RESEARCH PROJECTS
Accident and Emergency Medicine Academic Unit
miRNAs have recently emerged as modulators in
RESEARCH PROJECTS
hematopoiesis, immune responses and inflammation.
To our knowledge, there is no study exploring the
Expression Profiles of MicroRNAs in Acute
pathological
role
of
miRNA(s)
in
AA
and
Appendicitis: Potential Molecular Markers to
investigating the diagnostic performance of miRNA(s)
Improve Diagnostic Accuracy
for diagnosis. In view of this, we will study the
expression profiles of miRNAs in appendices and
GRAHAM C A
RAINER Timothy Hudson
potential miRNA(s) for accurate AA diagnosis. This
CHAN Pui Yee Cangel LEUNG Ling Yan
can help doctors distinguish AA from other
27 June 2011
abdominal problems and avoid needless surgery.
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
(MD10800)
Grants)
Acute
appendicitis
circulations of AA patients, and thus identifying
(AA)
is
characterized
by
inflammation of the appendix. It is the most common
Anthropometric and Physiological Measurements
in Healthy Children
abdominal surgical emergency. Early diagnosis and
prompt operative intervention is the key for
RAINER Timothy Hudson
CATTERMOLE
successful AA management. However, it is still a
Giles Nicholas# CHAN Siu Wa Stewart* SO
challenge to accurately diagnose patients with
Hung Kwan (Paediatrics)
atypical presentations or other conditions with
Edward*
Smith Brendan
symptoms similar to AA. A negative appendectomy
1 October 2010
rate as high as 20% has been judged to be acceptable
Health and Health Services Research Fund
for many surgeons who advocate early surgical
intervention for AA treatment to avoid perforation.
This project will derive age- and sex-matched normal
However, removing a normal appendix is an
ranges and formulae for Chinese children, and also
economic burden on both patients and hospital
normal ranges for cardiac output measured by
resources. Nevertheless, misdiagnosis and delay in
ultrasound. A new technique has been developed for
surgery can lead to complications like perforation and
measuring cardiac output – the Ultrasound Cardiac
finally peritonitis. Therefore, there is an urgent need
Output Monitor [USCOM Pty Ltd., Coffs Harbour,
to identify novel circulating biomarkers to diagnose
NSW, Australia]. Introduced for the first time for
AA
clinical use in 2001, this device provides a
more
accurately
than
the
conventional
diagnostics.
non-invasive, Doppler ultrasound measure of cardiac
MicroRNAs (MiRNAs), small non-coding RNAs of
output (CO) and other cardiovascular parameters.
about
However, there are no normal ranges using this
22
nucleotides,
are
endogenous
post-transcriptional regulators. MiRNAs regulate
technique for Chinese children.
gene expression and have a critical role in many
Objectives:
biological and pathological processes. In addition to
1.
their role in development and carcinogenesis,
To determine the ranges of values of vital
signs in Chinese children aged 1 month to 12
years in Hong Kong, according to age and
Faculty of Medicine
Accident and Emergency Medicine Academic Unit
2.
3.
gender;
burden on the community. Rapid diagnosing of stroke
To determine the ranges of values of
patients is critical to facilitate early installment of
USCOM-derived cardiovascular indices in
appropriate therapy. However, it is still very difficult
Chinese children aged 1 month to 12 years in
to diagnose stroke at the early phase, and there are
Hong Kong, according to age and gender; and
limitations on the ability of diagnostic imaging to
To construct formulae relating age, weight,
help with the necessary speed. Therefore, a reliable
other
and valid biomarker is invaluable for this clinical
anthropometric
measurements,
vital
situation.
signs and cardiovascular indices.
Design: Cross-sectional study.
MicroRNAs
Setting: New Territories Maternal and Child Health
non-coding RNAs, regulate gene expression and have
Clinics, kindergartens and primary schools mostly
a critical role in many biological and pathological
from the Shatin area.
processes. MiRNAs have been recently reported as
Participants: 1260 Hong Kong Chinese children aged
useful biomarkers in various diseases such as cancer
1 month to 12 years old. Inclusion criteria: The child
and acute myocardial infarction. In this study, we
will be Included if reported as healthy by
therefore aim to investigate firstly whether circulating
parent/guardian on the consent from. Exclusion
miRNA profiles can be used for differentiation of 40
criteria include any current or long-term illness or if
patients with different stroke subtypes; secondly
taking any medications.
whether circulating miRNA profiles can be used for
Main Outcome Measures: Tables and graphs of
prognosis of post-stroke morbidity and mortality;
normal values for vital signs and USCOM-derived
thirdly the relationships between the dynamic
variables.
changes of the circulating miRNAs in 8 patients and
Formulae
relating
measurements
age
with
and
anthropometric
physiological
and
(MiRNAs),
small
endogenous
progression of stroke at five designated time points
(starting at admission to 96 hours after admission).
USCOM-derived variables.
Twenty healthy volunteers will act as controls.
(MD10741)
This study will permit the development of novel
specific miRNA profiles as a new strategy for
Circulating MicroRNA Profiles – A
Novel
differentiation
of
acute
stroke
subtypes
and
Strategy for Diagnosis and Prognosis of Acute
risk-stratification in patients with stroke. Biologically,
Stroke
the study of circulating miRNA and its changes will
enhance
RAINER Timothy Hudson
GRAHAM C A
CHAN Pui Yee Cangel LEUNG Ling Yan
our
understanding
of
the
disease
pathophysiology.
(MD10895)
1 April 2011
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
Please refer to previous issues of this publication
for more details of the following ongoing research
at the department:
Stroke is a major public health problem in the world.
It is associated with a high mortality and morbidity
Edition
Title/Investigators
despite recent treatment advances and is major cost
Faculty of Medicine
Accident and Emergency Medicine Academic Unit
YAU Wah Hon*
2009-10 Anthropometric,
Physiological
Peggo*
and
USCOM (Ultrasound Cardiac Output
Monitor)
Measurements
in
Siu
Wa
Stewart
CATTERMOLE Giles Nicholas#
GRAHAM C A
LEE Ka Hing Herman*
RAINER Timothy Hudson
2009-10 A
Prospective
Investigation
of
the
Prognostic Value ‘TIMI’ and ‘Front Door
TIMI’ in Chinese Patients Presenting to
RAINER Timothy
LAM Kwok Wai
Healthy
Children and Adolescents (MD09683)
CHAN
the
Emergency
Department
with
Undifferentiated Chest Pain (MD09357)
Hudson
GRAHAM C A
2009-10 Comparison of Oral Prednisolone and
Hudson
CATTERMOLE Giles
Oral Indomethacin in the Treatment of
Nicholas#
Acute Gout-like Arthritis: A Multi-centre,
(Medicine
Double-blind,
TSAY Xiu Hui*
Randomized
Trial
RAINER Timothy
YIP Wai Kwok Gabriel
&
Therapeutics)#
(MD09932)
CHENG Chi Hung
RAINER
2009-10 Development
and
Valiation
of
Timothy Hudson GRAHAM C A
Risk-adjusted Outcomes for Systems of
MAN Chi Yin*
Emergency Medical Care (MD09328)
TAM
Lai
Therapeutics)
HJ Janssens*
(Medicine
&
Shan
CHOI Yu Fai*
YAU Wah Hon*
RAINER Timothy Hudson
Steve
Goodacre*
LEE Ka Hing
Herman* LAM Kwok Wai Peggo*
2009-10 Assessment of Functional Outcome in
Patients Sustaining Moderate and Major
2009-10 Comparison of Oral Prednisolone and
Oral Indomethacin in the Treatment of
Trauma (MD09326)
RAINER
Timothy
Hudson
Acute Guot-like Arthritis: A Multi-centre,
GRAHAM C A
Double-blind,
Hung POON Wai Sang (Surgery)
Randomized
Trial
YEUNG Hiu
(MD09812)
HO Hiu Fai*
KAM Chak Wah*
CHENG Chi Hung MAN Chi Yin*
CATTERMOLE Giles Nicholas#
GRAHAM C A
TAM
Lai
Therapeutics)
Shan
HJ Janssens*
(Medicine
CHOI Yu Fai*
Peter Cameron*
&
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care
RESEARCH PROJECTS
surgery
will
be
recorded
using
established
instruments. We will then conduct association
analysis to identify the SNPs and its haloptypes that
Genetic Determinants of Persistent Pain after
may predispose patients to chronic post-surgical pain.
Surgery
The proposed study represents a unique opportunity
to determine the genetic contribution of persistent
CHAN Matthew Tak Vai
KONSTANTATOS
Alex*
1 January 2011
Australian and New Zealand College of
Anaesthetists, Research Grant
pain after surgery. We have confirmed patient
participation from an existing cohort of patients. Our
patient population undergoes major abdominal
surgery and so the rate of chronic post-surgical pain
should be high. This will maximize the power to
detect
potential
association
between
candidate
The primary goal of this project is to identify the
genetic polymorphisms and chronic post-surgical
genetic contributions of persistent pain, 12 months
pain.
after major abdominal surgery. We hypothesize that
(MD10386)
patients with candidate genetic polymorphisms are
associated with higher rates of chronic post-surgical
Anaesthesia-related
pain. The aims of the proposed research are:
Passive Smokers
(1)
in
Adult
to determine the incidence and impact (on
patients’ quality of life) of new chronic pain
that has arisen and persisted from major
(2)
Complications
LEE Anna
GIN Tony
CRITCHLEY Lester
Augustus Hall CHUI Po Tong
abdominal surgery, performed 12 months ago;
1 November 2010
to correlate single nucleotide polymorphisms
Health and Health Services Research Fund
(SNPs) within the candidate gene loci with the
(3)
risk of developing chronic post-surgical pain;
Tobacco smoking is known to increase the risk of
and
complications in patients undergoing anaesthesia and
to correlate potential haplotype blocks (sets of
surgery. There is a strong notion that second hand
SNPs) with the risk of developing chronic
smoke (passive smoking) is toxic and has a
post-surgical pain.
carcinogenic potential that would be qualitatively
In an existing prospective cohort of 400 patients
similar to that of mainstream smoke. However, little
undergoing major abdominal surgery, DNA samples
is known about the association between exposure to
from saliva or blood will be collected and analyzed
passive smoking and the risk of anaesthesia-related
for the presence of 13 candidate SNPs. These genetic
complications in adults. The objectives of this cohort
variants have diverse biologic functions that may
study are: (1) to estimate the prevalence of passive
affect the kinetics and dynamics of opioid receptors,
smoking in adult never-smokers and ex-smokers
axonal inflammation and experimental pain response.
undergoing general anaesthesia for elective major
Patients’ experience and impact of pain that has
surgery;
arisen and persisted for 12 months after the indexed
intraoperative
and
(2)
to
and
determine
early
the
risk
of
postoperative
anaesthesia-related complications associated with
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care
passive smoking. The smoking status will be
CHAN Matthew Tak Vai
determined using patient’s reported smoking history
Tony
and the concentration of a sensitive tobacco-specific
Cheong
biomarker in urine by mass spectrometry. The
Therapeutics)
Stephen HALL*
David
GIN
HUI Shu
(Medicine
&
attending anaesthesiologist will be partially blinded
to the smoking status. Outcomes to be measured will
2009-10 ENIGMA-II
Trial:
Nitrous
Oxide
include intraoperative and postoperative respiratory
Anesthesia and Cardiac Morbidity after
complications
Major
(pulmonary,
and
postoperative
infectious,
renal,
morbidity
gastrointestinal,
cardiovascular, neurological, haematological, wound
Surgery:
A
Randomized
Controlled Trial (MD09783)
CHAN Matthew Tak Vai
and pain). The results of the study will be used to
support
anti-tobacco
interventions,
develop
2009-10 Re-defining the Warning Criteria for
guidelines for healthcare professionals for better
Intraoperative
patient management, and for future health economic
Monitoring (BL09701)
studies. Accurate quantification of the attribution of
CHAN Matthew Tak Vai
passive
smoking
to
the
occurrence
of
anaesthesia-related adverse events is important for
Tony
Neurophysiologic
GIN
WANG Yixiang (Imaging &
Interventional Radiol)
future health services planning as well as for future
development of anti-tobacco public health policies in
2009-10 Cardiac Morbidity after Nitrous Oxide
Hong Kong.
Anesthesia: A Randomized Controlled
(MD10796)
Trial (CU09614)
CHAN Matthew Tak Vai
Please refer to previous issues of this publication
for more details of the following ongoing research
2009-10 Can We Predict Postoperative Cardiac
Complication with Endothelial Function
at the department:
Test (MD09902)
Edition
CHAN Matthew Tak Vai
Title/Investigators
GIN
Tony
2002-03 Perioperative Ischemic Evaluation Study
2009-10 DREAM-regulated
(MD02634)
CHAN Matthew Tak Vai
YIP Wai
Gene
Profiles in Dorsal Horn Neurons after
Central Sensitization (MD09875)
Kwok Gabriel*
CHAN Matthew Tak Vai
2006-07 Visualizing
Expired
Expression
Air
Dispersion
CHENG
Hon Ki Christopher (School of
During Common Respiratory Therapy :
Biomedical
Sciences)
A Simulator Model to Assess the Risk of
Xiaodong LIU Quanmeng
LIU
Nosocomial Infection (MD06974)
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care
2008-09 ACCESS: A Controlled Comparision of
KHAW Kim Sun
Dean
Eritoran Tetrasodium and Placebo in
Warwick
Patients with Severe Sepsis (MD08962)
Lester Augustus Hall
NGAN KEE
CRITCHLEY
GOMERSALL Charles David
2009-10 Determination and Quantification of the
2009-10 A.R.I.S.E. Australasian Resuscitation in
Sepsis
Evaluation
Randomised
Controlled Trial (MD09655)
JOYNT Gavin Matthew TIAN Qi#
GRAHAM C A (Accident and
Emergency
Medicine
Lipophilic
Intrathecally
GOMERSALL Charles David
Interaction of Local Anaesthetics and
Academic
Unit)
Opioids
for
Pharmacodynamic
Administered
Analgesia:
A
Modelling-based
Investigation in Labouring Parturients
(CU09734)
NGAN KEE Warwick Dean
KHAW Kim Sun LEE Anna
1998-99 Ropivacaine as an Intrathecal Agent: Part
I – A Dose Response Study (MD98153)
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology
levels of SIRT1 and advancement in tumor grades
RESEARCH PROJECTS
(P=0.006). At the cellular level, down-regulation of
SIRT1 consistently induced growth suppression and
Functional Characterization of the Role of Sirtuin
senescence in a panel of HCC cancer cell lines.
1 (SIRT1) in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Remarkably, SIRT1-silencing also caused telomere
dysfunction-induced foci that were clearly associated
KO Chi Bun
Anthony W.I. LO
WONG
with reduced expressions of telomerase reverse
transcriptase (hTERT), protection of telomeres 1
Nathalie
homolog (POT1) and POT1-interacting protein 1
1 November 2010
Research Grants Council - General Research
Fund
(PTOP) concomitantly. Given that these genes are
well known for their role in telomere maintenance,
our preliminary data therefore revealed a hitherto
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most
undiscovered role of SIRT1 in telomere maintenance
common malignancy worldwide. In Hong Kong HCC
via the regulation of telomeric genes expression. The
is the third most common cause of cancer mortalities.
central theme of this proposal is thus to elucidate the
Despite its high prevalence and inferior prognosis in
molecular basis of SIRT1 in telomere maintenance
general, to date, our understanding of the liver
and to evaluate the potential value of SIRT1
pathogenesis is limited. Treatment of HCC is
inhibition as a therapeutic targets in HCC. Our
complicated by the fact that the disease is often
objectives include: 1) Elucidating the correlation
diagnosed at an advanced stage when it is no longer
between
amenable to curative surgery, and that current
expressions
systemic chemotherapeutics are mostly inefficacious.
Characterizing the role of SIRT1 in telomere
A better understanding on the molecular basis of
maintenance; 3) Elucidating the transcriptional
HCC is therefore urgently required to facilitate
regulation
development of new therapeutic strategies. Sirtuin 1
expression; and 4) Evaluating the anti-tumorigenic
(SIRT1) is a histone deacetylase that has been
role of SIRT1-silencing/-inhibition in vivo. Our
implicated in gene regulations and stress resistance.
proposed
Although SIRT1 overexpression is observed in a
understanding of the role of SIRT1 in HCC
number of cancers and is thought to play a role in
tumorigenesis, and development of SIRT1 inhibitors
tumorigenesis,
as potential HCC therapeutics.
the
underlying
molecular
basis
remains largely unexplored. Our studies on SIRT1 in
SIRT1,
in
POT1,
primary
of
PTOP,
and
HCC
specimens;
SIRT1-mediated
studies
should
hTERT
hTERT
provide
a
2)
gene
better
(CU10672)
HCC found that, whereas SIRT1 was expressed at
very low levels in normal livers, it is commonly
Investigation
of
Oncogenic
Properties
of
over-expressed in HCC cell lines and tumors (70% of
Interleukin 15 (IL15) and Receptor IL15R in
cases). To further establish the value of SIRT1, tissue
Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
microarray analysis of >140 paired HCC tumor and
adjacent non-tumoral liver
tissues revealed a
profound positive correlation between the expression
LAU Kin Mang LO Kwok Wai
30 June 2011
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology
EBV infection in NPC carcinogenesis, eventually
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
facilitating development of better strategies in disease
Grants)
controls.
EBV infection is a strong predisposing factor for the
(MD10647)
development of NPC. Its viral products have been
demonstrated to stimulate/modulate various cytokines
productions, which are believed to be contributory to
the
carcinogenesis
of
various
EBV-associated
diseases. In line with these findings, our recent
Role of Inositol Polyphosphate 4-phosphatase
Type II (INPP4B) and PI3K/AKT Signaling
Cascade
in
EBV-associated
Nasopharyngeal
Carcinoma
studies on gene expression profiling of NPC and
normal nasopharyngeal epithelial cells showed that
upregulated genes in NPC were predominantly
involved
in
interactions.
the
cytokine-cytokine
Among
them,
the
receptor
simultaneous
upregulation of interleukin-15 (IL15) and its receptor
IL15Rα is ranked most significant. This might in turn
suggest
the
likely
involvement
of
an
autocrine/intracrine interaction of IL15-IL15Rα that
may have enhanced NPC development. We propose
to elucidate the oncogenic effects of the IL15/IL15Rα
interacting loop in the NPC tumorigenesis in this
project.
oncogenic roles of the IL15-IL15Rα assembly,
especially the non-secretable isoform of IL15, for
their effects on in-vitro and in-vivo cell growth,
anchorage-independent tumorigenicity, cell migration
and invasion capacities, as well as the re-sensitization
cisplatin;
2)
to
delineate
the
IL15-IL15Rα-mediated signaling pathways in NPC;
and 3) to elucidate activating mechanisms that
underlie IL15-IL15Rα upregulations in NPC.
CHUNG Tin Yun Grace
TO
Ka Fai TSAO Sai Wah*
1 January 2011
Research Grants Council - General Research
Fund
Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC) is endemic in
Southern China with an incidence rate of ~25 to
30/100,000
per
annum.
Targeted
interventions
represent promising therapeutic approaches for this
highly malignant cancer, but an understanding on the
provide novel information on developing targeted
in
NPC,
chemotherapeutic
and
agents
re-sensitization
via
disrupting
pre-requisite. Aberrant activation of the PI3K/AKT
pathway, which involved in the control of cell
proliferation, apoptosis and oncogenesis, is widely
implicated in many human cancers. Recent studies
have begun to demonstrate constitutively activated
AKT signals in a majority of primary NPCs.
However, the precise role of this aberrant PI3K/AKT
signaling in the NPC tumorigenesis and the
molecular
mechanisms
by
which
AKT
is
constitutively activated remain unclear. Despite there
We envisage results obtained from this project could
therapies
molecular basis and signaling paths involved is
In this proposal, we aim 1) to investigate in NPC the
to
LO Kwok Wai
to
the
IL15-IL15Rα signaling axis. Furthermore, findings
could also enhance our better understanding on the
EBV-positive NPC biology and the significance of
have only few studies describing the genetic
alterations of PI3K/AKT signaling constituents in
NPC, our group has demonstrated high-level
amplification of PIK3CA in 20% of primary tumors.
By high-density oligonucleotide microarray, we
recently found that expression of INPP4B, a negative
regulator of the PI3K/AKT pathway was consistently
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology
down-regulated in EBV-positive NPC tumor lines.
30 June 2011
Furthermore, we showed, for the first time, that
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
INPP4B was transcriptional silenced by promoter
Grants)
hypermethylation and histone modification in NPC.
We hypothesize that epigenetic inactivation of
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a unique
INPP4B is one of the key mechanisms in activating
EBV-associated epithelial malignancu which is
PI3K/AKT signaling cascade and thereby contributes
highly invasive and metastatic. Although cancer
to the oncogenesis of EBV-associated NPC. The
stem-like cells (CSCs) have been identified in a
present study hence proposes to investigate the
variety
functional path by which INPP4B exerts its effect on
EBV-associated NPC is yet to be elucidated.
PI3K/AKT pathway in the NPC tumorigenesis and to
Recently, we have isolated the sphere-forming cells
define the molecular mechanism(s) that underlie the
(‘spheroids’) from the EBV-positive NPC cell line
INPP4B inactivation in NPC. Firstly, based on our
C666-1. By in vitro anchorage-independent cell assay,
recent preliminary findings, we will extend our
we confirmed that these sphere-forming cells
analysis on the genetic and epigenetic changes to
exhibited self-renewal and sphere-forming ability.
INPP4B and other key components of the PI3K/AKT
Expression of multiple stem-cell markers was
pathway in a large cohort of NPC. Correlative
assessed and CD44+SOX2+cells were shown as
analysis will be carried out to substantiate the
major cell population in isolated C666-1 spheroids.
significance
with
We hypothesized that the CD44+SOX2+ cells are
clinicopathologic outcome of NPC patients. Secondly,
CSC of EBV-associated NPC. In this proposal, we
the tumor suppressive function of INPP4B and its
seek support for comprehensive characterization of
role in PI3K/AKT signaling pathway will be
the properties of NPC CSCs. In vivo tumorigenic
examined in EBV-positive NPC cells in detail. We
potential of the isolated sphere-forming cells and
will also investigate the effect of INPP4B knockdown
CD44+ NPC cells will be confirmed using nude
on transforming nasopharyngeal epithelial cells.
athymic mice model. Furthermore, we will assess the
Finally, we will determine the potential therapeutic
chemoresistance of CD44+ NPC cells to conventional
value in targeting the PI3K/AKT pathway, and in
chemotherapeutic agents. By duel-color IHC staining,
combination with chemotherapy, in pre-clinical
the prevalence of CD44+SOX2 cells in primary
EBV-positive NPC models. Our proposed studies
tumors and its correlation with clinical parameters
should provide better understanding on the signaling
will be determined. To isolate novel surface markers
paths involved in NPC and basis for future
specific for NPC CSCs, isolated sphere-forming and
development for more efficacious therapies.
monolayer cells will be subjected to cDNA
(CU10716)
microarray
of
these
alterations
of
tumor
analysis.
types,
The
their
EBV
existence
and
in
cellular
microRNA transcription profiles in CSCs will also be
Cancer
explored. The differentially expressed genes and
Stem-like Cells in EBV-positive Nasopharyngeal
microRNAs identified will delineate the signaling
Carcinoma
pathways, drug-resistance mechanisms and biological
Characterization
of
CD44-positive
properties associated with NPC CSCs. Our proposed
LO Kwok Wai LUN Samantha Wei Man
studies should provide better understanding on CSCs
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology
in EBV-associated NPC and important basis for
upregulation of p73, suggesting that both p53 and
future development for more efficacious therapies.
p73 are involved in DNA damage-induced apoptosis.
