Abstract
We performed basic studies aimed at the prevention and improvement of obesity and lifestyle-related disease, focusing on the nuclear receptor, which is the master regulator of adipocyte formation and energy metabolism. Our findings indicated that farnesyl pyrophosphate, which is the precursor of almost all isoprenoids, might function as an endogenous peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor γ agonist and regulate gene expression in adipocytes. In addition, it was revealed that insulin resistance evoked by an inflammatory reaction in adipose tissue was ameliorated by food ingredients, and that this inflammation reaction participated in resistance to browning of adipocytes. The findings are discussed with reference to the association between obesity-related diseases and food ingredients in conjunction with energy metabolism.
