Development of a novel method for predicting and diagnosing dementia focusing on blood exosome microRNA

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K07805
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 52010:General internal medicine-related
• Research Institution: Ehime University
• Principal Investigator: Toyama Kensuke 愛媛大学, 医学系研究科, 助教 (60793346)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 茂木 正樹 愛媛大学, 医学系研究科, 教授 (20363236) ; 三宅 吉博 愛媛大学, 医学系研究科, 教授 (50330246)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: microRAN / 血管性認知機能障害

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We focused on the association between blood-brain barrier disruption and the pathology of dementia, and evaluated the utility of microRNA as diagnostic biomarkers. While miR-511-3p was found to be unlikely to serve as an effective diagnostic marker, miR-501-3p showed potential as an indicator of both arteriosclerosis and mild cognitive impairment. Specifically, high levels of blood exosomal miR-501-3p were associated with greater progression of arteriosclerosis and more frequent detection of mild cognitive impairment. This investigation suggests that blood exosome microRNA levels could become useful diagnostic markers for detecting dementia.

Free Research Field

血管生物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

動脈硬化や軽度認知機能障害の有用なヒトバイオマーカーである可能性を示した点は学術的に重要です。これにより、新たな診断法や治療法の開発に寄与することが期待されます。また、血液検査が認知症の早期発見と予防に役立つ可能性があり、非侵襲的な検査法として普及すれば、患者の負担を軽減し、医療コストの削減にも寄与する社会的な意義があります。