Inverse Correlation between Serum Levels of Selenoprotein P and Adiponectin in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Background: We recently identified selenoprotein P (SeP) as a liver-derived secretory protein that causes insulin resistance in the liver and skeletal muscle; however, it is unknown whether and, if so, how SeP acts on adipose tissue. The present study tested the hypothesis that SeP is related to hypoadiponectinemia in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methodology/Principal Findings: We compared serum levels of SeP with those of adiponectin and other clinical parameters in 36 patients with type 2 diabetes. We also measured levels of blood adiponectin in SeP knockout mice. Circulating SeP levels were positively correlated with fasting plasma glucose (r = 0.35, P = 0.037) and negatively associated with both total and high-molecular adiponectin in patients with type 2 diabetes (r = 20.355, P = 0.034; r = 20.367, P = 0.028). SeP was a predictor of both total and high-molecular adiponectin, independently of age, body weight, and quantitative insulin sensitivity index (b = 20.343, P = 0.022; b = 20.357, P = 0.017). SeP knockout mice exhibited an increase in blood adiponectin levels when fed regular chow or a high sucrose, high fat diet. Conclusions/Significance: These results suggest that overproduction of liver-derived secretory protein SeP is connected with hypoadiponectinemia in patients with type 2 diabetes

How to Help Acehnese Helping Themselves? : A Note after a Visit with Kobe University Medical Team

On December 26, Aceh Province in Indonesia was hit by the worst earthquake and tsunami. A medical team from Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine visited two of the affected areas on the eastern coast of Aceh: Sigli and Lhokseumawe. This article provides a simple description of experience and assessment derived from the visit. The disaster has left Indonesia with complex problems, which will take a long time to overcome. A continuity of the aid and assistance from various resources is crucial to help Indonesia rebuilt the affected areas. These continuous efforts will provide great contribution for Acehnese people to recover and rebuild their life after tsunami