Research on the formulation and revision of standard limits for antimony,boron and vanadium in the "Standards for Drinking Water Quality (GB5749-2022)" in China / 中华预防医学杂志

China is rich in antimony, boron, and vanadium mineral resources, which have been detected in environmental water bodies and drinking water. During the revision process of the "Standards for Drinking Water Quality (GB5749-2006)", research and evaluation are focused on three indicators: antimony, boron and vanadium. Vanadium is added and the limit value of boron is adjusted. This study reviews and discusses the technical contents related to the revision of the antimony, boron and vanadium, including the environmental presence levels, exposure status, health effects, and the revision of the standard limits of these three indicators. Suggestions are also made for the implementation of this standard.

Vanadium inhibits Type 2 diabetes mellitus-induced aortic ultrastructural alterations associated with the Inhibition of dyslipidemia and biomarkers of inflammation in rats / El vanadio inhibe las alteraciones ultraestructurales aórticas inducidas por la diabetes mellitus Tipo 2 asociadas con la inhibición de la dislipidemia y los biomarcadores de inflamación en ratas

The potential inhibitory effect of the insulin mimicking agent, vanadium on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)induced alterations to the aorta ultrastructure associated with the suppression of dyslipedima and biomarkers of inflammation has not been investigated before. Therefore, we tested whether vanadium can protect against aortic injury induced secondary to T2DM possibly via the inhibition of blood lipid and inflammatory biomarkers. T2DM was induced in rats by a high-fat diet and streptozotocin (50 mg/ kg), and the treatment group started vanadium treatment five days post diabetic induction and continued until being sacrificed at week 10. Using light and electron microscopy examinations, we observed in the model group substantial damage to the aorta tissue such as damaged endothelium, degenerative cellular changes with vacuolated cytoplasm and thickened internal elastic lamina that were substantially ameliorated by vanadium. Administration of vanadium to diabetic rats also significantly (p<0.05) reduced blood levels of glucose, hyperlipidemia and biomarkers of inflammation (TNF-a, IL-6). We conclude that vanadium protects against T2DM-induced aortic ultrastructural damage in rats, which is associated with the inhibition of blood sugar and lipid and inflammatory biomarkers.

El potencial efecto inhibidor del agente imitador de la insulina, el vanadio en las alteraciones inducidas por la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) en la ultraestructura de la aorta, asociada con la supresión de dislipidemia y los biomarcadores de inflamación no se ha investigado anteriormente. El objetivo fue estudiar las propiedades del vanadio para proteger contra la lesión aórtica inducida a la DM2, a través de la inhibición de los lípidos sanguíneos y los biomarcadores inflamatorios. La DM2 fue inducida en ratas con una dieta alta en grasas y estreptozotocina (50 mg / kg), y el grupo de tratamiento fue sometido a un régimen continuo con vanadio, cinco días después de la inducción diabética hasta ser sacrificadas en la semana 10. Se utilizaron exámenes de luz y microscopía electrónica en el grupo modelo y se observó un daño sustancial al tejido de la aorta, como también en el endotelio; los cambios celulares degenerativos con citoplasma vacuolado y lámina elástica interna engrosada mejoró sustancialmente con vanadio. La administración de vanadio a ratas diabéticas también redujo significativamente (p <0,05) los niveles sanguíneos de la glucosa, hiperlipidemia y los biomarcadores de inflamación (TNFa, IL-6). En conclusión, el vanadio protege contra el daño ultraestructural aórtico inducido por T2DM en ratas, que es asociado con la inhibición del azúcar en la sangre y los biomarcadores de lípidos y de inflamatorios.

Road dust and its effect on human health: a literature review / 한국역학회지

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of road dust on human health. A PubMed search was used to extract references that included the words “road dust” and “health” or “fugitive dust” and “health” in the title or abstract. A total of 46 references were extracted and selected for review after the primary screening of 949 articles. The respiratory system was found to be the most affected system in the human body. Lead, platinum-group elements (platinum, rhodium, and bohrium), aluminum, zinc, vanadium, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were the components of road dust that were most frequently referenced in the articles reviewed. Road dust was found to have harmful effects on the human body, especially on the respiratory system. To determine the complex mechanism of action of various components of road dust on the human body and the results thereof, the authors recommend a further meta-analysis and extensive risk-assessment research into the health impacts of dust exposure.

