Abstract
This study examined the effects of vanadyl sulfate (VOSO
4
) on the livers of nondiabetic and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Rats were divided into 6 groups. Groups 1, 2, and 3 consisted of nondiabetic rats that were, respectively, control animals or those receiving an intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of either 5 or 10 mg·kg
−1
(i.p.) VOSO
4
for 30 days. Groups 4, 5, and 6 consisted of diabetic animals that were, respectively, control animals or those treated with 5 or 10 mg·kg
−1
(i.p.) VOSO
4
for 30 days. Results showed that VOSO
4
reduced body mass in nondiabetic rats, whereas it increased body mass in diabetic groups. Plasma transaminases (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase), lactate dehydrogenase, and alkaline phosphatase activities and malondialdehyde levels were increased, while liver catalase and superoxide dismutase activities were profoundly decreased in diabetic animals in comparison with enzyme activities in the nondiabetic group. Rats in the diabetic group also showed notable oxidative damage to the liver. Treatment of diabetic rats with VOSO
4
decreased the hepatotoxic markers, significantly restored the activities of antioxidant enzymes, and attenuated histopathological changes in liver tissue. In nondiabetic rats, VOSO
4
treatment increased most of the hepatotoxic markers, reduced antioxidant enzyme activities, and induced pronounced oxidative damage in liver tissue. These data suggest that treatment with VOSO
4
exerts toxic effects in healthy animals and significantly prevents liver oxidative damage in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, but without total safety. Further studies are needed to clarify its mechanism of action.