Latest news with #UniversityofShizuoka
CNA
15 hours ago
- Business
- CNA
CNA938 Rewind - Grain drain: Japan struggles with a rice crisis
CNA938 Rewind Sky-high prices, rations, emergency reserves. Japan's rice crisis has ballooned, with the essential Japonica grain out of reach from the Japanese consumer – it even led to the resignation of the country's agriculture minister. Andrea Heng and Susan Ng speak with Dr Seijiro Takeshita, Dean and Professor of Graduate School of Management, Informatics and Innovation at the University of Shizuoka on how the problem got this far.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Noster research: Gut bacteria-derived molecule found to shrink fat cells and improve metabolism
KYOTO, Japan, May 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Joint study by University of Shizuoka, Kobe University, and Noster Inc. uncovers a novel postbiotic pathway for obesity prevention. A new collaborative study from the University of Shizuoka, Kobe University, and Kyoto-based biotech company Noster Inc. has revealed that a natural compound produced by beneficial gut bacteria can directly act on fat cells, reducing their size and improving cellular metabolism. These findings, published in Nutrients, point to a new mechanism by which microbiome-derived compounds may help combat obesity and related diseases. The compound—HYA (10-hydroxy-cis-12-octadecenoic acid)—is made when certain gut bacteria, including Lactobacillus, metabolize linoleic acid, a common dietary fat. While HYA has previously been shown to support gut health and inflammation control, this study is the first to demonstrate that it directly alters the behavior of fat cells themselves. "We've known that metabolites from gut bacteria can influence the body, but this is the first clear evidence that HYA acts directly on adipose tissue," says Tetsuya Hosooka, Associate Professor at the University of Shizuoka and senior author of the study. "The discovery that gut bacteria can regulate fat cell function adds an exciting new dimension to our understanding of host–microbe communication." Key findings In the study, mice fed a high-fat diet were supplemented with HYA for five weeks. The fat cells themselves were significantly smaller compared to mice not receiving HYA—indicating a reduction in adipocyte hypertrophy, which is closely associated with insulin resistance and chronic inflammation. The researchers then examined the effects of HYA on cultured fat cells. In these experiments, HYA-treated adipocytes accumulated less fat, showed reduced expression of fat synthesis genes (FAS, ACC1, SCD1), and increased expression of genes involved in fat oxidation (CPT1A). This shift was linked to activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a key energy-regulating enzyme in cells. Importantly, the study found that HYA boosts intracellular calcium levels in fat cells, which in turn activates AMPK. This newly described mechanism is independent of GPR40 and GPR120, two receptors previously thought to mediate HYA's effects, suggesting that a different signaling route is involved. These results reinforce the idea that postbiotics—beneficial substances produced by gut microbes—can influence metabolic health by acting directly on distant tissues. Reference Matsushita R, Sato K, Uchida K, Imi Y, Amano R, Kasahara N, Kitao Y, Oishi Y, Kawaai H, Tomimoto C, et al. A Gut Microbial Metabolite HYA Ameliorates Adipocyte Hypertrophy by Activating AMP-Activated Protein Kinase. Nutrients, 2025; 17(8):1393. Glossary HYA – A natural compound produced by gut bacteria from dietary fat Adipocyte – A cell that stores fat in the body AMPK – An enzyme that regulates how cells use energy Postbiotic – A health-promoting compound made by gut microbes Hypertrophy – The enlargement of individual cells, often seen in obesity Abbreviations AMP (adenosine monophosphate), FAS (fatty acid synthase), ACC1 (acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1), SCD1 (stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1), CPT1A (carnitine acyltransferase 1A), GPR (G protein-coupled receptor) About Noster Inc. Noster Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Kyoto, Japan. The company focuses on postbiotics—compounds produced by gut bacteria—to develop new approaches to healthcare. By collaborating with universities and research institutes, Noster aims to translate microbiome science into real-world solutions for chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and inflammatory conditions. CEO: Kohey Kitao Head Office & Research Center: 35-3 Minamibiraki, Kamiueno-cho, Muko, Kyoto 617-0006, Japan Website: Contact Information Public Relations: Nanami Akatsuka Tel: +81-75-921-5303 / Fax: +81-75-924-2702 Email: contact@ Photo: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Noster Inc Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Noster research: Gut bacteria-derived molecule found to shrink fat cells and improve metabolism
