Method for controlling number of adipose cells

Abstract

A method for controlling the number of adipocytes in a tissue of a living body, the method controlling the number of adipocytes in the tissue of the living body. The method includes a step of applying electrical stimulation to tissue of a living body using a vector potential generating device. The electrical stimulation can increase or decrease the number of fat cells by controlling the frequency of the alternating current applied to the vector potential generating device.

Description

[0001] Cross-references

[0002] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-066163 filed in Japan on April 14, 2023, and all the contents described in that application are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a method for controlling the number of fat cells in biological tissue using a vector potential generating device. Background Art

[0004] In the past, in order to reduce fat, it was known that when cells need energy due to external stimulation such as exercise, fat is used, and the fat itself is reduced by converting it into energy. In addition, in order to lose weight (weight loss), therapies using electrical stimulation are performed in clinical settings or in daily life. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an electrode wearing device 1 for a living body that is worn on a part of the body. The wearing device is used for "electrical muscle stimulation EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) that applies a training stimulation signal as an electrical stimulation signal to the body surface of a muscle 50 to cause the muscle 50 to contract and expand", and "the purpose of exercising the muscle 50 can be any of the following purposes, such as weight loss, muscle strength improvement, and regenerative medicine for regenerating damaged muscle 50 by contracting the muscle 50 to burn nearby fat. The electrode wearing device 1 for a living body can be used for any of these purposes" (see paragraph 0045 of Patent Document 1).

[0005] However, these therapies require that electrodes be placed in close contact with at least a portion of the body's surface at a predetermined contact pressure. To deliver more effective electrical stimulation, surgery or insertion of a needle through the skin into the affected area are performed, applying very high-impact stimulation. Furthermore, these high-impact stimulations can cause the patient's skin and muscles to contract, potentially reducing the effectiveness of the treatment.

[0006] On the other hand, a non-contact spatial electric field generating device has been disclosed that does not generate a magnetic field but instead generates a linear electric field by generating a vector potential, thereby performing work externally (for example, see Patent Document 2). Furthermore, it has been reported that an electric stimulation device produced using this principle has a shorter healing time, less burden on the organism, and is simple to install, and can treat fractures, osteoporosis, other human injuries, tumors, and the like (for example, see Patent Document 3).

[0007] Prior art literature

[0008] Patent Literature

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-114093

[0010] Patent Document 2: International Publication WO2015 / 099147 Handbook

[0011] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent No. 7151356 Summary of the Invention

[0012] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0013] However, reducing fat through exercise therapy requires a considerable amount of exercise, and the method varies depending on individual circumstances, resulting in varying results. Furthermore, with electrical stimulation therapy, wearing the device is believed to damage the skin, and prolonged use can be quite painful.

[0014] Therefore, the object of the present disclosure is to clarify the effect of electrical stimulation generated by a vector potential generating device as disclosed in Patent Document 3 on fat cells and to provide a method for controlling the number of fat cells using the device.

[0015] Means for solving problems

[0016] The present disclosure was made to solve the above-mentioned problems and is based on the finding that the number of fat cells can be controlled by using a vector potential generator to perform electrical stimulation with an electric current of an appropriate frequency (20 kHz to 200 kHz).

[0017] [1] A method for controlling the number of fat cells, wherein the method controls the number of fat cells in the tissue of a living body, characterized in that the method includes a step of applying electrical stimulation to the tissue using a vector potential generating device, and the electrical stimulation can increase or decrease the number of fat cells by controlling the frequency of the alternating current applied to the vector potential generating device.

[0018] [2] The method according to [1], wherein the vector potential generating device has a base wire, the base wire being composed of a core wire and an outer wire, the core wire having an insulating coating, the outer wire being wound around the core wire with the core wire as a reel without a gap therebetween, and the vector potential generating device also having a barrel, the barrel being formed by winding the base wire into a ring shape, one end of the core wire being electrically connected to one end of the outer wire, the other end of the core wire being connected to one end of an external circuit, and the other end of the outer wire being connected to the other end of the external circuit, and the external circuit being caused to generate an alternating current to impart electrical stimulation to tissue placed in the barrel.

