Our Research

Experimental Study on the Effects of Environmental Factors on Respiratory Diseases and Their Chemoprevention- Ying-Ji Li

We are conducting experimental studies on the contribution of environmental factors to the onset and exacerbation of respiratory diseases, as well as preventive strategies based on molecular mechanisms. Our research focuses on the effects of oxidative stress caused by fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ultrafine particles (UFP) on allergic bronchial asthma and pulmonary fibrosis, using animal models and in vitro experiments. We are also investigating the potential of antioxidants and novel macrolide derivatives lacking antibacterial effects to contribute to chemopreventive strategies.

Epidemiological Research on Environmental and Social Factors for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention — Toward Early Risk Identification and Health Equity- Katsuhito Kato

As part of a broader effort to prevent cardiovascular diseases, previous research has explored how prediabetes (impaired glucose tolerance) and low-grade inflammation are associated with early indicators of atherosclerosis.

Building on this foundation, more recent work focuses on clarifying how the “environment”—in the broad sense of factors that influence daily life—affects cardiovascular health, from the perspectives of public health and epidemiology. This includes natural and temporal conditions such as temperature, atmospheric pressure, season, day of the week, and time of day, as well as social determinants of health (SDOH), including socioeconomic status, regional characteristics, and gender.

Using clinical epidemiological approaches, the research investigates how these environmental factors contribute to the onset and severity of acute cardiovascular diseases, including myocardial infarction, aortic dissection, and congestive heart failure. The goal is to generate scientific evidence that informs preventive strategies and promotes health equity.

Designing Your Well-being in the Era of the 100-Year Lifespan: The Potential of Self-Management Support by Rehabilitation Professionals -Hiroshige Jinnouchi

In an era where living to 100 years is becoming increasingly common, and where everyone desires to live healthily and authentically, we are collaborating with local governments and corporations on innovative program development focused on self-management support. Rehabilitation professionals, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language therapists, are inherently essential for supporting people’s health. However, the current reality is that only a small number are involved in public health, particularly in community-based preventative care. This indicates that the current social security system is not fully leveraging their potential.

We firmly believe that the specialized knowledge and skills in functional recovery and independence support cultivated in rehabilitation settings can significantly contribute to “community building that increases the number of healthy and active people.” This is because our perspective not only focuses on regaining lost functions but also accurately assesses an individual’s remaining abilities and compensatory strategies (ways to make up for lost functions). For instance, rehabilitation professionals can predict the risk of secondary disabilities from a long-term perspective and comprehensively evaluate an individual’s living environment and community resources. To provide a specific example, for individuals experiencing pain, physical therapists can appropriately utilize exercise therapy and physical modalities, focusing on “moving” functions such as posture and movement. Furthermore, for complex and highly individualized issues, we can combine approaches such as assistive devices like prosthetics, orthotics, and walking aids, along with adjustments to the living environment. At the core of our support is always a clear focus on “functional recovery” and “independence support.” This is why we can go beyond simply giving advice and carefully guide individuals to discover self-management methods that suit their unique circumstances and that they can implement themselves.

We are passionate about creating and implementing new models in community and healthcare settings that leverage the knowledge of rehabilitation. If you resonate with this vision and are interested in collaborating on activities that will shape the future of health promotion, we would greatly appreciate your involvement.

Featured Activities:

• CIRCS <Circulatory risk in Communities Study>: A community-based cohort study spanning over 60 years.
• Sammu Preventing Falls and Fractures Initiative: Joint project with Sammu City on preventing disability.
• WtoW <Working to be Wellness>: Joint project with the Sammu City Silver Human Resources Center on safe and secure employment.
• Health service research analyzing secondary data from both the broad national scale and detailed local levels, such as medical and long-term care insurance claims and surveys on the needs of the elderly.
• JPHC Study <Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study> and JPHC-NEXT: Large-scale cohort studies involving 100,000 participants.

Investigation of the Potential Application of Granzyme 3 as a Health Biomarker- Yukiyo Hirata

Granzyme 3 is a protease present in human peripheral blood lymphocytes and is thought to be involved in the cytocidal function of cellular immunity. This enzyme is thought to be produced intracellularly in lymphocytes and may leak into the blood depending on the intensity of cytotoxic activity. Our research focuses on the fundamental characteristics of granzyme 3, its association with the variability in the strength of cell-mediated immune functions, and its involvement in various pathological conditions. Furthermore, we are exploring the potential utility of granzyme 3 as a novel health biomarker.

Evaluation of Hepatic Fat Accumulation Using Cholinesterase as a Biomarker- Yukiyo Hirata

The prevalence of obesity has been increasing in recent years, accompanied by a corresponding rise in the incidence of fatty liver. Hepatic steatosis is defined as a condition in which triglycerides accumulate in hepatocytes at a level of 30% or more. In individuals with obesity, the presence of fatty liver meets the diagnostic criteria for obesity as a disease and requires appropriate medical intervention. Cholinesterase is an enzyme produced in the liver and is also associated with lipid metabolism; therefore, its levels increase in cases of fatty liver. Our research focuses on the production and biochemical characteristics of cholinesterase during lipid accumulation in hepatocytes. We are currently exploring the potential use of cholinesterase as a marker for assessing hepatic steatosis. And ultimately, we hope to contribute to the implementation of preventive measures against fatty liver, obesity, and metabolic syndrome.

Uncovering the Mechanisms That Sustain Immune Memory in T and B Cells -Ari Itoh-Nakadai

We focus on the mechanisms by which T cells and B cells—key players in immune responses—are maintained as “memory” cells within the body over long periods of time. Some immune cells survive after the initial encounter with pathogens or cancer cells and acquire specialized differentiation and metabolic states that allow them to respond rapidly and robustly upon re-exposure to the same threat.

In this research, we investigate how T cells maintain their function even within the tumor microenvironment, and how antibody-producing plasma cells adapt to their environment to survive long-term. We aim to clarify the molecular and metabolic characteristics that underlie these abilities. Our findings are expected to contribute to the development of more effective cancer immunotherapies, vaccines, and treatments for autoimmune diseases.