Selenoprotein P (SeP) is a major selenoprotein in serum predominantly produced in the liver. Excess SeP impairs insulin secretion from the pancreas and insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscle, thus inhibition of SeP could be a therapeutic strategy for type 2 diabetes. In this study, we examine the effect of sulforaphane (SFN), a phytochemical of broccoli sprouts and an Nrf2 activator, on SeP expression in vitro and in vivo. Treatment of HepG2 cells with SFN decreases inter- and intra-cellular SeP levels. SFN enhances lysosomal acidification and expression of V-ATPase, and inhibition of this process cancels the decrease of SeP by SFN. SFN activates Nrf2 in the cells, while Nrf2 siRNA does not affect the decrease of SeP by SFN or lysosomal acidification. These results indicate that SFN decreases SeP by enhancing lysosomal degradation, independent of Nrf2. Injection of SFN to mice results in induction of cathepsin and a decrease of SeP in serum. The findings from this study are expected to contribute to developing SeP inhibitors in the future, thereby contributing to treating and preventing diseases related to increased SeP.
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