(MD10843)
The aim of this project is to determine the role of
PDAM
in
cisplatin-induced
apoptosis
through
delineation of the relationships between PDAM and
Functional Study of PDAM in Human Cancer
p53/p73. Results from this study will provide insights
NG Ho Keung
PANG Chung Sean Jesse
into the molecular basis of DNA damage-induced
apoptosis and may identify novel therapeutic targets
(Pathology Teaching Laboratory)
for enhancing chemosensitivity in human cancer.
1 May 2011
(MD10579)
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
Functional Characterizations of Wnt/β-Catenin
Cells respond to DNA damage by activating cell
Activated Transcription Factor ZFX in Human
cycle arrest for DNA repair or by inducing apoptosis,
Hepatocellular Carcinoma
through activation of multiple signaling pathways
with p53 acting as the central regulator. Disruption of
these signaling pathways would cause accumulation
of mutated DNA resulting in carcinogenesis. It is thus
essential to understand the molecular basis that
determines the cell’s choice between survival and
WONG Nathalie
LAI Keng Po
CHING Kar
Keung TO Ka Fai
1 June 2011
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
apoptosis after genotoxic stress. Our group has
identified a novel gene KIAA0495/PDAM whose
Wnt/β-catenin signaling is one of the commonly
expression
activated
was
frequently
downregulated
in
pathways
in
human
hepatocellular
oligodendroglial tumors. Such deregulated expression
carcinoma (HCC), and is known to act as a
was attributed to genomic loss and epigenetic
co-activator to induce transcription of genes related
modifications, implicating the involvement of PDAM
to cell proliferation, differentiation, angiogenesis and
in oligodendroglial tumors. While evaluating the
anti-apoptosis. Approximately 50-70% of HCC
relevance
we
tumors show accumulated levels of β-catenin in both
uncovered a novel mechanism of cisplatin resistance,
cytoplasm and nucleus, however the precise β-catenin
wherein cisplatin-treated glioma cells harboring
activated genes in HCC remains largely elusive. By
wild-type p53 showed increased viability after
chromatin
PDAM depletion. Upregulation of two anti-apoptotic
promoter
genes, BCL2 and BCL-xL was also detected in
identified a transcription factor, ZFX, as a highly
cisplatin-resistant cells. Notably, when BCL-xL was
ranked direct target of β-catenin. Based on ChIP-PCR
knocked down in PDAM-depleted cisplatin-treated
and luciferase reporter assays, we were able to verify
cells the induced drug resistant phenotype was
that ZFX is transcriptionally regulated by β-catenin.
abrogated. These findings suggest that PDAM may
In addition, primary HCC cases showed frequent
act as a negative regulator of DNA damage response.
concordance in the expression of β-catenin and ZFX.
Additionally,
Functionally, prelim analysis suggested siRNA
of
PDAM
cisplatin
in
chemosensitivity,
treatment
also
induced
immunoprecipitation
microarray
analysis
followed
(ChIP-chip),
by
we
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology
depletion of ZFX in HCC cell line readily suppressed
2008-09 CD8+ Regulatory T-cells in Immune
cell viability, self-renewal and colony forming
Escape of Epstein-Barr Virus Infected
abilities. In line with a role for ZFX in stemness
Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (CU08683)
maintenance, an inhibition on the expression of
LAU Kin Mang
LO Kwok Wai
stem-like cell markers, Notch1 and Sox2, was also
NG Heung Ling Margaret
observed in ZFX depleted HCC cells. Taken together,
HASSELT
Andrew
our results suggested that ZFX is a downstream
(Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck
effecter of β-catenin, and likely play a role in
Surgery)
stemness maintenance of HCC. Here, we propose to
(Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck
investigate the functional role(s) and underlying
Surgery)
Charles
VAN
WOO Kong Sang John
action of ZFX in the hepatocarcinogenesis. This
study would provide a better understanding on the
ZFX-induced
activities
that
promoted
HCC
2009-10 Investigation
of
GPR30
in
Tumorigenicity of Prostate Cancer Cells
development.
(MD09743)
(MD10449)
LAU Kin Mang
NG Chi Fai
(Surgery) HO Shuk Mei*
Please refer to previous issues of this publication
for more details of the following ongoing research
2007-08 Elucidating
the
Role
JAG1
in
Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (CU07714)
at the department:
LO Kwok Wai
Edition
of
Grace
Title/Investigators
CHUNG Tin Yun
TO Ka Fai
TSAO Sai
Wah*
2008-09 Telomeres
Acquire
Distinct
Heterochromatin Characteristics during
2008-09 Epstein-Barr
Virus
Carcinogenesis
siRNA-induced RNA Interference in
Laboratory (MD07634)
Mouse Cells (MD08916)
LO Kwok Wai
and
2008-09 Study on Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
of
Genetics: Targeting NFB Signaling
Pathway (MD07455)
OREBP/TonEBP/NFAT5
Trafficking.
LO Kwok Wai
TO Ka Fai
CHUNG Tin Yun Grace TSAO Sai
(CU08661)
KO Chi Bun
Functional
Characterizations
Nucleocytoplasmic
TO Ka Fai
CHUNG Tin Yun Grace
Anthony W.I. LO
2008-09 Molecular
Wah*
YAO Xiaoqiang
(School of Biomedical Sciences)
2008-09 Characterization of LTBR Amplification
in
EBV-positive
Nasopharyngeal
Carcinoma (CU08707)
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology
LO Kwok Wai
CHOW Shuk Nga
Lillian (Li Ka Shing Institute of
Health Sciences)#
CHUNG Tin
2009-10 Neural Induction of Embryonic Stem
Cells Using Serotonin for Ischemic
Stroke (MD09746)
Yun Grace TO Ka Fai
NG Ho Keung
2009-10 Tumor
Suppressor
Function
of
NOTCH-regulator
NUMB
EBV-positive
Nasopharyngeal
Grace
2008-09 Micro RNA Laboratory (MD08984)
TO Ka Fai
CHUNG Tin Yun
TO Ka Fai
Kent (Surgery)
in
Carcinoma (CU09717)
LO Kwok Wai
TSAO Sai
TSANG Kam Sze
LO Kwok Wai
WONG Nathalie
TONG Hung
Man Joanna
Wah*
2008-09 Defining the Oncogenic Functions of
2007-08 Determination
Biological
of
the
Clinical
Significances
of
and
Platelet
Factor 4 (PF4), a Tumor Suppressor
Gene
Encoding
an
Angiogenesis
Viral-human
Fusion
Transcripts
(CU08763)
WONG Nathalie
CHAN Lik Yuen
Henry (Medicine & Therapeutics)
Inhibitor and Regulated by Promoter
CHING
Methylation
PATERLINI-BRECHOT, Patrizia*
at
4q13.3
in
Multiple
Myeloma (MD07718)
LAU
CHENG Chi Keung
CHENG Suk Hang
JIANG Hua*
HOU Jian*
FU Weijun*
ZHU
Rong*
2008-09 Hepatitis
B
Insertional
WONG Nathalie
Keung
Cancers
(Integrated
Genome
Mutagenesis
Laboratory (MD08658)
CHING Kar
CHAN Lik Yuen Henry
(Medicine
2006-07 Asian
Keung
TO Ka Fai
NG Heung Ling Margaret
Kin Mang
Kar
&
Therapeutics)
PATERLINI-BRECHOT, Patrizia*
Research) (MD06550)
NG Ho Keung
TO Ka Fai
LO
2008-09 Centre for MicroRNA Study – Basic
Research and Clinical Potentials in
Kwok Wai WONG Nathalie
Cancer (MD08670)
2007-08 Elucidation of Functional Significances
of
MicroRNAs
in
Medulloblastoma
(CU07723)
Kwok Wai
Alice*
NG Ho Keung
Jesse
WONG Nathalie
PANG Chung Sean
(Pathology
Laboratory)
Kwok Wai
Teaching
LAU Kin Mang
LO
TO Ka Fai
LO
WONG Sze Tsai
CHOW King Lau*
POON Chuen Wai (Paediatrics)
CHENG
Sze
Lok
(Institute
of
Digestive Disease)
POON Wai Sang
(Surgery)
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology
2009-10 Role of GEF-H1 in the Activation of
Oncogenic
Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal
Keung
Carcinoma (MD09914)
WONG Nathalie
Transition (CU09777)
WONG Nathalie
Amplicon of Chr. 8q24 in Hepatocellular
CHING Kar
CHING Yick Pang*
CHUNG Kit
Ying#
TO
Ka Fai
2009-10 Functional Characterization of Novel
Oncogene BOP1 within Causal Genomic
Faculty of Medicine
School of Biomedical Sciences
exocrine
RESEARCH PROJECTS
glands
of
which
development
and
differentiation are dependent on sex steroid hormones
from gonads (ovary and testis). Thus, the initial
Investigation
of
Underlying the
Molecular
Pathogenesis
of
Mechanisms
growth and development of both cancers are
Respiratory
dependent on gonadal steroids, estrogens for breast
cancer and androgens for prostate cancer. Based on
Diseases and Injuries
this hormone-dependent properties, it forms the
CHAN Hsiao Chang
ZHONG Nan Shan*
biological basis for the hormone therapy for both
cancers, using various strategies to suppress the
ZHOU Wenliang YU Siu Bun Sidney
circulating gonadal steroids by either surgical
1 October 2009
(ovariectomy
The Ministry of Science and Technology of
and
orchiectomy)
or
chemical
castration (e.g., LHRH analogs) to suppress the
China
endogenous
levels
of
sex
steroids
and
also
The Respiratory Epithelium is the first line of defense
anti-hormones to inhibit the hormone actions via
against pathogens coming through the airways.
targeting
However,
underlying
(antiestrogens for estrogen receptors in breast cancers
pathogen-induced immune responses and the role of
and antiandrogens for androgen receptor in prostate
epithelial cells in interacting with other immune cells
cancer) expressed in these cancer cells. Moreover,
upon pathogens challenge remain largely unknown.
many breast and prostate cancer patients will develop
The project will use human epithelial cell lines, rat
resistance to hormone therapy and progress to a fatal
primary airway
stage of hormone-independence and metastasis (bone
(MD09300)
metastasis is a common features of both cancers),
the
detailed
mechanisms
to
their
hormone
nuclear
receptors
leading to high mortality, of which it remains a
Orphan
Nuclear
Receptors
Receptors,
(ERRs),
as
Estrogen-related
New
Targets
in
Hormone-dependent Prostate and Breast Cancers
significant clinical problem. Recent findings from our
laboratories and also others indicate that members of
ligand-independent orphan nuclear receptors are
important regulators of many basis cellular functions
CHAN Leung Franky
VANACKER Jean
and also play regulatory roles in the development of
many diseases, including cancer and osteoporosis.
Marc* ZOU Chang
Among
1 January 2011
these
orphan
nuclear
receptors,
estrogen-related receptors (ERRs), play important
France/Hong Kong Joint Research Scheme
roles in the control of many metabolic processes and
Breast cancer and prostate cancer are the common
also in the growth regulation of breast and prostate
cancers in women and men in both Western and
cancers. In this joint France-Hong Kong collaborative
Asian
are
study, we aim to determine the functional roles of
developed in different organs and sexes, both cancers
ERRs (particularly the ERRα subtype) in the prostate
share many common biological characteristics and
and breast cancer cell migration and invasion, and
clinical features. Both cancers are developed in
also in the androgen signaling in hormone-refractory
countries.
Although
these
cancers
prostate cancer. We strongly believe that through this
Faculty of Medicine
School of Biomedical Sciences
collaborative study we will not only gain a better
and also mostly ineffective, partly due to poor
insight on the fundamental significance of ERRs in
responses
both breast and prostate cancers and also their
chemotherapeutic agents. The mechanisms involved
potential use as a novel therapeutic target for this
in the progression to androgen-independent stage are
hormone-dependent cancers.
still not fully understood, partly due to lack of
(MD10593)
appropriate experiment models. Based on this
of
patients
to
antiandrogens
and
background, we are currently establishing a novel in
Characterization of Molecular Determinants of
vitro
Resistance to Antiandrogen Treatment in Prostate
androgen-independent
Cancer and Therapeutic Evaluation of Human
LNCaP-BC generated by prolonged treatment of an
Neutralizing Monoclonal Antibodies for Prostate
androgen receptor-positive and androgen-responsive
Cancer Treatment Using a Newly Established in
prostate cancer cells LNCaP with a non-stereoidal
vitro
Model
of
Antiandrogen-resistant
and
model
of
antiandrogen-resistant
prostate
cancer
and
cells
antiandrogen bicalutamide. In this proposal, besides
the in vitro growth phenotype characterization of
Androgen-independent Prostate Cancer
LNCaP-BC cells, we also plan to investigate the
CHAN Leung Franky ZHANG Yan
functional significance of the microRNA miR-221,
1 April 2011
which
became
LNCaP-BC
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
significantly
cells,
in
the
up-regulated
in
progression
to
hormone-resistance stage and also the therapeutic
Grants)
evaluation of two human neutralizing monoclonal
Prostate cancer is a commonly diagnosed male cancer
antibodies against insulin-like growth factors as
in many Western and also Asian countries. Recent
potential
surveys indicate the its incidence rates are rising
androgen-independent
rapidly in China and also Hong Kong (with a rank of
proposal. We expect that through this study we will
4
th
among all neoplasms in Hong Kong in 2007),
novel
treatment
prostate
of
cancer
advanced
in
this
gain a better understanding on the roles of
likely due to increasing aging population and dietary
microRNAs
consumption of animal fats. The initial growth of
hormone-resistance in advanced prostate cancer and
most
and
also the potential use of human monoclonal
androgen-dependent. Therefore, surgical treatment
antibodies targeting to insulin-like growth factors as a
(prostatectomy)
new therapeutic strategy for hormone-refractory
clinical
prostate
cancers
and
is
slow
hormone-therapy
in
(androgen-deprivation) are effective. However, many
prostate cancer.
prostate cancer patients under hormone-therapy will
(MD10848)
relapse
and
progress
to
a
fatal
the
development
of
metastatic
androgen-independent stage (described clinically as
Proposal for Establishing a Transgenic Core
castration-resistant and hormone-refractory prostate
Facility to Serve the Needs of Biomedical
cancer)
Scientists in the Chinese University of Hong Kong
when
hormone-therapies
treatment
both
fail.
options
primary
and
Unfortunately,
for
the
secondary
current
metastatic
hormone-refractory prostate cancer are still limited
CHAN Wai Yee LEE Ka Ho Kenneth WAN
Chao
LEE Sau Tuen Susanna (School of Life
Faculty of Medicine
School of Biomedical Sciences
Sciences)
KWAN Kin Ming (School of Life
serve the needs of transgenic technology for the
Sciences) LAN Hui Yao (Li Ka Shing Institute
entire University.
of Health Sciences) CHUI Yiu Loon (Chemical
(MD10652)
Pathology)
JAMES
Anthony
Edward
(Laboratory Animal Services Centre)
Microglia: A Study of Their Embryonic Origins
and Migration
1 October 2010
Focused Investments Scheme - Scheme D
CHAN Wood Yee
The establishment of transgenic animal models has
become an integral part of modern biomedical
research. The ability to over-express or disrupt gene
expression
provides
a
very
powerful
1 June 2011
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
and
indispensable approach to studying gene function.
Microglia are mononuclear phagocytes that reside
The development of transgenic and knockout/in
within the central nervous system. Despite intense
technologies has provided the means to generate
studies, the precise origin of microglia still remains
animal models to elucidate the functions of specific
controversial. The view still commonly held is that
genes under normal and disease states.
It also
tissue-resident microglia are derived from circulating
permits the production of transgenic animals for
blood monocytes and these cells take up residence in
studying the bioactivities and toxicity of new drugs.
the central nervous system late in gestation or after
Almost all high impact publications reported in
birth. However, our own findings and investigations
biomedical journals have used transgenic animal
by others on the development and differentiation of
models to probe gene function.
microglial progenitors support the view that resident
In 1999, a small scale transgenic facility was
microglia are derived from mesodermal progenitors
established in the Laboratory Animal Services Centre
that are distinct from monocytes and that they arise
(LASEC) in CUHK.
With increasing demand of
from outside the neuroepithelium and migrate into
using transgenic animal models for research in
the developing central nervous system during
CUHK, a larger and more efficient TCF that could
embryonic and fetal development. To prove these, we
assist and speed up investigators to generate
propose to phenotypically characterize microglial
transgenic and mutant animals is in urgent need.
progenitors in mouse embryos, use transgenic mice in
Past experience at other universities has indicated
which microglial progenitors are genetically labeled
that the efficiency and success rates of generating
to determine migratory behaviours of microglia with
transgenic and knockout models are greatly enhanced
time-lapse live cell imaging, orthotopically transplant
in a Transgenic Core Facility (TCF).
More
genetically labelled microglial progenitors from
importantly, the availability of the TCF will allow
transgenic embryos to normal embryos so as to track
investigators to apply for competitive grants with a
the migration of labelled microglial progenitors and
higher technical content and therefore a greater rate
lastly ascertain the role of the phenotypic marker and
of success in being awarded.
This application is to
lineage-specific markers in mouse embryos by
seek support for establishing a Core Facility that will
knockdown. The results will provide us with critical
information on the ontogeny of microglia in embryos,
Faculty of Medicine
School of Biomedical Sciences
which in turn may give insight into the development
An Investigation into G Protein-coupled Receptor
of new means to manipulate microglia for the
30-mediated
treatment of various brain diseases.
Caudal Epididymal Function
Estrogen
Action
in
Regulating
(MD10739)
CHENG Hon Ki Christopher CHEN Yangchao
Functional Characterization of MicroRNA-218 in
Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
ZHOU Wen Liang*
1 January 2011
Research Grants Council - General Research
CHEN Yangchao
Fund
1 April 2011
Male fertility is a complex and subtly orchestrated
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
process. Spermatozoa produced by the testis during
Grants)
spermatogenesis are immature and are incapable of
was
undergoing fertilization. They acquire their motility
reduced in several tumor types including prostate
and fertilizing capacity during their passage through
cancer, breast cancer, cervical carcinoma and gastric
the lumen of the epididymis in a process known as
cancer. Change of miR-218 level correlates with
spermiogenesis.
different malignant stages in breast cancer and
dependent upon hormones acting through endocrine
prostate cancer. miR-218 has been shown to play an
and
important role in tumor metastasis of gastric cancer.
testosterone,
miR-218 level is significantly reduced in primary
luteinizing hormone are key regulators in deciding
pancreas
germ cell fate. In addition, evidence now indicates
Expression
significance
of
microRNA-218
tumors.
of
However,
miR-218
in
(miR-218)
the
functional
pancreatic
ductal
paracrine
Normal
testicular
pathways.
follicle
function
Hormones
stimulating
such
hormone
is
as
and
the importance of estrogen in sperm maturation by
adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains elusive.
affecting epididymal function. The G protein-coupled
Our preliminary study has shown the downregulation
receptor 30 (GPR30) is a newly characterized
of miR-218 in pancreatic cancer cells as compared
membrane-bound
with non-tumorigenic pancreactic ductal epithelial
mediating
cells. Chenmically synthesized miR-219 mimics
transcriptional events of estrogen. But whether
dramatically inhibited pancreatic cancer cell growth
GPR30 is involved in mediating the actions of
in vitro. In this proposal, we aim to characterize the
estrogen on male reproduction is not known. In our
putative tumor suppressing functions of miR-218 in
preliminary studies we have identified the expression
PDAC. We will establish a lentiviral vector
of GPR30 in the rat caudal epididymal epithelium at
expressing pre-miR-218 (Lenti-miR218). We will use
both the mRNA and protein levels. Moreover, in
Lenti-miR218 to infect pancreatic cancer cells. The
primary culture of caudal epididymal epithelial cells,
functional
we have demonstrated that the GPR30-specific
significance
of
miR-218
will
be
both
estrogen
the
receptor
rapid
capable of
responses
and
characterized in vitro and in vivo in animal models.
agonist G1 stimulates a sustained chloride ion
(MD10371)
conductance. Based on these initial findings obtained
by us so far, we propose the following hypothesis:
that the action of estrogen on male reproduction is at
Faculty of Medicine
School of Biomedical Sciences
least in part mediated through GPR30 by regulating
CXC chemokine expressions. Importantly, a novel
caudal
during
CXC chemokine tumour-induced factor (TIF) was
spermiogenesis. This proposal describes the initial
identified. Sequence analysis indicates TIF is a
studies that we have performed to reach this
hamster orthologue of mouse DCIP1 and rat CINC2
hypothesis. More importantly, this proposal describes
which are pro-inflammatory chemokines but their
a series of logically designed experiments to
roles in cancer development have not yet been
substantiate this hypothesis. We aim at achieving the
characterized. Abundant expression of TIF was found
following objectives: (1) to clearly define where the
in testis, kidney and blood cells. In vitro functional
receptors are located in the rat epididymis and to
studies showed that TIF induced migration of mouse
study
different
neutrophils, and formation of vascular like structure
developmental stages of the rat; (2) To find out what
from rat aortic explants. To our surprise, TIF
intracellular second messengers are involved in the
inhibited
stimulation of chloride ion conductance through
fibroblasts (MEF) via induction of cell cycle arrest at
activation of this receptor; and (3) To employ
G1/G0 phase. Consistent with the observation,
pharmacological
xenograft formation was significantly reduced if
epididymal
their
secretory
gene
functions
expression
agents
and
at
RNA
interference
proliferation
really acts through this receptor in the epididymis to
co-inoculated with MEF into nude mice. These
trigger
results imply TIF may act as a tumour suppressor via
events.
