Eye Health-promoting Lactobacillus paracasei KW3110 Receives the 2022 Technology Award for Agricultural Chemistry from the Japan Society for Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Agrochemistry.

Awardees

Kirin Holdings, Dr. Yuji Morita, Dr. Hiroaki Suzuki, Dr. Takahiro Yamazaki, Dr. Daisuke Fujiwara

Title of Award-winning Research

A Novel Approach to Maintain Eye Health By Regulating Inflammasome Activation: Development and Commercialization of Lactobacillus paracasei KW3110

Award-winning Research Background

Our lifestyles are changing due to the aging of the population and the increased use of electronic devices such as computers and smartphones, and an increasing number of younger people are suffering from aging eyes (presbyopia) and eye fatigue and other issues. In this context, eye health maintenance in daily life, centered on dietary habits, has been attracting attention.

In addition, inflammation is attracting attention as a common phenomenon that exists in aging and functional decline associated with aging and external stimuli. Recent research has shown that suppressing inflammation can be expected to alleviate aging and inflammatory diseases. On the other hand, there have been limited research reports on foods that suppress inflammation in the eye through immune regulation.

Research Summary

The research group found that Lactobacillus paracasei KW3110 acts on macrophages*1, a type of immune cell, and induces the production of anti-inflammatory cytokine (interleukin-10: IL-10)*2. Therefore, we verified the effect of Lactobacillus paracasei KW3110 on eyes in two non-clinical studies and evaluated the effect of Lactobacillus paracasei KW3110 intake in a clinical study on healthy subjects who felt eye fatigue by using the “flicker test*3.” As a result, the amount of change in the flicker value from week 0 in the 4th and 8th week of intake of Lactobacillus paracasei KW3110 was significantly higher in the Lactobacillus paracasei KW3110 intake group than in the placebo intake group, which was the control group. This result suggests that the intake of Lactobacillus paracasei KW3110 reduces the sense of eye fatigue in healthy people who feel eye fatigue.

As a mechanism of action of KW3110 to suppress inflammation, we found that Lactobacillus paracasei KW3110 has a characteristic effect of suppressing the activation of inflammasome, a molecule reported to be involved in the progression of inflammation and aging among lactic acid bacteria. Furthermore, it was shown that the structure of sugar chains*4 on the surface of Lactobacillus paracasei KW3110 lactobacilli may contribute to the inhibitory effect on inflammasome activation via IL-10 production.

Comments from one of the award-winning scientists

Yuji Morita, Ph.D. Kirin Central Research Institute, R&D Headquarters, Kirin Holdings Company, Limited

Immunity plays a very important role in human health. We have been conducting research on immunity for more than 35 years based on our strength in fermentation and biotechnology cultivated through our beer business, the core business, and have discovered Lactococcus lactis strain Plasma and Lactobacillus paracasei KW3110, clarified their mechanisms of action, and worked on product development.

All of us involved in this project are delighted to receive this award, which we believe is the result of Lactobacillus paracasei KW3110 being recognized as an ingredient that brings high value to consumers, for which we have been working on in our research and product development.

We will continue to promote research and development centered on immunology in order to solve consumers' health issues and achieve significant growth in the health science field.

About the Japan Society for Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Agrochemistry (JSBBA)

The Society was founded in 1924 to advance basic and applied research in the field of agricultural chemistry and thereby contribute to the development of science, technology, and culture, thereby improving the welfare of humankind. It became an incorporated association in 1957 with the approval of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), and was converted to a public interest incorporated association as of March 1, 2012.

Comprised of researchers, engineers, students, and organizations in diverse fields centering on bioscience and biotechnology, the society promotes international activities, achieves active support for holding international scientific meetings, and widely introduces the importance of agricultural chemistry based on its practicality and applicability.

About the Agricultural Chemistry Technology Award

It is awarded to regular or supporting members who have made noteworthy technical achievements in the field of agricultural chemistry. The achievements must have practical value.

For details on JSBBA awards see: https://www.jsbba.or.jp/e/about_e/awards_e.html