Manipulation of blood lactate concentration against obesity(Fostering Joint International Research)

2018 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15KK0358
• Research Category: Fund for the Promotion of Joint International Research (Fostering Joint International Research)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Sports science
• Research Institution: Ritsumeikan University
• Principal Investigator: Hashimoto Takeshi 立命館大学, スポーツ健康科学部, 教授 (70511608)
• Research Collaborator: Secher Niels H. コペンハーゲン大学, Muscle Research Centre, Professor ; Bailey Damian 南ウェールズ大学, Life Science and Education, Professor ; Costello Joseph ポーツマス大学, Sport and Exercise Science, Senior Lecture ; Lim Kiwon 建国大学, Physical Education, Professor ; Brothers Robert テキサス大学, Department of Kinesiology, Associate Professor ; Hall Gerrit van
• Project Period (FY): 2015 – 2018
• Keywords: 認知機能 / 運動 / サプリメント / 加齢 / 筋肥大 / サルコペニア / 代謝疾患 / 肥満

Outline of Final Research Achievements

I have been focusing on the lactate metabolism, and found that it functions as an inducer of cell signaling in skeletal muscle cells and adipocytes. Furthermore, lactate is an important substrate for our organs including brain. The aim of this study was to examine whether manipulation of blood lactate concentration can be a therapeutic strategy against aging, particularly by supporting exercise-induced enhancement of cognitive function. I found that lactate produced by working muscle might be a pivotal factor for exercise-induced enhancement of cognitive function. The finding suggests that lactate may be a beneficial molecule against aging to elicit a metabolic interaction between skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and brain.

Free Research Field

運動生理・生化学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

健康増進に対する運動効果は周知の事実であるが、そのメカニズムは多面的である。その中で、運動（特に高強度の運動）誘発性の乳酸が運動効果の分子機序の一つとして機能し、認知機能にも影響することを明らかにした。このことは、特に乳酸産生を促すような運動の有用性を示唆するとともに、サプリメントなど、外的に乳酸を付加することの有用性も示唆しており、広く万人に有効なアンチエイジングに繋がる知見を提供し得た。