Road dust and its effect on human health: a literature review / 한국역학회지

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of road dust on human health. A PubMed search was used to extract references that included the words “road dust” and “health” or “fugitive dust” and “health” in the title or abstract. A total of 46 references were extracted and selected for review after the primary screening of 949 articles. The respiratory system was found to be the most affected system in the human body. Lead, platinum-group elements (platinum, rhodium, and bohrium), aluminum, zinc, vanadium, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were the components of road dust that were most frequently referenced in the articles reviewed. Road dust was found to have harmful effects on the human body, especially on the respiratory system. To determine the complex mechanism of action of various components of road dust on the human body and the results thereof, the authors recommend a further meta-analysis and extensive risk-assessment research into the health impacts of dust exposure.

Evaluation of cytotoxicity and corrosion resistance of orthodontic mini-implants

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate and compare in vitro cytotoxicity and corrosion resistance of mini-implants from three different commercial brands used for orthodontic anchorage. Methods: Six mini-implants (Conexão(tm), Neodent(tm) and SIN(tm)) were separately immersed in artificial saliva (pH 6.76) for 30 and 60 days. The cytotoxicity of the corrosion extracts was assessed in L929 cell cultures using the violet crystal and MTT assays, as well as cell morphology under light microscopy. Metal surface characteristics before and after immersion in artificial saliva were assessed by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The samples underwent atomic absorption spectrophotometry to determine the concentrations of aluminum and vanadium ions, constituent elements of the alloy that present potential toxicity. For statistical analysis, one-way ANOVA/Bonferroni tests were used for comparisons among groups with p < 0.05 considered significant. Statistical analysis was carried out with Graph Pad PRISM software Version 4.0. Results: No changes in cell viability or morphology were observed. Mini-implants SEM images revealed smooth surfaces with no obvious traces of corrosion. The extracts assessed by means of atomic absorption spectrophotometry presented concentrations of aluminum and vanadium ions below 1.0 µg/mL and 0.5 µg/mL, respectively. Conclusion: Orthodontic mini-implants manufactured by Conexão(tm), Neodent(tm) and SIN(tm) present high corrosion resistance and are not cytotoxic.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar, in vitro, e comparar a citotoxicidade e a resistência à corrosão de mini-implantes de três marcas comerciais diferentes, utilizados para ancoragem ortodôntica. Métodos: seis mini-implantes fabricados pelas empresas Conexão(r), Neodent(r) e SIN(r) foram imersos, separadamente, em saliva artificial (pH = 6,76), por 30 e 60 dias, de forma a obter os extratos da corrosão. A citotoxicidade dos extratos foi avaliada em cultura de células L929, empregando-se a análise de ensaios do cristal violeta e MTT, bem como da morfologia celular sob microscopia óptica. As características da superfície do metal antes e após a imersão em saliva artificial foram avaliadas usando microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Os extratos foram submetidos a espectrofotometria de absorção atômica, para determinar as concentrações dos íons alumínio e vanádio, elementos constituintes da liga e que apresentam toxicidade em potencial. Para análise estatística, os testes one-way ANOVA/Bonferroni foram usados para comparação entre os grupos, com p < 0,05 sendo considerado significativo. A análise estatística foi realizada com o programa Graph Pad PRISM v. 4.0. Resultados: não foi observada alteração na viabilidade ou morfologia celular após a exposição dos mini-implantes aos extratos. A análise dos mini-implantes por microscopia eletrônica de varredura revelou superfícies lisas e sem traços evidentes de corrosão. Os extratos analisados usando espectrofotometria de absorção atômica apresentaram concentrações de íons alumínio e vanádio inferiores a 1,0 µg/ml e 0,5 µg/ml, respectivamente. Conclusão: os mini-implantes fabricados pelas empresas Conexão(r), Neodent(r) e SIN(r) apresentam alta resistência à corrosão e não são citotóxicos.

