Elucidating the pathophysiology of placental insufficiency for the novel treatment of the disease

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K24044
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: 0906:Surgery related to the biological and sensory functions and related fields
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: Sayama Seisuke 東京大学, 医学部附属病院, 助教 (00775041)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-08-30 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 妊娠高血圧腎症 / 胎児発育不全 / 赤血球

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We analyzed the relationship between fetal growth restriction (FGR) and preeclampsia (PE) with erythrocytes by using a mouse model which lacks ENT1 on the erythrocyte cell membrane showing lowered oxygen binding capacity. These mice showed FGR phenotype, which was possibly due to hypoxia in the placenta and down regulated amino acid transporter in the placenta. Based on these findings, we investigated whether the erythrocyte oxygen binding capacity has a role in the pathogenesis of FGR/PE.

Free Research Field

妊娠高血圧腎症

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

胎児発育不全や妊娠高血圧腎症による早産や新生児死亡、母体死亡を減らすためにはその疾患の原因を解明する必要があるが、多くは謎に包まれたままである。母体赤血球という切口で同疾患の原因を解明するのは全く新しい方法で、画期的な原因解明や治療に繋がる可能性を秘めた研究である。