Developing Treatment Strategies for Reproductive Disorders/Functional Disorders with a Focus on Novel Sensor Technologies and Ovarian Stromal Tissue

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K14962
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 42010:Animal production science-related
• Research Institution: Hiroshima University
• Principal Investigator: Umehara Takashi 広島大学, 統合生命科学研究科(生), 助教 (60826858)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 生殖 / 卵巣 / 繁殖

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we aimed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying ovarian fibrosis, a prominent cause of ovarian dysfunction. Through comparative analysis of aging and obese mouse models, we identified mitochondrial lipid metabolism as a key factor in this process. Notably, the observed decline in lipid metabolism within this metabolic pattern revealed a novel finding, indicating that lipid accumulation serves as a common denominator between aging and obesity. In the ovarian stromal tissue where such fibrosis occurs, we non-invasively administered pharmacological agents targeting lipid metabolism and mitochondrial function. As a result, we successfully discovered the restoration of ovarian function, accompanied by improvements in mitochondrial function. This breakthrough offers a promising avenue for innovative approaches to ovarian function recovery.

Free Research Field

農学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

卵巣の線維化は実験動物であるマウスのみならず，ヒトでも認められる現象である．本成果で新しく突き止めた“卵巣線維化がミトコンドリア，特に脂質代謝に起因すること”という学術成果は，ほ乳類に共通して認められる卵巣線維化を改善／予防する手法を構築するための礎になりうる．また，この成果を基に，ミトコンドリア機能改善剤を投与し，卵巣線維化を除去し，機能を改善した成果は，マウスのみならず，ヒトや家畜の妊孕性を回復させ得る成果であり，社会的にも意義深い成果だと考える．