Advancement of Ischemic Paraplegia Treatment following Thoracoabdominal Aortic Surgery by Utilizing Neurons Derived from Adipose Stem Cells

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K09248
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 55030:Cardiovascular surgery-related
• Research Institution: University of the Ryukyus
• Principal Investigator: SHIMIZU YUSUKE 琉球大学, 医学(系)研究科(研究院), 教授 (10327570)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 神里 興太 琉球大学, 医学(系)研究科(研究院), 助教 (10554454) ; 角南 寛 琉球大学, 医学部, 特命准教授 (50374723)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 脂肪幹細胞 / 細胞移植 / 対麻痺 / 脊髄虚血 / 脊髄軟膜下投与

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study aimed to develop an innovative strategy for treating ischemic paraplegia after thoracoabdominal aortic surgery. Our focus was on using neurons derived from adipose stem cells (ADSCs) to restore motor function in the lower extremities. We successfully isolated ADSCs from rats and established cell cultures. We also induced spinal cord ischemic injury (SCII) in a rat model by targeting the thoracic aorta. However, generating neurons from ADSCs consistently proved challenging. Nonetheless, we created 12 rat models with SCIIs. Six rat received ADSC transplantation beneath the spinal pia, while the other six received normal saline as the control. Rats receiving ADSC transplantation showed significant recovery in lower extremity motor function compared to the control group. This finding supports subpial transplantation of ADSCs as a potential treatment for spinal neuropathy and functional restoration.

Free Research Field

再生医療

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

脊髄虚血による対麻痺に対して脂肪幹細胞を脊髄軟膜下投与することで、下肢の運動機能回復の可能性が認められた。本研究は小動物であるラットによる研究であったが、今後さらなる追実験を実施して再現性を確認した後、ブタ、サルなどの大動物での実験を経て、ヒトへの応用がなされれば、脊髄虚血後の対麻痺をきたした患者に対する大きな福音となる可能性がある。