Analysis of cellular functions in fibrosis using nonlinear light scattering

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K18038
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 90110:Biomedical engineering-related
• Research Institution: The University of Tokushima
• Principal Investigator: HASE Eiji 徳島大学, ポストLEDフォトニクス研究所, 特任助教 (50805512)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 線維化 / SHG / ブリルアン散乱

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we aimed to develop optical methods for the detailed evaluation of fibrosis. First, we constructed polarization-resolved second-harmonic-generation (PR-SHG) microscopy and demonstrated that the collagen orientation degree obtained from PR-SHG analysis could reflect the stages of fibrosis. Next, we developed a Brillouin scattering microscope and applied it to the observation of lipid droplets in the liver tissues of MASH model mice, demonstrating the feasibility of evaluating MASLD progression from the perspective of the mechanical properties of lipid droplets. Finally, we developed a multimodal microscope combining SHG microscopy and Brillouin scattering microscopy, aiming to visualize collagen distribution and local elasticity variations due to fibrosis progression.

Free Research Field

生体医工学，光工学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究の学術的意義として，１．病理学分野の観点から，新たな光学診断法の可能性を示し，２．医用分光学分野の観点から，脂肪の硬さ（粘弾性）から病態を判別しうることを示し，最後に３．光工学分野の観点から新たなイメージ・コントラストを提供する可視化手法の開発を行った．これらの成果は，社会的には医療現場での診断精度向上や患者への迅速な治療提供に貢献することが期待される．