Development of novel pharmacological treatments for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: an application of carotenoid compound

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25282017
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Partial Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Eating habits
• Research Institution: Kanazawa University
• Principal Investigator: Ota Tsuguhito 金沢大学, 脳・肝インターフェースメディシン研究センター, 准教授 (60397213)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: β-クリプトキサンチン / アスタキサンチン / インスリン抵抗性 / 脂肪肝 / NASH / マクロファージ

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease. It is characterized by a wide spectrum of hepatic changes, which may progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cirrhosis. Carotenoids are potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory micronutrients that have been used to prevent and treat NAFLD. In addition to their antioxidative action, carotenoids can regulate macrophage polarization and thereby halt the progression of NASH. In this study, we　found the novel molecular mechanisms of macrophage polarization and the function of liver macrophages/Kupffer cells in NAFLD. We propose that dietary carotenoids, such as β-cryptoxanthin and astaxanthin, can be as a novel nutraceutical and be used to prevent or treat NAFLD through the regulation of macrophage polarization and liver homeostasis.

Free Research Field

内分泌代謝学、食生活学