General Description

Sodium tungstate demonstrates potent antioxidant activity, effectively reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in various cell types. Its potential in managing diabetic nephropathy (DN) is underscored by its ability to inhibit ROS production and suppress iNOS expression. Additionally, sodium tungstate modulates the cellular response to DNA damaging agents, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of traditional chemotherapy and radiotherapy in cancer treatment. As an oral treatment for diabetes, it normalizes blood glucose levels, improves triglyceride levels, and induces weight loss without causing hypoglycemia. Despite promising results in animal models, further research is needed to understand its safety profile and long-term effects before considering widespread clinical use, particularly in relation to tumorigenesis in metabolic syndrome.

Figure 1. Sodium tungstate

Activities

Antioxidant activities

Sodium tungstate has been found to exhibit potent antioxidant properties, as demonstrated in various cellular experiments. The study conducted by Alejandro J Ya?ez and team revealed that Sodium tungstate effectively reduces the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in different cell types and under various conditions. This is particularly significant in the context of diabetic nephropathy (DN), a major cause of end-stage renal failure globally, where hyperglycemia leads to an increase in ROS, contributing to diabetic complications. The research showed that Sodium tungstate inhibited ROS production in bovine neutrophils stimulated with platelet-activating factor (PAF), as well as in human tubular cells (HK-2) exposed to high glucose or H2O2. Furthermore, NaW was found to suppress iNOS expression in glomeruli and tubular cells in a type 1 diabetic rat model induced with streptozotocin (STZ). These findings highlight the potential of Sodium tungstate as an active antioxidant and suggest its possible therapeutic application in managing DN. As an effective antidiabetic agent for both short and long-term treatments, Sodium tungstate's antioxidant properties offer promising prospects for combating diabetic complications. ¹

DNA damage regulation

Sodium tungstate has been shown to modulate the response of cells to DNA damaging agents, such as etoposide, phleomycin, and ionizing radiation. These agents induce DNA double-strand breaks and tungstate was found to increase sensitivity to them. The activation of the central DNA double-strand break signalling kinase, ATM, was also modulated by tungstate in response to these agents. These effects were dependent on the functionality of the Mre11-Nbs1-Rad50 (MRN) complex and were similar to the inhibition of PP2A phosphatase. Therefore, sodium tungstate may have adjuvant activity when combined with DNA-damaging agents in the treatment of several malignancies. This finding suggests that sodium tungstate can improve the effectiveness of traditional chemotherapy and radiotherapy in cancer treatment. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanism of action of sodium tungstate and its potential as a therapeutic agent. ²

Clinical applications

Sodium tungstate, the oxoanionic form of tungsten, has shown promise as a potential treatment for diabetes. Administered orally in the form of Na2WO4 in drinking water, it has demonstrated effectiveness as a normoglycemic agent in various experimental animal models of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Some of its key antidiabetic effects include the normalization of blood glucose and triglyceride levels, restoration of hepatic glucose metabolism, and induction of weight loss through complex antiobesity mechanisms. Notably, it does not lead to hypoglycemic episodes. In addition to its antidiabetic properties, Sodium tungstate has shown positive effects in other areas, such as protection of renal cell integrity, chondrogenic differentiation of stem cells for cartilage regeneration, and improvement of bone mechanical quality. Despite these promising findings, concerns have been raised regarding its safety. While some preclinical studies have suggested that Sodium tungstate is safe with no apparent toxicity, other reports have indicated potential toxicity and carcinogenicity. It is important to note that despite the promising results, the mechanism of action of Sodium tungstate and its potential side effects have not been fully elucidated. While it has passed phase I clinical trials involving healthy volunteers, further research is needed to better understand its safety profile and potential long-term effects, particularly in relation to tumorigenesis in the context of metabolic syndrome. In conclusion, sodium tungstate shows potential as a novel antidiabetic and antiobesity agent, but thorough investigation into its safety and long-term effects is essential before considering it for widespread clinical use. ³

Reference

1. Ya?ez AJ, Jaramillo K, Bla?a C, Burgos RA, Isla A, Silva P, Aguilar M. Sodium Tungstate (NaW) Decreases Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Production in Cells: New Cellular Antioxidant. Biomedicines. 2023 Jan 31;11(2):417.

2. Rodriguez-Hernandez CJ, Llorens-Agost M, Calbó J, Murguia JR, Guinovart JJ. Sodium tungstate modulates ATM function upon DNA damage. FEBS Lett. 2013 May 21;587(10):1579-1586.

3. Bertinat R, Westermeier F, Gatica R, Nualart F. Sodium tungstate: Is it a safe option for a chronic disease setting, such as diabetes? J Cell Physiol. 2018 Jan;234(1):51-60.