LAUSR

Background 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 non-diabetic rats which was attenuated by vanadium complex administration. Furthermore, vanadium treated groups presented with an augmented RBC count, haematocrit, haemoglobin concentration, MCHC, MCV, and (EPO) levels compared to diabetic control. An increase in annexin V expression hence cell survival was observed in vanadium complex treated rats. Lastly, the administration of the complex improved antioxidant status as evidenced by increases in SOD and GPx concentration in plasma and in the kidneys. Conclusion The administration of the anti-hyperglycaemic dioxidovanadium(V) complex improved haematological parameters, cell survival and the antioxidant status displayed by the diabetic rats. These results give an indication that the complex might be an effective alternative therapeutic drug for the treatment of hyperglycaemia in DM.