The
successful
stably
embryonic
CHO
observed
that
mouse
techniques to prove that the endogenous estrogen
the
cells
of
of
expressing
fibroblast
TIF
accomplishment of this project will contribute
induction
towards understanding the physiological significance
Cancer-associated fibroblasts have been shown to be
of this receptor in male reproduction. In the long run,
an effective target for treating various tumours.
such information will be useful for the design of
Hence, TIF and/or its functional orthologues may
approaches in the manipulation of male fertility in
represent a new therapeutic modality for their
health and in disease.
anti-tumourigenic
(CU10628)
fibroblasts. To extend our work, we propose to
effect
growth
were
exerting
on
arrest.
stromal
investigate the mechanistic nature of TIF-induced
Does CXC Chemokine Tumour-induced Factor
fibroblast quiescence. Results of present study will
(TIF) Suppress Tumour Growth via Induction of
allow us to unveil the molecular and cellular bases of
Fibroblast Quiescence?
the anti-tumourigenic effect of TIF. Importantly, our
results would help to formulate new strategies for
CHEUNG Wing Tai
cancer
15 March 2011
quiescence.
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
treatment
via
induction
of
fibroblast
(MD10552)
Grants)
A Peptide Targeting Tumor Blood Vessels for
Using oncogenic GPCR mas as a study model, our
Drug Delivery and Cancer Diagnosis
lab has found that mas-stably transfected cells
exhibited
a
dramatically
increased
anchorage-independent growth and up-regualation of
CHO Chi Hin
REN Jianwei
ZHANG Lin
SHEN Jing
Faculty of Medicine
School of Biomedical Sciences
15 December 2010
associated with more than 80% of gastric cancers.
Roche R&D Center (China) Ltd
The molecular mechanism of H. pylori-associated
cancer, however, is still not fully understood.
It has become evident that the extent of angiogenic
MicroRNA (miRNA) is a novel class of molecules
heterogeneity in malignant neoplasms is regulated by
that regulates the expression of other genes. Aberrant
the organ microenvironment. Even orthotopic and
expression of miRNA has been documented in
ectopic organ environments differentially influence
various types of cancers. The influence of H. pylori
the sensitivity of tumor cells to chemotherapeutics.
infection on the expression pattern of miRNA in the
We have successfully applied the phage display
pathogenesis of gastric cancer remains unknown. In
technology to isolate peptides specifically targeting
this proposal, we suggest that a holistic approach
the vasculature of the orthotopic colorectual tumor
combining animal model of H. pylori infection,
but hardly detected in normal organs in normal mice.
high-throughput miRNA array technique, clinical
These peptides could recognize blood vessels in
sample analysis, and cell-based functional assays can
human colorectual cancer, and provide targeted
effectively
delivery of a proapoptotic peptide to the vasculature
pathological significance in the development of H.
of tumor mass in mice. Thus, the data demonstrate
pylori-associated
that these peptides may be useful as an imaging or
miRNA altered by H. pylori infection may improve
drug delivery agent for colorectual cancer. The
current diagnostics and prognostics of gastric cancer
current study is to identify the binding sites for these
and may provide a rational basis for miRNA-directed
peptides in the vasculatures of tumor blood vessels in
gene therapy in the treatment of this disease in future.
the colon. We shall also investigate whether these
(MD10345)
identify
and
gastric
verify
cancer.
miRNA
Discovery
of
of
peptides have the similar homing ability to tumors at
other sites including those at the metastatic organs.
Studying
(MD10463)
Tobacco Smoking and Osteoporosis and Its
the
Causal
Relationship
between
Pathogenic Mechanisms
Identification
of
Pathogenic
microRNAs
in
Helicobacter Pylori-associated Gastric Cancer
using a Combined Approach of Animal Study and
Clinical Samples Analysis
CHO Chi Hin
Therapeutics)
CHO Chi Hin
1 June 2011
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
YU Jun (Medicine &
WU Ka Kei (Institute of
Digestive Disease)
Tobacco smoking has been implicated in the
development of osteoporosis. This conclusion is
1 January 2011
largely based on large scales of epidemiology studies.
Research Fund for the Control of Infectious
The
Diseases
exact
mechanisms
are
largely
unknown.
Moreover, among these population studies, other
confounding factors such as physical activity, alcohol
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, one of the
drinking and body mass are not always considered
most prevalent infectious diseases in the world, is
along with tobacco smoking. It is still not conclusive
Faculty of Medicine
School of Biomedical Sciences
about their causal relationship. It is also noted that
regulatory network, there are intriguing differences
although there are various studies concerning nicotine,
between the two. These cells differ in morphology,
the major active ingredient in tobacco smoke, on
dependence of distinct signaling pathway to promote
bone metabolism and formation, its adverse actions
ESC identity, and expression of various cell surface
are still conflicting. It is suggested that tobacco
markers. Herein we propose to perform systematic
components other than nicotine may be equally, if not
comparison of the transcription profiles in human
more, a risk factor for osteoporosis in humans. The
ESCs (hESCs) and mouse ESCs (mESCs), for the
current project using a tobacco smoking model in
purpose of identifying unique regulators to hESCs, as
animals aims to demonstrate the direct effects of
well as unraveling the mechanisms that regulate
cigarette smoking without the interference of other
puripotency in different ESCs. Series of microarray
confounding
and
data will be obtained from our previous experiments
active
and further analyzed using Partek Genomics Suite
components in tobacco smoke responsible for the
and Significance analysis of microarrays (SAM).
detrimental effects on bone. Lastly, to further define
Genes differentially expressed in hESCs and mESCs
these effects, the mechanisms of actions on isolated
will be further validated and analyzed using real-time
osteoblasts will be investigated. Results from these
PCR, shRNA-mediated knocking-down and iPSC
studies would prone us to better understand the direct
generation assays. The comparison made in this work
and causal relationship between tobacco smoking and
will use mESCs as reference to reveal molecular
osteoporosis. The active components in tobacco
mechanism underpinning the pluripotency in hESCs
smoke and their mechanisms of action on bone
and human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)
information
these
generated from somatic cells. Identification of
information are important to develop effective
potential new regulators to hESCs may then enhance
measures and therapeutic agents to prevent and treat
our ability to reinstate pluripotency in differentiated
osteoporosis in humans.
cells, as well as to harness the full potential of
(MD10355)
hESCs/iPSCs for clinical applications.
formation.
factors,
We
will
also
also
on
bone
define
be
structures
the
exact
defined.
All
(BL10680)
Pluripotency in Human and Mouse Embryonic
Investigation on the Anticancer Components of
Stem Cells
Rubinoboletus Ballouii
FENG Bo NG Huck Hui*
FUNG Kwok Pui LIU Ji Kai* HAN Quanbin
1 April 2011
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
(Institute of Chinese Medicine)#
LAU Bik San
Clara (Institute of Chinese Medicine)
Grants)
1 December 2010
Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) can self-renew and
State Key Lab - Open Fund
undergo multi-lineage differentiation. Although both
human and mouse ESCs share many similarity,
including abundantly expressing Oct4 and Nanog, the
key
components
to
govern
the
pluripotency
Faculty of Medicine
School of Biomedical Sciences
本研究計畫利用高速逆流色譜，在活性篩選指導
Growing evidence shows that mitochondria-derived
下，發現並鑑定玉紅牛肝菌中有關抗癌活性的有效
ROS are important in the regulation of vascular
成分，並研究其作用機制。
function
玉紅牛肝菌是一種較為少見的食用菌，對其化學成
complications.
分及相關生物活性的研究至今仍為空白。我們同劉
Uncoupling protein-2 (UCP2), a newly identified
吉開教授合作，對其抗癌活性進行了初步研究，結
member of the mitochondrial anion carrier family,
果顯示，其乙醇提取物對人乳腺癌細胞株 MCF-7
participates in the regulation of mitochondrial
的生長有明顯抑制作用，而對正常細胞沒有細胞毒
membrane potential and inhibition of mitochondrial
作用。考慮到該菌類的食用歷史，我們希望從中能
ROS production. Although UCP2 is protective
夠發現毒性低而活性強的抗癌物質。
against atherosclerosis and endothelial cell apoptosis,
由於樣品十分珍貴，目前所有的樣品量只有數百
a direct action of UCP2 in the vascular function is
克，所以我們計畫採用一種新的技術來追蹤活性成
still unknown. We intend to determine if UCP2
分，即高速逆流色譜配合液－質聯用法。該法可以
deficiency
將樣品損失降到最小，並提供快速準確的活性追蹤
associated with diabetic conditions through two main
及成分鑒定，必要時還可以直接將活性成分分離純
mechanisms,
化並利用核磁共振技術鑒定其結構。
production and impeding mobilization of endothelial
通過本項研究，我們希望可以發現玉紅牛肝菌中的
progenitor cells which are capable of repairing the
抗癌活性成分，並初步確定其在誘導細胞凋亡、抑
injured endothelial layer in disease. To achieve this,
制血管生成以及免疫調節等方面的作用。
we will investigate whether (1) UCP2 deficiency
(BL10372)
accelerates endothelial dysfunction associated with
and
in
the
accelerates
progression
endothelial
increasing
of
diabetic
dysfunction
mitochondrial
ROS
diabetes in both genetic and diet-induced obese
Novel Roles of Uncoupling Protein-2 against
mouse models, which is reversed by UCP2
Endothelial Dysfunction and Delayed Endothelial
over-expression; (2) UCP2 deficiency impairs the
Regenerative Repair in Diabetes
endothelial regenerative repair by reducing the
number and/or function of circulating endothelial
HUANG Yu XU Aimin*
progenitor cells; and (3) UCP2 plays a central role in
30 December 2010
the vascular benefits of PPARδ activation. The
Research Grants Council - General Research
Fund
findings shall provide scientific support for UCP2 to
act as a potentially important protector against
diabetic vasculopathy and a conceptual framework
The endothelium is a major regulator of vascular
for further anti-diabetic drug research, which targets
homeostasis. Loss of endothelial monolayer integrity
UCP2
and function represents an important early step in the
complications.
induction of vascular disease associated with
(CU10661)
in
the
treatment
of
diabetic
vascular
hyperglycemia in diabetes and obesity. Positive roles
of oxidative stress in mediating metabolic syndrome
Pivotal Role of Protein Kinase Cδ in Angiotensin
and cardiovascular dysfunction are well established
II-induced
although the source of reactive oxygen species (ROS)
Expression – A Link to Vascular Inflammation
is not clear under different pathological conditions.
and the Clinical Relevance
Endothelial
Cyclooxygenase-2
Faculty of Medicine
School of Biomedical Sciences
1 January 2011
HUANG Yu WONG Siu Ling#
Research Grants Council - General Research
29 June 2011
Fund
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Human embryonic stem cells (hESC) hold great
Grants)
promise as sources of tissue for regenerative
Healthy endothelium is crucial in preserving the
medicine and therapeutics. In addition, their utility as
integrity
of
tools to study the origins and biology of human
pro-inflammatory mediators can result in altered
disease must not be underestimated. HESC give rise
endothelial function. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) can
to tissue-specific adult stem cells and, ultimately, to
be chronically up-regulated by risk factors such as
all mature tissues in the body.
diabetes, hypertension and metabolic syndromes in
Disruptions to normal stem cell function can have
which elevated circulating and tissue levels of
catastrophic
angiotensin II (Ang II) have been reported. Activated
life-threatening or devastating disease. Understanding
rennin-angiotensin
how such diseases arise will afford novel insights into
of
vascular
function.
system
Expression
and
exaggerated
consequences
and
result
in
expression of COX-2 are found co-localized in
how we can better prevent and treat them.
human vascular inflamed tissues. However, it
Neural crest (NC) cells are multi-potent, migratory,
remains obscure whether COX-2 acts directly as a
tissue-invasive cells that originate in the ectoderm of
downstream effector in mediating Ang II-induced
vertebrate embryos and play a central role in the
vascular pathologies. In the proposed study, we aim
vertebrate body plan. Several highly aggressive
to test the hypotheses that Ang II can induce
human cancers, including neuroblastoma, malignant
endothelial COX-2 expression via PKC activation,
melanoma and peripheral primitive neuroectodermal
and
tumors—also known as Ewing’s sarcoma family
the
up-regulated
COX-2
causes vascular
dysfunction and inflammation. Results of this study
tumors (ESFT)—are believed to be of NC origin.
shall provide novel molecular basis on how we may
Neuroblastoma is a common childhood malignant
prevent the expression of the pro-inflammatory
tumor of NC origin, arising in the sympathetic
COX-2. Specific phosphopeptide mimetic inhibitors
nervous system. Among the genetic alterations
targeting PKC may represent a better therapeutic
identified in neuroblastoma, amplification of the
alternative
oncogene MYCN is strongly associated with highly
compared
to
COX-2
inhibitors
in
combating vascular inflammatory disease.
malignant behavior and poor prognosis. Importantly,
(MD10310)
transgenic mice with targeted expression of human
MYCN in NC-derived cells develop neuroblastomas
Human Embryonic Stem Cells as Tools to
that mirror the human disease, demonstrating that
Investigate the Oncogenic Basis of MYCN in
MYCN over-expression can be an initiating event in
Neuroblastoma
the pathogenesis of neuroblastoma.
We have
successfully developed an efficient procedure for the
JIANG Xiaohua
CHAN Hsiao Chang
TSANG Kam Sze Kent (Surgery)
rapid differentiation of hESC into human neural crest
stem cells (NCSC). This proposal aims to exploit the
considerable advantage of the hESC system in order
Faculty of Medicine
School of Biomedical Sciences
to better understand the roles played by MYCN during
revert to a primitive cell population (dedifferentiated
normal NC development and in tumorigenesis. We
MSCs) exhibiting enhanced cell survival and higher
hypothesize that the pathogenesis of neuroblastoma
efficacy in neuronal differentiation compared to
involves genetic alterations of MYCN that disrupt
unmanipulated MSCs both in vitro and in vivo. In an
embedded NC developmental programs. We
attempt to explore the molecular mechanisms
therefore propose to conduct a study to (1) analyze
underlying dedifferentiated MSC identity, we found
the normal function of MYCN in human NC
that some microRNAs altered in line with the
differentiation by using RNAi-mediated knockdown;
neuronal
(2)
dedifferentiation
evaluate
the
consequences
of
MYCN
phenotype
during
process.
differentiation
and
We hypothesize
that
overexpression on human NC differentiation and
miRNA-dependent epigenetic mechanisms play
oncogenesis; and (3) identify other potential genetic
critical roles in the regulation of dedifferentiation
changes that may contribute to the tumorigenesis of
process of MSCs. Thus, the general objective of this
neuroblastoma by comparing the gene expression
proposal is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms
profiles of NCSC, MYCN-over-expressing NCSC,
underlying the dedifferentiation of MSC – and in
MYCN-overexpressing
particular, how miRNA(s) participate in the
NCSC
progeny,
and
neuroblastoma stem cells.
reprogramming
By creating novel hESC-based models to study the
which leads to enhanced cell survival and
origin and biology of neuroblastoma, we aim to gain
neuronal differentiation. Our specific aims are:
novel insights into the origin and biology of these
(1)
process
of
dedifferentiation,
To identify key miRNA(s) most specifically
tumors that will aid in the development of more
linked to the dedifferentiated phenotype of
effective and less toxic therapies.
MSCs; and
(2)
(CU10667)
To elucidate the roles of identified miRNA(s)
in maintaining the dedifferentiated phenotype
of MSCs by gain or loss of functional analysis.
Role of microRNAs in Dedifferentiation-driven
The insights afforded by proposed studies will
Reprogramming MSCs
advance our knowledge of miRNA-dependent cell
JIANG Xiaohua
fate determining program in somatic stem cells, and
1 May 2011
also
shed
new
light
on
the
regulation
of
dedifferentiation in MSCs. On the other hand, the
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
differentiated MSCs have the potential to offer
Grants)
therapeutic advantages for overcoming the major
Mesenchymal stem cell transplantation has been
hurdles currently faced with cell-based therapy.
shown to improve functional outcome in brain
(BL10929)
ischemic disorders. However, low in vivo survival
and differentiation potential of the transplanted cells
Effect of Scutellariae Radix (Huangqin) and Its
limits their overall effectiveness and thus clinical
Major
usage. Our recent study has shown that after in vitro
Rhinovirus-provoked Asthmatic Inflammation in
induction
a Cell Model of Cultured Human Bronchial
of
neuronal
differentiation
and
dedifferentiation, MSCs-derived neuron progenitors
Flavonoids
on
Preventing
Epithelia
Faculty of Medicine
School of Biomedical Sciences
effect(s) on mucosal protection in airway epithelia.
KO Wing Hung HUANG Yu
This may lead to potential therapeutic applications in
1 December 2010
rhinovirus – induced asthma exacerbations.
(MD10634)
Research Fund for the Control of Infectious
Diseases
Self-assembled Synthetic Ion Channels: Design,
Scutellariae Radix (Huangqin), the root of Scutellaria
Characterization and Biomedical Applications
baicalensis Georgi, has been frequently used in
combination with other herbs in Traditional Chinese
KO Wing Hung YANG Dan*
Medicines (TCM) for centuries. Scutellariae Radix
1 February 2011
has been shown to possess multiple biological
RGC - Collaborative Research Fund (CRF)
activities, including anti-viral. It has been used to
treat inflammatory- related disorders in China and
Developing drugs that modulate the functions of ion
Japan for many years. Many biological activities of
channels or regulate ion transport across cell
Scutellariae Radix are related to the flavonoids in the
membranes have received significant attentions in
herb (e.g., baicalein, baicalin, wogonin).
pharmaceutical industry. Each year over US$6 billion
Bronchial asthma is a serious disease that affects
are generated from the sales of drugs associated with
millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by
ion channel functions. We have discovered a novel
immune cell infiltration that is associated with
class of small molecules that self-assemble into
epithelial damage and altered ion transport functions.
synthetic chloride channels in the lipid membranes.
Respiratory virus infection is the major common
In this proposed research, we plan to continue our
precipitants of exacerbations in asthma. The most
inter-disciplinary collaborations by combining the
commonly found virus for common colds is human
expertise in chemistry, physiology, cardiology and
rhinovirus. Our laboratory has recently adopted a
pharmacology to discover synthetic ion channels that
simplify cell model of asthmatic inflammation of
transport small anions or cations across biological
airway epithelia. Our preliminary data suggest that
membranes and explore their potential biomedical
baicalelin reduced the IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA and
applications. The proposed research is expected to
protein expressions in inflammed epithelia.
further
The purpose of the present proposal is to investigate
pharmacological properties of synthetic chloride
whether the total extract and the major flavonoids
channels, to apply the concept to develop other
derived from Scutellariae Radix have beneficial
synthetic ion channels for the transport of small ions,
effect in preventing rhinovirus – induced asthma
and to discover lead compounds for the treatment of
exacerbations in a cell cultured model of human
human diseases associated with channel dysfunction,
bronchial epithelia. Experiments will be conducted
such as cystic fibrosis, asthma, hypertension, and
using
myocardial infarction. The collaborative research
biochemical,
immunological
and
improve
the
ion
transport
and
electrophysiological approaches. The information
project
obtained from this study will give us a better
collaboration among the PC and co-Is, and advance
understanding
new research frontiers at the interface of chemistry,
of
the
therapeutic
potential
of
will
enhance
the
already
existing
Scutellariae Radix with respect to their specific
Faculty of Medicine
School of Biomedical Sciences
biology, medicine, and pharmacology in Hong Kong
endothelium-dependent
responses
resulted
from
and around the world.
diabetes. However, their long-term benefits on human
(MD10495)
are still under investigation. Ergothioneine, a
chemical rich in mushroom, has been proposed to
A Mechanistic Study of Scutellaria Baicalensis
possess potent antioxidant activities, involving the
Georgi
Rosiglitazone
removal of cell toxic radical species or chelating of
Co-administration on the Treatment of Type 2
metal ions. However, the biological relevance of
Diabetes Mellitus
these findings is unclear because most of the
(Huangqin)
and
preceding studies were performed in cell-free systems.
KWAN Yiu Wa
It is not known whether ergothioneine can protect
HO
endothelial cells from oxidative stress. However, our
LEUNG Pak
preliminary data demonstrates that ergothioneine can
YEUNG Hok Keung John
KONG Siu Kai (School of Life Sciences)
Ho Pui (Electronic Engineering)
be taken up by endothelial cells. Ergothioneine also
Heng George* CHAN Shun Wan*
preserves the viability of endothelial cells and restore
1 November 2010
the endothelium-dependent relaxation of arteries in
Health and Health Services Research Fund
high glucose condition. Most importantly, our data
Potential
patentable
information/data
may
be
shows that the endothelial protective effect of
generated from this project and therefore no abstract
ergothioneine
is
stronger
than
that
of
other
of this project will be available.
antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E. Three
(MD10413)
key issues will be addressed in this project. First, the
transport system by which ergothioneine is taken up
Protective Effect of Ergothioneine on Endothelial
into endothelial cells will be characterized. Second,
Cell Funtion Against Oxidative Stress
the
antioxidant
and
anti-apoptotic
effects
of
ergothioneine on endothelial cells will be studied.
KWAN Yiu Wa LEUNG Pak Heng George*
Third, we will strengthen our preliminary study that
ergothioneine can protect endothelial functions from
XIA Zhengyuan*
damage by diabetes. It is generally accepted that
1 January 2011
Research Grants Council - General Research
Fund
protection of endothelial cells against oxidative stress
may prevent diabetes-related cardiovascular events.
We hope that the findings in this study could advance
It has been well established that endothelial function
our knowledge on cardiovascular drug development,
is impaired in diabetes, resulting in a number of
particularly those associated with diabetes.
pathophysiological
(MD10872)
processes
in
cardiovascular
diseases. A considerable body of evidence implicates
generation of reactive oxygen species as an important
Electrophysiological Studies of Danshen and
pathogenic factor in diabetic endothelial dysfunction.
Gegen on Smooth Muscle Cells Isolated from Rat
Acute administration of antioxidants that includes
Basilar Artery
glutathione, vitamin C, vitamin E, flavonoids, and
polyphenols are known to improve the abnormal
Faculty of Medicine
School of Biomedical Sciences
LAM Fu Yuen
YEUNG Hok Keung John
established anti-inflammatory agent, dexamethasone.
Current single drug treatments of arthritic diseases
KWAN Yiu Wa
have problems of limited efficacy and/or high
1 January 2011
toxicity. Therefore, the benefits of combined
Institute of Chinese Medicine
treatments with dexamethasone and the two PARs
The objectives of this research project are:
antagonisits will also be investigated. The proposed
1)
To perform electrophysiological studies on the
study will provide a better understanding on the
effects of the Danshen and Gegen formulation
significance of PARs in arthritis pathophysiology,
on IKATP and ICa channels in smooth muscle
and give indiction on the potential of using PARs
cells isolated from rat basilar artery;
antagonists for treatment of arthritic diseases.
2)
To perform con-focal microscopy studies on
(MD10743)
the effects of the Danshen and Gegen
3)
formulation on [Ca2+]I in smooth muscle cells
Modulation of Human Mast Cell Functions by
isolated from rat basilar artery; and
Osteopontin
To
determine
the
mechanisms
of
the
vasodilator actions of the active constituents of
LAU Hang Yung Alaster
Danshen and Gegen in rat basilar artery (by
1 January 2011
pharmacological approach).
