Salicylamide and salicylglycine oxidovanadium complexes with insulin-mimetic properties

Reaction of N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-N-(2-picolyl) glycine (H₂papy) with VOSO₄ in water gives the oxidovanadium(V) oxido-bridged dimer [{(papy)(VO)}₂ μ-O)] (1). Similarly, reaction of N-(2-hydroxybenzyl) glycine (H₂glysal) with VOSO₄ gives [(glysal)VO(H₂O)] (2) and reaction of salicylamide (Hsalam) with VOSO₄ in methanol gives [(salam)₂VO] (3). The crystal structure of the oxido-bridged complex 1 is reported. The insulin-mimetic activity of all three complexes was evaluated with respect to their ability to phosphorylate protein kinase B (PKB). The speciations of complexes 1 and 2 were studied over the pH range 2-10. Complex 1 shows greater stability over the whole pH range but only 2 and 3 exhibit an insulin-mimetic effect.     

In vitro study of the insulin-like action of vanadyl-pyrone and -pyridinone complexes with a VO(O4) coordination mode

The insulin-like action of a novel class of potential insulin-mimetic complexes was investigated in terms of free fatty acid (FFA) release from isolated rat adipocytes. Vanadyl complexes such as VO(ema)2 [(bis(2-ethyl-3-hydroxy-4-pyrone)VO], VO(mpp)2 [bis (3-hydroxy-2-methyl-4(1H)-pyridinone)VO], VO(dmpp)2 [bis(1,2-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-4(1H)-pyridinone)VO] and VO(empp)2 [bis(2-ethyl-3-hydroxy-1-methyl-4(1H)-pyridinone)VO] were tested together with vanadyl sulfate for comparison. The inhibitory effect of the vanadium complexes on FFA release, from rat adipocytes treated with epinephrine, is dependent on concentration and for that reason the results are reported in terms of the IC50 value, the 50% inhibition concentration. The results show that all the complexes have an inhibitory effect on FFA release and that two pyridinone complexes, VO(mpp)2 and VO(empp)2, have a significantly better insulin-mimetic activity than that of vanadyl sulfate.     

Syntheses of vanadyl and zinc(II) complexes of 1-hydroxy-4,5,6-substituted 2(1H)-pyrimidinones and their insulin-mimetic activities

Control of the glucose level in the blood plasma has been achieved in vitro and in vivo by administration of vanadium and zinc in form of inorganic salts. It has been shown that elements are poorly absorbed in their inorganic forms and required high doses which have been associated with undesirable side effects. Many researchers, therefore, have focused on metal complexes that were prepared from VOSO(4) or ZnSO(4) and low-molecular-weight bidentate ligands. Seven kinds of 1-hydroxy-4,6-disubstituted and 1-hydroxy-4,5,6-trisubstituted-2(1H)-pyrimidinones were synthesized by reaction of N-benzyloxyurea and beta-diketones and subsequent removal of the protecting group. Six kinds of 1-hydroxy-4-(substituted)amino-2(1H)-pyrimidinones were synthesized by the substitution reaction of 1-benzyloxy-4-(1',2',4'-triazol-1'-yl)-2(1H)-pyrimidinone with various alkyl amines or amino acids. Treatment with VOSO(4) and ZnSO(4) or Zn(OAc)(2) afforded vanadyl(IV) and zinc(II) complexes which were characterized by means of (1)H NMR, IR, EPR, and UV-vis spectroscopies, and combustion analysis. The in vitro insulin-mimetic activity of these complexes was evaluated from 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC(50)) on free fatty acid (FFA) release from isolated rat adipocytes treated with epinephrine. Vanadyl complexes of 4,6-disubstituted-2(1H)-pyrimidinones showed higher insulin-mimetic activities than those of 4,5,6-trisubstituted ones. On the other hand, Zn(II) complexes showed lower insulin-mimetic activities than VOSO(4) and ZnSO(4) as positive controls. It was found that the balance of the hydrophilicity and/or hydrophobicity is important for higher insulin-mimetic activity. The in vivo insulin-mimetic activity was evaluated with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Blood glucose levels were lowered from hyperglycemic to normal levels after the treatment with bis(1,2-dihydro-4,6-dimethyl-2-oxo-1-pyrimidinolato)oxovanadium(IV) by daily intraperitoneal injections. The improvement in glucose tolerance was also confirmed by an oral glucose tolerance test.     