[0019] [3] The method according to [1], wherein the vector potential generating device comprises: a plurality of base wires, the plurality of base wires being composed of a core wire and an outer wire, the core wire having an insulating coating, the outer wire being wound around the core wire with the core wire as a reel without a gap therebetween; and an external circuit which causes the plurality of base wires to conduct an alternating current, the plurality of base wires being arranged in a straight or curved arrangement direction.

[0020] [4] The method according to [1] or [2], wherein the tissue is a tissue with restricted movement, and the number of fat cells is increased by controlling the frequency of the alternating current to less than 50 kHz.

[0021] [5] The method according to [4], wherein the frequency of the AC current is 1 kHz to 30 kHz.

[0022] [6] The method according to [1] or [2], wherein the tissue is adipose tissue associated with obesity, and the number of fat cells is reduced by controlling the frequency of the alternating current to 50 kHz or more.

[0023] [7] The method according to [6], wherein the frequency of the AC current is 100 kHz to 300 kHz.

[0024] [8] The method according to [2], wherein an alternating current is applied to the external circuit so that the electric field intensity in the cylindrical portion becomes 0.17 V / m to 0.27 V / m.

[0025] [9] The method according to [2], wherein an alternating current is applied to the external circuit so that the electric field intensity in the cylinder becomes 0.22 V / m.

[0026] Effects of the Invention

[0027] According to the present invention, the number of fat cells can be increased or decreased by controlling the frequency of the alternating current applied to the vector potential generating device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram for explaining a basic wire constituting a vector potential generating device used in the method disclosed herein.

[0029] Figure 2 It is used for application Figure 1 Schematic diagram illustrating a basic wire vector potential generating device.

[0030] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of an experimental vector potential generating device used in the examples.

[0031] Figure 4This is a diagram showing the arrangement of the base wire of the vector potential generating device according to a modified example of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an application example of the vector potential generating device according to a modified example of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the number of adipocytes in the posterior part of the rat joint capsule measured in Example 1.

[0034] Reference Signs Explanation

[0035] 1: VP device; 5: biological tissue or a part thereof; 8: external circuit; 9: AC power supply; 10, 10a, 10b, 10c: base wire; 20: cylindrical part; 21: core wire; 22: outer wire. Detailed Description of Embodiments

[0036] Next, each embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, each embodiment described below does not limit the invention recited in the claims, and not all of the elements and combinations described in each embodiment are essential for the solution means of the present invention.

[0037] The present disclosure relates to a method for controlling the number of adipocytes in a tissue of a living body using a vector potential generating device (hereinafter referred to as "VP device"). Hereinafter, the components of each embodiment will be described in sequence.

[0038] <VP Device>

[0039] For example, as outlined in Figure 1 the VP device 1 used in the method of the present disclosure has a base wire 10, which is composed of a core wire 21 and an outer wire 22. The core wire 21 has an insulating coating, and the outer wire 22 is wound around the core wire 21 as a reel without a gap with respect to the core wire. The VP device 1 further has a cylindrical part 20, which is formed by winding the base wire 10 into a ring. One end of the core wire 21 is electrically connected to one end of the outer wire 22, and the other end of the core wire 21 is connected to one end of the external circuit 8, and the other end of the outer wire 22 is connected to the other end of the external circuit 8.

[0040] The base wire 10 consists of a core wire 21 and an outer wire 22 spirally wound around the core wire 21. The core wire 21 and outer wire 22 are separate conductors, with one end p1 and one end p2 connected at point P. Furthermore, the end p3 of the core wire 21, which is on the opposite side from end p1, and the end p4 of the outer wire 22, which is on the opposite side from end p2, are, for example, the ends of the first lead wire 212 and the second lead wire 222 connected to the external circuit 8. The external circuit 8 is a circuit for transmitting electrical signals (e.g., current) input to the core wire 21 and outer wire 22. Such external circuit 8 functions as a power supply device that conducts current. The VP device 1 generates an electric field within the barrel 20 formed by winding the base wire 10. Furthermore, the core wire 21 and outer wire 22 are not limited to separate conductors; they can also be composed of a single conductor that is bent back at point P.

