Elucidation of the mechanism of analgesic action by human mesenchymal stem cells for intractable pain and its clinical application

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K07750
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 51030:Pathophysiologic neuroscience-related
• Research Institution: Jikei University School of Medicine (2021-2023); National Cancer Center Japan (2020)
• Principal Investigator: Miyano Kanako 東京慈恵会医科大学, 医学部, 准教授 (50597888)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 上園 保仁 東京慈恵会医科大学, 医学部, 教授 (20213340)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 間葉系幹細胞 / 疼痛

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Almost 70-80% of cancer patients experience pain, which is merely relieved by analgesics presently available, and there are needs for the development of novel analgesics. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have a multipotent differentiation potential and have been reported to have various effects such as anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects, and their clinical application is attracting attention worldwide. In this study, we analyzed the analgesic effects and mechanisms of human MSCs using an animal model of pain that is difficult to control with analgesics available, aiming to accumulate basic data necessary for the clinical application of MSCs for pain control. As a result, we found that human MSCs alleviate intractable sciatic nerve ligation (PSNL)-induced neuropathic pain, and published the results in PLOS ONE.

Free Research Field

薬理学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

既存の鎮痛薬での制御が難しいがん患者の疼痛には多数の因子が複雑に関与することが考えられている。本研究は、複雑ながん患者の疼痛に対し、多数の薬理学的作用点をもつMSCが有効である可能性を示した。本研究は、難治性疼痛の克服によりがん患者のがん治療の継続を可能にすることで治療の完遂を促し、患者のQuality of Lifeの向上に寄与するだけでなく、患者の生命予後の延長にも貢献すると考える。