Dietary obesity and metabolic syndrome: Host energy regulation via short-chain fatty acid receptors by gut microbiota

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15H05344
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (A)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Research Field: Eating habits
• Research Institution: Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology
• Principal Investigator: Kimura Ikuo 東京農工大学, (連合)農学研究科(研究院), 准教授 (80433689)
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: 腸内細菌 / 食物繊維 / 短鎖脂肪酸 / 脂肪酸受容体 / 肥満 / 生活習慣病

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we focused on short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced by gut microbial fermentation from indigestible polysaccharides such as dietary fiber, and the SCFA receptors. Then, we aimed at an integrated elucidation of beneficial metabolic effects via dietary fiber and gut microbiota.
As a result of this research, we clarified that gut microbial SCFAs shows resistance to host obesity by controlling adipose inflammation via GPR43. Moreover, we revealed that the beneficial metabolic effect by barley flour depends on SCFAs produced from barley beta-glucan (dietary fiber) by the gut microbiota.

Free Research Field

食品科学、栄養学、健康科学