Evidence-based strategies to treat neuropathic pain with stem cell transplantations

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 18K08842
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 55050:Anesthesiology-related
• Research Institution: Hiroshima University (2021-2022); Department of Clinical Research, National Hospital Organization Kure Medical Center (2019-2020); National Center for Global Health and Medicine (2018)
• Principal Investigator: Shiraishi Seiji 広島大学, 病院(医), 寄附講座教授 (90216177)
• Project Period (FY): 2018-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 神経障害性疼痛 / 脂肪由来幹細胞 / ミクログリア / シュワン細胞

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We reported that transplantation of adipose-derived stem cells into neuropathic pain model animals improved symptoms such as hyperalgesia and allodynia, and repaired neuropathy sites. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the mechanism by which adipose-derived stem cell transplantation improves the symptoms of neuropathic pain and repairs damaged nerves. We investigated the effects of the culture supernatant of rat subcutaneous adipose-derived stem cells on microglia and Schwann cells. The culture supernatant was found to be effective on microglia and Schwann cells, but the stem cell culture medium alone was also effective. Further investigation is required regarding the components of the culture supernatant.

Free Research Field

疼痛学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

従来の研究が神経障害性疼痛の発症メカニズムに基づいた症状の治療のみであったが、本研究で行う幹細胞移植による神経障害性疼痛の治療は症状のみでなく、原因となった障害神経部位の再生修復という根本的な治療にも注目する点で、これまでに無かった新たな治療戦略となると期待される。