Netrin 1 (Ntn1) is a cell migration protein with an anti-inflammatory effect, which may play a key role in the pathological development of type 2 diabetes (T2D). In this study, we evaluate the relationships between the serum concentrations of Ntn1, glucose, and high-sensitivity C-reactive Protein (hsCRP). We carried out a cross-sectional study including 90 individuals divided into three groups (n = 30): healthy subjects, individuals with obesity without glucose alterations, and individuals with newly diagnosed T2D. Serum concentrations of Ntn1 and hs-CRP were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The serum concentration of Ntn1 was higher in individuals with newly diagnosed T2D (0.33 ± 0.22 ng/mL), in comparison to healthy subjects and individuals with obesity (0.13 ± 0.06 and 0.15 ± 0.07 ng/mL, respectively). In addition, we observed a positive association between the levels of Ntn1 and hsCRP (rho = 0.443; p < 0.001) as well as with serum glucose (rho = −0.110; p = 0.05). The serum concentration of Ntn1 was higher in individuals with T2D, in comparison with the other groups in this study, and presented a positive correlation with hsCRP. Therefore, Ntn1 can be considered a promising risk biomarker and a potential therapeutic target for T2D.

The use of herbarium mixture has been empirical, and the properties are not yet known. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of oral administration of herbarium mixture ( Guazuma ulmifolia [G. ulmifolia]/Tecoma stans [T. stans] ) on metabolic profile in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial was carried out in 40 patients with T2DM. They were between 40 and 65 years of age, with body mass index (BMI) between 25.0 and 34.9 kg/m ² and HbA1c >7.0%. BMI, waist circumference, fasting glucose, HbA1c, lipids, kidney, and liver function were measured. The patients were randomly assigned to receive the herbarium mixture ( G. ulmifolia/T. stans ) 400 mg before each meal, or placebo for 90 days. Herbarium mixture group showed decreased waist circumference (99 ± 14 vs. 98 ± 15 cm; P = .019), fasting glucose (12.0 ± 5.7 vs. 10.3 ± 5.1 mM; P = .019), and HbA1c (9.9% ± 2.7% vs. 8.9% ± 2.5%, P = .002). In conclusion, the administration of herbarium mixture ( G. ulmifolia/T. stans ) improved the glycemic profile in patients with T2DM. ClinicalTrial registration: NCT03313856 ClinicalTrials.gov

Background and Objectives: Oral low-dose minoxidil has achieved widespread clinical adoption for androgenetic alopecia (AGA), yet its subclinical cardiovascular structural effects at dermatological doses remain uncharacterized. We aimed to evaluate the effects of dutasteride and three different doses of oral minoxidil (1, 2.5, and 5 mg/day) on carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and CIMT-derived vascular age in healthy young men. Methods: A prospective, randomized, four-group pharmacological study enrolling 44 healthy young male subjects assigned to dutasteride 0.5 mg/day (n = 12), oral minoxidil 1 mg/day (n = 8), 2.5 mg/day (n = 12), or 5 mg/day (n = 12). High-resolution carotid ultrasonography was performed at baseline and at the end of follow-up. Primary outcomes included bilateral CIMT, maximum CIMT, and CIMT-derived vascular age. Within-group changes were assessed with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test; between-group comparisons used the Kruskal-Wallis test with post hoc Mann-Whitney U testing. Results: Thirty-one participants completed the study. Groups were well balanced at baseline (all p > 0.05). The minoxidil 5 mg group exhibited statistically significant within-group increases in right CIMT (471 ± 78 vs. 555 ± 87 µm; p < 0.05), maximum CIMT (509 ± 79 vs. 575 ± 76 µm; p < 0.05), and CIMT-derived vascular age (35.9 ± 15.2 vs. 48.2 ± 14.9 years; p < 0.05). The right CIMT delta of the minoxidil 5 mg group (Δ = +79 ± 57 µm) was significantly greater than that of the dutasteride group (Δ = −21 ± 79 µm; p = 0.032). A clear dose-dependent gradient was observed across minoxidil groups for right CIMT and maximum CIMT deltas. Dutasteride showed a consistent, non-significant trend toward CIMT reduction across all parameters. Conclusions: Oral minoxidil at 5 mg/day is associated with adverse carotid arterial wall remodeling and accelerated vascular aging in healthy young men, with a dose-dependent pattern suggesting a pharmacodynamic threshold between 1 and 2.5 mg/day. Dutasteride showed a favorable vascular profile.