Targeting urotensin II with silymarin: potential therapeutic strategies for diabetes and associated cardiovascular complications

Diabetes and its associated comorbidities have garnered significant attention in recent decades, leading to continuous exploration of diagnostic and treatment options. Urotensin II (U-II), a cyclic peptide amino acid, is notable for its potent vasoconstrictive properties and its direct association with diabetes. Concurrently, silymarin, a potent antioxidant, is frequently utilized for hepatoprotection. Prior research has indicated that silymarin possesses antagonistic properties against U-II. Given these findings, our study aims to investigate the potential of silymarin as a modulator of U-II to address type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and mitigate the early onset of associated comorbidities. This study adopts a comprehensive approach, reviewing existing literature to assess the effects of silymarin on U-II and glucose metabolism, as well as its potential therapeutic implications for T2DM and related comorbidities. Both animal and clinical studies are examined to elucidate the pharmacokinetic properties of silymarin and its efficacy in managing cardiovascular complications, atherosclerosis, diabetes, renal dysfunction, and obesity. Specifically, silymarin shows promise in addressing cardiovascular issues, atherosclerosis, renal dysfunction, obesity, PCOS, and gestational T2DM through its antagonistic effects on U-II and modulation of glucose metabolism. Silymarin's ability to modulate U-II levels and its favorable pharmacokinetic profile make it a promising candidate for further investigation and potential clinical use.