Nutritional Biochemical Studies on Suppression of Pathogenesis Related to Lipid Metabolism

(JSNFS Award for Excellence in Research (2023))

Abstract

Lipid intake and metabolism are involved in the development of lifestyle-related diseases. I have taken a four-pronged approach, focusing mainly on atherosclerosis. (1) I have investigated the regulation of gene expression by lipids and the relationship between the discovery of gene mutations related to lipid metabolism and the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. (2) In the field of the essentiality of fatty acids and the relationship between their biological behavior and pathological conditions, I have measured the fatty acid compositions of phospholipids in human serum in cross-sectional studies of atherosclerosis and clarified the relationship between these fatty acid compositions and pathological conditions. (3) In relation to trace lipid components in the diet and body and pathophysiology, I am now studying the physiological significance of oxidized cholesterol as a trace component. In particular, I have discovered that oxidized cholesterol inhibits the onset of obesity. (4) I have discovered that probiotic bacteria, a functional ingredient that improves pathological conditions related to lipid metabolism, can be used to ameliorate obesity.