Syntheses, structures and magnetic properties of two new metal complexes based on a pyridyl-diphosphonate ligand

Two new first-raw transition metal diphosphonate complexes, namely, {[Ni₃([hpyedpH)₂(H₂O)₄]·(H₂O)₂}_n (1) and [Mn[hpyedpH₂](H₂O)]_n (2), based on a multidentate ligand 1-hydroxy-2-(3-pyridyl)-ethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid (hpyedpH₄) have been synthesized under hydrothermal reaction and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy and element analyses. The data reveals that complex 1 is a 2D layer structure, whereas the complex 2 possesses a 1D motif. The powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) patterns for complexes 1 and 2 were collected as well, which match well with the ones calculated from their single-crystal structure data. Magnetic measurements show that complex 1 is a ferrimagnet with T_c = 5.0 K. Magnetic studies of complex 2 indicate antiferromagnetic behavior.     

Increased accumulation of indole alkaloids by some cell lines of Catharanthus roseus in response to addition of vanadyl sulphate

Vanadyl sulphate (10–500 mg/l), when added to cell suspension cultures of Catharanthus roseus stimulated increased intracellular accumulation of catharanthine and ajmalicine. This response was demonstrated in both flask and fermenter (30 litre) systems. The response varied, and depended upon cell line, concentration of vanadyl sulphate and the stage of the growth phase at which the cells were treated. This process has the potential to increase the yield and reduce the production time for commercially useful secondary plant metabolites.Abbreviations Ajm ajmalicine - Cath catharanthine - CAS ceric ammonium sulphate - VOSO₄ vanadyl sulphate - FW fresh weight - n.d. not detected     

A new insulin-mimetic bis(allixinato)zinc(II) complex: structure–activity relationship of zinc(II) complexes

During the investigation of the development of insulin-mimetic zinc(II) complexes with a blood glucose-lowering effect in experimental diabetic animals, we found a potent bis(maltolato)zinc(II) complex, Zn(ma)₂, exhibiting significant insulin-mimetic effects in a type 2 diabetic animal model. By using this Zn(ma)₂ as the leading compound, we examined the in vitro and in vivo structure–activity relationships of Zn(ma)₂ and its related complexes. The in vitro insulin-mimetic activity of these complexes was determined by the inhibition of free fatty acid release and the enhancement of glucose uptake in isolated rat adipocytes treated with epinephrine. A new Zn(II) complex with allixin isolated from garlic, Zn(alx)₂, exhibited the highest insulin-mimetic activity among the complexes analyzed. The insulin-mimetic activity of the Zn(II) complexes examined strongly correlated (correlation coefficient=0.96) with the partition coefficient (logP) of the ligand, indicating that the activity of Zn(ma)₂-related complexes depends on the lipophilicity of the ligand. The blood glucose-lowering effects of Zn(alx)₂ and Zn(ma)₂ were then compared, and both complexes were found to normalize hyperglycemia in KK-A^y mice after a 14-day course of daily intraperitoneal injections. However, Zn(alx)₂ improved glucose tolerance in KK-A^y mice much more than did Zn(ma)₂, indicating that Zn(alx)₂ possesses greater in vivo anti-diabetic activity than Zn(ma)₂. In addition, Zn(alx)₂ improved leptin resistance and suppressed the progress of obesity in type 2 diabetic KK-A^y mice. On the basis of these observations, we conclude that the Zn(alx)₂ complex is a novel potent candidate for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.Electronic Supplementary Material Supplementary material is available in the online version of this article at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00775-004-0590-8     

Novel vanadyl complexes with quinoxaline N(1),N(4)-dioxide derivatives as potent in vitro insulin-mimetic compounds