(BL10838)
Research Grants Council - General Research
Fund
Proteinase-activated Receptors as Therapeutic
Mast cells are key multifunctional effector cells of
Target in Inflammatory Joint Diseases
the immune system which release and synthesize
myriads of chemical mediators, cytokines and
LAM Fu Yuen LAU Hang Yung Alaster
angiogenic factors. Osteopontin is an extracellular
1 June 2011
matrix-associated glycoprotein originally described in
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
bone metabolism which is now also recognised to be
an important regulator of various immune responses.
Both mast cells and osteopontin have separately been
In recent years there has been increasing interest in
implicated in the mediation of acute and chronic
proteinase-activated receptors (PARs) as mediators of
inflammatory reactions that are associated with
inflammation. Four members of the PARs family are
allergy, innate immune host defence responses,
known (PAR1 to PAR4), two of which (PAR2 and
angiogenesis,
PAR4) are suspected to play a part in inflammatory
However, until recently the effects of osteopontin on
arthritides. This proposed study aims to use the newly
mast cell functions have not been investigated. It was
available PAR2 and PAR4 antagonists to elucidate the
demonstrated in mice that osteopontin induced
importance of these receptors in arthritis pathogenesis.
chemotactic migration of mast cells and enhanced
The individual and combined anti-arthritic effects of
IgE mediated degranulation of mast cells through
these antagonists will be examined in an animal
binding to the cell surface receptors CD44 and the v
model of arthritis, and compared with that of an
integrin. Furthermore, osteopontin was shown to
wound
healing
and
metastasis.
Faculty of Medicine
School of Biomedical Sciences
regulate the magnitude of an IgE-mediated passive
Effects of Selected Anti-asthmatic Drugs on
cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction through modulation
Toll-like Receptor 2 Induced Human Mast Cell
of skin mast cell degranulation. Thus osteopontin is
Activation
capable of modulating the functions of mast cells
which contribute to antimicrobial, inflammatory and
LAU Hang Yung Alaster
angiogenic responses. The discovery is inspiring but
30 June 2011
required further confirmation. Furthermore, mouse
mast cells are known to be different from human
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
mast cells in many aspects. It is hence the aim of the
present project to provide an extensive investigation
Toll like receptors (TLRs) are a group of pattern
into the regulation of human mast cells by
recognition receptors which play critical roles for
osteopontin. By employing primary human mast cells
host defense in innate immunity against microbial
cultured from progenitors isolated from human buffy
infections. Recent studies have demonstrated that
coat preparations, the current study will investigate
TLRs also contribute to the pathogenesis of asthma.
how osteopontin modulates the functions of human
Mast cells are pivotal effector cells in airway
mast cells especially when they are activated through
inflammation
different mechanisms that represent innate immune
through IgE receptors to release immediately granule
responses (toll like receptor activators) and adaptive
stored preformed mediators, followed by newly
immune response (cross-linking of IgE receptors).
synthesized lipid derived mediators and finally
We will also evaluate if osteopontin can regulate the
various cytokines. Expressions of TLRs have been
migration of human mast cells. Since both the level
demonstrated in mast cells and activation of these
of osteopontin and the number of mast cells are
receptors can induce the synthesis and release of
increased in chronic inflammatory conditions, we
cytokines without the concurrent release of granule
will investigate the effects of osteopontin on the
preformed mediators. TLR activation initiates distinct
expression of vascular endothelial growth factors (the
signaling pathways from those mediated by IgE
most potent inducers of new blood vessels formation)
receptor activation and involves adaptor molecules
and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (an important factor
such as MyD88. Various classes of anti-asthma drugs
for matrix degradation) in human mast cells as these
including
factors are important for tissue remodelling and
agonists and phospdodiesterase inhibitors have been
tumorigenesis. This study will be the first to provide
shown
clinically relevant and useful information for the
inflammatory mediators release from mast cells.
better understanding of the role of osteopontin-mast
However, their effects on TLR induced cytokine
cell
inflammation.
release from mast cells have not been reported. We
Consequently, the results will facilitate the better
hypothesize that since IgE receptors and TLRs
design
activate mast cells through different signaling
interactions
of
in
therapeutic
human
agents
for
controlling
and
are conventionally activated
chromones,
to
modulate
β
2-adrenergic
IgE
receptor
receptor
mediated
inflammation-associated pathological conditions.
pathways, the release of cytokines induced by the two
(CU10693)
types of receptors will be differentially modulated by
the selected classes of anti-asthmatic drugs described
above. It is hence the aim of the current study to
Faculty of Medicine
School of Biomedical Sciences
evaluate the hypothesis by investigating the effects of
residing in the fibrotic liver to inhibit ECM synthesis
anti-asthmatic drugs on TLR2 induced IL-8 release
and improve liver function. In China, there are 120
and related signaling molecules in the human mast
million hepatitis sufferers who potentially could
cell line LAD2.
develop liver fibrosis. This represents a huge market
(MD10884)
for liver disease medicines worth an estimated 10
billion RMB.
Efficacy of Reversine as a Potent Inhibitor of
(MD10632)
Liver Fibrosis
Functional Analysis of the Novel Anti-apoptotic
LEE Ka Ho Kenneth
HOU Zhibo
CHAN
Gene, BRE, in Knockout Mice
John* CHEN Gan-yi* LIN Wei-qi*
1 September 2010
LEE Ka Ho Kenneth CHAN John*
Innovation & Technology
30 June 2011
Commission-University-Industry Collaboration
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Prog.: Matching Grant for Joint Research
Grants)
Zhang Long Industrial Co Ltd.
Brain and Reproductive organ-Expressed (BRE) gene
Liver fibrosis is the consequence of chronic cycle of
produces a 44KD peptide that plays important roles
liver damage and repair, induced by alcoholism,
in
autoimmune diseases, drugs, viral hepatitis etc. The
regulation of ubiquitination. BRE acts like an adaptor
disease is typified by excessive production and
protein holding together and also facilitating the
accumulation of extracellular matrices (ECM) by
function of various important protein complexes,
activated hepatic stellate cells (HSC). The end-stage
such as the BRISC, BRCA1-A, DISC, TNFR1, Fas
of liver fibrosis is cirrhosis and liver dysfunction. We
and other yet unidentified protein complexes. This
have identified a smell cell permeable molecule name
many account for the multifunctional nature of BRE.
Reversine which could inhibit activated HSC from
BRE is involved in the pathogenesis of esophageal
producing collagen type I (the major ECM produced
carcinoma, hepatoma and leukemia. In this proposed
during liver fibrosis) in culture. In this propose study,
study, we will investigate the role BRE plays in
we will use Microarray, real time RT-PCR,
development and differentiation. We will first
immunohistochemistry , proteomics and western blot
establish when and where BRE is expressed in mouse
to determine all the different types of ECM and
embryos. This will provide primarily data on which
ECM-regulating enzymes that Reversine is capable of
tissues and organs BRE may be functionary involved.
suppressing/promoting in activated HSC. In addition,
We will also examine which cell type in major adult
understand the molecular mechanism of how
mouse organs (i.e., lungs, spleen, thymus, adrenal,
Reversine exerts its effect on activated HSC. Most
gland, testis, kidney, brain, heart and liver) expresses
importantly, we want to determine whether Reversine
BRE – again to provide tentative insight into BRE
is function in vivo. Using rat fibrotic models, we will
function in these organs. We will then create BRE
determine whether Reversine encapsulated in vitamin
knockout mice to determine whether disrupting BRE
A/liposomes could specifically target activated HSC
expression will affect the development of organs that
DNA-repair
and
cell-survival
through
its
Faculty of Medicine
School of Biomedical Sciences
we pre-determined expressed BRE. Also, establish
expected to provide detailed understanding of how
how components making up the BRCA1-A complex,
IncRNAs
TNFR1 and Fas are affected inside the mutant cells.
proliferation in spermatogenesis. This contribution is
(MD10689)
significant
regulate
because
cell
cellular
differentiation
and
differentiation
and
proliferation are the fundamental processes in
Spga-IncRNA3, A Novel Long Non-coding RNA
mammalian development. Dysregulation of these
that
developmental programs is known to associate with
Regulates
Developmental
Programs
of
Spermatogonial Stem Cells
gametogenesis defects and cancer that affect billions
of people worldwide. The findings are expected to
LEE Tin Lap
substantially change the concepts in developmental
30 June 2011
and cancer biology, which could lead to the
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
development of novel therapeutic strategies.
(MD10783)
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are male germ line
An Investigation into the Potential Mechanism(s)
stem cells that control spermatogenesis by their
for the Hyperglycemic Effects of Nicotinic Acid
ability to both self-renew and generate subsequent
germ cell types into spermatozoa through rounds of
LEUNG Po Sing
differentiation. Although factor like Glial cell
1 April 2011
line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) is known
Merck Sharp & Dohme
tobe important in self-renewal of SSCs, the exact
mechanisms that govern SSCs differentiation and
In this project, we hypothesize that nicotinic acid
pluripotency remain largely unknown. To identify the
increases PPAR-γ and UCP-2 expression and inhibit
differentiation and self-renewal mechanisms, we
accumulation of cAMP, whilst inducing levels of
performed large-scale transcriptome studies on male
NADH and NADHPH, resulting in reduction of
germ cells by whole-genome tiling microarrays and
insulin secretion and beta-cell mass in pancreatic
sequencing approaches. The findings suggested
islets; and that there is a nicotinic acid receptor
majority of SSC genome is transcribed and is far
located in pancreatic islets with a potential role in the
more than current gene annotations. We found a huge
modulation of these effects.
number of transcript species are known as long
In order to test this hypothesis, we set up a sequence
non-coding RNAs (IncRNAs). By applying various
of objectives as follow:
bioinformatics pipelines, we have identified a number
(i)
to study whether nicotinic acid predominantly
of SSC-specific IncRNA candidates and examined
reduces islet beta-cell insulin release and/or
their effects on cellular differentiation using C18-4
beta-cell mass rather than increasing insulin
SSC in vitro differentiation model. We found a
resistance;
potential candidate, code-named as Spga-IncRNA3,
(ii)
to study the expression and regulation of
demonstrated significant differentiation inhibition,
nicotinic acid receptor and its concomitant
suggesting it may be important in maintaining stem
actions on pancreatic islet cell functions;
cell state of SSCs. Our contribution in this study is
Faculty of Medicine
School of Biomedical Sciences
(iii) to study how nicotinic acid affects pancreatic
development. As such, a potential skeleton-endocrine
islet cell secretory functions, beta-cell mass and
axis exists and may play a role in islet cell function
beta-cell inflammation; and
and
T2DM.
Therefore,
we
hypothesize
that
(iv) to further elucidate the underlying mechanism(s)
upregulation of Hh signaling in mature osteoblasts
by which nicotinic acid induces hyperglycemic
contributes to aberrant glucose homeostasis and islet
effects.
cell function. In this project, we test this hypothesis
by using a genetic engineered Patched1(Ptch1)
(MD10399)
mutant mouse which has ubiquitous activated Hh
Hedgehog Signaling in Osteoblasts Regulates
signaling in mature osteoblasts to study glucose
Glucose
homeostasis and islet cell function. The findings of
Homeostasis
and
Pancreatic
Islet
this project will provide a novel role of Hh signaling
Function
as a skeleton-islet axis in the regulation of glucose
LEUNG Po Sing
MAK King Lun Kingston
homeostasis in diabetes.
(MD10683)
CHENG Qianni
30 June 2011
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Development of Chinese Herbal Medicine-based
Products
Grants)
The pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is
LIN Ge
characterized
15 November 2010
by
pancreatic
islet
beta-cell
insufficiency of insulin secretion followed by insulin
resistance,
thus
leading
to
impaired
Sinoveda Canada Inc.
glucose
homeostasis, as evidenced by hyperglycemia and
This project aims to using our developed proprietary
finally chronic complications. Normal blood glucose
pharmaceutical platform technology to study a
levels are maintained by adequate insulin secretion in
traditional Chinese medicine Rhizoma Chuanxiong,
response
context,
and development of a Rhizoma Chuanxiong-based
mammalian Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is believed to
Product for the prevention and treatment of
regulate insulin promoter activation via Hh receptors
cardiovascular problems.
located in islet cells, thus indicating the potential
(MD10572)
to
hyperglycemia.
In
this
involvement of Hh signaling in modulating islet cell
function and glucose homeostasis in T2DM. As a
Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics of Red Clover
well-known regulatory factor in mammalian cell
Components
development, Hh signaling has been recently reported
as a key modulator of bone formation and bone
LIN Ge
resorption in the skeleton and these findings are
1 December 2010
related
to
the
development
of
osteoporosis.
Sinoveda Canada Inc.
Furthermore, it has been shown that insulin signaling
in the skeleton regulates whole body glucose
This aim of this project is to evaluate the
homeostasis
pharmacokinetic profiles and distribution pattern of
via
modulation
of
osteoblast
Faculty of Medicine
School of Biomedical Sciences
two formulations of Red Clover: immediate release
metabolites and the resultant unique pyrrole-protein
form and commercial available Promensil in female
adducts, particularly blood pyrrole-protein adducts,
Sprague Dawley rats.
have potential values for the understanding and
(MD10749)
diagnosis of PA intoxication.
Therefore, the aim of this proposal is to investigate
Pyrrole-protein Adducts: A Potential Biomarker
the
of
hepatotoxicity
Pyrrolizidine
Alkaloid
Exposure
and
biochemical
mechanisms
to
develope
of
PA-induced
mechanism-based
technology for the assessment of PA intoxication. In
Hepatotoxicity
the proposed study:
1)
LIN Ge WANG Jiyao* YE Yang*
firstly,
protein
modifications
by
toxic
metabolites of PAs and blood pyrrole-protein
1 January 2011
adducts in rats will be investigated by using
Research Grants Council - General Research
Western
Fund
blot,
ELISA,
HPLC-MS,
and
proteomic analysis;
The growing awareness of incidences in natural
2)
then, the correlations among PA exposure,
product poisonings leads to more government and
blood pyrrole-protein adducts and liver injury
public
will
concerns
worldwide.
Among
various
be
elucidated
in
rats
to
develop
phytotoxins, pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are one of
mechanism-based technology with unique
the most common causes of natural product
biomarker(s) specific towards PA-induced
poisonings in human, because their wide distribution
hepatotoxicity; and
in higher plant families with over 6,000 known
3)
finally,
the
developed
mechanism-based
PA-containing plants to date. PAs are well-known
technology will be applied for the diagnosis of
hepatotoxic and may cause hepatic sinusoidal
PA poisonings in the patients who have been
obstruction syndrome (HSOS). Yearly, numerous
exposed to PA-containing Chinese medicinal
cases of PA intoxications have been reported due to
(CM) herbs and developed liver injery or
the consumption of PA-containing herbal teas, herbal
HSOS.
medicines and nutritional supplements as well as
The significance of the proposed proposal is to
PA-contaminated
products.
understand the mechanism of PA intoxication and to
However, to date no suitable and specific methods
establish a novel mechanism-based technology with
are available for the diagnosis and assessment of PA
unique biomarker(s), which will provide 1) a
intoxication.
diagnostic measure specific towards PA poisoning for
foods
and
dietary
induce
clinical application; 2) a scientific assessment of
hepatotoxicity via metabolic activation to generate
potential hepatotoxicity and dose threshold of
toxic pyrrolic metabolites, which act with cellular
PA-containing natural products; and 3) rational for
macromolecules to form pyrrole-protein adducts
the relevant authorities to establish regulations for the
responsible for toxicity. However, the downstream
safe use of PA-containing natural products.
mechanisms
are
The obtaining results will certainly benefit Hong
unclear. Thus, we hypothesize that PA intoxication is
Kong, Mainland China and global public health in
Regardless
of
of
structures,
PA-induced
all
PAs
hepatotoxicity
associated with protein modifications by their toxic
Faculty of Medicine
School of Biomedical Sciences
diagnosis, treatment and prevention of PA-induced
screening kits will be used for investigating
hepatotoxicity.
interactions with P450 isozymes. Nude mice with
(CU10713)
xenograft tumor and PK rat model will be used for
evaluating in vivo beneficial effects.
Beneficial Interaction between Chinese Medicine
Study instruments: HPLC-MS; Microplate reader;
Marsdenia Tenacissima and Anti-cancer Drugs
Flow Cytometer, Western blot and RT-PCR system.
via Reversal of ABC Drug Transporter-mediated
Interventions:
Multidrug Resistance
formulation(s): mixtures of anti-cancer drug(s) with 1)
Novel
anti-cancer
cocktail
ABC transporters inhibitor(s); or 2) with M.
LIN Ge TO KKW (School of Pharmacy) YE
tenacissima extract.
Main outcome measure and analysis: The main
Yang*
measure include: IC50 (cytotoxicity); efflux ratios
10 February 2011
(transporters substrate); intracellular accumulation
Health and Health Services Research Fund
(MDR
Purpose:
Evaluation
of
potential
benefits
of
reversal
(interaction
activity);
types);
Ki,
combination
Km,
Vmax
index
(P450
integrated approaches in combination use of Chinese
interactions); average weight of tumor, rate of tumor
medicine (CM) Marsdenia tenacissima with cytotoxic
inhibition, and bioavailability (enhancing in vivo
anti-cancer drugs.
anti-cancer activity).
Hypothesis: M. tenacissima has multidrug resistance
(MD10947)
(MDR)-reversal
activity
against
three
major
ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters but do not
Unidentified Liver Disease Outbreak, Tigray,
produce
Ethiopia: Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids (PA) Biomarker
combining
other
this
significant
CM
bioactivities,
with
the
thus
ABC
Study
transporter-substrate anti-cancer drugs has potential
benefits to circumvent the ABC transporter-mediated
LIN Ge LI Na#
drug resistance without causing any significant
1 October 2011
adverse effects.
SciMetrika LLC
Objective: To investigate M. tenacissima with
potential
MDR
reversal
activity
for
Since 2007, CDC has provided ongoing support to
regaining/synergizing efficacy of anti-cancer drugs
Ethiopia
via circumventing ABC transporter-mediated MDR.
collaborating
Design and subject: In vitro cell lines include human
unidentified liver disease (ULD) in the rural
cancer cells MCF-7, NCI-H460 and SF-268 for
subsistence framing region of Tigary, Ethiopia.
cytotoxicity assay; Caco-2 monolayer cells for ABC
Results from previously conducted epidemiologic,
transporters substrate and inhibition study; parental
laboratory, and toxicologic studies are not supportive
and their resistant sublines with overexpression of
of an infectious etiology and suggest a food-borne
ABCB1 (SW620/Ad300), ABCC1 (MCF-7/VP-16),
toxic exposure contributing to morbidity and
or ABCG2 (MCF-7/FLV1000) for MDR reversal
mortality among both humans and animals. The
activity and mechanism study. Supersomes P450
leading hypothesis as to the cause of the outbreak
MoH,
to
EHNRI,
and
investigate
the
other
partners
outbreak
of
Faculty of Medicine
School of Biomedical Sciences
remains exposure to toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids
Melanocytes are pigment-producing cells which are
(PA’s) via contamination of grains and potentially
responsible for melanogenesis and skin pigmentation.
other foodstuffs. One limitation of all previous
The
research has been the lack of laboratory methods to
machinery is tyrosinase, and most of the investigation
confirm PA exposure in human clinical specimens.
into its mechanism of action is based on purified
We plan to apply new qualitative laboratory methods
tyrosinase from mushroom or mouse melanocytes
to analyze serum specimens collected from ULD
which is, however, not completely applicable to
cases and asymptomic community members for PA
human. Given to the clinical and cosmetic concerns
metabolites
Serum
for their functions to human skin, large amount of
specimens were collected during the December 2008
healthy melanocytes are required for pigmentation
collaborative investigation, which involved a census
research. Melanocytes are localized to the basal layer
and active case finding in 4 villages in the Kiberto
of the skin and their isolation normally required
tabia of Tigray, Ethiopia. We will compare the
mechanical dissection of the epidermis from the
percent of specimens with detectable levels of
dermis, followed by enzyme digestion and a series of
pyrrole-protein
differential chemical treatments until an enriched
(pyrrole-protein
adducts
adducts).
among
cases
and
key
enzyme
initiating
the
melanogenic
asymptomatic community members.
melanocyte population is obtained. This method is
In addition to testing already collected serum
not only time-consuming, expensive but possibly
specimens, Ethiopia proposes to result cases living in
affects
affected communities for an in-depth clinical
Dielectrophoresis
investigation. Liver biopsy and serum specimens
dielectrical particles or cells in the presence of
collected as part of this investigation will also be
non-uniform electrical fields, which has the potential
tested for PA metabolites. In the PA-poisoned person,
to separate cells in a short duration. In addition, it has
liver tissue contains a higher concentration of PA
advantages of offering low-cost, micro- to nano-scale,
metabolite than serum, thus is a more desirable
and chemical-free separation conditions, and the cells
testing matrix. We will also be able to compare the
obtained may retain their physiology. It is anticipated
results from analyses of individuals’ liver and serum,
through this cross disciplinary endeavor between
thus better understanding the utility of the serum test
biomedical sciences and engineering to provide an
for prospective diagnostic purposes.
alternative
(MD11377)
preparation and melanogenesis study.
the
normal
physiology
(DEP)
separation
is
of
the
method
the
cells.
movement
for
of
melanocyte
(MD10331)
Dielectrophoretic Isolation and Purification of
Screening of Aqueous and Organic Extracts of a
Pigment Cells
Variety of Fungi for the Ability to Antagonize the
LIU Wing Keung Ken
LI Wen Jung
Pathogenic Yeast Candida Albicans
(Mechanical & Automation Engg)
21 June 2011
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
NG Tzi Bun
HUI Mamie (Microbiology)
WONG Ho WANG Hexiang*
6 December 2010
Faculty of Medicine
School of Biomedical Sciences
Research Fund for the Control of Infectious
NG Tzi Bun
Diseases
HUI Mamie (Microbiology)
WONG Ho WANG Hexiang*
A spectacular array of antifungal biomolecules have
been
identified
in
humans,
other
vertebrates,
invertebrates, plants, fungi and bacteria. Recently it
17 January 2011
Research Fund for the Control of Infectious
Diseases
has been reported that plant defensins, despite
structural dissimilarity from human defensins, are
active as antifungals in humans but do not have toxic
effects. It is known that some fungi can biologically
control (antagonize) other fungi. We have isolated a
number of antifungal proteins/peptides with different
N-terminal amino acid sequences from the fruiting
bodies of edible mushrooms. Candida albicans is the
major etiologic agent in candidiasis and C. albicans
infections account for a large percentage of
nosocomial infections that can have a high mortality.
