Cobalt(III), Chromium(III), Glutathione, and Their Relevance to the Glucose Tolerance Factor

Date

2012

Authors

Naumann, Matthew

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Worldwide access

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Abstract

The so-called glucose tolerance factor (GTF) is believed to be a biological complex of chromium that works alongside insulin to enhance the body’s ability to metabolize sugar. Chromium and cobalt complexes with glutathione were synthesized as potential analogues to the GTF. These were then analyzed via mass spectrometry and UV-visible absorption for potential clues to the composition and connectivity of the complexes. Upon analysis, the cobalt complex with glutathione appeared to have an uncoordinated sulfhydryl group, consistent with the hypothesis that the GTF interacts with the insulin receptor via a sulfhydryl-disulfide exchange. Such a complex could theoretically be tested for GTF activity.

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Keywords

Coordination chemistry., Glucose tolerance factor., Cobalt(III)., Chromium(III)., Glutathione.

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