Development of a novel fetal treatment for myelomeningocele using recombinant HGF protein.

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K08215
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 52050:Embryonic medicine and pediatrics-related
• Research Institution: Kitasato University (2022); Keio University (2020-2021)
• Principal Investigator: Ochiai Daigo 北里大学, 医学部, 教授 (80348713)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 脊髄髄膜瘤 / 肝細胞成長因子

Outline of Final Research Achievements

To develop a novel treatment for a rat model of myelomeningocele, intra-amniotic cavity and local administration of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), which has a proven track record in adult spinal cord injury, was used. Intra-amniotic administration did not produce a sufficient therapeutic effect, but local administration of HGF in the vicinity of the lesion decreased the expression of inflammatory cytokines in the spinal nerves, suggesting a certain therapeutic effect.
A new technique was also developed to remove only the spinal nerves from a rat model of myelomeningocele. Previously, the nerves was removed from the lesion, which may have been contaminated supporting tissue. However, this method is simpler, as it can be reliably pulled out from the head side and does not require special instruments such as microsurgery.

Free Research Field

産婦人科

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

脊髄髄膜瘤は確立された治療法がない周産期難治性神経疾患であり、新たな治療法の開発が急務である。脊髄損傷に有効であるHGFを動物モデルに投与したところ、炎症性サイトカインの発現量が低下した。これによりHGFが脊髄髄膜瘤に対して有効である可能性が示唆されたが、他の因子については十分な効果が認められなかったため、至適投与量・投与間隔のさらなる検討が必要である。
そのためには、脊髄髄膜瘤モデルラット胎仔から脊髄神経のみを確実に摘出する手術法が必要であるが、本研究を通じて安定した手技の確立に成功した。