In view of the development of resistance of C.
albicans to existing antifungal drugs, there is a need
to find new anti-Candida agents. The aforementioned
edible mushroom species and also a variety of fungi
maintained in our laboratory have not been tested for
inhibitory acyivity toward C. albicans, hence the
intent of the present investigation is to secreen
various edible mushrooms and other fungi accessible
to us for anti-Candida activity. Hopefully aqueous
and/or ethyl acetate extracts of some mushrooms with
anti-Candida activity can be identifying in the present
study and used as the basis of an in-depth
investigation in the future. Those extracts with
antifungal activity will be tested for pH stability,
temperature stability and resistance to proteases
Defensins are antimicrobial peptides with a cystine
stabilized, antiparallel β-sheet core and an N-terminal
α-helical stretch. Defensins are also present in plants.
Plant defensins are active against human pathogenic
fungi such as Candida albicans. Because they are
nontoxic to human cells, plant defensins are potential
antifungal therapeutics. Recently, radish (plant)
defensin was reported to induce programmed death in
Candida albicans cells whereas previously human
defensin has been shown to disturb the permeability
of cell membrane. Lactoferrin is a milk glycoprotein
with
antimicrobial,
anticancer
and
immunomodulatory activities. Lactoferrin derived
from
lactoferrin
by
pepsin
digestion
and
lactoferrampin, another lacroferrin-derived peptide,
are also active.
The aim of the present investigation is to elucidate
the mechanisms of antifungal action of a plant
defensin, white cloud bean defensin which is active
against C. albicans, and the lactoferrin derived
peptides
lactoferricin
and
lactoferrin.
An
understanding of the mechanisms of their antifungal
action on planktonic C. albicans is important to their
development as potential new antifungal agents.
(MD10418)
digestion under conditions which mimic internal
milieu of the human gastrointestinal tract.
(MD10530)
Anti-Emetic and Anti-Nausea Investigation of
Ghrelin Agonists in a Cisplatin Model of Acute
and Delayed Emesis
Mechanisms of Antifungal Action of a Bean
Defensin, Lactoferrin and Lactoferrin-derived
RUDD John Anthony Claudio Pietra*
Peptides on Planktonic Candida Albicans
Faculty of Medicine
School of Biomedical Sciences
1 January 2011
positioned cephalochordates as the basal group within
Helsinn Heathcare SA
chordates, with vertebrates diverging later. Moreover,
the genome of the Chinese amphioxus possibly
The treatment of cancer with chemotherapeutic drugs
differs from other amphioxus species based on a
may induce side effects of nausea and emesis. In the
mitochondrial
proposed studies, the ability of compounds to prevent
divergence of Chinese amphioxus from two Atlantic
such side effects will be investigated using an
amphioxus
established ferret model of cisplatin-induced acute
Sequencing more amphioxus species will therefore
and delayed emesis.
allow
(MD10423)
amphioxus genomes in comparison to the vertebrate
genome
species
more
analysis
~112
showing
million
comprehensive
years
the
ago.
investigation
of
counterparts.
Next-generation
Sequencing
of
the
Chinese
Description: In this study, we will focus on the
Amphioxus Genome and Transcriptomes - Insight
sequencing of the Chinese amphioxus genome and
into the Sequence Conservation and Divergence in
transcriptome
Proto-vertebrate Ancestor and Vertebrates
sequencing platforms. We have an undisclosed
using
the
ultra-high
throughput
methodology to culture Chinese amphioxus in large
TSUI Kwok Wing
CHEN Jun Yuan* FUNG
quantity and will have an ample supply of amphioxus
Yin Wan Wendy#
for this study. Analyses of the genome and
1 November 2010
transcriptome sequences of an additional amphioxus
Research Grants Council - General Research
species will provide greater insight into the simple
yet sophisticated molecular footprints marking the
Fund
divergence
of
amphioxus-like
organisms
and
Aim: The aim of this research is to establish the use
vertebrates from a common ancestor.
of amphioxus as a model organism for the study of
Significance: In-depth analyses of the amphioxus
evolution of vertebrates from a common ancestor.
genome and transcriptome in this study will provide
Background: Amphioxus, or lancelet, is a worm-like
grounds to renew the current interpretation of the
marine
amphioxus genome in respect to vertebrate evolution.
invertebrate
Cephalochordata
of
under
the
the
phylum
subphylum
Chordata.
Conservation
of
key
developmental
genes
in
Cephalochordates are widely used as a model system
amphioxus and vertebrates strengthens the use of the
for evolutionary developmental biology to understand
amphioxus model system as a missing link to further
the basic patterning mechanisms involved in chordate
the study of vertebrate evolution and development.
body plan and the origin of vertebrates. Biologists
Ultimately, genome sequence information from
recognize amphioxus as a pre-vertebrate organism
further research on amphioxus species will position
having many features resembling those of vertebrates.
amphioxus on the tree of life more precisely.
Discovery of fossil remains of chordates from the
Amphioxus should become a standard model
early Cambrian has shed some light on the
organism providing both a pre-duplicated genome set
divergence of cephalochordates and vertebrates from
and
a common ancestor during or prior to the Cambrian
understanding of the evolutionary mystery of
explosion. Recent molecular phylogeny studies have
vertebrates.
primitive
body
plan
allowing
greater
Faculty of Medicine
School of Biomedical Sciences
leading HPC service provider in the region with over
(CU10647)
100 clients. It will utilize its expertise to deliver a
A High Performance Computing Solution to
parallelized and optimized DNA sequence assembly
Enable Bioinformatics Research
program that requiring minimal computing resources.
This solution could facilitate the development of
TSUI Kwok Wing
CHAN Ting Fung Philos
(School of Life Sciences)
ZHOU Taojun*
bioinformatics research in Hong Kong and enable the
commercialization of medical DNA analysis.
(BL10464)
CHENG Chi Kan*
1 September 2011
Cluster Technology Innovation & Technology
Commission-University-Industry Collaboration
Role of Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1α Pathway in
Skeletal Regeneration
Prog.: Matching Grant for Joint Research
WAN Chao CHAN Kai Ming (Orthopaedics &
Bioinformatics brings together the expertise of
Traumatology)
molecular biology and information technology to
(Orthopaedics & Traumatology)
uncover knowledge from a vast quantity of biological
William*
data by using computational approaches. In recent
1 January 2011
years, the focus of bioinformatics research has shifted
from small-scale genomes (e.g., virus and bacteria) to
CHAN Wai Yee
LI Gang
LU Weijia
Research Grants Council - General Research
Fund
more sophisticated species such as human genome.
This significantly scales up the demand on the
Bone has a unique ability to regenerate and repair
computation power for DNA analysis. Not to mention
itself postnatally. However, in clinic about 10% of
human genome, only assembling the DNA sequence
fractures have impaired healing. This results in
of a fish genome takes more than 50 times of the
enormous direct and indirect cost to the individual
computation time of a bacteria one. The tedious
and society. A hallmark of impaired bone healing is a
computation run time in terms of weeks or even
reduction in vascular supply and nutrient availability
months
of
at the site of injury, suggesting that impaired blood
bioinformatics development. This project leverages
vessel formation is a major contributor to the
both the strengths of the Hong Kong Bioinformatics
pathology. Following injury, disruption of normal
Center (HKBIC) of CUHK and Cluster Technology
circulation in bone leads to hypoxia of adjacent
Limited to deliver a high performance computing
tissues.
(HPC) solution for DNA sequence assembly, the first
component of the intermediate cartilaginous callus of
and critical computational procedure of DNA
the healing bone, are ideally positioned to sense and
analysis. Established in 1998, HKBIC is well
respond to fluctuations in oxygen and nutrient supply
recognized
the
during the healing process. The hypoxia inducible
identification of SARS-coronavirus genomes in 2003
factor-1α (HIF-1α) pathway has emerged as the
and has published world-leading research results in
central pathway responding to hypoxia a wide variety
prestigious journals such as Nature Genetics and
of organisms. HIF-1α impinges on gene programs
Science. ClusterTech, on the other hand, is the
which influence angiogenesis (e.g., VEGF) and
now
in
becomes
the
the
field. It
major
barrier
involved
in
We
reasoned
that
chondrocytes,
the
Faculty of Medicine
School of Biomedical Sciences
cellular metabolism (e.g., glut1). HIF-1α levels are
Molecular
controlled by regulated proteolysis through an
Hypoxia/HIF Pathway in Regulating Biological
oxygen
Behavior of Mesenchymal Stem Cells
sensitive
mechanism.
Under
normoxic
and
Cellular
Mechanisms
of
conditions, HIF-1α undergoes prolyl hydroxylation
and is ligated by von Hippel-Lindau protein (pVHL),
WAN Chao DENG Lianfu*
an E3 ubiquitin ligase and then degraded by the
1 January 2011
proteosome.
Under
hypoxia,
HIF-1α
prolyl
NSFC/RGC Joint Research Scheme
hydroxylation is inhibited, and HIF-1α accumulates
in the nucleus where it forms a dimer with the HIF-1β
Large bone defects or facture non-union are difficult
subunit, and then transactivates HIF responsive genes.
skeletal disorders in clinic Orthopaedics. The
Our recent studies have shown that HIF-1α is
pathology of the impaired healing is characterized by
strongly induced during bone repair, and increased
less capacity of bone formation associated with
HIF-1α activation in bone in a mouse model
decreased vascular supply and lacking of reparative
increases postnatal bone acquisition. In this proposal,
stem
we will test the hypothesis that during fracture
hypoxia/HIFα is an important developmental and
healing chondrocytes use the HIF-1α pathway to
reparative signal that controls the coupling of
sense low oxygen tension and transmit signals that
angiogenesis and osteogenesis. However, the role of
regulate the process of angiogenesis and bone healing,
the HIF pathway in regulating MSC function remains
and targeting the HIF-1α pathway could be designed
unclear. In this proposal, we will investigate the
as a therapy for improving skeletal regeneration. In
essential function of HIFα in regulating MSC
aim 1, we will examine the role of Hif-1α in
biological behavior and its mechanisms using
chondrocytes on cartilaginous callus formation
conditional knockout mouse models, bone defect
during fracture healing using genetic mouse models.
models, cellular and molecular biotechnology. We
In the second aim, we intend to define the angiogenic
expect that the proposed studies will lead to
and osteogenic signals that derive from chondrocytes
discovery of novel therapeutic agents or stem cell
and visualize the angiogenic and osteogenic events
based therapy for patients with difficulty bone
during fracture healing. Finally, we will evaluate the
diseases.
effects of pharmacologic activation of the HIF-1α
(MD10563)
cells.
Our
previous
study
shows
that
pathway on skeletal regeneration using a large bone
defect model. We expect that the proposed studies
Targeting
will further our understanding on the molecular and
Angiogenesis
cellular mechanisms of skeletal regeneration and lead
Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
the
HIF
for
Pathway
the
to
Promote
Treatment
of
to novel interventions for patients with impaired bone
healing.
WAN Chao TSANG Wing Pui
(CU10759)
30 June 2011
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
Faculty of Medicine
School of Biomedical Sciences
Postmenopausal osteoporosis is associated with
blood cells will be collected and DNA will be
decreased skeletal blood flow, reduced capillary
extracted for genotyping analyses. Association of
networks and impaired endothelial function of the
genotypes and various disease suscepbility or
vessels
as
personal traits will be studied. Thought the genotype
preventing
information often cannot fully explain a certain
ovariectomy-induced bone loss, which supports the
disease suscepbility or personal trait and other
concept that vascular supply is linked with estrogen
external factors may prevail, it is known that with the
to regulate bone mass. Such observations suggest an
provision of some genetic information to the
important relationship between estrogen deficiency
participants of the study, they often will take better
and decreased blood supply to bone. Angiogenesis
personal responsibility for their own health and
during bone development and repair is controlled by
well-being.
the hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) which
(MD10362)
in
bone.
nitroglycerin
are
transcriptionally
Vasoactive
agents
efficacious
activates
in
vascular
such
endothelial
growth factor (VEGF) and other proangiogenic
Functional Analysis of the Dyslexia Candidate
proteins. Osteoblasts express the major components
Protein
of the HIF pathway and functions to couple
Expression Vectors for Expression in Insect Cells
(KIAA0319L)
Using
Baculovirus
angiogenesis and osteogenesis. In this study, we
propose to use genetic mouse models to investigate
WAYE Mary Miu Yee VLAK Just M* VAN
the possible interrelationship between the HIF
pathway and estrogen deficiency induced bone loss,
and to determine the role of HIF activators in the
OERS Monique M*
1 July 2011
NWO/RGC Joint Research Grant
treatment of ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in
mice. We expect that the proposed studies will
Our
further the understanding of the cellular and
KIAA0319L can interact with the Nogo Receptor
molecular mechanisms of bone loss during aging and
(Poon et al, 2010). The biological significance of
facilitate the development of novel therapeutics for
such interaction is not clear, however since the Nogo
osteoporosis.
Receptor is an important axon guidance molecule
(MD10620)
involved in inhibition of axon regeneration in the
laboratory
has
previously
shown
that
central nervous system, we speculate that the binding
of KIAA0319L might also affect the function of
Genetic Study of Chinese
Nogo
Receptor.
Further
biological
work
on
WAYE Mary Miu Yee SING Chor Wing*
KIAA0319L requires the production of a functionally
1 August 2010
active molecular that is suitable for in vitro work.
Since baculovirus vector has suitable glycosylation
Genetic Centre (Hong Kong) Company Ltd
pattern, we plan to make appropriate recombinant
In order to study the genetic polymorphism of various
construct for the expression of KIAA0319L using the
traits of Chinese, we plan to study the genotype of
baculovirus expression system.
Chinese
(MD11423)
from
South
East
Asia
by
genotype-phenotype analyses. Buccal salivary, or
Faculty of Medicine
School of Biomedical Sciences
in
proteins and extracellular matrix proteins which are
Primary Sensory Neurons and Their Associated
likely to be present after nerve damage. When
Glial Cells
stimulated with lipopolysaccharide, isolated DRG
Characterization
of
Toll-like
Receptor-4
neurons generate an opioid-like peptide called
WISE Helen
LEUNG Wai Keung*
WONG
nociceptin/orphanin-FQ, whose function may be to
inhibit inflammatory cytokine production by DRG
Yung Hou*
glial cells. We propose therefore that activation of
1 November 2010
TLR4 on neuronal and glial cells within the DRG
Research Grants Council - General Research
could influence pain transmission in an autocrine
Fund
and/or paracrine fashion through nociceptin and
Current treatments for chronic pain are far from ideal.
cytokine
production.
When the underlying cause of pain is nerve damage
disregulation of these systems in the DRG disrupts
(e.g., spinal cord injury, diabetic neuropathy, or
the acute phase of response to nerve damage and
amputation), the main focus of attention has been
allows progression to a chronic pain state. There are
drugs designed to target neuronal systems with an
tremendous advantages in designing drug treatments
emphasis on blocking neurotransmission. However,
to act in the early stages of nerve damage before
potent analgesics such as morphine are surprisingly
irreversible changes are established. Because DRG
ineffective in treating neuropathic pain, and the
are axotomized by dissociation, it has been suggested
explanation may lie outside the classical idea that
that cultures of dissociated DRG cells represent
morphine regulates pain solely via neuronal opioid
neuronal cells in a neuropathic pain state. Therefore,
receptors. Pain sensations are normally transmitted
we
from the periphery via primary sensory neurons
responses in DRG neurons and glial cells and
whose cell bodies lie in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG)
examine the crosstalk between these systems. This
and are closely enveloped by satellite glial cells.
study of TLR4-dependent neuron-glia responses
Recent evidence suggests that glial cells contribute to
should help to identify targets for future investigation
neuroimmune activation in neuropathic pain models
in the more complex animal models of neuropathic
and in neurodegeneration due to expression of
pain.
Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Morphine can stimulate
(CU10767)
propose
to
Our
hypothesis
characterize
is
that
TLR4-dependent
TLR4 and directly activate microglial cells, thus
enhancing inflammation and pain and this effect
Do Glial Cells Influence the Response of Dorsal
possibly accounts for its failure to treat neuropathic
Root Ganglion Neurons to Analgesics such as
pain syndromes. Until recently, TLRs were thought
Morphine?
to be confined to cells of the immune system as
sensors of danger signals. Now there is accumulating
WISE Helen
evidence that TLRs are also expressed by DRG
1 June 2011
neurons and associated glial cells. TLR4 classically
recognizes
bacterial
products
such
as
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
lipopolysaccharide, but additionally responds to
byproducts of tissue destruction such as heat shock
Faculty of Medicine
School of Biomedical Sciences
In response to nerve injury, the satellite glial cells in
Diabetic nephropathy is a major health burden, but
the associated dorsal root ganglia (DRG) proliferate
the pathogenesis is complex. Crucial mechanisms
and enhance neuronal excitability. This is turn
underlying chronic kidney disease in diabetes include
facilitates pain signaling and may contribute towards
epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and
the generation of a chronic pain state. Data from
fibrosis, mediated by transforming growth factor β
whole animal studies and from our own work on
(TGF-β) and opposed by bone morphogenetic
isolated DRG cell cultures indicates that DRG
proteins (BMPs). Dragon (also known as RGMb) is a
neurons and glial cells communicate with each. In
GPI-anchored protein. We recently identified Dragon
particular, our own studies show that the expression
as a BMP co-receptor that enhances BMP signaling.
of prostaglandin E2 (EP4) and prostacyclin (IP)
Dragon is highly expressed in rental tubular epithelial
receptors on glial cells appears to be attenuated by
cells of kidneys. We have now discovered that
the presence of neurons. Activation of EP4 and IP
Dragon expression is highly upregulated in the
receptors leads to increases in cellular cAMP
kidneys of a rodent model of diabetic nephropathy.
production, which is well established to facilitate pain
These data suggest a potential role of Dragon in
transmission. But, why and how neurons keep
diabetic nephropathy. A more general role in
satellite glial cells under control in unknown. In the
maintenance of normal renal tubular architecture is
current study, we would like to examine the activity
supported by our findings that Dragon and BMP4
of receptors which inhibit cAMP production, such as
increase transepithelial resistance (TER), a measure
the μ-receptor which is responsive to the important
of tight junction complexity and function, in cultured
analgesic morphine. We aim to examine the influence
mIMCD3 cells. Taken together, these data provide
of glial cells on the ability of μ-receptors to directly
evidence that Dragon expressed in kidney tubular
hyperpolarize DRG neurons, and to attenuate
epithelial cells is important in normal renal function
PGE2-induced depolarization. As with μ-receptors,
and possibly during diabetic injury to the kidney. We
many other analgesics also stimulate Gi/o-coupled
hypothesize that Dragon mediates BMP signaling in
receptors and a better understanding of cell-cell
kidney tubule cells to counteract EMT that occurs
interactions in vitro may help us to appreciate the
during the pathogensis of diabetic nephropathy.
possible cell-cell interactions which occur within
Specifically, we will 1) examine the time course of
intact DRG following nerve injury.
the
(MD10651)
phosphor-Smad1/5/8 levels in the kidneys of
changes
in
Dragon
expression
and
STZ-induced diabetic mice; 2) study the effect of
The Role of the BMP Co-receptor Dragon in
decreased Dragon expression on the kidney function
Diabetic Nephropathy
in diabetic Dragon knockout mice; and 3) examine
the mechanism by which Dragon and BMP4 increase
XIA Yin LI Xiaoling
transepithelial resistance in cultured mIMCD3 cells.
1 April 2011
(MD10898)
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
Faculty of Medicine
School of Biomedical Sciences
TRP Channels in Cardiovascular System, Their
In the preliminary studies, we found that TRPC5
Properties and Function
forms hypotonicity- and membrane stretch-activated
channels
YAO Xiaoqiang MA Xin WONG Wei Yan
in
TRPC5-overexpressing
human
embryonic kidney 293 (HEK) cells and Chinese
hamster ovary (CHO) cells. These data are consistent
MA Yan DU Juan
with the report from another group. We then explored
15 December 2010
the functional role of TRPC5-related channels in the
Focused Investments Scheme - Scheme C
mechanosensation of aortic arch baroreceptor. Aortic
In this study, we will focus on TRP (Transient
arch baroreceptor is one of key mechanosensors that
Receptor Potential)
cardiovascular
serve to detect arterial blood pressure. The overall
system. TRP channels are a superfamily of
function of aortic arch baroreceptor is to maintain the
Ca2+-permeable channels that function as cellular
blood
sensors
many
immunohistochemical studies, it was found that
environmental stimuli including temperature, taste,
TRPC5 is abundantly expressed in the soma of aortic
mechanical pressure, osmolarity and pain. We are
arch baroreceptor neurons, the axon of baroreceptor
particularly interested in functional role of different
nerve, and the sensory terminals of aortic arch
TRP channels in the control of blood vessel tension
baroreceptor. More importantly, we found that
and blood pressure. 1) we will explore the potential
hypotonicity-induced Ca2+ influx in the primary
role
in
cultured aortic arch baroreceptor neurons was
baroreceptors; 2) we will study the functional role of
markedly reduced by a TRPC5-blocking antibody
TRPV4-C1-BKca complex in vascular tome control;
T5E3 and by a dominant-negative TRPC5 construct
and 3) we will study the regulation of heteromeric
TRPC5-DN. Single channel patch clamp also
TRPV4-C1 channels in vascular tone control.
recorded a stretch-activated cation channel in
(MD10921)
cultured baroreceptor neurons. The activity of the
to
of
perceive
TRP
channels
and
channels
as
in
respond
to
mechanosensor
pressure
relatively
constant.
In
channels was also blocked by T5E3 and TRPC5-DN.
Role
of
TRPC5-related
Channels
in
Mechanosensing of Aortic Arch Baroreceptor
These data suggest an important functional role of
TRPC5-related
channels
in
baroreceptor
mechanosensing. In the present proposal, we plan to
YAO Xiaoqiang FUNG Man Lung*
further explore the mechanosensitive nature of
1 January 2011
TRPC5-related channels in aortic arch baroreceptor
Research Grants Council - General Research
Fund
neurons, to characterize the electrophysiological and
pharmacological properties of the channels. We also
plan to explore the functional role of TRPC5 in blood
TRP channels function as cellular sensors to perceive
pressure sensing and in blood pressure control in
and respond to many environmental stimuli including
living animals. We expect this study to provide
temperature, taste, mechanical pressure, osmolarity,
crucial information on baroreceptor mechanosensing.
pain and pheromones. Several TRP isoforms,
The results from this study should fill a key
including TRPC1, -C5, -C6, -V1, -V2, and -A1, have
knowledge gap in the basic understanding of blood
been suggested to be involved in mechanosensation.
pressure control in mammals.
