Vaspin: a novel serpin with insulin-sensitizing effects

We identified the vaspin gene (Serpina12) which is upregulated in visceral WATs of OLETF rats. Vaspin mRNA was barely detectable at 6 weeks of age and it was abundantly and exclusively expressed in visceral WATs at 30 weeks of age, when OLETF rats reach their peak body weight. However, vaspin mRNA decreased with worsening of diabetes and body weight loss. Vaspin mRNA increased with treatment of thiazolidinediones (pioglitazone). Administration of recombinant vaspin into high-fat high-sucrose chow-induced obese ICR mice improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. Vaspin may be the compensatory molecule in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome and vaspin recombinant protein or vaspin-mimicking agents such as vaspin analogs, antibodies or small molecule agents may be the link to drug discovery and development.