Research of cells involved in radiculopathy and development of its treatment using mesenchymal stem cells

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K09405
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 56020:Orthopedics-related
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: Matsubayashi Yoshitaka 東京大学, 医学部附属病院, 講師 (50747962)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 森 大典 東京大学, 医学部附属病院, 届出研究員 (60835354) ; 矢野 文子 東京大学, 医学部附属病院, 届出研究員 (80529040)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 整形外科学

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we investigated the mechanism of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy for radiculopathy. We created a mouse model of radiculopathy by ligation of the nerve root and analyzed pain-related behavior after local or intravenous administration of MSCs. Significant improvement in pain was observed in the MSC-treated group, but the therapeutic effect tended to be greater in the intravenous administration group. In the intravenous administration group, the administered MSCs did not localize around the nerve root, but the microglia and astrocytes involved in the development of neuropathic pain in the corresponding spinal cord region were significantly decreased. Furthermore, RNAseq of the nerve root showed a decrease in signals related to inflammation and pain, suggesting that MSCs indirectly alleviate neuropathic pain.

Free Research Field

整形外科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

神経根症は神経障害性疼痛を引き起こす代表的な疾患であり、既存の治療薬が奏効しない患者も多く、また手術等の侵襲的な治療を行っても改善しないことも少なくない。MSCを用いた治療は様々な領域で研究と実用化が進んでいるが、本研究の成果は神経障害性疼痛に対する治療効果のメカニズムの一端を解明したものであり、今後の開発や普及に貢献するものと考える。