We examined normalizing effect for blood glucose levels of zinc(II) complex with 6-ethoxy picolinic acid (Zn(6-EtOpa)2) on KK-Ay mice which used in this study as the model animals of type 2 diabetes, and compared with its ligand, 6-ethoxy picolinic acid (6-EtOpa). These mice were divided into three groups after the onset of diabetes at 8 weeks of age, which were an untreated group, a 6-EtOpa treated group, and a Zn(6-EtOpa)2 treated group. They were given daily intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of each material for a period of 2 weeks from 8th to 10th week of ages. The dose of Zn(6-EtOpa)2 was 3 mg Zn/kg of body weight. Each animal was examined for its body weight, food intake, blood glucose level, glucose tolerance, HbA1c level, hematological status, organ weight, and zinc and copper concentrations in the organs. After 2 weeks of administration, the blood glucose level of KK-Ay mice treated with Zn(6-EtOpa)2 showed a significant decrease compared to both of the 6-EtOpa and control groups. Furthermore, the mice treated with Zn(6-EtOpa)2 showed decreasing effect on HbA1c levels and increasing effect on glucose tolerance. Zinc (II) concentration in the femur was significantly increased in the Zn(6-EtOpa)2 treated group compared to the both of 6-EtOpa and control groups. Copper concentration was decreased significantly in both of femur and femoris muscle.