Roles of cytochrome c, caspase-9, and caspase-3 in pentavalent vanadium-induced neuronal apoptosis / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the roles of cytochrome c (Cyt-c), caspase-9, and caspase-3 in pentavalent vanadium-induced neuronal apoptosis and to provide a basis for mechanism research.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Neurons from rats aged 1-3 days were cultured and treated with vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) at 5, 10, or 20 mmol/L. Neuronal apoptosis was detected by TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL). The protein levels of Cyt-c, caspase-9, and caspase-3 were determined by Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Apoptosis bodies were detected in the nuclei of neurons by TUNEL. The number of neurons with apoptosis bodies increased with increasing dose of V2O5 The apoptosis index (AI) was significantly higher in the 10 and 20 mm/L exposure groups than in the control group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Western blot showed that the protein expression levels of Cyt-c and caspase-3 significantly increased in the 5 mmol/L exposure group as compared with the control group (P < 0.05). In the 10 and 20 mmol/L exposure groups, the protein expression of Cyt-c, caspase-9, and caspase-3 all increased as compared with the control group (P < 0.01). Neuronal AI was positively correlated with Cyt-c, caspase-9, and caspase-3 (r = 0.954, P < 0.01; r = 0.938, P < 0.01; r = 0.943, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Pentavalent vanadium may induce neuronal apoptosis. The protein expression of Cyt-c, caspase-9, and caspase-3 may play an important role in neuronal apoptosis induced by pentavalent vanadium.</p>

Beneficial effects of natural Jeju groundwaters on lipid metabolism in high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemic rats

BACKGROUND: Groundwater is believed to possess many beneficial effects due to its natural source of various minerals. In this study, we examined the effects of natural Jeju groundwater S1 (Samdasoo(TM)), S2 and S3 pumped up from different locations of Jeju Island, Korea, along with local tap water, on body weight gain, serum lipids and lipoproteins, and liver histopathology in high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemic rats. MATERIALS/METHODS: Rats were randomly and equally divided into 6 groups. Different water samples were supplied to the hyperlipidemic rats as their daily drinking water and the widely-used anti-hyperlipidemic drug simvastatin was used as a positive control. Body weight, serum lipids and lipoproteins were measured weekly. Liver weight, liver index and liver histopathology were examined after the execution of the rats. RESULTS: After drinking Jeju groundwaters for two months, S2 but not S3 significantly reduced weight growth and serum triglycerides levels and increased high density lipoprotein-C (HDL-C) without affecting total cholesterol or LDL-C. S1 and particularly S2 significantly reduced the severity of liver hypertrophy and steatosis. All Groundwaters had much higher contents of vanadium (S3>S2>S1>>tap water) whereas S1 and S2 but not S3 markedly blocked autoxidation of ferrous ions. CONCLUSION: Jeju Groundwater S1 and particularly S2 exhibit protective effects against hyperlipidemia and fatty liver and hypothesize that the beneficial effect of Jeju Groundwaters may be contributed from blockade of autoxidation of ferrous ions rather than their high contents of vanadium.

Expression of caspase-3, Bcl-2, and Bax in pentavalent vanadium-induced neuronal apoptosis / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the expression of caspase-3, Bcl-2, and Bax in pentavalent vanadium-induced neuronal apoptosis and the neurotoxicity of pentavalent vanadium to in vitro cultured rat neurons.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Neurons from rats were cultured in vitro and treated with different concentrations of V2O5. Neuronal apoptosis was evaluated by TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL). The expression of caspase-3, Bcl-2, and Bax in neurons was measured by Western blot. The images collected by gel imaging system and scanner were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The TUNEL showed that compared with the control group, the middle- and high-dose exposure groups had significantly increased apoptosis index (AI) of neurons (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The Western blot showed that compared with the control group, the middle- and high-dose exposure groups had significantly increased expression of caspase-3 and Bax and significantly decreased expression of Bcl-2 (P <0.05 or P < 0.01). The AI of neurons was positively correlated with the expression of caspase-3 and Bax (r = 0.943, P < 0.01; r = 0.937, P < 0.01) and negatively correlated with the expression of Bcl-2 (r = -0.908, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Pentavalent vanadium may induce neuronal apoptosis, and the expression of caspase-3, Bcl-2, and Bax, which regulate apoptosis, plays an important role in the neuronal apoptosis induced by pentavalent vanadium.</p>

Comparison of Cytocompatibility Between Grit Blasted Titanium Alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) with or without Pure Titanium Coating / 대한정형외과연구학회지

