Elucidation of the effects of masticatory ability for care recipients on intestinal flora and short-chain fatty acid production

2024 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K10034
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 57050:Prosthodontics-related
• Research Institution: Hiroshima University
• Principal Investigator: Morita Koji 広島大学, 病院(歯), 助教 (30555149)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 平田 伊佐雄 広島大学, 医系科学研究科(歯), 助教 (40346507) ; 津賀 一弘 広島大学, 医系科学研究科(歯), 教授 (60217289)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2025-03-31
• Keywords: 咀嚼能力 / 腸内細菌 / 短鎖脂肪酸 / プロピオン酸 / 腸内代謝経路 / 排便頻度 / BMI / 口腔機能

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study investigated the relationship between masticatory performance and gut microbial metabolism in healthy young adults. Individuals with higher masticatory performance had higher fecal concentrations of propionate, a key short-chain fatty acid (SCFA), as well as more frequent bowel movements. Additionally, positive correlations were observed between masticatory performance and the activity of several gut microbial metabolic pathways, including glycolysis and amino acid metabolism. These findings suggest that masticatory function may influence the gut environment and microbial activity, which could, in turn, impact systemic health.

Free Research Field

補綴系歯学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究は、口腔機能が腸内代謝に与える影響を科学的に検討した先駆的研究であり、歯科的介入が全身の健康に寄与する可能性を示す点で学術的意義がある。今後の口腔健康管理や高齢者医療への応用が期待され、社会的にも貢献度が高い。