Faculty of Medicine
School of Biomedical Sciences
石藥集團思必普藥業有限公司
(CU10787)
TRP Channels in Vascular System: Vascular Tone
The effect of n Butylphthalide will be tested in
ischemic models of WKY and SHR (hypertensive)
Control and Atherosclerosis Development
rats after complete occlusion of the middle cerebral
YAO Xiaoqiang
WAN Song (Surgery)
JIANG Liwen (School of Life Sciences)
artery. The above drug NBP will be used for
treatment and compared with control and Sham
control. fMRI as well as markers on cell injury,
ZHANG Mingjie*
inflammation, cell death and exitotoxicity will be
1 June 2011
monitored in both neurons and glial cells. NBP
Research Committee Group Research Scheme
effects will also be tested on cultures.
Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are a
(MD10461)
group of cation channels that play diverse functional
roles in cardiovascular system. The present proposal
focuses on the role of TRP channels in two major
physiological/pathological processes in blood vessels:
The Detrimental Effects of Long-term Ketamine
with Alcohol Abuses in Mice and Its Use in an
Educational Program
1) vascular tone and blood pressure control; and 2)
vascular
wall
thickening
and
arteriosclerotic
YEW Tai Wai David
development.
1 November 2010
In the present proposal, we plan to explore whether
Beat Drugs Fund
TRPV4-C1-BKCa plays a key role in EET-induced
vascular relaxation using human vessels, and to
determine whether TRPV4-SK3 plays a key role in
vascular tone control. We also plan to explore if we
can
inhibit
vascular
wall
thickening
and
atherosclerotic progress by inhibiting TRM2 and
The long-term effects of ketamine are much more
worrying, as we have published damages by ketamine
long-term abuse to the brain, fibroblasts and kidney
(Yeung et al 2009, Yeung et al 2010, Mak et al 2010).
Indeed, it has been showed that ketamine was toxic to
hepatocytes at also low concentrations (LEE et al
TRPC3 channels.
The result from these studies should enrich the basic
understanding of vascular tone and blood pressure
control. The studies may also lead to the discovery of
2009). Furthermore, from a recent study in Hong
Kong, ketamine abusers could have destruction of
their lower urinary tract including syndrome of
cystitis and contracted bladder, and secondary
potential therapeutic tools against atherosclerosis.
damage might be irreversible (Chu et al 2008).
(MD10730)
Therefore, long term ketamine treated animal models
Study
of
the
Therapeutic
Effects
DL-3-n-Butylphthalide in Ischemic Stroke
of
should be sought to study these multi-organ effects of
ketamine.
In addition, ethanol is also a noncompetitive NMDA
YEW Tai Wai David WAI Sen Mun
15 July 2010
receptor antagonist that triggers similar dissociative
and hallucinate effects as ketamine, as well as
neurodegerenation and damage to liver (Ikonomidou
Faculty of Medicine
School of Biomedical Sciences
et al 1999; Ikonomidou et al 2000). Alcohol drinking
functions of TRAPP are lethal. Mild defects usually
is certainly popular among club goers that might take
cause a variety of diseases as exemplified by the
ketamine at the same time (Gable 2004), the synergic
mutations in TRAPP subunit, Trs20, in patients with
or additive effects of simultaneous use of ketamine
recessive Xlinked spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia tarda
and alcohol would be much more severe than uses of
(SEDT). SED related diseases are congenital diseases
alone ketamine or alcohol. This combined effect of
classified as the skeletal dysplasias, which are bone
ketamine and ethanol has not been studied and the
and
results are definitely more important to those
development, resulting in short statue and dwarfism.
ketamine abusers than results of ketamine alone.
The mechanism of how defects in vesicle trafficking
Therefore, we aim to study the combined effect of
translate into skeletal development in SEDT patients
ketamine and ethanol as well as their separated
is still unknown.
effects in mice with long-term ketamine and ethanol
Here we propose to study the vesicle tethering
treatments on multiple internal organs in this present
mechanism of TRAPP. Specifically, we have
project.
previously identified a cytoskeletal element that
(MD10325)
interacts with TRAPP, and this interaction has
cartilages
disorders
that
affect
skeletal
provided explanation to our previous results that
Mechanism of Vesicle Tethering in Mammalian
TRAPP is functionally linked to cytoskeleton
Cells
regulation. Our recent preliminary discovery on the
functional link between TRAPP and the cytoskeletal
YU Siu Bun Sidney TANNER Julian*
element will changes the way cell biologists look at
1 January 2011
the process of vesicle tethering. In this proposal, we
Research Grants Council - General Research
Fund
will
conduct
detailed
analysis
of
how
the
cytoskeleton and motor molecules affect vesicle
tethering by TRAPP.
The aim of this project is to conduct biochemical and
(CU10794)
molecular biological research to study the mechanism
of vesicle tethering by TRAPP.
Molecular Mechanism of Est-1 on Neural Crest
In eukaryotic cells, the secretion of most hormones
Formation
and growth factors to the outside of the cells is
carried out by small transport vesicles. One important
ZHAO Hui
step in the process of vesicle transport is that the
25 June 2011
vesicles need to be tethered to the correct place. A
protein complex called TRAPP (Transport protein
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
particle) has been found to be important for the
vesicle tethering between the Endoplasmic Reticulum
Our goal is to investigate the role of ets-1 in neural
and the Golgi complex. As TRAPP is one of the
crest formation (NC) and study its regulation by FGF
important cellular machineries that control the
signaling during NC formation. The NC is a unique
secretion of protein hormones and other important
population of migratory cells that during the neurula
proteins, genetic defects that severely hamper the
stages, arises on the border of the neural plate and
Faculty of Medicine
School of Biomedical Sciences
ectoderm. The NC differentiates into various cell
2006-07 Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center
types that include most of the peripheral nervous
(MD06743)
system, melanocytes and the craniofacial skeleton.
CHAN Hsiao Chang
LI Ming
The importance of studying NC formation is reflected
(Epithelial Cell Biology Research
in that almost one-half of all birth defects are caused
Centre)#
by abnormal development of the NC. Much progress
(Physiology)#
ZHOU
Zhen
has been made in understanding NC formation,
the
2006-07 精 子 功 能 相 關 蛋 白 質 與 疾 病 Sperm
regulatory network in NC formation is not well
Function Related Protein and Diseases
understood. We previously indicated that Lrig3 as an
(MD06646)
essential factor for NC formation. Following up, we
許陳小章 CHAN Hsiao Chang
differentiation,
and
migration,
however,
identified est-1 was the downstream target of Lrig3
DUAN En Kui*
during the developmental process. The molecular
ZHANG Yong Lian*
SHA Jia Hao*
mechanism by which ets-1 regulates during NC
formation, delamination and migration are, however,
2008-09 Investigation of Molecular Mechanisms
unknown. We will study NC formation by delineating
Underlying
the
Ets-1 function in NC formation. Our hypothesis is
Respiratory
Diseases
that ets-1 regulated by FGF signaling participates
(MD08384)
as an essential factor in the determining NC fate.
CHAN Hsiao Chang
We will test our hypotheses by the following: 1)
Shan*
Investigate the functions of ets-1 NC formation in
Siu Bun Sidney
developing
embryos
by
gain-of-function
Pathogenesis
and
Injuries
ZHONG Nan
ZHOU Wen Liang*
of
YU
and
loss-of-function assay; 2) Examine the effects of
2007-08 A Functional Study of a Calcium
ets-1 on NC formation in explants; and 3) Investigate
Channel Protein TRPM8 in Prostate
whether ets-1 expression in NC is regulated by Fgf
Cancer (CU07610)
signaling pathway. By pursuing these lines of study,
CHAN
we will clarify the role of ets-1 in NC formation, gain
Leung
Franky
YAO
Xiaoqiang
more insight on regulatory networks in NC formation,
and
determine
the
molecular
basis
of
ets-1
2009-10 Functional
Role
of
Estrogen-related
modulation of FGF signaling.
Receptor Alpha in Prostate Cancer
(MD10444)
(CU09610)
CHAN Leung Franky
Please refer to previous issues of this publication
Kwong
for more details of the following ongoing research
Gynaecology)
at the department:
(Surgery)
Edition
Title/Investigators
Wai
CHOY
(Obstetrics
NG
Chi
&
Fai
2009-10 Expression and Functional Study of a
Neural Development-regulatory Orphan
Faculty of Medicine
School of Biomedical Sciences
Nuclear
Receptor
Tailless/TLX
in
2008-09 Triple
Combination
Lentiviral
Prostate Cancer Cells (MD09979)
Vector-based Hematopoietic Stem Cell
CHAN Leung Franky
Gene
Therapy
for
Inhibition
of
Drug-resistant HIV-1 (MD08332)
2009-10 The Role of Axon Growth Inhibitory
CHEN Yangchao
KUNG Hsiang
Molecule Nogo in Patterning Early Axon
Fu (Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging
Pathways in Mouse Embryos (CU09617)
Infectious Diseases)
CHAN Sun On
Shan
(Stanley
LEE Shui
Ho
Centre
for
Emerging Infectious Diseases)
2008-09 The Contribution and Role of Sacral
Neural Crest Cells in Normal and Mutant
Mice (CU08618)
2008-09 Generation
Chicken
CHAN Wood
Yee
Alan
J.
Lentiviral
of
by
Influenza-resistant
Triple
Contribution
Vector-mediated
Genetic
Modification (MD08532)
BURNS* SHAM Mai Har*
CHEN Yangchao
2009-10 Establishing the Embryonic Source(s) of
Microglial Progenitors and Their Routes
2009-10 Regulation of S100P Expression by IL-6
of Entry into the Developing Central
in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Nervous System in Live Mouse Embryos
(CU09621)
(CU09619)
CHEN Yangchao
CHAN
Wood
Yee
REZAIE
KUNG Hsiang
Fu (Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging
Infectious Diseases)
Payam*
2009-10 A Study of Cell Therapy Using an
2009-10 Functional Study of Liver Specific
Animal Model of Hirschsprung’s Disease
microRNA-122a
in
(MD09361)
Carcinoma (MD09633)
CHAN Wood Yee
CHEN Yangchao
Hepatocellular
KUNG Hsiang
Fu (Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging
2008-09 Development
of
HPV
Therapeutic
Infectious Diseases)
Vaccine and Related Immunotherapy for
Treating Cervical Cancer (MD08728)
CHEN Yangchao
1990-91 Comparative Endocrinology of Prolactin,
KUNG Hsiang
Growth Hormone, and Their Receptors
Fu (Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging
(BP88031)
Infectious Diseases)
CHENG Hon Ki Christopher
Wai*
LIAO Chao
CHUNG Kwok Hung Tony
(Obstetrics
WONG
Xiao-ai*
&
Gynaecology)
Kenneth*
NG
Tzi Bun WONG Chun Cheung
ZHANG
2008-09 Discovery of a Novel Prolactin in Teleost:
Functional Studies and Evolutionary
Perspective. (CU08624)
Faculty of Medicine
School of Biomedical Sciences
CHENG Hon Ki Christopher
2008-09 Elucidation of the Role of Cathelicidin in
Control
of
Helicobacter
IGF-3 in Fish Sex Differentiation and
Colonization
in
the
Oocyte Development (BL08357)
Protection Against H. Pylori-induced
2008-09 The Molecular Mechanism of the Novel
CHENG Hon Ki Christopher
the
Stomach
and
Gastritis (MD08665)
CHO Chi Hin
WANG Deshou*
Pylori
YU Jun (Medicine
& Therapeutics)
2008-09 The
RFamide-related
Peptide
GnIH/GnIH Receptor System in Teleost:
2009-10 A Peptide Targeting the Vasculature of
Comparative Genomics and Functional
Gastrointestinal Cancer for Diagnosis and
Characterization (MD08462)
Drug Delivery (MD09964)
CHENG Hon Ki Christopher
CHO Chi Hin
2009-10 The
Identification
and
Functional
2009-10 Studying
the
Protective
Characterization of Novel Neuropeptides
Cathelicidin
in the Positive and Negative Control of
(MD09853)
LH Release in Teleost. (CU09624)
CHO Chi Hin
CHENG Hon Ki Christopher
in
Role
Ulcerative
of
Colitis
LIN
2009-10 Hepatocyte Growth Factor Promotes
Haoran*
Retinal Ganglion Cell Survival and
2009-10 Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Nanomaterials
Regeneration after Optic Nerve Injury
Towards Dual Diagnosis and Therapeutic
(CU09633)
Purposes (CU09017)
CHO Yu Pang Eric
CHENG Hon Ki Christopher
LEUNG Cham Fai (Chemistry)
WANG
Yixiang
(Imaging
2009-10 An International Associated Laboratory
&
(LIA) – Laboratory of Molecules from
Traditional Medicine (LMTM) A Joint
Interventional Radiol)
Project between the Centre National de la
2009-10 Morpholino Knockdown of PRL2 in
Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Ecole
Zebrafish Leads to Defects in Retina
Nationale Suprieure de Chimie de Paris
Development: Identification of Specific
(ENSCP) and The Chinese University of
Cell
Hong Kong (CUHK) (MD09588)
Types
and
Signaling
Events
Involved (MD09587)
CHENG Hon Ki Christopher
FUNG Kwok Pui
Chung
(Institute
Medicine)
2007-08 Role of Sumoylation on Angiotensin AT2
LEUNG Ping
of
IP
Chinese
Margaret
(Microbiology)
Receptor Trafficking (MD07541)
(Chemistry)
LAU Bik San Clara
CHEUNG Wing Tai
(Institute of Chinese Medicine)
LEUNG Cham Fai
Faculty of Medicine
School of Biomedical Sciences
WONG
Chun
Pathology)
Kwok
(Chemical
CHAN Chung Lap
2009-10 Periadventitial Adipose Tissue as a Novel
Therapeutic
Target
for
Curtailing
Vascular Dysfunction in Diabetes and
(Institute of Chinese Medicine)
Obesity (MD09672)
2008-09 Pivotal Role of Bone Morphogenic
HUANG Yu
WONG Wing Tak
Protein-4 in Endothelial Dysfunction in
Jack#
Diabetes (CU08653)
Xiaoyu LAU Chi Wai
HUANG Yu
WONG Siu Ling
TIAN
VANHOUTTE Paul
2009-10 Lipocalin-2 and Endothelial Dysfunction
Michel Georges*
in Hypertension (MD09792)
2008-09 Impact of Chronic Tolerable Daily Intake
HUANG Yu
of Melamine and Related Compounds on
Renal and Vascular Function in Pregnant
2009-10 Age-associated
Regulation
of
and Neonatal Rats (MD08598)
Self-renewal in Human Neural Stem Cell:
HUANG Yu
Role of HMGA2 (MD09706)
CHEN Zhenyu
(School of Life Sciences)
WANG
JIANG Xiaohua
Yixiang (Imaging & Interventional
TSANG Kam Sze
Kent (Surgery)
Radiol)
2008-09 Effects of Hypoxic Preconditioning on
2008-09 Renin
Inhibition
Prevents
Vascular
the Expression of Iron Transport Proteins
Dysfunction in Hypertension and Clinical
in the Brain (MD08477)
Implications (MD08301)
KE Ya FAN Ming*
HUANG Yu
WONG Christine*
TIAN Xiaoyu (Physiology)
LIU
2009-10 The Role of Iron in the Formation and
Limei*
DONG
Deposition of Amyloid -peptide in
LAU Chi Wai
SHSY-5YCells (MD09794)
Jinghui (Philosophy)
KE Ya
2009-10 Interaction
between
Red
Blood
Cell-derived Fatty Acid Monoepoxides
2008-09 Role of P2Y Receptors in Asthmatic
and Nitric Oxide in the Control of
Airway
Inflammation
Arterial Tone in Mice (MD09740)
Rhinovirus-induced Cellular Responses
HUANG Yu GOLLASCH Maik*
in
Human
Bronchial
and
Epithelium
(CU08662)
2009-10 PPAR Activation Prevents Endothelial
Dysfunction
in
Diabetes:
Cellular
KO Wing Hung
LEUNG Pui Lam
Bernard* TAM Michael S C
Mechanisms and Clinical Implications
(MD09330)
HUANG Yu WANG Nanping*
2009-10 Effect
of
Ameliorating
Cordyceps
Rhinovirus
Militaris
–
on
Induced
Cellular Responses in a Cell Model of
Faculty of Medicine
School of Biomedical Sciences
Asthematic Human Bronchial Epithelium
LAM Fu Yuen
YEUNG Hok
Keung John KWAN Yiu Wa
(MD09519)
KO Wing Hung
2009-10 Pre-clinical Evaluation of Miao Ling, a
2007-08 A Novel Regulation of Insulin Release by
TCM Formulation of San Miao San and
HMG CoA Reductase Inhibitors (Statins)
Lingzhi,
in Porcine Isolated Pancreatic Islets
Comparative
Beta-Cells (CU07678)
(MD09824)
KWAN Yiu Wa
KONG Siu Kai
(School of Life Sciences)
in
Joint
Inflammation:
Study
with
A
Diclofenac
LAM Fu Yuen
LEUNG
2008-09 Development and Characterization of
George PH*
Human
2009-10 Screening Neuroprotective Substances
from Chinese Herbal Medicine through
Mast
Cell
Culture
System
(MD08710)
LAU Hang Yung Alaster
the Evaluation of Potassium Homeostasis
in
Apoptosis
Using
Patch-clamp
2009-10 Roles of Protein Kinase A and Exchange
Protein Activated by cAMP in Adenosine
(MD09416)
KWAN Yiu Wa
HUI P.M.
