信大医学部医学科研究紹介2019（英語版）

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38The placenta is a mysterious organPlacenta Group（Chief: Senior Assistant Prof. Norihiko Kikuchi）Obstetrics and GynecologySummary of ActivityThe placenta is involved in not only the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste, but also in hormone production and immunity. These functions affect fetal growth and the maintenance of pregnancy, but have not yet been elucidat-ed in detail. The insufficient invasion of extravillous trophoblasts (EVT) to the myometrium during placental formation in early pregnancy is a major cause of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), which significantly impair maternal and fetal health. Therefore, we focus on factors that regulate the invasion of EVT. We previously reported that LCN2, an iron transporter, promoted the invasion of EVT. Furthermore, among various biologically active substances secreted from the placenta, such as hormones, we have investigated NRG1 as a factor promoting fetal lung maturation. We also examined the senescence of trophoblastic cells in the placenta, which may regu-late gestational age in approximately 280 days.・Investigation of the effects of LCN2 and LCN2-related factors on EVT・Research on the mechanisms responsible for placental aging・Investigation of the utility of NRG1 as a diagnostic marker for fetal lung maturationWe hope that our research results lead to the establishment of screening and prevention methods for high-risk cases of HDP and IUGR. Our research results may lead to improve-ments in neonatal prognoses by establishing preterm birth prediction and prevention meth-ods and promoting fetal lung maturation.After graduating and obtaining a Ph.D. degree, foreign students have returned to their own country or worked in the USA as postdoctoral fellows.Research subjectOutlook for researchOutlook for students after graduationMembers of the Placenta GroupCell cultures are a basic experi-mental technique that is indispens-able for functional analyses. Early placental tissue immunostained by CK7, a Feel the weight of lifeReproduction Group（Chief: Assistant Prof. Kenji Oka）Obstetrics and GynecologySummary of ActivityParents want healthy children. In order to fulfil that wish, assisted reproductive technolo-gies (ART) such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), embryo transfer (ET), and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are familiar medical technologies; however, there are associated is-sues such as increases in the incidence of chromosomal abnormalities and malformations. Although the selection of good sperm is necessary for not only decreasing the possibility of these issues, but also increasing the success rate of ICSI, its selection is based on the experience of the technician; there are no clear selection criteria. We demonstrated the potential to identify good sperm by mathematically analyzing the morphology of the sperm head. The preservation of fertility in AYA Cancer (Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer) is of significant importance. We recently reported the successful collection of immature oocytes from an ovary removed with an ovarian tumor, pregnancy in that patient using ART, and the successful delivery of a healthy baby. ・Establishment of a selection method of good sperm by sperm head morphology・Improvements in fertility-preserving methods for patients with AYA Cancer・Elucidation of the novel pathogenesis of endometriosisWe hope that that our research results lead to the automatic sorting of good sperm, improved sperm selection accuracy, and, thus, reductions in the incidence of chromo-somal abnormalities. Improvements in fertility-preserving technologies for patients with AYA Cancer may enhance their motivation in cancer treatments.After graduating and obtaining a Ph.D. degree, foreign students have returned to their own country or worked in the USA as postdoctoral fellows.Research subjectOutlook for researchOutlook for students after graduationMembers of the Reproduction GroupICSIDuring ICSI