[0041] Figure 2 It is used for Figure 1 The schematic diagram shown in FIG. 1 illustrates a VP device 1 using a base wire 10. The base wire 10 is wound around the VP device 1 in a ring shape for more than one turn, and a barrel 20 for holding a living body or its tissue 5 (experimental animal in the figure) is formed inside the barrel 20. At this time, it is preferred that adjacent base wires 10 are arranged without gaps on the outer circumferential surface of the barrel 20. By holding the living body or its tissue in the barrel 20 and passing a current of a specified frequency from an AC power supply 9 connected to an external circuit 8 to the base wire 10, an electric field is generated in the barrel 20 along the axial direction of the barrel 20 in a non-contact manner without generating a magnetic field. Furthermore, in the living body or its tissue 5 held in the electric field, a current flows from the place where the electric field is strong to the place where the electric field is weak.

[0042] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a VP device used in another embodiment (Examples described below). In this embodiment, the base wire 10 that constitutes the barrel 20 is composed of three-layer base wires 10a, 10b, and 10c. Each base wire has a core wire 21 and an outer wire 22, which are connected at one end of the base wire 10. At the other end, for example, the outer wire 22 of base wire 10a is connected to the core wire 21 of base wire 10b. Similarly, base wire 10b is connected to base wire 10c, and a current of a predetermined frequency is applied from the AC power supply 9 to the return wire of base wire 10a and the outer wire 22 of base wire 10c.

[0043] Here, the voltage (electric field strength) generated in the cylindrical portion 20 can be calculated based on the differential value of the current applied to the base wires 10a, 10b, and 10c. This calculation formula is basically as detailed in Patent Document 2 and can be obtained from the winding density of the base wires, coil diameter, etc. As an example, the voltage generated in the cylindrical portion 20 can be obtained according to the following formula (12) described in Patent Document 2. In addition, the content described in Patent Document 2 is incorporated into this specification in its entirety by reference.

[0044]

[0045] Among them, V2 is the voltage accumulated by the electric field E based on the vector potential, μ0 is the magnetic permeability of vacuum, n is the number of turns of the outer wire per unit length of the core wire, N1 is the number of turns of the base wire per unit length, S is the cross-sectional area of the base wire, a is the inner radius of the cylindrical portion, L is the length of the base wires 10a, 10b, and 10c, I ,

[0049] , Figure 4 is the amplitude of the current, ω is the frequency, and t is the time. Therefore, the voltage generated in the cylindrical portion 20 can be controlled to a desired value by controlling the structure of the electrical stimulation device. For example, the voltage generated in the cylindrical portion 20 can be controlled to a desired value by controlling the length, diameter, number of turns, etc. of the coil obtained by winding the base wire into a ring and the frequency and amplitude values of the current applied from the AC power supply 9.

[0046] Moreover, the external circuit 8 can supply the same current or different currents not only to one cylindrical portion 20 but also to multiple cylindrical portions 20 installed in multiple tissues simultaneously. And, by miniaturizing the external circuit 8, it can also become a module or device like battery-driven, so the portability is further improved.

[0047] And, in the external circuit 8, it is preferable to have a control unit that controls parameters such as the magnitude, time, frequency, etc. of the current flowing in the core wire 21 and outer wire 22 of the cylindrical portion 20. Moreover, this control unit can also control multiple cylindrical portions 20 simultaneously and preferably also has a function of changing the above-mentioned current, frequency, etc. parameters according to data provided from other sensors such as a body temperature sensor, a bioelectric current sensor, etc.

