Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Teikyo University Publication | Japanese
Laboratory of Molecular Physiology and 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. For this purpose, we have demonstrated the effects of changes in fatty acid balance on the body states at the molecular level in adipocytes, vascular endothelial cells, hepatocytes, and many others. We have developed a method to monitor imbalances in fatty acid levels using patients' blood samples. 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 in collaboration not only within our university but also with other universities and companies.

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) Understanding the role of a primary cilium in the development of obesity.
(4) Improving QOL using food fragrance

Staff
Professor Gen-ichi Atsumi, Ph.D.
Senior
Assistant
Professor
Masaki Saito, Ph.D.
Assistant
Professor
Kenichi Ishibashi, Ph.D.
Fellow・Graduate Student
 Fellow 2 Fellows