Development of novel treatment for neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy using nanoparticles

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K18165
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 56040:Obstetrics and gynecology-related
• Research Institution: Shiga University of Medical Science
• Principal Investigator: Nobuta Yuri 滋賀医科大学, 医学部, 医員 (60823896)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 新生児低酸素性虚血性脳症 / ナノ粒子

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The effectiveness of nanoparticles coated with polyglycerol in scavenging reactive oxygen species had already been demonstrated prior to the start of this study. In this study, the nanoparticles were coated with a double layer of polyglycerol to give them even stronger ROS scavenging ability. We have begun to examine whether intravascular administration of the nanoparticles in a neonatal mouse model of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy alleviates brain damage and motor dysfunction. The above animal experiments are currently ongoing.

Free Research Field

産婦人科

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

子宮内もしくは分娩時の低酸素環境によって引き起こされる新生児低酸素性虚血性脳症は、脳性麻痺などの中枢神経障害の原因となり、周産期医療における最も重篤な疾患のひとつであるが、現在、治療効果が確認されているのは脳低温療法のみで、それも新生児HIEの発症率を11%低下させるに留まる。本研究において新規に開発したナノ粒子は新生児低酸素性虚血性脳症の病態の鍵となる活性酸素種を強力に除去することができる。本ナノ粒子を用いた治療法を確立できれば、過去60年低下しない脳性麻痺の発症率を下げることが期待できる。