Understanding the Cartilage-Protective Effects Mediated by Macrophages through Exercise Therapy for Osteoarthritis

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 22K21209
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: 0909:Sports sciences, physical education, health sciences, and related fields
• Research Institution: Hokkaido University (2023); Saitama Prefectural University (2022)
• Principal Investigator: Oka Yuichiro 北海道大学, 保健科学研究院, 助教 (10965354)
• Project Period (FY): 2022-08-31 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 変形性関節症 / 運動療法 / マクロファージ

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We investigated the spatiotemporal distribution of macrophages in the synovium and the effects of an M2 macrophage inhibitor when treadmill exercise was performed on a mouse model of osteoarthritis. As a result, it was found that M2 macrophages increased before histological changes in tissues such as cartilage and synovium were observed due to treadmill exercise. Furthermore, it was revealed that the use of an M2 macrophage inhibitor did not prevent cartilage degeneration even with treadmill exercise.

Free Research Field

リハビリテーション

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究は運動という物理的刺激を介した炎症の抑制メカニズムについて、特にマクロファージの役割を中心とした知見を提供する。また軟骨保護に関して、M2マクロファージをターゲットとした新たな治療法の開発に貢献することを可能とする。さらに、運動が炎症抑制に働くメカニズムを解明することは治療法の開発だけでなく、予防医学のためのプログラム設計にも貢献する可能性を秘めている。