A research article entitled "Epigenetic modifications associated with ossification of the thoracic ligamentum flavum: The role of DNA methylation in angiogenesis", authored by a research group at Shiga University of Medical Science (first author: Yuya Chosei, Graduate Student, Department of Orthopedic Surgery), has been published in the international academic journal Journal of Orthopaedic Science.

In this study, the relationship between angiogenesis and DNA methylation in the formation and progression of thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF), which can cause severe myelopathy, was investigated.

For the observation of fine vascular courses and vascular plexuses within the ligament tissue, the GOKO Bscan-ZA, an autoclavable capillaroscope manufactured by GOKO Imaging Devices Co., Ltd., was used. By directly observing the ligamentum flavum exposed during surgery at approximately 720× magnification, a reticular vascular plexus consisting of vessels of varying calibers with irregular trajectories was observed in the OLF group. In contrast, the control group showed only scattered small vessels without the formation of a vascular network.

Furthermore, DNA methylation analysis and immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated an association between angiogenesis-related factors and ossification of the ligamentum flavum, suggesting that neovascularization may play an important role in the formation and progression of ligament ossification.