Elucidation of the mechanism of venous thromboembolism in spinal ligament ossification model mouse

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K18449
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 56020:Orthopedics-related
• Research Institution: Hirosaki University
• Principal Investigator: Ichikawa Nana 弘前大学, 医学部附属病院, 助教 (70837434)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 脊柱靭帯骨化症 / 後縦靭帯骨化症 / 静脈血栓塞栓症 / ttwマウス

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We researched risk factors for venous thromboembolism in ossification of spinal ligament with its model mice (ttw mice). In ttw mice, blood coagulation was extended, vascular wall was thin and much more small blood vessels was seen than control mice. Endothelial cells from ttw had high vasculogenesis capability, and there were much more mesenchymal stem cells around blood vessels in ttw than control. These results contribute to thrombus formation, and suggest that ttw has environment to become thrombosis. Furthermore, this research revealed that high capability of vasculogenesis may contribute to growth of spinal ligament ossification.

Free Research Field

整形外科

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

脊柱靭帯骨化症患者では脊髄損傷後の静脈血栓塞栓症の発生頻度が高く、死亡率へ影響している。本研究は脊柱靭帯骨化症における血栓形成に関わる因子を調査し、血栓が生じやすい環境である可能性を見出した。また、骨化症モデルマウスの血管内皮細胞は高い管腔形成能を有し、これが骨化の増大に関与する可能性を見出した。