Maggie*
A2B Receptor Mediated Inhibition of
Human Mast Cell Activation (MD09643)
LAU Hang Yung Alaster
2009-10 Restoration of Insulin Secretion of
Pancreatic
Islets
of
Langerhans
Obese/Diabetic
(+db/+db)
HMG
Reductase
CoA
Mice
CHEN
Yangchao
of
by
2007-08 Investigation of Molecular Mechanism of
Inhibitor
BDNF-TrkB Pathway for Regeneration
(MD09482)
of Infarted Myocardium in Aged Heart
KWAN Yiu Wa
KONG Siu Kai
(School of Life Sciences)
HO Ho
Pui (Electronic Engineering)
(MD07321)
李嘉豪 LEE Ka Ho Kenneth
Dong Qing*
李明
CAI
LI Ming
(Epithelial Cell Biology Research
2008-09 Role and Mechanisms of Actions of an
Centre)#
Endovanilloid in Joint Inflammation
2007-08 針對缺血心臟血管改變靶向子的鑒定
(MD08466)
及其效應的研究 Screening of Ischemic
LAM Fu Yuen
Heart
2009-10 To
Investigate
the
Effects
of
the
Individual and Combined Effects of
Specific
Peptides
and
Rheir
Application (MD07972)
李嘉豪 LEE Ka Ho Kenneth
李明
CAI
Danshen and Gegen in Rate Isolated
Dong Qing*
Basilar Arteries (BL09669)
(Epithelial Cell Biology Research
LI Ming
Centre)#
Faculty of Medicine
School of Biomedical Sciences
2009-10 To Establish a Metabolic Study Center in
2009-10 Manipulating BRE, a TNF Modulator,
Hong
Kong:
Focusing
on
the
Expression to Improve the Function of
Liver-derived Hormones (MD09975)
Human Umbilical Cord Perivascular
LEUNG Po Sing LAM SL Karen*
(HUCPV) Mesenchymal Progenitor Cells
(CU09698)
2008-09 Development of a Screening Platform for
LEE Ka Ho Kenneth CHAN John*
CHUI
Yiu
Loon
(Chemical
the
Safe
Use
of
Pyrrolizidine
Alkaloid-containing Chinese Medicinal
Herbs (MD08879)
Pathology) GEUNA Stefano*
LIN Ge JIANG Zheng*
2008-09 Pancreatic Research (MD08499)
LEUNG Po Sing
2009-10 Pharmacokinetic
Study
of
Alpha-aminoxy Derivatives (MD09511)
2008-09 Potential
Synergism
of
LIN Ge YANG Dan* MA Bin
Sitagliptin/Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 in
Enhancing
the
Growth
and
2009-10 Risk Assessment of Human Exposure to
Differentiation of Human Pancreatic
Mercury
Stem Cells and Transplantable Islet
Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) via indoor dust
Function and in Regenerative Capacity
in Hong Kong (BL09974)
(MD08998)
LIU Wing Keung Ken
LEUNG Po Sing
(Hg)
and
Kwai Chung*
Polybrominated
CHEUNG
WONG Ming
Hung*
2009-10 Synergistic Effects of BI 1356, a DDP-IV
Inhibitor
and
Telmisartan,
an
AT1
2009-10 Steroidogenic
Role
a
on
Male
Receptor Blocker and BI 38335 and
Non-Gonadotropin
SGLT-2 Inhibitors on Pancreatic Islet
Reproduction (MD09564)
Cell Function and Insulin Resistance
LIU Wing Keung Ken NG Chi Fai
(MD09928)
Protein
of
(Surgery) NG Tzi Bun
LEUNG Po Sing
2009-10 Effect
2009-10 A Novel Role for Vitamin D in Type 2
of
Human
Fragments
on
Diabetes: Modulatory Actions on the
(MD09483)
Pancreatic Renin-angiotensin System and
NG Tzi Bun
Cathelicidin
HIV-1
and
Enzymes
WONG Ho
AU
Islet Cell Function (CU09707)
Wing Ngor Shannon (School of Life
LEUNG Po Sing
Sciences)
Christopher
CHENG Hon Ki
KWOK Chi Yui
Timothy (Medicine & Therapeutics)
2009-10 Antimicrobial Activity of Cathelicidin
Peptides and Defensin against Oral Yeast
and Bacterial (MD09876)
Faculty of Medicine
School of Biomedical Sciences
NG Tzi Bun
WONG Ho
HUI
Mamie (Microbiology)
RUDD
John
Anthony
INGEBRANDT Sven*
YEUNG
Chi Kong
2009-10 Cloning, Expression and Mechanism of
Antifungal Action of Purple Pole Bean
Defensin
on
a
Human
Pathogen
2007-08 Too Much Causes Too Little: An
Investigation of a New Hypothesis on the
(MD09891)
Teratogenic Mechanism of Retinoic Acid
NG Tzi Bun
Embryopathy (CU07738)
SHUM Sau Wun Alisa
2008-09 To Study the Targeted Brain Areas and
WANG
Chi Chiu (Obstetrics & Gynaecology)
Targeted Genes of Anti-depression Drugs
Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging
MCCAFFERY Peter*
(MRI) and Microbiological Techniques
Jamie*
WOOLF
Adrian
S*
Davies,
(MD08486)
RUDD John Anthony
AO Lijuan*
2009-10 An Investigation on the Association
between Maternal Retinoid Status and the
LI Qi*
Risk of Birth Defects in Diabetic
2009-10 Anti-Emetic
Receptor
Potential
Antagonist
of
in
a
GLP-1
the
Ferret
(CU09739)
Pregnancy (CU09741)
SHUM Sau Wun Alisa
Andrew J.*
RUDD John Anthony
Paul L.R.*
LIN Ge
ANDREWS
YEW Tai
LEUNG Yun Chung*
MCCAFFERY Peter*
Chi
COPP
Chiu
WANG
(Obstetrics
&
Gynaecology)
Wai David
2009-10 Anti-Emetic Investigation of Compounds
2008-09 Establishment of the Centre for Microbial
in a Cisplatin Model of Acute and
Genomics and Proteomics (MD08703)
Delayed Emesis in the Ferret (MD09462)
TSUI Kwok Wing
RUDD John Anthony
Claudio
Pietra*
Pui
NG Tzi Bun
Cheong David
Yee
2009-10 To Study the Relationship between
Ischaemic
Preconditioning
Adenosine
and
Triphosphate-sensitive
FUNG Kwok
WAN Chi
WAYE Mary Miu
WONG Kam Bo (School of
Life Sciences)
SHAW Pang Chui
(School of Life Sciences)
Joseph
Jao
Yiu
SUNG
(Medicine
Potassium (KATP) Channels on Cultured
Therapeutics)
Cardiac
Henry (Medicine & Therapeutics)
Myocytes
Microelectrode
(MD09818)
Using
Array
the
(MEA)
&
CHAN Lik Yuen
KUNG Hsiang Fu (Stanley Ho
Centre
for
Diseases)
Emerging
Infectious
LEE Shui Shan (Stanley
Ho Centre for Emerging Infectious
Faculty of Medicine
School of Biomedical Sciences
Diseases)
HE Mingliang (Stanley
TSUI Kwok Wing
CHAN Hon Fu
Ho Centre for Emerging Infectious
Raymond (Mathematics)
Diseases)
Kwok Pui
CHAN Chiu Yeung
Raphael (Microbiology)
CHAN
Kay Sheung Paul (Microbiology)
HUI Mamie (Microbiology)
Yuk
Ming
Pathology)
Rossa
Dennis
LO
(Chemical
CHIU Wai Kwun
(Chemical
Pathology)
FUNG
WAYE Mary Miu Yee
CHAN Ting Fung Philos (School
of Life Sciences)
WONG Kam Bo
(School of Life Sciences)
CHU Ka
Hou (School of Life Sciences)
GUO Dianjing (School of Life
Sciences)
KWAN
Hoi
Shan
LEUNG Kwong Sak (Computer
(School of Life Sciences)
Science and Engineering) LEE Kin
Sai Ming (School of Life Sciences)
Hong
TANG
(Computer
Science
and
Leung
Sang
Engineering) MOK Shu Kam Tony
(Chemical
(Clinical Oncology)
Chuen Wai (Paediatrics)
Chung
Stephen
Gynaecology)
CHIM Siu
(Obstetrics
&
KWAN Hoi Shan
(School of Life Sciences)
NGAI
Sai Ming (School of Life Sciences)
Pathology)
Genome
Analysis
Drug-Susceptible
of
Multidrug-Resistant
Mycobacterium
Tuberculosis
Family
FUNG Kwok
WAYE Mary Miu Yee
CHAN
Chiu
Yeung
(Microbiology)
Sak
CHAN
Therapeutics)
SO Wing Yee
(Medicine & Therapeutics)
MA
CHING Shuk Chi
Emily (Physics)
NG Chok Ki
(Information Technology Services
Centre)
2009-10 Metagenomics of Tuberculosis Infection
TSUI Kwok Wing
POON
Strains
(MD08673)
Pui
Ching Wan Ronald (Medicine &
and
Beijing
Nelson
Chung Ngor Juliana (Medicine &
Therapeutics)
2008-09 Complete
NGAI
(Computer
Engineering)
Raphael
LEUNG Kwong
Science
and
KWAN Hoi Shan
(School of Life Sciences)
LAW
in Hong Kong (MD09321)
TSUI Kwok Wing
KAM Kai
Man* KWAN Hoi Shan (School of
Life Sciences)
Wendy#
FUNG Yin Wan
CHAN Chiu Yeung
Raphael (Microbiology)
HWANG
David Muren*
Tik Wan Patrick (School of Life
Sciences)
LOU Shaoke (School of
Life Sciences)
LEUNG Ka Kit
2009-10 Elucidating Functional Significance of
Hepatitis
B Virus
Subgenotype
Genomic Markers (MD09522)
KAM Kai Man*
TSUI Kwok Wing
2008-09 Hong
Kong
(BL08991)
Bioinformatics
Cs
Centre
Yuen
Henry
CHAN Lik
(Medicine
&
Therapeutics)
Faculty of Medicine
School of Biomedical Sciences
2009-10 IEEE
International
Conference
on
Bioinformatics and Biomedicine 2010
WAYE Mary Miu Yee
HO Shuk
Han Connie* BISHOP, Dorothy*
(BL09401)
TSUI Kwok Wing
2008-09 Association of Human Adenovirus-36
(Ad-36) with Diabetes, Adiposity and
2009-10 Role of Insulin Receptor Signaling and
Dyslipidemia in Hong Kong Chinese
Oxygen Sensing Pathway in Impaired
(MD08468)
Diabetic Fracture Healing (MD09738)
WAYE Mary Miu Yee
WAN Chao
HUANG Yu
CHAN
Chung Ngor Juliana (Medicine &
Therapeutics)
TSANG Wing Pui
TONG Peter Chun
Yip (Medicine & Therapeutics)
2008-09 The
Roles
of
Y37
and
K79
in
MA Ching Wan Ronald (Medicine &
Chromophore Formation of the Orange
Therapeutics)
Fluorescent
Paul (Microbiology)
Protein
Cloned
from
CHAN Kay Sheung
Cerianthus sp. (CU08748)
WAN Chi Cheong David
WONG
2009-10 Do Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons
Regulate
Kam Bo (School of Life Sciences)
Associated
2008-09 Search for Natural and Synthetic Drugs
That
Block
HIV-1
Integrase
Functional
Activity
Satellite
Glial
of
Cells
(MD09521)
WISE Helen
Translocation into Nucleus: A New
Strategy of Anti-AIDS Drug Discovery
2007-08 Interaction of TRPC Channels with Large
Conductance Ca2+-Sensitive Potassium
(MD08893)
WAN Chi Cheong David
TSIM
Channels in Vascular Smooth Muscle
Karl W K* CHEN Jijun* CHAN
Cells (CU07773)
Howing Joseph*
YAO Xiaoqiang WAYE Mary Miu
NG Tsz Bun
(Electronic Engineering)
Yee
2009-10 DHS 的 研 究 方 案 和 成 本 分 析
2008-09 Functional Role of ROS-sensitive TRP
Optimization and Cost Analysis on the
Channels in Vascular Cells (CU08774)
Synthesis of DHS (MD09684)
YAO Xiaoqiang
溫志昌 WAN Chi Cheong David
CHAN Leung
Franky
林煌權 LIN Huangquan (Institute of
2009-10 Functional
Chinese Medicine)
Role
of
Endothelial
TRPV4-TRPC1 Complex in Vascular
2007-08 Genetic and Environmental Influences on
Chinese
Language
and
Literacy
Tone Control (CU09791)
YAO Xiaoqiang
Development (BL07941)
Faculty of Medicine
School of Biomedical Sciences
2009-10 Novel Stimulation of TRPC6 Channels
by
Cyclic
AMP-initiated
Signaling
2008-09 Effect
of
Intermittent
Hypoxia
on
Hippocampal Long-term Plasticity and
Pathway (MD09987)
Spatial
Learning:
YAO Xiaoqiang
Brain-derived
The
Role
Neurotrophic
of
Factor
(CU08783)
2006-07 人鼠腦衰老同源靶點基因的確立及相
關基因藥物治療研究 Anti-aging Drug
Screening,
Using
YUNG Wing Ho KE Ya LI Man
Chim Albert Martin (Paediatrics)
Aging-related
Homologous Genes between Human and
SAM Mice (BL05458)
2009-10 BDNF-induced Ionic Plasticity of GABA
Signaling
姚 大 衛 YEW Tai Wai David
FENG Zhong Tang*
Mechanistic
路 鋼 LU
(MD09803)
in
the
and
Cerebellum:
Functional
YUNG Wing Ho
Gang (Surgery)
A
Study
CHAN Ying
Shing* KE Ya WANG Jian Jun*
2007-08 Study
on
the
Preventive
and
ZHU Jing Ning*
Neuroprotective Effect of Pien Tze
Huang on Ischemic Stroke (MD07595)
YEW Tai Wai David
Kenneth
2009-10 Mechanisms
LEE Ka Ho
KWONG Wing Hang
WAI Sen Mun MAK Ying Tat#
of
Ketamine
Abuse
and
Function
in
Regulating Neural Crest Formation and
in Modulating FGF Signal Transduction
(CU09807)
ZHAO Hui
2008-09 Long-term
Lrig3
CHAN Wood Yee
DAWID Igor*
Apoptosis in Cynomologus Monkeys and
Mice (MD08705)
YEW Tai Wai David
2009-10 Functional Studies of Dhrs3 in Early
Embryonic Development (BL09808)
ZHAO Hui
2009-10 Mushroom X (MD09435)
YEW Tai Wai David
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Chemical Pathology
liver pathologies. In this project, we aim to apply our
RESEARCH PROJECTS
experience to develop lung-derived RNA transcripts
in human plasma as indicators of lung damage for
An
Investigation
into
the
Presence
of
baseline investigation of patients suspected of
Lung-derived mRNA Transcripts in Human
diseases of the lower respiratory track.
Plasma
Our proposed approach is different from the
strategies currently taken by other researchers for
CHIU Wai Kwun Rossa
HUI Shu Cheong
David (Medicine & Therapeutics)
WONG Chi
Fong*
1 November 2010
Research Grants Council - General Research
Fund
Respiratory diseases, particularly pneumonia, chronic
developing blood biomarkers for the respiratory
system. We have already generated preliminary data
to show that a lung-expressed RNA transcript is
detectable in human plasma.
The research objectives include:
1.
To confirm the lung origin of the identified
plasma RNA transcript;
2.
To assess if quantitative aberrations of the
obstructive pulmonary disease, tuberculosis and lung
lung-expressed plasma RNA transcript are
cancer, are four of the top ten causes of death
associated with pathologies of the lower
worldwide. In Hong Kong, according to statistics in
respiratory tract; and
2007, respiratory conditions accounted for 7% of all
3.
To evaluate the utility of the detection and
hospitalisations and were the third and fifth leading
quantification of the lung-expressed plasma
causes of death. The respiratory system is also the
RNA transcript for the clinical assessment of
major site whose function is compromised due to
diseases of the lower respiratory tract.
infections by the newly emerged pathogens such as
The successful achievement of the research goals
the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus
may result in the availability of blood tests that allow
and H1N1 influenza which Hong Kong and many
the generic assessment of lung function and
communities in the world had or has been combating.
pathologies
Despite the clinical significance of respiratory
prognostication of respiratory diseases.
diseases, thus far, there has been a paucity of blood
(CU10634)
for
the
diagnosis,
monitoring
or
biomarkers generic to the respiratory system that
would allow an objective assessment of disease
BRE Mediates Antiapoptosis by Sustaining XIAP
burden.
Level
Our group has a long-standing track record in plasma
nucleic acids research. We have successfully
CHUI Yiu Loon
developed organ or disease-specific plasma DNA and
30 June 2011
RNA markers that are derived from the placenta of a
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
fetus, various tumours, transplanted organs and liver
Grants)
for the non-invasive assessment and management of
pregnancy, malignancy, organ transplantation and
BRE is a multi-functional protein involved in DNA
repair, specific cleavage of Lys-63-linked ubiquitin,
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Chemical Pathology
and antiapoptosis. This protein can associate with
Non-invasive Prenatal Diagnostics
death receptors, TNFR-1 and Fas, and attenuate
extrinsic apoptosis, which is triggered by activation
LO Yuk Ming Dennis CHIU Wai Kwun Rossa
of these and other death receptors. Moreover,
3 May 2011
overexpression of BRE in cell lines can also confer
Sequenom, Inc.
resistance to intrinsic apoptosis triggered by internal
stress signals, such as DNA damage, or inordinate
Prenatal diagnosis is an important part of obstetrics
oncogene
the
care. In the current prenatal programmes, definitive
mitochondrial apoptotic pathway as target of
diagnosis of fetal genetic or chromosomal conditions
inhibition by BRE. Mitochondrial pathway mediates
is conducted through fetal sampling by amniocentesis
intrinsic apoptosis, but also serves an amplification
or chorionic villus sampling. To obviate the risks of
role in extrinsic apoptosis by promoting caspase
fetal miscarriage that are associated with the invasive
activation initiated by the death receptor pathway.
sampling procedures, we shall be developing
This explains the antiapoptotic activity of BRE in
non-invasive prenatal diagnostic tests based on
both types of apoptosis. In vivo antiapotiotic and
cell-free fetal nucleic acid analysis from maternal
pro-oncogenic
plasma.
activation.
demonstrated
We
functions
by
have
of
attenuation
identified
BRE
of
have
Fas
been
agonist
(MD10768)
antibody-induced acute fulminant hepatitis, and
accelerated growth of diethylnitrosamine-induced
Genetic Studies of Tuberculosis: Association
hepatocarcinoma, in transgenic mice over-expressing
Study of Shortlisted Candidate Genes
human BRE in the liver. In human hepatocellular
carcinoma, BRE is frequently up-regulated. To study
TANG Leung Sang Nelson
how BRE inhibits the mitochondrial apoptotic
Yeung Raphael (Microbiology)
pathway,
we
have
recently
generated
shRNA-mediated BRE-knockdown stable cell lines,
which show dramatic reduction of XIAP protein level.
XIAP is the most potent antiapoptotic member of the
CHAN Chiu
30 June 2011
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) family. Based on that
Susceptibility to tuberculosis varies between different
finding, we hypothesize that BRE exerts its
people. Genetic predisposition plays an important
antiapoptotic function by sustaining cellular XIAP
role in the clinical course after exposure to the
level. We propose to consolidate the hypothesis and
pathogen, Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Our recent
investigate the mechanistic link between BRE and
study demonstrated the ability of genetic association
XIAP. This study will lead to the clarification of the
study in dissecting the genetic loci responsible for
role of BRE in regulating cellular survival and
disease susceptibility and identified CISH gene as
tumorigenesis.
susceptibility locus for infections including TB (Khor
(MD10981)
et al. 2010). Besides, the recently published
Genome-wide
association
study
(GWAS)
of
tuberculosis carried out in the African population
represented
a milestone
in
genetic study of
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Chemical Pathology
predisposition to TB which identified a novel gene
corresponding gene expression level in the placenta.
desert locus in chromosome 18 (rs4331426) that were
Hence, the detectability of fetal RNA in maternal
associated with predisposition to TB in multiple
plasma is largely dependent on the gene expression
African samples. We propose to extend those
level in the placenta. Biologically, this observation is
findings into a study with a large cohort of local
concordant with the widely accepted belief that the
Chinese TB patients. In addition, other potential loci
placenta would non-selectively shed its own mRNA
reported by the African TB GWAS study will also be
molecules into the maternal circulation, possibly
examined. Our pilot study suggested that this SNP
through apoptosis. However, we have recently
was also associated with TB in Chinese.
identified evidence suggesting that for certain
(MD10511)
transcripts, the plasma placental mRNA level might
be governed by additional factors. Thus, in this
An Investigation into Biological Factors that
project, we aim to explore some of these factors.
Influence the Detectability of Circulating Fetal
We will first confirm the existence of the regulatory
RNA in Maternal Plasma
factors by performing a thorough quantitative
comparison of the placental-derived mRNA between
TSUI Bo Yin Nancy
LEUNG Tak Yeung
(Obstetrics & Gynaecology)
WONG Sze
the placenta and maternal plasma. A panel of
transcripts with different placental expression levels
will be studied. They will be measured by a digital
Chuen Cesar (Clinical Oncology)
molecular counting method to ensure a reliable
1 January 2011
comparison. We will next explore the biological
Research Grants Council - General Research
factors which may potentially influence the level of
Fund
circulating placental mRNA in maternal plasma. In
Circulating fetal nucleic acids in the plasma of
particular, we will study the cell-specific gene
pregnant women have been intensively studied in
expression of the selected mRNA species in different
recent years. The maternal plasma fetal RNA
placental cell types, and explore the data for evidence
molecules are of special interest because they offer
that may suggest the different mRNA releasing
certain advantages over detection of circulating fetal
mechanisms in these cells. In addition, we will
DNA. For example, they could be utilised in all
compare if the placental transcripts would show
pregnant cases regardless of fetal gender and
differential clearance kinetics from maternal plasma
polymorphism. Currently, most of the research on
after delivery.
circulating fetal RNA has been focused on the
This
diagnostic applications. There are, however, limited
understanding
investigations on the biological and physiological
clearance of circulating placental-derived mRNA in
issues regarding circulating fetal RNA.
maternal plasma. Apart from the intrinsic biological
Previously, we have demonstrated that the placenta is
value of this information, future workers can also use
an important source of circulating fetal RNA in
this information for the more efficient development
maternal plasma. We have further shown that the
of plasma mRNA markers for molecular diagnostics.
level of the placental-derived fetal RNA in maternal
(CU10757)
plasma
was
positively
correlated
with
project
would
of
the
potentially
production,
enhance
our
release
and
the
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Chemical Pathology
NOD-like
Receptor-mediated
Basophils:
A
Novel
Link
of
iE-DAP and MDP mediated activation of crucial
Innate
intracellular signaling molecules mitogen activated
Activation
Between
Immunity and Allergic Inflammation
protein kinases and transcription factor nuclear
factor-B with the apoptosis, expression of cytokines,
WONG Chun Kwok
chemokines and adhesion molecules, and basophil
30 June 2011
adhesion and degranulation. This project can
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
elucidate the immunopathological mechanisms by
which bacterial infection-mediated innate immunity
Grants)
for allergic inflammation.
Intracellular
nucleotide
binding
oligomerization
(MD10926)
domain (NOD) like receptors (NLR) family including
NOD1 and NOD2 are key mediators in inflammatory
Capture the Transcriptome Dynamics from
and innate immune responses by recognizing
Epiblast Stem Cells to Primordial Germ Cells by
intracellular microbes. NLR family member NOD1
RNA-seq
sense the cytosolic peptidoglycan fragments in all
Gram-negative and certain Gram-positive bacteria,
YUAN Ping SUN Hao
while NOD2 sense the muramyl dipeptide in almost
30 June 2011
all bacteria. Our previous studies demonstrate a
putative role of toll-like receptors (TLR), a kind of
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
pattern recognition receptors, in the activation of
eosinophils, and the essential role of the interaction
Because of environment pollution and population
of basophils and bronchial epithelial cells in the
ageing
allergic inflammation. The primary objective of this
nowadays. There are more than 90 million couples
research proposal is to elucidate intracellular signal
suffering from infertility globally. To help these
transduction mechanisms mediating the activation of
people to seek for solutions, we need to do thorough
primary human peripheral blood basophils by ligands
research on germ cell development. Formation of
for NLR member NOD1 and NOD2, namely
primordial germ cells (PGCs), the founder germ cells,
-D-glutamyl-meso-diaminopimelic acid (iE-DAP)
is the fundamental step of germ cell development.
and
N-acetylmuramyl-L-alanyl-D-isoglutamine
Due to the limitation of the PGC numbers and the
(muramyl dipeptide/MDP), respectively. The project
difficulties to access PGCs, only small amount of
will study the followings on basophils. (1) Effects of
genes have been found to play roles during PGC
iE-DAP and MDP on (i) the apoptosis; (ii) production
specification.
of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6, and
pluripotent epiblast stem cells (EpiSCs) derived from
chemokines CXCL8, CCL2, CCL17 and CCL22
the E5.5 to 6.5 embryos can give rise to functional
from basophils; (iii) cell surface expression of
PGCs under proper induction medium. Thus it
intercellular adhesion molecule-1 on basophils; (iv)
provides a perfect system to study the PGC
adhesion of basophils onto primary human bronichial
specification in vitro. Thanks to the fast development
epithelial cells; and (v) basophil degranulation for the
of the next-generation sequencing technology, we are
release of histamine; and (2) Relationship between
able to do massively parallel sequencing on the
problems,
infertility
Latest
becomes
research
common
revealed
that
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Chemical Pathology
global transcripts with lower cost but higher
Analysis of Maternal Plasma DNA
efficiency today. Thus, we propose to sequence the
(CU09631)
transcriptome of EpiSCs and EpiSc differentiated
CHIU Wai Kwun Rossa
LAU Tze
PGCs with RNA-seq techinique to gain an insight
Kin (Obstetrics & Gynaecology)
into the overall transcript dynamic changes during
LIAO Can* LO Yuk Ming Dennis
EpiSC to PGC specification. This research will not
only deepen our understanding on germ cell
2009-10 Plasma Circulating Albumin mRNA as
development, It will also serve to identify novel
Non-invasive Marker for Detecting the
factors that involve in driving PGC differentiation in
Early Development of Liver Diseases
vitro, which may provide guidance to bring the idea
(MD09498)
of in-vitro human germ cell derivation closer to
CHIU Wai Kwun Rossa
reality.
