Pathophysiology and Therapeutics

Introduction

Research on mechanisms and effective treatments for obesity, diabetes mellitus and their complications

Research on mechanisms and effective treatments for obesity, diabetes mellitus and their complications

Obesity is known to increase risk for many diseases, including diabetes mellitus. In addition, diabetes mellitus causes numerous complications, such as macrovascular and microvascular diseases that can eventually lead to death. Since the number of obese people and patients with diabetes mellitus continues to grow worldwide, obesity and diabetes mellitus are considered global health issues. In the Department of Pathophysiology and Therapeutics we investigate the pathophysiology of obesity, diabetes mellitus and their accompanying complications in order to identify effective treatments.

Obesity is defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation and ways to reduce risk for obesity are reducing food intake and increasing exercise. While feeding behavior is known to be regulated by the brain, detailed mechanisms still remain unclear. Thus, we investigate the mechanisms by which the brain regulates feeding behavior. Furthermore, in addition to obesity-related diseases, it has recently been shown that obesity in pregnant women may have a significant impact on their children. For example, it is reported that children born from obese women are more likely to develop obesity and diabetes mellitus later in life. Therefore, we are clarifying the influence that obesity in pregnant women has on their children and its underlying mechanisms.

Patients with diabetes mellitus show chronic hyperglycemia, which is caused by a deficit in insulin secretion from the pancreas or a diminished effect of insulin. Blood glucose levels are maintained by a balance between systemic glucose utilization and hepatic glucose production, which is known to be regulated by hormones such as glucagon and insulin. We have previously shown that blood glucose levels are also regulated by the central nervous system. Thus, we are investigating in detail how the central nervous system regulates blood glucose levels. Moreover, diabetes mellitus causes various complications, such as diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy and neuropathy. In addition, it is reported that the prevalence of mental disorders such as depression and anxiety is higher in patients with diabetes mellitus than among the general population, suggesting that diabetes mellitus may affect brain function. To elucidate these processes, we investigate how brain function is altered and mental disorders arise in diabetes mellitus.

In overview, the Department of Pathophysiology and Therapeutics is elucidating how obesity and diabetes mellitus occur in processes of metabolic regulation, and how these diseases cause complications, including mental disorders. We hope that our research will lead to future preventive and therapeutic strategies for obesity, diabetes mellitus and their complications.

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