2018 Fiscal Year Annual Research Report

小児の化学物質複合曝露メカニズムの解明と質量分析を用いた革新的基盤技術の開発

Research Project

Project/Area Number	18F17774
Research Institution	Gunma University
Host Researcher	和泉孝志群馬大学, 大学院医学系研究科, 研究員 (70232361)
Foreign Research Fellow	MEISTER ISABEL 群馬大学, 医学(系)研究科(研究院), 外国人特別研究員
Project Period (FY)	2018-04-25 – 2020-03-31
Keywords	environmental exposure / pediatric asthma / metabolic signature
Outline of Annual Research Achievements	The purpose of research is to identify the molecular signatures associated with sub-groups of pediatric asthma and investigate the role of environmental exposure in asthma. These findings aim to define molecular diagnostic criteria for asthma, to develop new therapeutic strategies, and to understand the role of environmental exposure in disease etiology. In 2018, we spent extensive time developing analytical methods (LC-MS: liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometry including automated sample processing methods) that are robust and reproducible for large scale studies. In parallel, we built a library of chemical standards for reliable identification of metabolites. Using our methods and library developed in this research program, we also started analysing metabolic signatures of lung obstruction in young adults born prematurely and suffered bronchopulmonary dysplasia in their early days of life. For completing this aim, we spent 12 months instead of the 9 months planned.
Current Status of Research Progress	Current Status of Research Progress 2: Research has progressed on the whole more than it was originally planned. Reason We have developed robust and reproducible analytical methods for large scale studies. We also built a library of chemical standards for reliable identification of metabolites. Using our methods and library, we started analysing metabolic signatures of lung obstruction in young adults born prematurely.
Strategy for Future Research Activity	We will investigate the relationship between asthma onset and environmental exposure. We will examine metabolic signatures of asthma in adults. We will try to integrate metabolic and environmental information.