Development of a Novel Prevention Method for Cisplatin-Induced Kidney Injury Using Prothymosin Alpha-Derived Peptide

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K17287
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 53040:Nephrology-related
• Research Institution: Nagasaki University
• Principal Investigator: Torigoe Kenta 長崎大学, 病院(医学系), 講師 (90867532)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 急性腎障害 / 抗がん剤 / プロサイモシンα

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We conducted an investigation to determine whether the prothymosin alpha-derived peptide (P6Q), a nuclear protein, can prevent acute kidney injury caused by cisplatin. Inhibition of renal damage was confirmed by administering P6Q (30 mg/kg) intravenously 30 minutes before cisplatin administration to 8-week-old male Wistar rats. Furthermore, in the kidneys of rats treated with P6Q, a reduction in tubular cell apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway and enhanced phosphorylation of Akt were observed. These results clarify that P6Q suppresses acute kidney injury induced by cisplatin through its anti-apoptotic effect mediated by Akt phosphorylation.

Free Research Field

腎臓内科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究によりP6Qがシスプラチンによる急性腎障害を抑制する事が明らかとなった。シスプラチンは様々な種類の腫瘍に対するkey drugであるが、急性腎障害の副作用によりその使用が制限される事がある。今回はラットにおける検討を行ったが、今後ヒトにおいてもP6Qによってシスプラチンによる急性腎障害を抑制する事ができるようになれば、副作用によってシスプラチン継続が不可能になる頻度も減り、より効果的な治療が期待できる。