Prevention of NASH progression by controlling HSC activation resulting from a deterioration of adenosine dynamics

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K20186
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 59040:Nutrition science and health science-related
• Research Institution: University of Shizuoka
• Principal Investigator: Yamaguchi Momoka 静岡県立大学, 薬学部, 助教 (30804819)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 非アルコール性脂肪肝炎（NASH） / 肝星細胞 / 肝線維化 / アデノシン受容体 / アデノシン動態 / 肝実質細胞 / Prostaglandin E2

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The results of this study showed that changes in expression levels of adenosine-related molecules in hepatocytes occur during progression from NAFLD to NASH, which results in an increase in extracellular adenosine level, thereby promoting the activation of hepatic stellate cells. These results suggest that a deterioration of adenosine dynamics in the liver during inflammation triggers the progression to NASH, which is expected to be a possible target for preventive and therapeutic strategies against NASH.

Free Research Field

肝線維化、薬理学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

肥満人口の増加に伴い、NAFLDの患者数は年々増加しているが、一部の患者では、さらに、NAFLDから予後不良なNASHへと進展する。NASHの予防・治療法はいまだ確立しておらず、NAFLDからNASHへと進展する原因も不明である。本研究では、NASH進展の原因として肝臓内のアデノシン動態変化を見出した。本研究成果よりNASHの予防および治療法への応用が期待できる。