Development of a novel treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis by identifying the molecular mechanism of ligamentum flavum thickening

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K09255
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 56020:Orthopedics-related
• Research Institution: Osaka Metropolitan University (2022-2023); Osaka City University (2021)
• Principal Investigator: Suzuki Akinobu 大阪公立大学, 大学院医学研究科, 講師 (00445016)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 寺井 秀富 大阪公立大学, 大学院医学研究科, 准教授 (20382046)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 黄色靱帯 / 終末糖化産物 / 腰部脊柱管狭窄症 / 糖尿病

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the effects and mechanisms of Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs) and mechanical stress on ligamentum flavum hypertrophy (LFH) using an animal model of diabetes mellitus. Three genes were identified to be involved in mechanical loading-induced LFH using a rabbit LFH model. However, it was impossible to evaluate the interaction of diabetes (AGEs) and mechanical stress in the diabetic rabbit model due to wound infection. Then, we made a diagetic rat model and confirmed AGEs accumulation in the ligamentum flavum in the diabetic rat model. We plan to establish a rat model of LFH and investigate the interaction between AGEs and mechanical loading using rats.

Free Research Field

整形外科、脊椎外科

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

腰部脊柱管狭窄症は高齢者の歩行障害を引き起こす代表的疾患であり、黄色靭帯の肥厚が腰部脊柱管狭窄症の主原因である。本研究により力学的負荷に伴う黄色靱帯の変動遺伝子が同定され、黄色靭帯肥厚における分子メカニズムの一端が明らかとなった。現在、腰部脊柱管狭窄症の治療法は手術による黄色靭帯切除や疼痛に対する対症療法のみである。さらなる研究が必要ではあるが、本研究結果を応用した非侵襲的な予防法や治療法の開発が可能になると考えられ、腰部脊柱管狭窄症を有する患者の健康寿命の延伸に寄与することが期待される。