KYOTO, Japan, May 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Joint study by University of Shizuoka, Kobe University, and Noster Inc. uncovers a novel postbiotic pathway for obesity prevention. A new collaborative study from the University of Shizuoka, Kobe University, and Kyoto-based biotech company Noster Inc. has revealed that a natural compound produced by beneficial gut bacteria can directly act on fat cells, reducing their size and improving cellular metabolism. These findings, published in Nutrients, point to a new mechanism by which microbiome-derived compounds may help combat obesity and related diseases. The compound—HYA (10-hydroxy-cis-12-octadecenoic acid)—is made when certain gut bacteria, including Lactobacillus, metabolize linoleic acid, a common dietary fat. While HYA has previously been shown to support gut health and inflammation control, this study is the first to demonstrate that it directly alters the behavior of fat cells themselves. "We've known that metabolites from gut bacteria can influence the body, but this is the first clear evidence that HYA acts directly on adipose tissue," says Tetsuya Hosooka, Associate Professor at the University of Shizuoka and senior author of the study. "The discovery that gut bacteria can regulate fat cell function adds an exciting new dimension to our understanding of host–microbe communication." Key findings In the study, mice fed a high-fat diet were supplemented with HYA for five weeks. The fat cells themselves were significantly smaller compared to mice not receiving HYA—indicating a reduction in adipocyte hypertrophy, which is closely associated with insulin resistance and chronic inflammation. The researchers then examined the effects of HYA on cultured fat cells. In these experiments, HYA-treated adipocytes accumulated less fat, showed reduced expression of fat synthesis genes (FAS, ACC1, SCD1), and increased expression of genes involved in fat oxidation (CPT1A). This shift was linked to activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a key energy-regulating enzyme in cells. Importantly, the study found that HYA boosts intracellular calcium levels in fat cells, which in turn activates AMPK. This newly described mechanism is independent of GPR40 and GPR120, two receptors previously thought to mediate HYA's effects, suggesting that a different signaling route is involved. These results reinforce the idea that postbiotics—beneficial substances produced by gut microbes—can influence metabolic health by acting directly on distant tissues. Reference Matsushita R, Sato K, Uchida K, Imi Y, Amano R, Kasahara N, Kitao Y, Oishi Y, Kawaai H, Tomimoto C, et al. A Gut Microbial Metabolite HYA Ameliorates Adipocyte Hypertrophy by Activating AMP-Activated Protein Kinase. Nutrients, 2025; 17(8):1393. Glossary HYA – A natural compound produced by gut bacteria from dietary fat Adipocyte – A cell that stores fat in the body AMPK – An enzyme that regulates how cells use energy Postbiotic – A health-promoting compound made by gut microbes Hypertrophy – The enlargement of individual cells, often seen in obesity Abbreviations AMP (adenosine monophosphate), FAS (fatty acid synthase), ACC1 (acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1), SCD1 (stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1), CPT1A (carnitine acyltransferase 1A), GPR (G protein-coupled receptor) About Noster Inc. Noster Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Kyoto, Japan. The company focuses on postbiotics—compounds produced by gut bacteria—to develop new approaches to healthcare. By collaborating with universities and research institutes, Noster aims to translate microbiome science into real-world solutions for chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and inflammatory conditions. CEO: Kohey Kitao Head Office & Research Center: 35-3 Minamibiraki, Kamiueno-cho, Muko, Kyoto 617-0006, Japan Website: Contact Information Public Relations: Nanami Akatsuka Tel: +81-75-921-5303 / Fax: +81-75-924-2702 Email: contact@ Photo: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Noster Inc Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
BBC News
03-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Health benefits and hype of dis green tea dey explained by expert
