Comprehensive management of a variety of risk factors including dyslipidemia is important for the prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. For the treatment of dyslipidemia as one such representative risk factor, diet therapy is fundamental ahead of drug therapy, and functional foods are also expected to have favorable effects. In the quantitative evaluation of serum lipids, including LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglyceride, a high level of LDL cholesterol is defined as a primary risk factor for atherosclerosis, but many unresolved questions remain as to whether hypertriglyceridemia and a low level of HDL cholesterol can be regarded as residual risk factors beyond the increased LDL cholesterol. For the establishment of better comprehensive management of atherosclerosis risk factors, we have consistently strived to investigate issues related to metabolism and nutrition science, including the improvement of lipid metabolism-related biomarkers using antioxidant substances (vitamin E and carotenoids) and sophisticated methods for quantitative and qualitative measurement of serum lipids. We believe that these efforts and achievements will help to extend healthy longevity in the general population.

The innate immune system is the initial defense mechanism for prevention of infection by viruses and other pathogens. In this study, we focused on endogenous antigens, which are self-antigens of the innate immune system, to clarify their effects. Natural antibodies recognize a variety of endogenous antigens, including oxidized proteins, using their surface charge as an indicator, and contribute to homeostasis. It has also been suggested that the reaction of food factors with proteins also generates natural antibody epitopes, which contribute to the activation of immune responses. It has also been confirmed that recognition of endogenous antigens by the innate immune system is involved in biological responses in tissues, such as the fusion of skeletal muscle cells. The innate immune system is expected to contribute to the maintenance of health by performing various functions through regulation by endogenous antigens and food factors.

The skin has a variety of functions that are essential for maintaining life, such as preventing water loss and protection against microorganisms and physicochemical irritants. Therefore, it is necessary to constantly maintain skin function, and the most effective approach is to improve daily dietary habits and to continuously consume functional foods. We focused on three ingredients from various food materials―“SC-2 lactic acid bacteria”, “collagen hydrolysates”, and “sphingomyelin”―and conducted non-clinical studies to evaluate their efficacy, absorption kinetics, and mechanism of action. In addition, we developed a new food product containing these three ingredients. In a clinical study, it was found for the first time that ingestion of a test food containing the three ingredients helped protect the skin from ultraviolet stimulation, maintained skin moisture, and alleviated skin dryness, compared to ingestion of a placebo food. This technology will make it possible to enhance skin functions in humans via the diet, thus contributing to the maintenance and improvement of human health.