Role of vanadium (V) in the differentiation of C3H10t1/2 cells towards osteoblast lineage: a comparative analysis with other trace elements.

In recent time, vanadium compounds are being used as antidiabetic drug and in orthopedic implants. However, the exact role of this incorporated vanadium in improving the quality of bone structure and morphology is not known. The impact of vanadium ion was studied and compared to other trace metal ions with respect to the proliferation and osteoblast differentiation of C3H10t1/2 cells. Toxicity profile of these trace metal ions revealed a descending toxicity trend of Fe(2+) > Zn(2+) > Cu(2+) > Co(2+) > Mn(2+) > V(5+) > Cr(2+). The effect of vanadium and other trace metal ions on osteoblast differentiation was evaluated by culturing the cells for 10 days in osteoblastic medium supplemented with different trace ions at concentrations lower than their cytotoxic doses. The results indicated that vanadium has maximum impact on the induction of osteoblast differentiation by upregulating alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization by up to 145 and 150 %, respectively (p < 0.05), over control. Cu(2+) and Zn(2+) had a mild inhibitory effect, while Mn(2+), Fe(2+), and Co(2+) demonstrated a clear decrease in osteoblast differentiation when compared to the control. The data as presented here demonstrate that orthopedic implants, if supplemented with trace metals like vanadium, may provide a source of better model for bone formation and its turnover.