Investigating the Role of Circulating Exosomes in the Aggravation Mechanisms of Graves' Disease

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K17523
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 54040:Metabolism and endocrinology-related
• Research Institution: Fujita Health University
• Principal Investigator: Hiratsuka Izumi 藤田医科大学, 医学部, 講師 (30778428)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: バセドウ病 / エクソソーム / microRNA / バイオマーカー / サイトカイン / 増悪

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Exosomes are known to encapsulate microRNAs (miRNAs) among other substances, and to stably exist in the bloodstream where they play a role in intercellular communication. It has been elucidated that they actively participate in the etiology and pathogenesis of various diseases.In this study, we analyzed the circulating exosomes in autoimmune thyroid diseases, and examined their impact on the pathogenesis of Graves' disease. We found that the blood exosomes in Graves' disease enhance the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, we discovered that the influence on cytokine production capability varies in different pathological states such as remission or exacerbation. These findings suggest that circulating exosomes are implicated in the pathogenesis of Graves' disease

Free Research Field

内分泌・代謝内科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究により自己免疫性甲状腺疾患、特にバセドウ病の血中エクソソームが病態に関与することを明らかにした。これら成果は、これまで不明であった自己免疫性甲状腺疾患の病態解明につながるものである。将来的には治療や診断法の開発につながることが期待される。