[0048] <Modified Example of VP Generation Device>

[0049] Figure 4This diagram illustrates the arrangement of the base wires 10 in a VP device 1 according to a modified example of the present disclosure. In this modified example, the VP device 1 includes multiple base wires 10. Each base wire 10 in this modified example has a linear core wire 21 and comprises multiple solenoid coils extending along the core wire 21. The multiple base wires 10 are arranged along a linear arrangement direction. In other words, the VP device 1 has a generally flat outer shape. An external circuit 8 conducts current through the multiple base wires 10. Furthermore, the multiple base wires 10 can be electrically connected in series or in parallel. Alternatively, the multiple external circuits 8 can conduct current through each of the multiple base wires 10. In this case, the multiple external circuits 8 conduct AC current through each of the multiple base wires 10 in synchronization with the AC current conducted through the multiple base wires 10. Furthermore, the core wire 21, which serves as the coil axis of the base wires 10, can be made of a ferromagnetic component. The ferromagnetic component has a shape extending along the coil axis of the base wire 10, which has a solenoid coil shape and is formed from a ferromagnetic material. The ferromagnetic component is made of a conductive material such as permalloy. One end of the external wire 22 is electrically connected to one end of the ferromagnetic component, forming a path for current. Furthermore, the external circuit 8 applies a voltage to the other end of the external wire 22 and the other end of the core wire 21, which is made of the ferromagnetic component, causing current to flow through the base wire 10.

[0050] By providing a plurality of base wires 10 in this manner, the intensity of the vector potential applied to the target object becomes greater.

[0051] Figure 5 1 is a diagram showing an application example of the VP device 1 of the above-mentioned modified example. Figure 5 As shown in FIG, a plurality of base wires 10 are arranged on a sheet that is worn in contact with or without contact with the skin. By wearing the VP device 1 on any tissue of a living body, a vector potential is applied to the tissue. Figure 5 In the embodiment, the basic wire 10 is arranged along a direction perpendicular to the elbow joint of a person, but the basic wire 10 may be arranged along the length direction of the elbow joint (the length direction of the upper arm). Figure 5 In the embodiment, the base wires 10 are arranged on the surface of the sheet, but the base wires 10 may be embedded in a bag-shaped sheet.

[0052] <Method for controlling the number of fat cells>

[0053] The disclosed method for controlling the number of fat cells includes applying electrical stimulation to tissue of a living organism using the aforementioned VP device. Here, a living organism refers to a living organism, such as mammals, birds, or fish. Mammals include, but are not limited to, primates (e.g., humans), cattle, sheep, goats, horses, dogs, cats, rabbits, rats, and mice; birds include, but are not limited to, chickens, ducks, and turkeys; and fish include, but are not limited to, eels, salmon, and horse mackerel. In a preferred embodiment, the subject is a human. In one embodiment, the electrical stimulation is applied by holding the tissue of the living organism, or a portion thereof, within the barrel of the VP device and generating an alternating current in an external circuit for a predetermined period of time. The term "holding" herein encompasses not only securing the living organism, or a portion thereof, within the barrel using a jig or the like to maintain position, but also, for example, holding the living organism, or a portion thereof, within the barrel by receiving it on a concave or concavely curved surface, or by placing the living organism, or a portion thereof, on a flat surface. In a preferred embodiment, a planar mounting platform or the like may be provided within the cylindrical portion. Furthermore, the mounting platform is preferably made of an insulating material that does not conduct electricity. More preferably, a resin material such as rubber, polyethylene, or polyvinyl chloride is used. Furthermore, ceramics or other materials may also be used for heat resistance.

[0054] In other embodiments, the sheet-shaped VP device of the above-described modified example may be attached to a living body or a portion of tissue thereof, and an alternating current may be applied from a power supply device to impart electrical stimulation.

[0055] By controlling the frequency of the alternating current applied to the VP device, the electrical stimulation disclosed herein can increase or decrease the number of fat cells. "Frequency control" refers to adjusting the frequency of the current applied to the VP device to a specific range in order to obtain the desired effect, and the details will be described later. The current can be a continuous alternating current or a pulsed alternating current. Moreover, as a preferred embodiment, the adjusted parameters can also combine voltage pulses with frequency. Here, "combination of voltage pulses" refers to any one or any combination of two or more of (1) waveforms with different periods, (2) waveforms of different shapes (for example, triangular waves, sine waves, rectangular waves, etc.), and (3) waveforms with different duty cycles in different periods.

[0056] Moreover, the electric field intensity generated in the barrel can be controlled by controlling the structure of the VP device and the applied current. The electric field intensity can be appropriately adjusted according to the location and symptoms of the target tissue and is not limited thereto, but is preferably about 0.1V / m to 1V / m, more preferably, the electric field intensity in the barrel is 0.17V / m to 0.27V / m, and even more preferably, it has an electric field intensity of about 0.22V / m. At this time, the intensity of the electrical stimulation applied to the tissue held in the barrel can be inferred as the current value flowing in the organism based on, for example, the electric field intensity applied to the electrical stimulation device and the impedance of the tissue held in the barrel.