PURPOSE: A composite of aluminum and vanadium (Ti-6Al-4V) is one of the most common compositions of titanium-based alloys. Unfortunately, vanadium has been found to cause adverse reactions. We evaluated the effects of vanadium containing titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) on an osteoblast-like cell line (SaOS-2). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied the biologic and morphologic responses of SaOS-2 cell to Ti alloy with grit blasting and Ti coated Ti alloy with grit blasting. We performed energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) investigations and performed a cell proliferation assay, ALP activity, and cell migration assay of SaOS-2 cells. RESULTS: The morphologic assessment of cells through SEM showed that the two surfaces were covered with similar amounts of small slender osteoblast like cells. The amount of proliferation, ALP activity and the migration extent of SaOS-2 cells on the surfaces of each group were not statistically different. CONCLUSION: We used a grit-blasted Ti-coated Ti alloy, coated using electron beam deposition, and a grit-blasted Ti alloy to evaluate the toxicity of Ti-6Al-4V on SaOS-2 cell. Compared with pure titanium, the vanadium-containing Ti-alloy did not show an adverse effect on SaOS-2 cells.

The Effect of Selenium-rich Hot Spring Water on Serum Leptin and IGF-1 in a Rat Model / 대한남성과학회지

PURPOSE: There have been reports that a higher serum level of selenium is related to a lower incidence of prostate cancer. Serum leptin and IGF-1 are factors related to metabolic syndromes which are also known to be related to prostate cancer, and the higher their levels, the higher the possibility of prostate carcinogenesis. Thus, we measured the serum levels of leptin and IGF-1 in rats that were given selenium-rich hot spring water to drink in an attempt to elucidate the role of selenium on prostate cancer prevention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of twelve white SD rats was included in the study, and they were further divided into a control group (Group 1, n=6) induced to drink normal saline, and those rats that drank selenium-rich hot spring water for 4 weeks (Group 2, n=6). The hot spring water that we used was from the Kum-jin region of Korea, which contains a rich supply of the minerals selenium, vanadium, calcium and magnesium. The concentration of selenium in the hot spring water was 480 microgram/l. The two groups were each given 50 ml/day of normal saline or selenium-rich hot spring water. After the period of the experiment, we drew blood samples from both groups and measured their serum leptin and IGF-1 levels using ELISA. RESULTS: The serum leptin level (pg/ml) was 964.04+/-127.77 in Group 1, and 531.92+/-151.04 in Group 2, allowing us to confirm that it was significantly less in those that drank the selenium-rich hot spring water (p<0.05). Also, the serum IGF-1 levels (pg/ml) were 1,247.72+/-53.85 and 933.03+/-113.69 in Groups 1 and 2, respectively, which again, illustrated the significantly lower level in those rats that were given selenium-rich hot spring water (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Significantly decreased serum levels of leptin and IGF-1 were observed in rats that drank selenium-rich hot spring water. A study of the long-term effect of selenium-rich hot spring water on prostate cancer is necessary; if it is indeed proven to have long-term effects, we believe it will become valuable in clinical practice.

Biological response of primary rat calvarial cell by surface treatment of Ti-8Ta-8Nb alloy / 대한치주과학회지

PURPOSE: Ti-6Al-4V alloy is widely used as an implant material because of its good biocompatibility and good mechanical property compared with commercial pure titanium. Otherwise, toxicity of aluminum and vanadium in vivo has been reported. Ti-8Ta-3Nb alloy is recently developed in the R&D Center for Ti and Special Alloys and it was reported that this alloy has high mechanical strength, no cytotoxicity and similar biocompatibility to commercial pure titanium, but many studies are needed for its clinical use. In these experiment, we carried out different surface treatment on each Ti-8Ta-3Nb alloy disks, then cultured cell on it and assessed biological response. MATERIALS AND METHODS: cpTi, Ti-6Al-4V, Ti-8Ta-3Nb alloy disks were prepared and carried out sandblasting and acid etching (SLA) or alkali-heat treatment (AH) on the Ti-8Ta-3Nb alloy disks. We cultured primary rat calvarial cells on each surface and assessed early cell attachment and proliferation by scanning electron microscopy, cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity. RESULT: The rates of cell proliferation on the cpTi, Ti-8Ta-3Nb AH disks were higher than others (p<0.05) and alkaline phosphatase activity was significantly enhanced on the Ti-8Ta-3Nb AH disks (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Most favorable cell response was shown on the Ti-8Ta-3Nb AH surfaces. It is supposed that alkali-heat treatment of the Ti-8Ta-3Nb alloy could be induced earlier bone healing and osseointegration than smooth surface.

