Biotin enhances Hypothalamus- and thyroid-mediated energy metabolism and improves obesity

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K05883
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 38050:Food sciences-related
• Research Institution: University of Niigata Prefecture
• Principal Investigator: Sone Hideyuki 新潟県立大学, 人間生活学部, 教授 (90398511)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: biotin / obesity / leptin / thyroid hormone

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we investigated the effect of biotin on the prevention and improvement of high-fat diet-induced obesity. The results showed that a pharmacological dose of biotin reduced the amount of fat in the liver, peritestinal area, and perirenal area, and had a weight suppression effect not caused by food intake. As a mechanism of this action, biotin enhanced cAMP levels in thyroid follicular cells and increased thyroid hormone secretion. Moreover, biotin also enhanced adrenaline secretion from adrenal medulla. This suggests that biotin enhances leptin signaling and energy metabolism by stimulating cAMP production in thyroid follicles and adrenal medulla.

Free Research Field

栄養生理学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究から得られたビオチンによる肥満改善効果は、微量栄養素であるビタミンがエネルギー代謝の上位中枢である視床下部や甲状腺に作用し、交感神経系や甲状腺機能を亢進するといった新たな発想に基づいている。ビオチンは過剰症の心配のない水溶性ビタミンであり、生体にとってより安全な使用が可能である。また、過食や運動不足、基礎代謝の低下に伴う肥満は、２型糖尿病をはじめ多くの生活習慣病に共通する発症要因であり、様々な疾病の予防・改善で応用範囲が広く有効性も高いと考えられる。