Kirin, Kao begin joint research to investigate relationship between visceral fat and immunology

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 11 (Bernama) -- Kirin Holdings Company Ltd (Kirin) and Kao Corporation (Kao) will participate in the "Wakayama Health Promotion Study," a cohort study led by Wakayama Medical University and compiled by the Health Promotion Research Centre (HPRC), from this month.

Kirin said in a statement that it and Kao will jointly conduct research to investigate the relationship between visceral fat and the activity of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), a key leader of the immune system, among others.

The research aims to elucidate the relationship between visceral fat and pDC activity by combining Kirin’s more than 35 years of research capabilities in the field of immunology with Kao's research capabilities in improving visceral fat accumulation, which is at the root of lifestyle-related diseases.

The research will be conducted as an additional study to the "Wakayama Health Promotion Study”, which has been conducted on residents of Wakayama Prefecture since 2011.

This month, a specific health checkup will be conducted in Wakayama Prefecture for residents aged 40-55.

Kao will collect data on lifestyle habits and the amount of visceral fat, while Kirin Holdings will collect data on the activity of dendritic cells, including pDCs, in the blood.

These data will be mutually shared, and the relationship between visceral fat and pDC activity will be jointly studied and analysed.

By clarifying the relationship between visceral fat mass and pDC activity through the HPRC study, Kirin and Kao will promote initiatives aimed at reducing health risks for consumers in the future.

-- BERNAMA