Solidification/stabilization of heavy metals from air heater washing wastewater treatment in thermal power plants

In the present investigation, for the first time in Iran, dewatered sludge waste from air heater washing wastewater treatment of a thermal power plant was subjected to investigation of the cement base stabilization and solidification experiments in order to reduce the mobility of heavy and other hazardous metals as well as increasing the compressive strength of the solidified product for possible reuse of the waste. The solidification was done with two cement based mix designs with different waste/cement ratio is different samples. The results of leaching test on the solidified samples revealed that regarding the sand-cement mixture even with 25% waste/cement ratio, the leaching of heavy metals has completely been controlled up to 95%. In cement stabilization process the leaching of V, Ni, Zn and Cr could be decreased from 314.1, 209.1, 24.8 and 5.5 mg/L respectively in the raw waste to 6, 32.1, 3.6 and 3.6 mg/L in a mixture with 20% waste/cement ratio. During stabilization with cement-sand, the TCLP leachate contents of mentioned metals have been decreased to 4.2, 16.2, 2.5 and 2.2 mg/L with waste/cement ratio of 20%. X-ray diffraction studies showed that portlandite, calcite, lime, larnite and quartz have been shaped during the stabilization process. The compressive strength test results revealed that in both mixture samples, decreasing the compressive strength with increasing the amount of waste content in the mixture occurs. In sand-cement solidified samples with waste/cement ratio 25% and in cement solidified samples with waste/cement ratio 20%, a 40% decrease occurs in the compressive strength in comparison with the waste free mixtures

Chelation therapy and vanadium: effect on reproductive organs in rats.

Present investigation was planned to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of chelating agents against vanadium intoxication on blood and reproductive organs of rats. Male and female albino rats were injected vanadyl sulphate (7.5 mg/kg, po, for 21 days, 5 days in a week). Chelating agents tiron (T) alone and in combination with lipoic acid (LA), vitamin E (vit E) and selenium (Se) were given for 2 days/week. With the administration of vanadyl sulphate to rats fructose level in seminal vesicles was significantly (P< or =0.05) declined. The activities of alkaline phosphatase and adenosine triphosphatase were also decreased, whereas glycogen content and acid phosphatase activity increased in testis, seminal vesicles, ovaries and uterus after toxicant exposure. Significant changes in serum transaminases, serum alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase were recouped by chelation therapy. Lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione level and triglycerides levels altered significantly after exposure to vanadium in rats. The ultrastructural damage in spermatogenic stages in treated animals showed recovery pattern after therapy. Co-treatment with antioxidants restored these activities. The most effective combination was tiron + selenium followed by tiron + vitamin E, and tiron + lipoic acid.

Determination of trace elements in 13 traditional Chinese medicines in medicated diet for diabetes mellitus by ICP-MS / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate six trace elements including Cr, Zn, Mn, Se, Cu and V of 13 traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) commonly used in diet therapy of diabetes mellitus.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The samples were prepared through digesting in a microwave oven and determined with Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS).</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The correlative coefficients of the calibration curves were above 0.999. Standard addition recovery was 88.7% - 110.0% and RSD < or = 7.0%. Under the given analytical conditions, the results obtained showed that the contents of the six trace elements varied in these TCM samples, for element Cr, ranging between 0-11.82 microg x g(-1), Mn in 4.36-564.3 microg x g(-1), Cu in 0.55-13.34 microg x g(-1), Zn in 3.19-86.23 microg x g(-1) Se in 0-0.39 microg x g(-1) and V in 0.05-12.04 microg x g(-1), respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The possible relationship between the content of the six trace elements and 13 TCM samples for dietetic therapy of diabetes mellitus was also discussed.</p>

Effect of vanadium, radish and dill on some nutritional and biochemical parameters in diabetic rats

