実験動物を用いた酢酸の肥満抑制効果の評価

Acetate is an endogenous metabolite of fatty acid β-oxidation in the liver mitochondria under starved condition. Orally administered acetate is readily absorbed in the blood stream and then taken up by tissues and activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) by increasing the AMP/ATP ratio. Administered acetate shows a marked reduction in lipid accumulation in the adipose tissue, protection against accumulation of fat in the liver, and improves glucose tolerance. It decreases the transcripts of the lipogenic genes in the liver, indicating an inhibition of lipogenesis in that organ. Furthermore, acetate treatment shows a higher rate of oxygen consumption and a smaller size of lipid droplets in white and brown adipose tissues. It is indicated that acetate taken up has a potential to prevent obesity and obesity-linked type 2 diabetes.

特別講演要旨 (Summary of Special Lecture)