The researcher synthesized water-soluble cationic paramylon derivatives from paramylon, a polysaccharide obtained from Euglena. He showed that the derivatives are effective in improving the metabolic syndrome indices, in collaboration with Artisan-Lab and Kobelco Eco-Solutions.

Cationic paramylon derivative obtained from Euglena

Treatment therapies for metabolic syndromes before a diagnosis of diabetes include dietary restriction and exercise. As the effectiveness of these therapies varies significantly from person to person, drugs are needed to prevent the accumulation of visceral fat. The hormone GLP-1, which stimulates insulin secretion, is a target in the development of antidiabetic drugs. Because GLP-1 tends to be broken down in a few minutes in the body, the development of drugs that make GLP-1 effective for longer period is being pursued. Since less GLP-1 is secreted in type 2 diabetic patients, drugs to stimulate its secretion are needed.

The researcher designed molecules that reduce blood cholesterol levels and has synthesized water-soluble paramylon derivatives by adding cationic functional groups. When these derivatives were administered to obese model mice, the amount of visceral fat decreased, and weight increase was suppressed. The amount of insulin secreted to maintain blood sugar levels decreased, indicating that the symptoms associated with decreased insulin sensitivity may have been counteracted. Although its detailed mechanism is not known, the secretion of GLP-1, which is called a “weight-loss hormone” and an important target in the development of antidiabetic drugs, increased three-fold.

The researcher will set up a research and development structure, including research institutions and pharmaceutical companies, with the aim of investigating how the paramylon derivative stimulates GLP-1 secretion and optimizing the structure of paramylon and its derivatives.