The present study was designed to investigate the effect of the vanadium pentaoxide and vegetables rich source in nadium as dill and radish on the nutritional status, some biochemical parameters and the histology of pancreas on streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Forty-eight adult male rats, weighing 115 +/- 8 g rats were classified into control group and seven streptozotocin induced diabetic rat groups [untreated, treated with high, low vanadium, radish, dill, and low vanadium with dill or with radish groups]. The results revealed that, the untreated diabetic rat groups had a significant lower values of the final body weight, weight gain and its percentage, food intake, FER, insulin, triglyceride, AST/ALT ratio, total protein, globulin and HDL-c but significant increase in glucose, cholesterol, TG, LDL-c, urea and creatinine when compared with control group. The consumption of low vanadium with dill or radish to diabetic rat groups showed non significant difference in final body weight, weight gain and its percentage. food intake- FER, hemoglobin, PCV, cholesterol, TG, LDL-c, HDL-c, total protein, globulin, urea and creatinine, AST and ALT when compared with control group. Compared with untreated diabetic rats group, there were a significant increase in final body weight, weight gain, food intake, food efficiency ratio and globulin but significant decreased in cholesterol, LDL-c, urea and creatinine in all treated rats groups. Triglyceride increased in dill and radish groups. HDL-c decreased in dill group. High vanadium and low vanadium with dill or radish treated groups showed significant decreased in ALT and significant increased in AST/ALT ratio and total protein. There was non-significant difference in hemoglobin, packed cell volume, glucose, insulin and albumin among all treated rats group.lt is concluded that vanadium and its natural sources as dill or radish have hypoglycemic effect and beneficial for diabetic cases

Comparative effects of copper, iron, vanadium and titanium on low density lipoprotein oxidation in vitro

Oxidation of low density lipoprotein [LDL] has been strongly implicated in the phathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The use of oxidants in dietary food stuff may lead to the production of oxidized LDL and may increase both the development and the progression of atherosclerosis. The present work investigated the effects of some elements including: copper [Cu], iron [Fe], vanadium [V] and titanium [Ti] on in vitro LDL oxidation quantitatively. The first LDL fraction was isolated from fresh plasma by single vertical discontinuous density gradient ultracentrifugation. The formation of conjugated dienes and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and increase in electrophoretic mobility of LDL were monitored as markers of the oxidation of LDL. It was demonstrated that Cu, Fe, V and Ti exhibited strong oxidant activity in this respect [P<0.001]. Oxidation of LDL in the presence of Cu was more and appeared to be in this order Cu>Fe> V>Ti. Discussion: Cu, Fe, V and Ti are redox-active transition metals that may cause oxidative damage to lipids, proteins and DNA molecules. We suggest that these elements may also influence the oxidation of LDL in vivo, which could increase both the development and progression of atherosclerosis

El vanadio, un elemento ambiguo / Vanadium, an ambiguous element

El vanadio (V) se encuentra en 68 minerales diferentes, en los combustibles derivados del petróleo y el carbón y se utiliza principalmente en la industria metalúrgica. Para los humanos, la principal fuente de exposición al V es la contaminación atmosférica producida por la quema de combustibles. En los animales se ha demostrado que algunos compuestos del V son hepatotóxicos, nefrotóxicos, neurotóxicos, carcinogénicos y que afectan a la reproducción y al desarrollo de los fetos y lactantes. Sin embargo, los efectos toxicológicos finales, motivo de preocupación para las personas son la genotoxicidad y la irritación de las vías respiratorias. Por otra parte, los compuestos del V han sido objeto de investigación como agentes que disminuyen los niveles séricos de glucosa, como antihipertensivos, como anorexígenos y como anticancerígenos. El V, de efectos biológicos notables, debe ser más estudiado con el fin de conocer los mecanismos de su acción biológica y para poder determinar tanto los riesgos a su exposición como sus posibles usos farmacológicos en beneficio humano.