[0057] In some examples, the prescribed time for applying electrical stimulation refers to the time during which the electrical stimulation device of this embodiment is operated in order to control the number of fat cells. For example, the prescribed time is preferably operated as follows: at least 30 minutes, 60 minutes, or 90 minutes per day, once or two to three times a day, continuously or discontinuously, preferably at least five days a week, for one to three weeks or more. This example of an operating time is not limiting. It may include additional exercise therapy or other therapies such as medication.

[0058] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, "controlling the number of fat cells" means increasing or maintaining (inhibiting decrease) the number of fat cells. Typically, a method for increasing the number of fat cells in a living tissue is provided. Here, the living tissue as the object is preferably a tissue of a living body or a part thereof with limited movement. "Limited movement" means that the body's motor function is limited due to diseases or trauma of bones, muscles, joints, diseases of the central nervous system, etc., such as muscle tension, decreased muscle strength, and reduced joint movable area. In addition, the method of this embodiment includes the following: using a VP device that conducts an alternating current controlled to a specific frequency to impart electrical stimulation to the tissue with limited movement. The specific frequency is, for example, less than 50 kHz, preferably less than 40 kHz, more preferably less than 30 kHz, and even more preferably less than 20 kHz. The lower limit of the specific frequency is not particularly limited, for example, it is greater than 0.1 kHz, preferably greater than 1 kHz, and more preferably greater than 2 kHz. Typically, it is preferably in the range of 1 kHz to 30 kHz.

[0059] As a specific disease, for example, "joint contracture" can be cited. Joint contracture is often caused by immobilization or rest in bed. Contracture occurs not only in local joint fixation such as soft tissue trauma and plaster fixation for fracture treatment, but also in long-term treatment, neurological diseases and muscle diseases that require care during the course of their illness. The changes in each tissue that are considered to be the cause of contracture rarely exist independently, and the state of restricted movement of a normal joint is widely considered to be a pathological concept called contracture. In the knee joint, there is abundant adipose tissue under the knee, and its flexibility helps joint movement. It is reported that restricted movement of the joint (immobilization) will cause the adipose tissue under the knee to atrophy and disappear. Therefore, by increasing the number of fat cells using the method of this embodiment, joint contracture can be prevented, treated or improved.

[0060] As targets for the treatment of joint contractures, contractures of the human shoulder joint, elbow joint, hand joint, thumb, hip joint, and knee joint can be cited, but are not limited to these. Furthermore, the method can also be used for similar non-human purposes in the veterinary field, including organisms other than humans, such as companion animals such as dogs and cats, and horses, especially racehorses. For example, in the recuperation of injured racehorses, by using the method of this embodiment on tissues with restricted movement as the target, the period of recovery from the injury can be shortened. Furthermore, in the production of livestock meat, by using the method of this embodiment on muscle tissue as the target, the proportion of intramuscular fat can be increased to produce high-quality beef and pork.

[0061] In other embodiments, "controlling the number of fat cells" means reducing or maintaining (inhibiting increase in) the number of fat cells. Typically, a method for reducing the number of fat cells in a living tissue is provided. Here, the living tissue as the object is fat tissue associated with obesity. The location of the fat tissue is not particularly limited, and it can be subcutaneous fat or visceral fat. In addition, the method of this embodiment includes the following: using a VP device that conducts an alternating current controlled to a specific frequency to impart electrical stimulation to the fat tissue associated with obesity. The specific frequency is, for example, 50 kHz or more, preferably 80 kHz or more, more preferably 100 kHz or more, and even more preferably 200 kHz or more. The upper limit of the specific frequency is not particularly limited, and is, for example, 1000 kHz or less, preferably 500 kHz or less, and more preferably 300 kHz or less. Typically, it is preferably in the range of 100 kHz to 300 kHz.

