Detection of the activity of chronic inflammation in subcutaneous tissue by blood sampling and visualization of the process of tissue fibrosis

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K09843
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 56070:Plastic and reconstructive surgery-related
• Research Institution: Chiba University
• Principal Investigator: AKITA SHINSUKE 千葉大学, 医学部附属病院, 講師 (00436403)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 木村 元子 千葉大学, 大学院医学研究院, 教授 (00345018) ; 三川 信之 千葉大学, 大学院医学研究院, 教授 (40595196)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: リンパ浮腫 / 線維化 / 静脈うっ滞

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The purpose of this study was to clarify the pathophysiology of fibrosis that occurs in the subcutaneous tissue and lymphatic system as a result of changes in lymphatic and venous stasis. In human subcutaneous tissue, fibrosis associated with lymphedema and scarring was observed as a typical fibrosis process. Since Myl9 levels in plasma were high in lymphedema with fibrosis after irradiation of human specimens, we tested this molecule in mouse models of lymphatic and venous stasis and demonstrated that activation of the CD69-Myl9 system is deeply involved in fibrosis in a congested tissue environment. In a congestive environment, the CD69-Myl9 system is activated in the subcutaneous tissue. In the congestive environment, leakage of blood cells from the subcutaneous tissue into the lymphatic vessels may contribute to fibrosis.

Free Research Field

リンパ浮腫

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

皮膚皮下組織の線維化については様々な病態を原因とするにもかかわらず炎症に基づく線維芽細胞の活性化として理解されてきた。本研究において明らかになった移植組織静脈うっ滞に伴うCD69-Myl9 systemの活性化とリンパ流の閉塞は、静脈のうっ滞とリンパ流のうっ滞の連動を示す新たな発見であり、今後の更なる病態の理解と治療方法の開発に貢献すると考えられる。リンパ浮腫並びに静脈うっ滞、その他皮下組織線維化に悩む人々にとって、より根治的な治療法の開発が進むことはquality of lifeの向上のために必要なことであり、本研究の成果は将来ヒトにおける診断や治療評価として社会実装できる可能性がある。