Rikkunshito increased hypothalamic SIRT1 activity

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25460922
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Gastroenterology
• Research Institution: Hokkaido University
• Principal Investigator: TAKEDA Hiroshi 北海道大学, 薬学研究科(研究院), 教授 (60261294)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: 六君子湯 / 食欲

Outline of Final Research Achievements

To examine the roles of SIRT1 and AMPK in the orexigenic effect of rikkunshito, a ghrelin signaling potentiator, in vitro experiments using gherkin receptor(GHSR1a)-expressing HEK293 cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were done. The elevated SIRT1 activity and protein expression through cAMP-CREB pathway was observed after ghrelin and rikkunshito treatment in these cells. Rikkunshito increased hypothalamic SIRT1 activity and SIRT1 protein expression of the heart in ICR mouse. Furthermore, rikkunshito prolonged survival in aged ICR mice. The potentiation of ghrelin signaling by rikkunshito not only acts as appetite stimulator but may provide a novel approach for the improvement of both health- and life-span in aging societies.

Free Research Field

内科系臨床医学・消化器内科学