As a contribution to the development of novel vanadyl complexes with potential insulin-mimetic activity, three new oxovanadium(IV) complexes with the formula VO(L)(2), where L are 3-amino-quinoxaline-2-carbonitrile N(1),N(4)-dioxide derivatives, have been synthesized. Complexes have been characterized by elemental and thermal analyses, fast atom bombardment mass spectroscopy (FAB-MS), conductivity measurements and electronic, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopies. The in vitro insulin-mimetic activity of the vanadyl complexes has been estimated by lipolysis inhibition tests, in which the inhibition of the release of free fatty acid from isolated rat adipocytes treated with epinephrine was determined. All the complexes showed inhibitory effects on free fatty acid release. [V(IV)O(3-amino-6(7)-bromoquinoxaline-2-carbonitrile N(1),N(4)-dioxide)(2)] exhibited higher in vitro insulin-mimetic activity than the very active bis(6-methylpicolinato)oxovanadium(IV), VO(6mpa)(2). This new vanadyl complex is expected to exhibit a higher blood glucose lowering activity than VO(6mpa)(2) in diabetic animals.     

Studies on the Reduction of 2,6-Dichlorophenolindophenol by 6-Substituted 3-Hydroxy-4-Pyrones,Using a Stopped-flow Method

The reduction of 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol (DCIP) by 6-substituted 3-hydroxy-4-pyrones was studied in the pH range of 3.0 to 7.8, using a stopped-flow apparatus.

1) Kinetic characteristics of 6-substituted 3-hydroxy-4-pyrones are shown as the apparent first-order rate constant, K_app, or the second-order rate constant, k. The plot of log k against pH was different from those obtained for the reactions of L-ascorbic acid and triose reductone with DCIP.

2) The log (k/k_H) of 6-substituted 3-hydroxy-4-pyrone solutions at acidic pHs have been correlated with Δδ_C?3 values for 3-hydroxy-4-pyrone.     

Synthesis, crystal structures and luminescent properties of zinc and manganese complexes from Demko-Sharpless reaction

The synthesis and crystal structure of two new complexes (Zn and Mn) containing tetrazolyl ligands are described. In situ [2+3] cycloaddition reactions of fipronil, (fipronil = (±)-5-amino-1-[2,6-dichloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-4-[(trifluoromethyl)sulfinyl]-1H-pyrazole-3-carbonitrile) with sodium azide in the presence of ZnCl₂ or MnCl₂ as a Lewis acid (Demko-Sharpless tetrazole synthesis method) under hydrothermal (solvothermal) reaction conditions gave [Zn(L)₂](H₂O)₂] · H₂O, 1 and [Mn(L)₂](H₂O)₂] · H₂O, 2, (HL = (±)-5-amino-1-[2,6-dichloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-4-[(trifluoromethyl)sulfinyl]-1H-pyrazole-3-tetrazole). The central metals in both complexes are six coordinated, which connected by two water molecules, two nitrogen atoms from different tetrazolyl groups and two nitrogen atoms from pyrazolyl rings respectively. Photoluminescence studies reveal that both title complexes exhibit strong blue fluorescent emissions at λ_max = 383 nm for 1 and 411 nm for 2 respectively in the solid state at room temperature.     

Anti-diabetic effects of sodium 4-amino-2,6-dipicolinatodioxovanadium(V) dihydrate in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

The evaluation of the anti-diabetic effects of an organic vanadium(V) complex in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats was investigated. The STZ-induced diabetic rats were orally administrated with sodium 4-amino-2,6-dipicolinatodioxovanadium(V) dihydrate (V5dipic-NH₂), a vanadium(V) coordination compound. The compound was administered through drinking water at a concentration of 0.1 mg/mL for 20 days, and then the concentration was increased to 0.3 mg/mL for the following 20 days. At the end of the experiment, V5dipic-NH₂ statistically significantly reduced the levels of blood glucose (P < 0.01), serum total cholesterol (P < 0.01), triglycerides (P < 0.01) and the activities of serum aspartate amino transferase (P < 0.05) and alkaline phosphatase (P < 0.01) compared to untreated diabetic animals. After treatment with 0.3 mg/mL V5dipic-NH₂, the oral glucose tolerance was improved in diabetic animals (P < 0.01). In addition, the daily intake of elemental vanadium was markedly decreased in V5dipic-NH₂-treated diabetic rats compared to vanadyl sulfate (VOSO₄)-treated diabetic rats, which suggested that the anti-diabetic activity of the element vanadium was elevated after being modified with an organic ligand. These results suggested that V5dipic-NH₂, as an organic vanadium compound, is more effective than inorganic vanadium salt at alleviating the symptoms of diabetes.     

