Dietary protein reduces hepatic steatosis and prevents non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

2018 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 16K00849
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Eating habits
• Research Institution: Kanazawa University
• Principal Investigator: Watanabe Hitoshi 金沢大学, 新学術創成研究機構, 特任助教 (50721495)
• Project Period (FY): 2016-04-01 – 2019-03-31
• Keywords: 脂肪肝 / NAFLD / 食品

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The prevalence of NAFLD has increased with the increased prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome. Recent studies indicate that NAFLD onset and progression may be influenced by the nutrients in food as well as the total calories ingested. However, it isn’t revealed whether protein in food prevents NAFLD progression. In this study, we evaluated the potential of mung bean protein isolate (MPI) to prevent NAFLD progression. MPI decreased the hepatic triglyceride concentration by inhibition of fatty acid synthesis. Additionally, NAFLD progression by atherogenic diet was prevented by MPI intake. These results indicate that MPI reduced hepatic triglyceride accumulation and may be a food to prevent NAFLD progression.

Free Research Field

代謝学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

肥満・インスリン抵抗性の増加に伴い、NAFL・NASHともに罹患率が増加している。一方で、NAFLDの予防・治療は、食事療法以外には確立されていない。本研究において、食品中タンパク質が肝臓脂肪蓄積量とNAFLDの予防・治療に有用であるかを解明することは、摂取タンパク質の「質」に依存した新規食事療法を生み出すことであり、食事療法のメカニズムの解明や抗NAFLD食事療法の効率化に繋がると考えられる。