If you neva see picture of pesin wey hold cup of dis green coloured tea on social media – you probably need to refresh your feed. Di drink in question? Na matcha. From TikTok to Instagram, influencers don help to boost di drink popularity, leaving Gen Z consumers to dey queue for cafes to get a taste. But matcha dey far from new. E dey widely produced in Japan, di green tea powder na centuries-old staple, wey dey deeply rooted inside Japanese tradition and dem dey typically serve am for tea ceremonies country. In recent years, e don see a modern twist, e dey often appear in hot and iced lattes, desserts and even skincare products. Matcha na a type of green tea made from specially grown leaves of di Camellia sinensis plant. Unlike regular green tea, wey dem dey make from loose leaves or tea bags, dem dey whisk finely ground matcha powder inside hot water or milk. "Green tea dey well-studied for im health benefits, and matcha na just a more concentrated version, but more studies need to be done on potential benefits," Miranda Galati, one Canadian registered dietitian tok. But matcha dey as good for us as social media make am be like? Di health benefits of matcha Matcha dey rich in antioxidants – substances wey dey help protect your body from cell damage and lower di risk of chronic diseases. One study published by scientists from Konkuk University for Seoul find say matcha contain up to 10 times more antioxidants dan regular green tea. Green tea and matcha dey closely related, green tea dey help wit weight loss due to im high level of antioxidants. Studies show say green tea dey help increase your metabolism and fat burning, e dey helped by im high levels of caffeine. A typical serving of matcha latte (one teaspoon of matcha powder) contain around 38-176mg of caffeine. Dis na less caffeine dan a typical cup of coffee. However, Galati say matcha fit get a more slightly 'calming effect' dan coffee due to im L-theanine content according to sabi pipo. "Di amino acid inside matcha fit get benefits for di nervous system, helping with stress relief, anxiety ease and reduce insomnia," she tok. Some studies don link some of di compounds for matcha – including antioxidants and oda components like chlorophyll, caffeine and L-theanine – wit improved brain function. Caffeine dey known to act on di central nervous system, increasing metabolism throughout di brain, as well as heightening alertness and your memory. Research wey University of Shizuoka conduct for Japan suggest say matcha fit offer cognitive benefits. Di study, wey dem publish for di National Library of Medicine, involve 12 elderly participants—two men and ten women—wey consume two grams of green tea powder daily over a two-month period. Di findings indicate signs of improved brain function. But e no dey all good Like wit all sources of caffeine, E dey best to consume matcha in moderation. Matcha contain more caffeine dan green tea and excessive caffeine intake fit get negative effect such as anxiety, insomnia and increased heart rate. Caffeine increase your alertness, wey fit dey seen as beneficial. However, consuming too much fit trigger di release of adrenaline ("fight-or-flight" hormone), wey dey temporarily increase energy but fit also lead to feelings of anxiety or stress. Di recommended maximum daily caffeine intake for adults na 400mg, wey mean say e dey advised to only drink no more dan one or two cups of matcha latte per day. For those wey dey sensitive to caffeine, matcha fit be beta option as e contain less caffeine dan coffee, and im L-theanine content dey help reduce caffeine absorption. Wetin be 'dirty matcha'? Dirty matcha na shot of espresso added on top of di milk and matcha blend. But other dan di change in taste, shey dis na too much caffeine inside one cup? While di dirty matcha combine di alertness from caffeine wit di calming properties of matcha, nutritionists say di mixture fit still spike your adrenaline. However, dem argue say e dey do so in a "cleaner" way, as di caffeine dey gradually released due to di L-theanine. Like drinking one matcha latte, nutritionists advise limiting intake to one cup of dis a day. A note on quality Wit matcha gaining increased popularity in recent years, more dan half of Japan matcha now, dem dey export am internationally. Some reports don even predict say increased demand it leafd to a shortage of matcha both for Japan and globally. In response to di rising demand, Japanese tea companies Ippodo Tea and Marukyu Koyamaen don announce purchasing limits on matcha for di first time. According to Japan Ministry of Agriculture, di country produce 4,176 tons of matcha for 2023 – almost three times di amount for010. But as matcha become more mainstream, so also di difference in quality. "Di quality of matcha powder fit different," Galati wey dey run di online nutrition platform Real Life Nutritionist warn. "If you dey drink am for potential health benefits, make sure say na from a trusted source." Some cafe versions fit contain ingredients such as added sugars, flavourings or sweeteners, wey fit undermine im health benefits.