N,N′-bis(2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)-1,3-diaminopropane dimeric 4f and 3d-4f heterodinuclear complexes: Syntheses, crystal structures and magnetic properties

Three novel N,N′-bis(2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)-1,3-diaminopropane dimeric lanthanide complexes, namely, [{H₂L}Sm(NO₃)₃]₂·H₂O (1), [{H₂L}Gd(NO₃)₃]₄·CH₃OH (2), [{H₂L}Lu(NO₃)₃]₄·H₂O (3) (H₂L = N,N′-bis(2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)-1,3-diaminopropane) and three new N,N′-bis(2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)-1,3-diaminopropane 3d-Gd heterodinuclear complexes, namely, [{LCo}(CH₃COO)(CH₃COOH)Gd(NO₃)₂] (4), [{LNi(MeOH)₂}Gd(NO₃)₃]·2MeOH (5) and [{(L)Zn(HNO₃)}Gd(NO₃)₃]·NO₃·H₃O·MeOH (6) have been synthesized and isolated. X-ray crystallographical analysis reveals that complexes 1-3 are isomorphic with unique dimeric topology. Complexes 4-6 are of discrete 3d-4f dinuclear cores. Magnetic properties of complexes 2 and 4-6 are systematically investigated. Complexes 4 and 5 are ferromagnetic, while 2 and 6 are antiferromagnetic.     

Calorimetric studies of the interaction between the insulin-enhancing drug candidate bis(maltolato)oxovanadium(IV) (BMOV) and human serum apo-transferrin

Bis(maltolato)oxovanadium(IV) (BMOV), and its ethylmaltol analog, bis(ethylmaltolato)oxovanadium(IV) (BEOV), are candidate insulin-enhancing agents for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus; in mid-2008, BEOV advanced to phase II clinical testing. The interactions of BMOV and its inorganic congener, vanadyl sulfate (VOSO₄), with human serum apo-transferrin (hTf) were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Addition of BMOV or VOSO₄ to apo-hTf resulted in an increase in thermal stability of both the C- and N-lobes of transferrin as a result of binding to either vanadyl compound. A series of DSC thermograms of hTf solutions containing different molar ratios of BMOV and VOSO₄ were used to determine binding constants; at 25 °C the binding constants of BMOV to the C- and N-lobes of apo-hTf were found to be 3 (±1) × 10⁵ and 1.8 (±0.7) × 10⁵ M⁻¹, respectively. The corresponding values for VOSO₄ were 1.7 (±0.3) × 10⁵ and 7 (±2) × 10⁴ M⁻¹. The results show that the vanadium species initially presented as either BMOV or VOSO₄ had similar affinities for human serum transferrin due to oxidation of solvated vanadyl(IV) prior to complexation to transferrin. Binding of metavanadate () was confirmed by DSC and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) experiments of the interaction between sodium metavanadate (NaVO₃) and hTf.     

Synthesis,characterization and DNA binding studies of platinum(II) complexes with benzimidazole derivative ligands

The aim of this study was to synthesize and evaluate plasmid DNA interaction of new platinum(II) complexes with some 2-substituted benzimidazole derivatives as carrier ligands which may have potent anticancer activity and low toxicity. Twelve benzimidazole derivatives carrying indole, 2-/or 3-/or 4-methoxyphenyl, 4-methylphenyl, 3,4-dimethoxyphenyl, 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl, 4-methoxybenzyl, 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyl, 3,4,5-trimethoxystyryl, 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzylthio or dimethylamino ethyl groups in their position 2 and twelve platinum(II) complexes with these carrier ligands were synthesized. The chemical structure of the platinum complexes have been characterized by their elemental analysis and FIR, ¹H NMR and mass spectra and their ¹H NMR and FIR spectra were interpreted by comparison with those of the ligands. The interaction of all the ligands and their complexes with plasmid DNA and their restriction endonuclease reactions by BamHI and HindIII enzymes were studied by agarose gel electrophoresis. It was determined that complex 1 [dichloro-di(2-(1H-indole-3-yl)benzimidazole)platinum(II)·2H₂O] has stronger interaction than carboplatin and complex 10 [dichloro-di(2-(3,4,5-trimethoxystyryl)benzimidazole)platinum(II)·2H₂O] has stronger interaction than both carboplatin and cisplatin with plasmid DNA.     

