Abstract
On November 15, 2011, the Japanese Emperor bestowed the Medal with Purple Ribbon on Professor Hideo Utsumi for contributions to redox biology. Professor Utsumi was awarded Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from University of Tokyo in 1976, and started his professional career as Assistant Professor at Teikyo University. He visited Cologne University as fellow during 1978–1980. In 1982, he moved to Showa University as Associate Professor. In 1994, he moved to Kyushu University as Professor. During 2008–2010, he served as vice president of Kyushu University. From 2007 to now he serves as the Director of Innovation Center for Medical Redox Navigation. Beginning 2010 he serves as the Executive Director of the Center for Product Evaluation, Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency. Professor Utsumi was the first to develop in vivo electron spin resonance (ESR; also known as electron paramagnetic resonance) imaging system in Japan and commercialized it to promote redox research. Over 30 in vivo ESR systems are currently used in Japan today. A compact or high-resolution Overhauser-enhanced MRI system has been developed by his group and will be available next year. His translational research activities have uniquely covered instrumentation, organic synthesis, and disease model applications. He synthesized many redox-sensitive compounds, and collaborated with clinicians to understand mechanisms underlying disease systems caused by redox imbalance using his compounds as tools. Thus, Professor Hideo Utsumi contributed a novel technology to investigate in vivo redox status in disease models. This technology platform has immense potential for bedside application to humans. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 16, 463–467.
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