The development of novel strategies for the prevention and treatment of recalcitrant bone fractures and osteoporosis through the utilization of ultrafine bubbles

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K09460
• 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: Osaka University
• Principal Investigator: Ebina Kosuke 大阪大学, 大学院医学系研究科, 特任准教授(常勤) (70612076)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 平尾 眞 大阪大学, 大学院医学系研究科, 招へい教員 (10527708)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 廃用性骨粗鬆症 / 難治性骨折 / 酸素 / ウルトラファインバブル

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Upon the addition of oxygen ultrafine bubbles (OUB) during the cultivation of mouse-derived osteoclasts, RNA sequencing analysis revealed a downregulation of related genes, including those involved in osteoclast differentiation, cell adhesion, and cytoskeletal organization, compared to the control group. A rat model of intractable femoral fracture was established, and intraperitoneal administration of OUB water (3.0ml × 5 times/week) was conducted. After 8 weeks, there was no significant difference in bone union compared to the control group (physiological saline administration). A mouse model of disuse-induced osteoporosis (induced by tail suspension for 3 weeks) was created, and intraperitoneal administration of OUB water (300μl × 5 times/week) was performed for 3 weeks. There were no significant differences observed in femoral bone density at the distal end and tibialis anterior muscle weight compared to the control group.

Free Research Field

骨代謝

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

酸素ウルトラファインバブル（OUB）は骨代謝において中心的な役割を司る破骨細胞や骨細胞の分化・増殖・機能にダイナミックに関与することが示された。今回の研究では骨代謝に関与することが報告されている酸素をウルトラファインバブル化することで検討を行った。理論上あらゆる気体をウルトラファインバブル化することが可能であり、本研究成果がこの技術を用いた新たなドラッグデリバリーや臨床応用に活用されることが期待される。