2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report
Elucidation of anti-inflammatory functions by oxytocin
| Project/Area Number |
21H02695
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| Research Category |
Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
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| Allocation Type | Single-year Grants |
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| Section | 一般 |
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| Review Section |
Basic Section 49010:Pathological biochemistry-related
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| Research Institution | Kanazawa University |
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Principal Investigator |
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| Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha) |
棟居 聖一 金沢大学, 医学系, 助教 (10399040)
木村 久美 金沢大学, 医学系, 助教 (60409472)
松下 貴史 金沢大学, 医学系, 教授 (60432126)
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| Project Period (FY) |
2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
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| Keywords | オキシトシン / 制御性B細胞 / 炎症 |
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| Outline of Final Research Achievements |
Oxytocin, a nonapeptide hormone, has a key role in female reproductive functions and social behaviors as well as anti-inflammatory actions. However, the molecular mechanisms of oxytocin’s anti-inflammatory effects remain largely unknown. In this study, we found oxytocin and its receptor system could suppress the development of autoimmune diseases. We also for the first time identified a novel oxytocin-binding protein, complement component C4, in human sera. Our findings suggest that C4 would regulate the oxytocin and its receptor system, leading to immunological modulations. Further studies are required to clarify full pictures of oxytocin’s actions in immunology.
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| Free Research Field |
生化学
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| Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements |
オキシトシンは既に産科領域で、分娩誘発や分娩後異常出血において高用量で使用されており、副作用も少ないことが分かっている。オキシトシンの炎症免疫抑制効果とその分子機序が明らかになれば、ヒトの自己免疫疾患への治療に繋がるといった臨床応用や実用化への期待がさらに高まる。また本研究により、オキシトシンと補体C4の新たな関係が発見され、まだ未解決のことも残されているので、今後も更に継続して研究を進めていくことにより社会への貢献に繋がるものと考える。
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