Elucidation and control of mechanism of diabetic nephropathy: an approach from cholesteryl ester accumulation

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K07861
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 52010:General internal medicine-related
• Research Institution: Hokkaido University
• Principal Investigator: Hui Shu-Ping 北海道大学, 保健科学研究院, 教授 (90337030)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 糖尿病腎症 / 脂質蓄積 / ミトコンドリア機能

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The purpose of this research project is to use cultured human proximal tubular cells to examine the effects on intracellular fat accumulation and mitochondrial function, and to explore the mechanism of onset of diabetic nephropathy and the possibility of its control. Our study suggested that lipid accumulation in the kidney and decreased cardiolipin present in mitochondria may be related to the pathogenesis of nephropathy. This study revealed that functional components of foods reduce lipid accumulation in HK-2 cells and restore mitochondrial function. It has been suggested that functional ingredients contained in foods that improve lipid metabolism and protect cells may be useful in the prevention and treatment of diabetic nephropathy.

Free Research Field

脂質代謝学、糖尿病学、食品学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

糖尿病性腎症は末期腎不全の最大の原因疾患であるが根本的な治療法が確立されておらず、腎症の発症メカニズムの解明と制御が重要な課題である。我々は、コレステロールなどの脂質蓄積、およびそれらの蓄積による酸化ストレスの亢進がミトコンドリア機能の低下をもたらしたことが糖尿病腎症の成因に関与している可能性を明らかにした。本研究では、脂質代謝の改善および細胞保護作用を示した食品機能性成分は、透析導入原疾患の第一位を占める糖尿病腎症の予防と治療に役立つ可能性が示唆された。