[0062] Specific diseases or application targets include, for example, overweight, obesity, metabolic disorders, hypertension, lipid-related disorders, anorexia, and type II diabetes. The term "obesity" refers to a subject whose adipose tissue weight and body mass exceed currently permitted standards. In some embodiments, a subject whose BMI exceeds currently permitted standards is considered obese. In the case of humans, the current standard for what is considered "normal" for both males and females is 20 kg / m2. 2 ~24.9kg / m 2 In this embodiment, the BMI of the obese subject is 30 kg / m 2 In some embodiments, the BMI of the obese subject is 40 kg / m 2 In other embodiments, a subject is obese when their weight exceeds 120% of the normal weight for their age and height. Normal weight varies between species and individuals depending on height, build, anatomy, and sex. The term "overweight" refers to a moderate excess of fat in a subject. In some embodiments, where the subject is a human, an overweight subject has a BMI of 25 kg / m2. 2 above.

[0063] In another embodiment, the method of the present invention is preferably combined with exercise therapy, thermotherapy, acupuncture, or medication to improve obesity. Pharmacological therapies for obesity include: promoting energy expenditure through increased lipolysis in adipose tissue; inhibiting energy intake, such as by hindering the absorption of lipids and carbohydrates from the digestive tract, and inhibiting food intake. Furthermore, even if these combined therapies can inhibit fat cell hypertrophy, their number may not be reduced. However, the method of the present invention can reduce the number of fat cells, making it a permanent treatment for obesity.

[0064] Next, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0065] Example

[0066] <Experimental Equipment>

[0067] The schematic diagram of the vector potential generating device (hereinafter referred to as "VP device") used in the following embodiments is shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown in Figure 3As shown, three basic wires (VP ​​wires) 10a, 10b, and 10c are wound around the barrel. Furthermore, the three basic wires have the same length of 225mm, and the barrel diameters are different sizes of 130mm, 170mm, and 210mm. The number of windings is 97T, and the winding density of the winding wire is 950T / m, and the final assembly is concentric circles. Furthermore, the three basic wires that make up this VP device are connected in series in the circuit, so it is actually equivalent to a 3-layer wound VP device. The device is approximately 30cm long. By applying a 10.8App sine wave to the VP coil, the electric field strength becomes approximately 0.22V / m in the longitudinal direction, and a voltage of approximately 67mV is applied to both ends of the barrel. Furthermore, the operating frequency is 20kHz. In the following embodiments, three different VP devices were used by changing the number of windings of the base wire of the VP device, the layer structure, and the magnitude of the applied current. The three different VP devices maintained the same electric field strength (approximately 0.22 V / m) in the barrel, and the operating frequencies were 2 kHz or 200 kHz, respectively.

[0068] (Example 1)

[0069] This example used rats kept in cages with their joint capsules fixed (hereinafter referred to as "motor restricted rats") and measured the number of fat cells in the posterior part of the joint capsule when electrical stimulation based on AC power of different frequencies was applied using the above-mentioned VP device.

[0070] <Experimental methods and materials>

[0071] Six Wistar male rats were used and randomly divided as follows.

[0072] CO group: rats raised normally

[0073] IM group: exercise restricted feeding rat group

[0074] 2KHz group: rats that were housed under restricted movement were irradiated with 2KHz VP

[0075] 20KHz group: rats that were housed in a restricted movement group were irradiated with 20KHz VP

[0076] 200KHz group: rats that were restricted in movement were irradiated with 200KHz VP

[0077] For the VP irradiation group, under anesthesia, electricity was applied at the respective frequencies for 30 minutes per day, 5 days per week, and for 3 weeks. During this time, a voltage of approximately 67 mV was generated across the VP device, which, assuming the internal impedance of the rat was 500Ω, would result in a current of 0.13 mA. At the end of the 3-week experimental period, rats in each group were euthanized, and their tibiae were excised for histological examination.

