Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Teikyo University				Publication | Japanese
Laboratory of Molecular Physiology & Pathology
	Outline of Research			Laboratory of Molecular Physiology and Pathology
Metabolic syndrome, which includes diabetes, dyslipidemia and obesity, reduces quality of life (QOL) through the development of various symptoms. The syndrome is caused by a disorder of lifestyle and intake of unhealthy foods, especially kinds of fatty acids. It is therefore important to understand the role of fatty acids in the pathophysiology and development of metabolic syndrome. Our goal is to make proposals on what we should eat to prevent metabolic syndrome. To this purpose, we have demonstrated the effects of changes of in fatty acid balance on the body states at the molecular level in adipocytes, vascular endothelial cells, and many others. We have also elucidated the mechanisms of adipogenesis by using mesenchymal stem cells and preadipocytes. Moreover, we have tried to apply fregrance of food to patients, including those with food intake disorders. In this way, we aim to understand the pathophysiology of the metabolic syndrome and identify preventive effects of dietary components on the syndrome. To achieve our goal, we conduct our research with collaborators. Research Topics: (1) Elucidating the relationship between fatty acids in the extracellular environment and cellular functions (2) Monitoring internal fatty acid balance using microvesicles in blood (3) Investigating food constituents that affect lipid droplet size (4) Improving QOL using food fragrance (5) Understanding the role of a primary cilium in the development of obesity.
	Staff
	Professor	Gen-ichi Atsumi, Ph.D.
	Senior Assistant Professor	Masaki Saito, Ph.D.
	Assistant Professor	Kenichi Ishibashi, Ph.D.
	Fellow・Graduate Student
	Fellow	3 fellows