Development and elucidation of the mechanism of action of glycan-related therapeutics for refractory skin disorders due to female hormone deficiency

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K08349
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 53050:Dermatology-related
• Research Institution: Ehime University
• Principal Investigator: Muto Jun 愛媛大学, 医学部附属病院, 講師 (30338131)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 女性型脱毛症

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Menopause induces systemic changes due to the decline in ovarian function and subsequent deficiency in female hormones. In the skin, this deficiency leads to decreased amounts of extracellular matrix components. Conditions like female pattern hair loss represent intractable diseases, significantly impacting the quality of life (QOL). We have investigated the effects of a trehalose-containing topical agent on hair loss due to hormone deficiency using an ovariectomized (OVX) mouse model. Both the sham and OVX groups that received the trehalose-containing treatment showed a significant increase in hair volume at shaved sites. Furthermore, we are conducting in vitro studies to elucidate the mechanism of action, including RNA-seq analysis of the whole transcriptome and protein expression in human fibroblasts, dermal papilla cells, and keratinocytes treated with trehalose. These studies aim to validate the efficacy of topical trehalose ointment and develop new treatments.

Free Research Field

皮膚科

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

トレハロースはショックモデルに於けるマクロファージの炎症活性抑制やオートファジーの誘導作用が報告されている。また、生理作用としては、トレハロース内服により女性ホルモンの欠乏状態にて生じる骨粗鬆症予防効果について報告がある。さらにはハンチントン病などの神経変性疾患に対する効果などが報告されている。そしてこれまで実験動物やヒトでの毒性や有害事象は報告されていない。女性型脱毛などは難治な疾患であり、患者にとって重大なQOL障害となる。ところが、これらに対して高いエビデンスを有する治療薬は現在のところ存在しないため、未解明の作用メカニズムを解明することにより安全安価な新規治療薬となりうる。