[0078] <Preparation of Non-Decalcified Resin-Embedded Grinded Specimens and Measurement of Fat Cell Count>

[0079] After the electrical stimulation experiment, the rats were euthanized by carbon dioxide suction, the skin was peeled off, the soft tissue was removed, and the tibia was extracted. The proximal part of the tibia was sagittally cut using a handheld motor (YOSHIDA company system, ラボフォース (equipment name)) equipped with a diamond grinding disc (GC company system, MEISINGER) and quickly immersed in a fixative for one night. After washing the specimen, an alcohol sequence was utilized for dehydration. After making it transparent using acetone, it was embedded in リゴラック resin ("リゴラック" is a registered trademark, a kind of unsaturated polyester resin), and heated and polymerized in a thermostatic bath (YAMATO scientific company system, DY300). The block was trimmed using a band saw (HOZAN company system, K-100), and then the block was coarsely ground using a model trimmer (YOSHIDA company system). The surface was polished to a thickness of approximately 150 μm using a three-stage grinding wheel (coarse grinding wheel, medium grinding wheel, and fine grinding wheel). The surface was then carefully polished using a dedicated film to remove surface scratches. The polished surface was etched with 0.1 M hydrochloric acid and then stained with warmed 1% toluidine blue solution. The polished specimens were photographed using an optical microscope (Olympus Corporation, BX53-33-FL-2) equipped with an imaging device (Olympus Corporation, DP73-SET-B), and the number of adipocytes was visually measured.

[0080] The results are shown in Table 1 and Figure 6 .

[0081] [Table 1]

[0082]

[0083] These results indicate that the number of adipocytes can be controlled by passing displacement current through adipocytes using a VP device in a non-contact manner. Specifically, in rats with restricted locomotion, the number of adipocytes in the 2 kHz group receiving electrical stimulation at a frequency of 2 kHz was statistically significantly increased compared to the group without electrical stimulation (IM group) (**p < 0.05, reference Figure 6On the other hand, as the frequency increased from 2 kHz to 20 kHz and then to 200 kHz, the number of adipocytes decreased. The number of adipocytes in the 200 kHz group was further reduced compared to the exercise-restricted rats (IM group). These results suggest that increasing the frequency of the current applied to the VP device reduces adipocytes, and that even in conditions where exercise is restricted, weight loss and weight control can be achieved by reducing adipocytes.

[0084] Industrial applicability

[0085] The method of controlling the number of fat cells disclosed herein is useful for promoting recovery from injury and joint contracture by increasing the number of fat cells in biological tissues, or for preventing and treating diseases caused by overweight and obesity by reducing the number of fat cells.

Claims

1. A method for controlling the number of fat cells, wherein the method controls the number of fat cells in the tissue of a living body, characterized in that: The method comprises the step of applying electrical stimulation to the tissue using a vector potential generating device. By controlling the frequency of the alternating current applied to the vector potential generating device, the electrical stimulation can increase or decrease the number of fat cells.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The vector potential generating device comprises a base wire, the base wire being composed of a core wire and an outer wire, the core wire having an insulating coating, the outer wire being wound around the core wire with the core wire as a reel without a gap therebetween, The vector potential generating device further includes a barrel portion formed by winding the base wire into a ring shape. One end of the core wire is electrically connected to one end of the outer wire, the other end of the core wire is connected to one end of the external circuit, and the other end of the outer wire is connected to the other end of the external circuit. By causing the external circuit to generate an alternating current, electrical stimulation is given to the tissue placed in the tube.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein The vector potential generating device comprises: a plurality of base wires, each of which is composed of a core wire and an outer wire, wherein the core wire has an insulating coating, and the outer wire is wound around the core wire with the core wire as a winding axis without a gap therebetween; and an external circuit that causes the plurality of elementary wires to conduct an alternating current, The plurality of basic wires are arranged along a straight or curved arrangement direction.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The tissue is a tissue with limited movement, and the number of the fat cells is increased by controlling the frequency of the alternating current to be less than 50 kHz.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein The frequency of the alternating current is 1 kHz to 30 kHz.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The tissue is adipose tissue associated with obesity, and the number of the adipocytes is reduced by controlling the frequency of the alternating current to be 50 kHz or higher.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein: The frequency of the alternating current is 100kHz to 300kHz.

8. The method according to claim 2, wherein: An alternating current is applied to the external circuit so that the electric field intensity in the cylindrical portion becomes 0.17 V / m to 0.27 V / m.

9. The method according to claim 2, wherein: An alternating current was applied to the external circuit so that the electric field intensity in the cylindrical portion became 0.22 V / m.

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