Potentiation of adipogenesis and insulinomimetic effects of a novel vanadium complex (N′-[(E)-(5-bromo-2oxophenyl)methylidene]-4methoxybenzohydrazide)oxido(1,10phenanthroline)vanadium(IV) in 3T3-L1 cells

Recent research on the action of vanadium compounds shows its important effect on adipogenesis processes and adipocyte function. On the basis of previous screening tests in cellular models, the novel vanadium complex (N′-[(E)-(5-bromo-2-oxophenyl)methylidene]4-methoxybenzohydrazide)oxido(1,10-phenanthroline)vanadium(IV) was selected for this study. This complex exhibits potent inhibition of tyrosine phosphatases, and differences in the degree of inhibition were observed particularly for phosphatases. A significant increase in intracellular lipid accumulation and proliferative effect on 3T3-L1 preadipocytes confirmed the ability of this complex to enhance adipogenesis. The insulinomimetic activity of the tested complex was also demonstrated in fully differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes, in which glucose utilization was potentiated. The obtained results support the hypothesis that vanadium complexes show promising possibilities for use as new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.