Glycosaminoglycan analysis of human degenerated lumbar ligamentum flavum by mass spectrometry

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K18533
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 56020:Orthopedics-related
• Research Institution: Shimane University
• Principal Investigator: Kono Michihaya 島根大学, 学術研究院医学・看護学系, 助教 (30547740)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 腰部脊柱管狭窄 / 黄色靭帯 / グリコサミノグリカン / 質量分析

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Qualitative changes in the extracellular matrix, including glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), have been reported in thickened ligamentum flavum (LF) in lumbar spinal canal stenosis (LSCS); however, no detailed quantitative reports are available to date. This study sought to accurately measure the changes in GAGs, collagen, and elastin levels via degenerative thickening of LF and to confirm these histologic changes. Degeneration of LF resulted in quantitative increases in all GAG, collagen, and elastin components. Standardized by dry weight, the increase in GAGs was significant and the results were consistent with histology. The GAGs were originally present only in trace amounts and were markedly increased by degeneration, suggesting that the increase in GAGs contributes to tissue thickening because of their water-inducing properties. Increased GAGs in LF may be a new therapeutic target in LSCS.

Free Research Field

脊椎脊髄外科

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

腰部脊柱管狭窄症の有病率は高く、今後も患者数が増加することが推計されているが、現行の薬物治療は対症療法が主体で、根本的に病態を解決する薬物治療はない。われわれは腰部脊柱管狭窄における変性靭帯に含まれるグリコサミノグリカンの質量分析を行った結果、種々のグリコサミノグリカンを検出し、いずれも未変性靭帯と比較して有意に高値であることを明らかとした。以上の結果から腰部脊柱管狭窄において増加したグリコサミノグリカンが新たな治療標的となる可能性が示された。