Synthesis and in vitro insulin-mimetic activities of zinc(ii) complexes of ethyl 2,5-dihydro-4-hydroxy-5-oxo-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylates

Several Zn(II) complexes (2a-e) of 1-arylmethyl-2,5-dihydro-4-hydroxy-5-oxo-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylates (1a-e), known drug candidates for diabetic complications, were synthesized and proved to have in vitro insulin-mimetic activities, suggesting that these complexes are potential chemotherapeutics that are effective against both diabetes and diabetic complications.     

Efficacy of Vanadyl Sulfate and Selenium Tetrachloride as Anti-Diabetic Agents against Hyperglycemia and Oxidative Stress Induced by Diabetes Mellitus in Male Rats

The use of metals in medicine has grown in popularity in clinical and commercial settings. In this study, the immune-protecting effects and the hypoglycemic and antioxidant activity of vanadyl sulfate (VOSO₄) and/or selenium tetrachloride (Se) on oxidative injury, DNA damage, insulin resistance, and hyperglycemia were assessed. Fifty male albino rats were divided into five groups, and all treatments were administrated at 9:00 a.m. daily for 60 successive days: control, STZ (Streptozotocin; 50 mg/kg of STZ was given to 6 h fasted animals in a single dose, followed by confirmation of diabetic state occurrence after 72 h by blood glucose estimation at >280 mg/dl), STZ (Diabetic) plus administration of VOSO₄ (15 mg/kg) for 60 days, STZ (Diabetic) plus administration of selenium tetrachloride (0.87 mg/Kg), and STZ plus VOSO₄ and, after 1/2 h, administration of selenium tetrachloride at the above doses. The test subjects’ blood glucose, insulin hormone, HbA1C, C-peptide, antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, myeloperoxidase, and xanthine oxidase), markers of lipid peroxidation (MDA), and histological sections of pancreatic tissues were evaluated, and a comet assay was performed. Histological sections in pancreas tissues were treated as indicators of both VOSO₄ and selenium tetrachloride efficacy, either alone or combined, for the alleviation of STZ toxicity. The genotoxicity of diabetes mellitus was assessed, and the possible therapeutic roles of VOSO₄ or selenium tetrachloride, or both, on antioxidant enzymes were studied. The findings show that the administration of VOSO₄ with selenium tetrachloride reduced oxidative stress to normal levels, lowered blood glucose levels, and elevated insulin hormone. Additionally, VOSO₄ with selenium tetrachloride had a synergistic effect and significantly decreased pancreatic genotoxicity. The data clearly show that both VOSO₄ and selenium tetrachloride inhibit pancreatic and DNA injury and improve the oxidative state in male rats, suggesting that the use of VOSO₄ with selenium tetrachloride is a promising synergistic potential ameliorative agent in the diabetic animal model.     

Quantitation of 1,4-Benzoxazin-3-ones in Maize by Gas-Liquid Chromatography

A gas-liquid chromatographic (GLC) procedure is reported for the quantitation of the trimethylsilyl (TMS) derivatives of substituted 2-hydroxy-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-ones (2-hydroxy-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one[HBOA]; 2-hydroxy-7-methoxy-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one[HMBOA];2,4- dihydroxy-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one[DIBOA]; 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one[DIMBOA]; and 2,4-dihydroxy-7,8-dimethoxy-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one[DIM ₂BOA]) found in maize (Zea mays L.) extracts. Derivatized samples were chromatographed on columns with liquid phases of 2% DC-11 and 3% OV-17 and detected by flame ionization. Internal standards were methyl palmitate and methyl stearate on DC-11 and methyl behenate on OV-17. Detector response was linear to at least 5 nanomoles for TMS₂-HBOA and TMS₂-DIBOA and to 19 nanomoles for TMS₂-DIMBOA. Standard errors of 2% or less were obtained when four replicate samples were analyzed. For each of the 15 maize lines examined, the amount of DIMBOA determined by GLC was directly proportional to the amount of ferric chloride-reactive material determined colorimetrically.     

