Background: The potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily Q member 1 (KCNQ1) gene has recently received much attention as a candidate susceptibility gene for type 2 diabetes mellitus, especially in Asian populations. We previously reported that Kcnq1 mutant mice exhibit reduced insulin secretion and hyperglycemia due to a decrease in pancreatic β-cell mass. Through in vivo and in vitro analyses, we ascertained that this mechanism is the result of the downregulation of the non-coding RNA ‘Kcnq1ot1,’ which is expressed in the paternal allele of the Kcnq1 gene region, causing an increase in the expression of the cell cycle inhibitor cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 1C (Cdkn1c). It was found that decreased Kcnq1ot1 expression resulted in pancreatic β-cell failure; however, the degree of pancreatic β-cell volume reduction was not severe. Methods: We induced obesity in Kcnq1ot1 truncation mice by feeding them a high-fat diet and evaluated pancreatic β-cell mass. Results: In the present study, we reveal that CCAAT/enhancer binding protein beta (C/EBPβ), which is expressed at higher levels in pancreatic β-cells in obese individuals, further increases the expression of Cdkn1c, which is upregulated by the Kcnq1 gene mutation. We found that simultaneous Cdkn1c hypomethylation and C/EBPβ overexpression in pancreatic β-cells causes a synergistic decrease in pancreatic β-cell mass. Conclusion This finding suggests that the synergistic effect of genetic factors such as Kcnq1 gene mutations and environmental factors such as obesity and overeating, which lead to increased expression of C/EBPβ, contribute to the regulation of pancreatic β-cell mass. This study is the first to show that the Kcnq1 gene is related to pancreatic β-cell mass through genetic-environment interactions.

This study compared the results of pre- and post-work-life balance (WLB) class questionnaires administered to medical students in 2012 and 2022 to examine changes in attitudes. Male students showed increased interest in taking parental leave and a greater tendency to prioritize childcare. Female students became more aware of the importance of their careers, while their desire for childcare leave also increased. After the class, both male and female students showed a stronger tendency to consider their partner’s intentions when selecting a future employer. As reforms in physicians’ working styles continue, students’ attitudes are evolving, and individualized support and career guidance will need to be strengthened in the future.

1) The clinical training system in our hospital was evaluated with a questionnaire by 49 trainees.
2) Overall, our clinical training system received high scores, but the scores varied significantly depending on the clinical department.
3) The scores of clinical departments did not correlate with the ratios of supervising physicians to trainees.
4) To provide the best training system possible, the current system must be evaluated and improved.