Kiyotaka Nakagawa, PhD

“People think of skin cancer from UV exposure, but they should know that the damage may be much broader and should be educated on the implications for their health. Sunburn and UV radiation exposure, exposure to air pollution and aging are three main causes of oxidation, chemical changes in lipids in the skin that produce substances we believe may influence the development of certain disease states.”  

Dr. Nakagawa studies lipid oxidation in the human body and the mechanisms by which the processes happen, compromising cells and leading to their death. He is investigating the role of lipid peroxidation and its chemical byproducts in the development of degenerative diseases such as atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), dementia, high blood sugar and cancer. His current focus is skin lipids. 

In addition to acting as a scientific advisor, Dr. Nakagawa contracts with Amway for research work. He is developing methods of analyzing and distinguishing the various forms of lipid oxidation so that they can eventually be targeted with specific interventions. He says studies demonstrate that plant compounds like carotenoids and vitamin E are effective against particular oxidation forms, suggesting other plant nutrients may hold further promise. 

As understanding advances about how this works in the skin, Dr. Nakagawa expects to progress to studying how lipid oxidation may affect the brain, circulatory system and other systems. 

Dr. Nakagawa received his doctorate in Food Chemistry from the Graduate School of Agricultural Science at the University of Tohoku. His graduate and undergraduate degrees also are from Tohoku University. He joined the faculty there in 2003 following a JSPS Research Fellowship for Young Scientists and a Japan Science and Technology Corporation, Domestic Research Fellow. He has authored or collaborated on many papers for influential peer-reviewed publications.