Basic and clinical research for improving and reconstructing testicular endocrine function

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K16740
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 56030:Urology-related
• Research Institution: Shiga University of Medical Science
• Principal Investigator: Tomita Keiji 滋賀医科大学, 医学部, 非常勤講師 (30640148)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 精巣内分泌機能 / ライディッヒ細胞 / テストステロン

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We have clarified D-aspartic acid, which does not exist in most organs, is present in the mouse testis, its localization, intra-individual behavior, and some of its physiological effects. It was revealed that it acts directly on testicular endocrine function, and it was suggested that it may have a positive effect on spermatogenic function. Although the mechanism by which D aspartate is localized in the testis is currently being investigated, it is assumed that it involves a converting enzyme from L-type aspartate. By clarifying this mechanism, there is a possibility of intervention in the testosterone synthesis process, which may be useful clinically.

Free Research Field

造精機能

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

世界的に急速に進行する少子化、また不妊症の増加という背景を鑑みるに、造精機能障害の原因解明は社会的にも重要な課題である。また造精機能に対して、明確な機序が明らかな介入手段は現状ほとんどないと言える。本研究はその可能性に繋がりうる成果と考える。さらに本研究が発展すれば男性更年期障害、前立腺癌に対する内分泌療法の開発など多岐に渡り様々な分野での新たな治療開発の可能性に繋がりうる。