E. Tsiani, E. Tsiani, I. G. Fantus
Mar 1, 1997
Citations
3
Influential Citations
140
Citations
Quality indicators
Journal
Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism
Abstract
Vanadium is an element found in low concentrations in mammals, for which a function remains to be discovered. Over the past centu~, vanadium compounds have been suggested anecdotally as therapeutic agents for a variety of diseases. The discovery that vanadate inhibits various enzymes, in particular protein tyrosine phosphatases, and mimics many of the biological actions of insulin suggested a potential role in the the~apyof diabetes mellitus. Successful use and an enhancement of insulin sensitivity in rodents and human diabetic subjects, as well as the finding that these agents are capable of stimulating metabolic effects while bypassing the insulin receptor and the early steps in insulin action, target these agents preferentially toward type II diabetes mellitus. Long-term safety ~emains a major concern, as tissue accumulation and relativenonspecificity of enzyme inhibition may result in adverse effects. Continued research into mechanism of action, consequences of chronic administration, and improvement of specificity is warranted.Regardlessof their ultimate success or failure as therapeutic agents, vanadium compounds continue to be useful probes of enzyme structure and function in van”ous biological processes. (Trends En-