Biochemical and histopathological effects of low dose vanadium in the healing of acetic acid-induced colitis in male wistar rats.

Objectives: Vanadium has been reported to possess relevant therapeutic properties such as anti-diabetic and anti-tumoral. This study aimed at determining the effects of vanadium on experimentally induced colitis in rats.

Methods: Forty-five male Wistar rats (103 ± 3.90 g, n=15) were used for this study and were divided into three groups. Group 1 (Untreated control) had nothing added to their drinking, while groups 2 and 3 received sodium metavanadate at a dose of 50 and 200 mg/L respectively in their drinking water for 10 weeks. Colitis was thereafter induced by intra colonic administration of 1.50 mL of 6% acetic acid. Animals were sacrificed on day 0 (pre-induction), three- and seven-days post induction. Blood samples were collected for haematological variables and the distal 8 cm of the colon was collected for macroscopic, histological and biochemical (malondialdehyde-MDA, superoxide dismutase-SOD, catalase-CAT, glutathione peroxidase- GPx and nitrite concentration- NO) assessment.

Results: Low dose vanadium proved beneficial in ameliorating acetic acid-induced colitis by improving both histopathological and haematological changes. Gross observation showed a faster healing rate in vanadium treated groups (50 and 200 mg/L) compared with untreated control at day 3 (40 and 26.20 vs. 2.50%) and day 7 (80 and 66.70 vs. 42%) respectively. Vanadium also appears to exert its beneficial effects on acetic acid-induced colitis via up regulation of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx) and NO while decreasing the over production of MDA.

Conclusions: Vanadium at small concentration functions as an essential trace element and may be able to promote healing process during ulcerative colitis.