Elucidation of the mechanism of aortic aneurysm formation mediated by Pentraxin 3

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 22K16079
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 53020:Cardiology-related
• Research Institution: Fukushima Medical University
• Principal Investigator: Shimizu Takeshi 福島県立医科大学, 医学部, 助教 (30722524)
• Project Period (FY): 2022-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 大動脈瘤 / 自然免疫 / Pentraxin 3 / 心血管疾患 / 酸化ストレス

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Pentraxin 3 (PTX3), which has been highlighted as a marker for cardiovascular diseases based on arteriosclerosis, has been found in recent years not only as an inflammatory marker but also as a constituent factor of humoral innate immunity involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. In this study, using aortic aneurysm tissues from ApoE-PTX3 double knockout mice, we examined the role of PTX3 in the formation and progression of abdominal aortic aneurysms. PTX3 was suggested to be associated with the activation of MMP-2, MMP-9, and increased oxidative stress in aortic tissues. The involvement of innate immunity via PTX3 in the formation of aortic aneurysms was suggested, necessitating further investigation.

Free Research Field

心血管疾患

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

大動脈瘤に対するステントグラフトを用いた低侵襲の血管内治療が普及している一方で、小径瘤の拡大を抑制する根本的な内科的治療法は未だなく、その開発が望まれている。さらに小径でも破裂をきたすこともあり、病態活動性を規定する因子の同定も求められている。本研究により、大動脈瘤の病態進展におけるPTX3を介した自然免疫の関与が示唆された。大動脈瘤に対する根本的な内科的治療への臨床応用、加えて活動性を規定するバイオマーカーとしての応用も期待される。