effects of dietary restriction and reinforce the efficacy of BMOV as an effective antihyperglycemic agent.