Masashi Sakuma, MD, PhD

Research & Publications

Dr. Masashi Sakuma is a distinguished clinician-scientist whose work bridges clinical cardiology and regenerative medicine. His primary research interests include: Regenerative therapies for cardiovascular diseases Endogenous Muse (Multilineage-differentiating Stress-Enduring) cells and their role in myocardial repair Cellular mechanisms of tissue regeneration following fulminant myocarditis Therapeutic angiogenesis for critical limb ischemia Cardiovascular implications of novel diabetes treatments (SGLT2 inhibitors) Selected Publications “Accumulation of Endogenous Muse Cells in the Myocardium and Its Pathophysiological Role in Patients with Fulminant Myocarditis” Clinical and Translational Science, 2024. Investigates the presence and reparative role of endogenous Muse cells in fulminant myocarditis patients, highlighting their potential in myocardial tissue regeneration. “Therapeutic Angiogenesis for Patients with No-Option Critical Limb Ischemia Using Autologous Adipose-Derived Regenerative Cells” Angiogenesis, 2022. Contributed to a multicenter trial evaluating the efficacy of autologous adipose-derived regenerative cells in angiogenesis for critical limb ischemia patients. “Lack of Impact of Ipragliflozin on Endothelial Function in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes” Cardiovascular Diabetology, 2023. Assessed the effects of ipragliflozin (SGLT2 inhibitor) on endothelial function, offering insights into its cardiovascular safety profile in diabetic patients. Summary As Director of the Regenerative Medicine Center at Dokkyo Medical University Hospital, Dr. Sakuma leads translational research initiatives to develop innovative regenerative therapies for cardiovascular diseases. His research integrates stem cell biology, cardiology, and vascular medicine, driving forward cutting-edge treatments for patients with limited therapeutic options.