The level of netrin-1 is decreased in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic β-cell dysfunction resulting from inflammation has been recognized to contribute to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Netrin-1 is a new indicator of subclinical inflammation and it has a role in β-cell apoptosis. This study evaluated the level of netrin-1 in newly diagnosed T2DM patients and explored whether netrin-1 is a reliable marker or a key factor in the development of T2DM. METHODS: Netrin-1 level was determined using a commercially available human enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was used as an index to measure insulin resistance. The sample consisted of 30 patients with newly diagnosed T2DM who had a glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA(1c)) level ranging from 7.5 % (58 mmol/mol) to 10.5 % (91 mmol/mol). The control group consisted of 26 healthy individuals matched for age and body mass index. RESULTS: The netrin-1 level of T2DM patients was significantly lower than that of healthy controls (p < 0.01). Logistic regression analysis showed that the level of netrin-1 was negatively correlated with HOMA-IR, fasting blood glucose, postprandial blood glucose, fasting insulin and HbA(1c). CONCLUSIONS: Plasma netrin-1 levels were decreased in patients with newly diagnosed T2DM, and the levels of netrin-1 were negatively associated with IR and glucose homeostasis. Future studies on the precise mechanism will offer new insights into the prevention and treatment of T2DM.