Vanadium (V) occurs in about 68 minerals and in fossil fuels and it is mainly used in steel industry. Air pollution produced by oil and coal burning is the main exposure source for human beings. Reproductive and developmental toxicity, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity and carcinogenicity have been found in some vanadium compound exposed animals. Nevertheless, the toxicological end-points of concern for humans are genotoxicity and respiratory tract irritation. On the other hand, V compounds have been studied as anti-diabetic, as antihypertensive, as anorexigen and as anti-carcinogenic. V, which has remarkable biological effects should be studied in order to elucidate its biological mechanisms and to determine either its expositional risks or its pharmacological properties for human benefit.

Determination of vanadium accumulation in onion root cells (Allium cepa L) and its correlation with toxicity

The vanadium is a metal that presents great interest from the toxicological point of view, because of the numerous alterations that can take place in different biological systems. This work evaluated the capacity of vanadium accumulation and its correlation with genotoxic effects in root cells of Allium cepa L. The bulbs were cultivated in renovated filtered water each 24 h, at a temperature of 25 +/- 0.5 degrees C, in darkness and constant aeration. Treatments were carried out under the same experimental conditions, using water solutions of vanadium of 25, 50, 75 and 100 microg/g for 0, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h. A control was carried out where metal solution was substituted by distilled water. After the treatment, the meristems were fixed with alcohol--acetic acid (3:1) and stained according to the technique of Feulge n. The capacity of accumulation was determined by GFAAS. The analysis of the results revealed an accumulation of the metal for all times and concentrations. No correlation was presented among vanadium accumulation, growth and mitotic index; however, positive correlation was given with the induction of chromosomic aberrations. In conclusion, vanadium is able to induce cytotoxic effect in the exposed roots, but only genotoxic effect was correlated with metal accumulation.

Amelioration of altered antioxidant status and membrane linked functions by vanadium and Trigonella in alloxan diabetic rat brains.

Trigonella foenum graecum seed powder (TSP) and sodium orthovanadate (SOV) have been reported to have antidiabetic effects. However, SOV exerts hypoglycemic effects at relatively high doses with several toxic effects. We used low doses of vanadate in combination with TSP and evaluated their antidiabetic effects on anti-oxidant enzymes and membrane-linked functions in diabetic rat brains. In rats, diabetes was induced by alloxan monohydrate (15 mg/100 g body wt.) and they were treated with 2 IU insulin, 0.6 mg/ml SOV, 5% TSP and a combination of 0.2 mg/ml SOV with 5% TSP for 21 days. Blood glucose levels, activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Na+/K+ ATPase, membrane lipid peroxidation and fluidity were determined in different fractions of whole brain after 21 days of treatment. Diabetic rats showed high blood glucose (P less than 0.001), decreased activities of SOD, catalase and Na+/K+ ATPase (P less than 0.01, P less than 0.001 and P less than 0.01), increased levels of GPx and MDA (P less than 0.01 and P less than 0.001) and decreased membrane fluidity (P less than 0.01). Treatment with different antidiabetic compounds restored the above-altered parameters. Combined dose of Trigonella and vanadate was found to be the most effective treatment in normalizing these alterations. Lower doses of vanadate could be used in combination with TSP to effectively counter diabetic alterations without any toxic effects.

Modulation effect of bis (alpha-furancarboxylato) oxovanadium (IV) on blood glucose in diabetic rats / 药学学报

<p><b>AIM</b>To study the hypoglycemic effect of bis (alpha-furancarboxylato) oxovanadium (IV) (VO-FA) in normal rats and streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Rats were injected intraperitoneally STZ 50 mg.kg(-1) to induce diabetes. Blood glucose, glycohemoglobin, glycogen and serum insulin were observed after administering intragastrically VO-FA for four weeks.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After 2 weeks administration, VO-FA reduced the blood glucose in STZ-rats (P < 0. 01) dose-dependently, and up to 4 weeks the blood glucose was normalized (below 11.1 mmol.L(-1)) in some of STZ-rats, whereas did not decrease in normal rats. After administration of VO-FA at the dosage of 56.8 and 113.6 mg.kg(-1), the serum insulin levels were lowered in normal rats and STZ-rats, respectively. Moreover, VO-FA reduced glycohemoglobin, improved the glucose tolerance, and increased the liver glycogen and muscle glycogen contents in STZ-rats in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0. 05, P < 0. 01), but not in normal rats.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>VO-FA could improve the glycometabolism in STZ-rats, but not in normal rats.</p>