Homogeneous green catalysts for olefin oxidation by mono oxovanadium(V) complexes of hydrazone Schiff base ligands

Three mono oxovanadium(V) complexes of tridentate Schiff base ligands [VO(OMe)L¹] (1), [VO(OMe)L²] (2) and [VO(OMe)L³] (3) obtained by monocondensation of 3-hydroxy-2-naphthohydrazide and aromatic o-hydroxyaldehydes have been synthesized (H₂L¹ = (E)-3-hydroxy-N′-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)-2-naphthohydrazide, H₂L² = (E)-3-hydroxy-N′-(2-hydroxybenzylidene)-2-naphthohydrazide and H₂L³ = (E)-N′-(5-bromo-2-hydroxybenzylidene)-3-hydroxy-2-naphthohydrazide). The complexes were characterized by spectroscopic methods in the solid state (IR) and in solution (UV-Vis, ¹H NMR). Single crystal X-ray analyses were performed with 1 and 2. The catalytic potential of these complexes has been tested for the oxidation of cyclooctene using H₂O₂ as the terminal oxidant. The effects of various parameters including the molar ratio of oxidant to substrate, the temperature, and the solvent have been studied. The catalyst 2 showed the most powerful catalytic activity in oxidation of various terminal, cyclic and phenyl substituted olefins. Excellent conversions have been obtained for the oxidation of cyclic and bicyclic olefins.     

Synthesis, crystal structures, and magnetic properties of new tetranuclear Cu(II) complexes of bis-bidentate Schiff-base ligands

Two tetranuclear copper(II) complexes with long rigid Schiff-base ligands [Cu₄(bmsbd)₂]·2DMF [H₂bmsbd = N,N′-bis-(3-methoxy-salicylidene)benzene-1,4-diamine] (1) and [Cu₄(besbd)₂]·DMF·5H₂O [H₂besbd = N,N′-bis-(3-methoxy-salicylidene)benzene-1,4-diamine] (2) have been synthesised and characterized. Single X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that both complexes exhibit interesting [2 × 2] molecular grid-like configuration assembled by four organic ligands in a head-to-tail mode to bind four copper(II) ions. Magnetic property investigations reveal weak antiferromagnetic interaction viaσ-bond pathway of long rigid Schiff-base ligand between the neighboring copper(II) ions in both complexes.     

Novel 3-hydroxy-4-pyridinonato oxidovanadium(IV) complexes to investigate structure/activity relationships

A previous evaluation of the insulin-like activity of three 3-hydroxy-4-pyridinonato oxidovanadium(IV) complexes raised questions about structure/activity relationships, namely the influence of the hydrophilic/lipophilic balance of the complex and the capacity of the ligand to stabilize the +4 oxidation state of vanadium ion, on achieving an positive effect. To address these questions, we synthesized six new oxidovanadium(IV) complexes with variable hydrophilic/lipophilic balance, obtained by introducing different substituents on the nitrogen atom, and used two 3-hydroxy-4-pyrones as starting reagents to provide methyl and ethyl groups in the ortho position of the ring. For the new and previously reported complexes, we studied the oxidation-reduction properties and insulin-like activity in terms of inhibitory effect on Free fatty acid (FFA) release in isolated rat adipocytes. The results obtained show that only one of the complexes, Bis(3-hydroxy-1(H)-2-methyl-4-pyridonato)oxidovanadium(IV), VO(mpp)₂, exhibits a significantly greater capacity to inhibit FFA release than VOSO₄ and consequently is worthy to be considered for further studies. The establishment of structure activity relationships was not attainable but this study brings new information about the influence of some properties of the compounds on the achievement of an insulin-like effect. The results reveal that: (i) the oxidation-reduction cycles of the complexes are identical; (ii) the presence of more lipophilic substituents on the nitrogen atom does not enhance insulin-like properties; (iii) a high solubility in water proved to be not sufficient for a positive activity in inhibiting FFA release; (iv) a small molecular size may be an important property for reaching the right targets.