A new type of orally active anti-diabetic Zn(II)-dithiocarbamate complex

In order to find orally active Zn(II) complexes that can treat diabetes mellitus (DM) at low doses, four new Zn(II)-dithiocarbamate complexes with Zn(II)-sulfur coordination bonds were prepared and their in vitro insulinomimetic activity and in vivo anti-diabetic ability were evaluated. Among the Zn(II)-dithiocarbamate complexes, the bis(pyrrolidine-N-dithiocarbamate)zinc(II) (Zn(pdc)2) complex was found to be the most effective in terms of inhibiting free fatty acid-release and enhancing glucose-uptake in adipocytes. After oral administration of the Zn(pdc)2 complex to KK-Ay mice with obesity and type 2 DM, we observed that the high blood glucose levels in the mice were lowered from approximately 500 mg/dL to 350 mg/dL within 6 days, and the effect was maintained during the administration period. Also, indicators of insulin resistance such as serum insulin, leptin, and triglyceride levels were also reduced compared with those in untreated mice. Moreover, the Zn(pdc)2 complex improved not only the hypertension in the mice, but also the adiponectin level in the serum. On the basis of the results, the Zn(pdc)2 complex is proposed to improve hyperglycemia and insulin resistance in type 2 DM animals on daily oral administrations.