Role of M2 macrophages-produced neuropeptides in inflammatory-independent low back pain

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K09510
• 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: Kitasato University
• Principal Investigator: Miyagi Masayuki 北里大学, 医学部, 講師 (90627556)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 内田 健太郎 北里大学, 医学部, 講師 (50547578) ; 大久保 直 北里大学, 医学部, 准教授 (10450719)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: マクロファージ / 腰痛 / 非炎症性

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Pathology of intervertebral discs (IVDs) is a major factor in chronic low back pain (LBP). A number of studies have reported that inflammatory condition plays a pivotal role in the pathology of IVD.　However, the mechanism of pain mechanisms in non-inflammatory states remain unclear. We found that Peptide Lv expression increased in M2 macrophages. TGF-b stimulate M2 macrophages polarization and inhibition in TGF-b signaling reduced M2 macrophages in mice IVD injury model. In addition, we found that SEMA7A play an important role for M2 polarization. Our findings may provide novel therapeutic targets to treat LBP.

Free Research Field

整形外科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

超高齢社会を迎えた我が国において腰痛治療は極めて重要である。本研究は非炎症性メディエータによる腰痛という新たな病態の一端を明らかにしたものであり、高い社会的意義を有するものと考えられる。