CHAN
Wing Yan, Rebecca
(BL10628)
2008-09 The Anti-apoptotic Protein BRE - Its
Please refer to previous issues of this publication
Functional and Molecular Roles in
for more details of the following ongoing research
Human
at the department:
(CU08637)
Hepatocellular
CHUI Yiu Loon
Edition
Kenneth
Title/Investigators
Sciences)
2008-09 Investigation
on
the
Long-
and
Short-term Variations of Circulating
(School
Carcinoma
LEE Ka Ho
of
Biomedical
NGAI Sai Ming (School
of Life Sciences)
TO Ka Fai
(Anatomical & Cellular Pathology)
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) DNA in
2006-07 Centre for Research into Circulating
Healthy Subjects (MD07539)
CHAN Kwan Chee
Wan, Emily#
Dennis
Cheung
HUNG Chi
LO Yuk Ming
CHAN Anthony Tak
(Clinical
LEUNG
Sing
HASSELT
Oncology)
Fai*
Charles
Fetal Nucleic Acids (MD06771)
LO Yuk Ming Dennis
Kwun Rossa
CHIU Wai
LAU Tze Kin
(Obstetrics & Gynaecology)
VAN
Andrew
2007-08 Centre for Research into Circulating
(Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck
Fetal Nucleic Acids (MD07758)
Surgery)
LO Yuk Ming Dennis
WOO Kong Sang John*
CHAN
Kay
Sheung
Paul
Kwun Rossa
CHIU Wai
LAU Tze Kin
(Obstetrics & Gynaecology) CHIM
(Microbiology)
Siu Chung Stephen (Obstetrics &
2009-10 Non-invasive
Prenatal
Beta-thalassaemia
by
Diagnosis
Digital
of
PCR
Gynaecology)
LEUNG
Tse
Ngong*
Yin*
POON Leo Lit Man*
CHEUNG Annie Nga
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Chemical Pathology
TANG Mary Hoi Yin*
LAU
Elizabeth Tak Kwong*
Prenatal
Diagnosis
YU Wei Chuan*
LAI Bo San
Paul (Surgery)
2007-08 High Throughput Genomic Sequencing
in
and
Cancer
Detection (MD07458)
2008-09 Bioresource and Molecular Research of
Common Disease – A Plan to Establish a
Joint Laboratory between the Kunming
LO Yuk Ming Dennis
CHIU Wai
Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy
of Sciences and Faculty of Medicine,
Kwun Rossa
CUHK (MD07743)
2009-10 Development of Non-Invasive Prenatal
TANG Leung Sang Nelson
TAM
Diagnosis for Trisomy 18 and 13 Using
Michael S C (School of Biomedical
Massively Parallel Genomic Sequencing
Sciences)
(MD09460)
(School of Biomedical Sciences)
LO Yuk Ming Dennis
Kwun Rossa
CHIU Wai
LAU Tze Kin
(Obstetrics & Gynaecology)
SUN
Hao
KO
Wing
YUNG
Hung
Wing
(School
Biomedical Sciences)
YT*
ZHANG Ya-Ping*
Qing-peng*
Ho
XU Lin*
of
ZHENG
KONG
HUANG
Jing-fei*
2008-09 Melamine’s
Effect
on
Testosterone
Synthesis in Leydig Cells (MLTC-1) and
2009-10 A Novel Approach for the Non-invasive
Its Conversion to Cyanuric Acid in Colon
Prenatal
(T84)
Disorders (MD09779)
and
Kidney
(COS-7)
Cells
of
Sex-linked
TSUI Bo Yin Nancy LO Yuk Ming
(MD08570)
PANESAR Nirmal Singh
CHAN
Kam Wing HO Chung Shun*
2009-10 Systematic
Mediated
Diagnosis
Identification
Regulatory
of
Dennis
CHIU Wai Kwun Rossa
Rezon A KADIR*
YY1
2009-10 Characterisation of Circulating Fetal
by
DNA in Maternal Urine by Massively
Networks
Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP)
Parallel Sequencing (MD09351)
Couple to Massively Parallel DNA
TSUI Bo Yin Nancy LO Yuk Ming
Sequencing (ChIP-seq) (MD09302)
Dennis
SUN
LEUNG Tak Yeung (Obstetrics &
Hao
WANG
Huating
Identify
Association
Susceptibility
Study
Genes
Leung
Sang
Douglas F Easton*
Nelson
to
2008-09 Interaction between Eosinophils and
for
Keratinocytes Upon IL-31 Activation: Its
Immunopathological Roles in Atopic
Hepatocellular Carcinoma (MD07607)
TANG
CHIU Wai Kwun Rossa
Gynaecology)
(Obstetrics & Gynaecology)
2007-08 Genome-wide
Dermatitis (CU08757)
TSAI S Peter*
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Chemical Pathology
WONG Chun Kwok
LAM Wai
Kei Christopher
Biomedical
Sciences)
Chau-ming*
LAU
FOK
Tai
Fai
(Paediatrics)
2008-09 Development of Laboratory Diagnostic
Tools for Supporting Clinical and Animal
Researches
on
Melamine
and
Its
Analogue Intoxication (MD08882)
WONG
Tai-lun*
Chun
Kwok
Chung Shun
(Paediatrics)
(Obstetrics
FUNG
&
Kwok
Granulocyte
Macrophage
Colony-stimulating
TING
CHAN Ho Ming
KWOK Sung Shing Jeffrey
2009-10 Regulatory Role of microRNA-21 for
HO
Survival in Eosinophils: Implication in
Allergic Inflammation (MD09839)
WONG Chun Kwok
NG Pak Cheung
Mang
SUEN Sik Hung
Pathology)
Gynaecology)
Pui
(School
Factor-mediated
(Anatomical
&
LAU Kin
Cellular
of
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Clinical Oncology
TIGAR dysregulation/overexpression via a yet-to-be
RESEARCH PROJECTS
defined mechanism, hijack/utilize this anti-apoptotic
pathway for their survival and metabolic benefits.
Oncogenic Regulation of TIGAR by STAT3: A
Our most recent data demonstrated that STAT3, an
Mechanistic Study
important oncogene and transcription factor known to
be involved in NPC carcinogenesis, is an upstream
LUI Wai Yan
regulator of TIGAR expression in NPC. We
WONG Sze Chuen
hypothesize that STAT3 activation drives TIGAR
CHAN Anthony Tak Cheung
Vivian
TSAO Sai Wah*
Cesar
upregulation/overexpression in NPC cells, thus
hijacking/utilizing TIGAR for their growth and
1 July 2010
Research Grants Council - General Research
Fund
survival benefits. Here, we propose a working model
for TIGAR upregulation by STAT3 in NPC. We aim
at elucidating the regulatory mechanism of TIGAR
Tumor cells are known to exploit/alter cellular
by STAT3. We will also examine the biological
metabolism in favour of their survival. Emerging
relevance and functional contribution of this novel
evidences indicate that “altered cancer metabolism”
STAT3-TIGAR signaling axis in NPC carcinogenesis.
plays
This
a
key
role
in
oncogenesis,
including
is
the
first
study
demonstrating
an
anti-apoptosis (an important intrinsic characteristic of
oncogene-mediated regulation of TIGAR expression
cancer). Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a
in cancer, which could be a crucial driving
highly invasive head and neck cancer prevalent in
mechanism for TIGAR overexpression/dysregulation
Southeast Asia. Anti-apoptosis, which leads to
in cancer (as STAT3 is frequently activated in
uncontrolled tumor cell growth and survival, is a
various human cancers). Our study will define new
prominent characteristic of NPC; however the
roles for TIGAR and STAT3 in oncogenesis.
underlying molecular mechanism is not fully
(CU10718)
understood. TIGAR (TP53-induced glycolysis and
apoptosis regulator) is a novel dual regulator of
Phase 2 Study of Axitinib in Patients with
apoptosis and cellular metabolism. Being first
Recurrent
identified to be inducible by the major tumor
Carcinoma
or
Metastatic
Nasopharyngeal
suppressor, p53, TIGAR was suggested to be tumor
suppressive. However, recent evidences indicate that
CHAN Anthony Tak Cheung HUI Pun* MA
TIGAR expression may be dysregulated in cancer
Buig Yue Brigette
(with
Sing Fai*
demonstrated
overexpression
in
cancers,
KAM Michael*
CHAN Lam Stephen
LEUNG
LOONG
including NPC), thus conferring anti-apoptotic
Herbert*
property to cancer cells via metabolic alteration to
Interventional Radiol)
satisfy the heightened metabolic demands of rapid
(Imaging & Interventional Radiol) WONG Sze
cancer proliferation, flipping the putative function of
Chuen Cesar LUI Wai Yan Vivian
TIGAR
from
tumor-suppressive
to
potentially
oncogenic. It is believed that cancer cells, by causing
KING Ann Dorothy (Imaging &
AHUJA Anil Tejbhan
1 July 2010
Pfizer Corporation Hong Kong Limited
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Clinical Oncology
This study is to evaluate the efficacy (clinical benefit
Patients
rate) of single-agent axitinib in patients with
Following First-line Therapy with Sorafenib
with
Hepatocellular
Carcinoma
recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma,
CHAN Lam Stephen
and its impact on disease progression.
(MD10992)
YEO Winnie
HUI
Edwin* CHAN Vicky* LEUNG Li*
3 January 2011
A
Phase
II
Study
Chemoembolization
Treatment
of
of
and
Transarterial
Axitinib
Unresectable
for
Imclone Systems Corporation
the
Hepatocellular
This is a phase III study to evaluate the effects fo
Ramucirumab with best supportive case on HCC
Carcinoma
patients
CHAN Lam Stephen
Shu Kam Tony
P*
LI Leung*
YEO Winnie
CHAN Vicky*
HUI Joyce*
MOK
HUI Edwin
following
disease
progression
after
administering first line Sorafenib therapy.
(MD10667)
YU Chun Ho
(Imaging & Interventional Radiol) WONG Sze
A
Chuen Cesar
CHAU
Double-blind, Placebo Controlled, Trial of AMG
CHAN C S
479 or Placebo in Combination with Gemcitabine
Tai Nin*
Vincent K.S. Leung*
LOKE K L Tony*
James* LO Shing Shun*
as
Phase
3,
First-line
Multicenter,
Therapy
Randomized,
for
Metastatic
Adenocarcinoma of the Pancreas
20 September 2010
Pfizer Corporation Hong Kong Limited
CHAN Lam Stephen
Patients undergoing transarterial chemoembolization
Leung*
(TACE) for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma
Park*
(HCC) are prone to recurrence due to angiogenic
process. Axitinib is an oral targeted therapy againt
vascular
endothelial
growth
factor
LEE Kristy*
LOONG Herbert*
LIU Nick*
LI
WONG
1 April 2011
Amgen (Asia) Ltd
receptors
(VEGFR). In this phase II clinical trial, we aim to
This Phase III Pancreatic cancer study is to determine
evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of the combination
the treatment of AMG at 12mg/kg and 20mg/kg in
of axitinib and TACE in the treatment of unresectable
combination with gemcitabine improves overall
HCC.
survival as compared with placebo in combination
Patients
will
undergo
the
treatment
combination till progressive disease or intolerable
with
toxicities. The primary endpoint is 2-year survival
adenocarcinoma of the Pancreas.
rate.
(MD10935)
gemcitabine
in
subjects
with
metastatic
(MD10524)
The Use of Circulating Methylated RASSF1A in
A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-blind, Phase
Prognostication and Monitoring of Treatment
3 Study of Ramucirumab (IMC-1121B) Drug
Response
Product and Best Supportive Care (BSC) versus
Carcinoma
for
Inoperable
Hepatocellular
Placebo and BSC as Second-line Treatment in
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Clinical Oncology
CHAN Lam Stephen
CHAN Kwan Chee
(Chemical Pathology)
A Multicenter, Global, Randomized, Double-blind
Study of Axitinib plus Best Supportive Care in
Patients
1 June 2011
with
Advanced
Hepatocellular
Carcinoma Following Failure of One Prior
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Antiangiogenic Therapy
Grants)
Background: Methylation of RASSF1A is a frequent
CHAN Lam Stephen
LI Leung*
LOONG
molecular event along hepatocarcinogenesis. Our
Herbert* HUI Edwin P* YEO Winnie LEE
group previously developed a sensitive and specific
Kristy*
assay in the quantitation of circulating methylated(m)
13 June 2011
RASSF1A in serum of patients with hepatocellular
carcinoma
(HCC).
From
out
pilot
data,
Pfizer Corporation Hong Kong Limited
we
demonstrated that methylated RASSF1A is an
This is a multicenter, double blind, randomized study
independent prognostic factor, and a dropping trend
in Hepatocellular Carcinoma with the aim to compare
of >50% of the value after treatment is associated
the overall survival of patients with advanced
with tumor necrosis and better survival.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma receiving axitinib + best
Aim: In current study, we aim to evaluate the clinical
supportive care (BSC) versus placebo – beast
use of circulating mRASSF1A in prognostication and
supportive care following failure of one prior
monitoring of treatment response during trans-arterial
antiangiogenic therapy to compare progression free
therapy of HCC.
survival and time progression in both arms.
Methods: The serum samples archived during a phase
(MD10368)
III clinical trial on trans-arterial therapy was used.
The mRASSF1A levels in serum at baseline, 8 weeks
st
A Phase 3, Randomized, Double-blind Trial of
and 12 weeks post 1 treatment were measured. The
Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubicin (PLD) plus
assay makes use of methylation-sensitive restriction
AMG 386 or Placebo in Women with Recurrent
enzyme to specifically digest unmethylated DNA,
Partially
Platinum
Sensitive
followed by real-time PCR assay to quantitate the
Epithelial
Ovarian,
Primary
remaining mRASSF1A (Chan AK et al. Clin. Chem.
Fallopian Tube Cancer
or
Resistant
Peritoneal,
or
08;54:1528-36). The prognostic significance of
baseline level was evaluated by univariate and
multivariate analyses. The clinical significance of the
trend of circulating mRASSFIA level will also be
determined.
Impact: The results of study could develop and
HO Wing Ming
POON Annette*
CHAN
Tung Ching* YEO Winnie
1 April 2011
Amgen (Asia) Ltd
validate a new market for monitoring of treatment
This Phase 3 study is to determine if AMG 386 plus
response in HCC.
Pegylated
(MD10821)
measured by progression-free survival (PFS), defined
Liposomal
Doxorubicin
(PLD)
as
as the time from randomization to the earliest of the
dates of first radiologic disease progression per
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Clinical Oncology
RECIST 1.1 with modifications of death from and
(MD10642)
cause in subjects with recurrent partially platinum
sensitive or resistant epithelial ovarian, primary
Prospective Evaluation of Plasma EBV DNA
peritoneal or fallopian tube cancer.
Half-life and PET-CT Scanning as a New Tool in
(MD10705)
Assessing Early Response to Chemotherapy in
Patients
Uncontrolled, Open-label, Non-randomized, Phase
with
Advanced
Nasopharyngeal
Carcinoma
1 Study to Investigate the Pharmacokinetics,
Safety, Tolerability, and Efficacy of BAY 73-4506
MA Buig Yue Brigette
CHAN Anthony Tak
in Chinese Patients with Advanced, Refractory
Cheung
Solid Tumors
(Imaging & Interventional Radiol)
HUI Pun
KING Ann Dorothy
LEUNG
Sing Fai WONG Sze Chuen Cesar
MA Buig Yue Brigette
LOONG Herbert*
CHAN Lam Stephen
CHAN Vicky*
LAM
Kwok Chi*
1 January 2011
Research Grants Council - General Research
Fund
5 July 2010
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is the 7th most
Bayer HealthCare Limited
common cancer in Hong Kong where over 50% of
This Phase 1 study is to define the pharmacokinetics
patients present with advanced disease requiring
and to evaluate the safety and tolerability of BAY
cytotoxic chemotherapy.
73-4506 in Chinese patients with advanced solid
Despite the fact that the high ‘response rate’ (tumor
tumors.
shrinkage) of NPC to chemotherapy, the overall
(MD10910)
survival of patients with advanced disease remains
poor because the benefit of chemotherapy is not
in
durable for most patients. The current method of
Cisplatin-resistant Cell Lines and Xenograft
assessing the efficacy of new drugs for NPC is based
Model of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
mainly on the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid
Preclinical
Activity
of
BEZ235
Tumors
(‘RECIST’)
criteria
in
measures
tumor
size
MA Buig Yue Brigette LUI Wai Yan Vivian
uni-dimensional
19 August 2010
radiological imaging, usually following over 3-4
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
changes
which
via
months of empirical therapy. This method is fraught
with limitations in NPC because: (a) it is relatively
This study is:
time-consuming since several months of empirical
1.
To investigate the effect of BEZ235 in
therapy are often needed for detectable changes in
cisplatin-resistant NPC cell lines; and
tumor dimensions to develop; (b) it does not
To investigate the effect of BEZ235 daily
accurately reflect drug response in bony metastases
versus weekly schedule on tumor growth and
and some locally recurrent tumors; (c) it has not been
activation level of MAPK, S6K and AKT in
directly correlated with patient survival – the key
NPC models in vivo.
endpoint in cancer drug trials; and (d) it is inadequate
2.
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Clinical Oncology
in assessing target-based drugs that slows/ stop tumor
Currently the East Asian patients with advanced solid
growth but do not shrink tumors. Thus, there is a
tumors that have no established standard treatment.
need to identify a more efficient and accurate way of
This study is a Phase I dose finding study with the
identifying new drugs that can improve survival in
objective to determine the maximum tolerated dose
clinical trials of NPC. Plasma levels of Epstein Barr
of LDE225.
virus DNA (pEBV DNA) reflects tumor burden in
(MD10991)
NPC, and a single measurement taken at either before
or after radiotherapy (RT) is a powerful prognostic
Phase 2, Multicenter, Randomized Study of Two
marker. It has a half-life of around 4 days following
Different Dose Regimens of Eribulin Mesylate in
radiotherapy, but the utility of pEBV DNA half-life
Combination
in predicting drug response in NPC is unclear. Dual
Patients with Previously Treated, Advanced
18-fluorodeoxyglucose
Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
positron
emission
with
Intermittent
Erlotinb
in
tomography and CT scan (PET-CT) measures both
tumor size and metabolic activity. We therefore
MOK Shu Kam Tony
hypothesize that the combination of pEBV DNA
(half-life) and PET-CT following 1 course of
chemotherapy allow earlier and more detection of
LAM Kwok Chi*
LEUNG Linda*
1 September 2010
Eisai Limited
drug response in advanced NPC than RECIST
method, in patients with previously untreated
This is a phase II lung cancer study with the primary
advanced NPC who will receive platinum-based
objective of determining objective response rate of
chemotherapy. This study will also determine if this
eribulin combined with intermittent erlotinib as
new method can predict survival in these patients.
second or later line therapy for advanced non small
This study may have far-reaching impact on drug
cell lung cancer using two different dose regimens.
development in NPC as it may offer a more optimal
(MD10356)
way of evaluating drug efficacy in clinical trials and
also in clinical management.
A
(CU10719)
Combination with Gefitinib in Asian Subjects with
Phase
IB/2
Study
of
SCH
900105
in
Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
An East Asian Phase I, Multicenter, Open-label,
Dose-escalation Study of Oral LDE225 in Patients
with Advanced Solid Tumors
MOK Shu Kam Tony
LAM Kwok Chi*
LEUNG Linda*
1 December 2010
MA Buig Yue Brigette
CHAN Vicky*
LOONG Herbert*
CHAN Lam Stephen
Annette* HUI Edwin*
1 February 2011
Novartis Pharmaceuticals (HK) Ltd
Aveo Pharmaceuticals, Inc
POON
This study is a Phase 1B/II study which aims at
comparing the objective response rate in Asian lung
adenocarcinoma
patients
previously
untreated
administering a combination of Gefitinib and
SCH900105 or Gefitinib alone.
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Clinical Oncology
(MD10893)
Clinical Scoring System to Predict Hepatocelular
Carcinoma in Chronic Hepatitis B Carriers
Randomized Controlled Trial of S-1 versus
Docetaxel in Patients with Non-small Cell Lung
MOK Shu Kam Tony
Cancer Who Have Received a Platinum-based
30 June 2011
Treatment
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
MOK Shu Kam Tony LEUNG Linda* LAM
This project will continue using clinical scoring
Kwok Chi*
system
1 April 2011
to
predict
HCC
development
and
a
prospective validation is planned.
Taiho Pharmaceutical Co Ltd
(MD10459)
This randomized controlled study is to evaluate the
overall survival of S-1 in compared to standard
Characterizing the NPC Epigenome and Further
docetaxel treatment in non small cell lung cancer
Analysis of a Novel Epigenetic Master Gene in
patients who have previously received platinum
Nuclear Signaling
based treatment.
(MD10555)
TAO Qian GUAN Xin Yuan*
1 January 2011
An Open-label Multi-center Study of Erlotinib
(Tarceva®) as First Line Therapy in NSCLC
Research Grants Council - General Research
Fund
Patients Who Harbor EGFR Mutations
Aberrant epigenetic silencing of various cancer genes
MOK Shu Kam Tony
LAM Kwok Chi*
LEUNG Linda*
2 May 2011
Roche Hong Kong Limited
including signaling tumor suppressor genes (TSG) by
promoter CpG methylation disrupts normal cell
signaling, playing a central and critical role in
multiple
carcinogenesis.
Characterizing
the
epigenome of a tumor, such as the CpG methylation
This is a single arm study with the aim to assess the
profile of the whole cancer genome, is important for
efficacy measured by progression free survival (PFS)
the understanding of its molecular pathogenesis and
by RECIST 1.1 of erlotinib monotherapy as first line
also the development of biomarkers for cancer
chemotherapy in stage IV or recurrent NSCLC
molecular diagnosis.
patients with EGFR mutation(s).
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is one of the
(MD10426)
leading cancers in Hong Kong, and strongly
associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). As EBV
induces cancer gene methylation in tumor cells,
aberrant CpG methylation is assumed to contribute
significantly to NPC pathogenesis. Previous work
from our Lab and others also showed that NPC
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Clinical Oncology
generally has more frequent TSG methylation than
Tin Chuen International Limited
other carcinomas. Thus, we intend to characterize the
NPC
methylation
epigenome,
and
identify
genome-wide aberrantly methylated cancer genes for
this tumor. We will further characterize some
identified genes for their epigenetic abnormalities and
functions in NPC as well as their potential usage as
Specifically, by selecting a novel epigenetic master
gene CHD5 (chromodomain helicase DNA-binding 5)
- an SNF2 protein containing PHD, chromodomains,
ATPase/helicase
and
DNA
binding
domains critically involved in chromatin remodeling,
we will study the functions of epigenetic modifiers in
tumor suppression, nuclear/epigenetic signaling and
gene
regulation.
Although
frequent
deletion/downregulation of CHD5 has been reported
in multiple tumors and the mouse Chd5 was recently
identified as a tumor suppressor modulating ARF-p53
signaling, its functions in tumorigenesis is not well
studied as there is even no full-length human CHD5
cDNA cloned so far. To gain more insight into the
molecular
functions
of
CHD5
and
related
mechanisms, we will study its expression and
promoter methylation, its transcriptional modulator
function, its impact on NPC cell growth, apoptosis
and cell cycle distribution. We will also identify
CHD5 target genes through expression profiling, and
finally
its
such as surgical resection, chemotherapy and
radiotherapy.
While
such
approaches
have
demonstrated proven efficacy in the treatment of
various cancers, they are also commonly associated
with drug resistance, organ toxicity and disease
epigenetic biomarkers.
SNF2-like
Traditional anti-cancer therapy includes methods
binding/regulatory
complex
through
immuno-affinity purification and mass spectrometry.
relapses. Therefore there is an urgent need to develop
other forms of anti-cancer treatment to increase the
efficacy of currently used methods.
In recent years, immunomodulation has emerged as a
promising modality for enhancing the effects of
anti-cancer treatments. Extracts from natural herbs
have been shown to be capable of stimulating various
components of the human immune system. In this
regard, YNG (天全養生素) is an herbal supplement
containing a novel blend of purely natural herbal
extract
utilizing
the
“compound
formulation”
approach of traditional Chinese medicine. Its main
ingredients include ginseng and astragali, both of
which have been shown to possess immune system
modulating activities.
This project aims to determine whether YNG elicits
immunomodulatory effects through stimulation of
NK
cell
activity.
Briefly,
YNG-treated
and
non-treated NK cells will be incubated with a
leukemia cell line. Whether such treatment alters the
cytotoxicity of NK cells towards the leukemia cell
line will then be assessed using commercially
available cytotoxicity assays. Results obtained from
(CU10747)
this study will provide us with a solid understanding
Pre-clinical Study on the Role of YNG (天全養生
CHAN Ming Lok
the
underlying
basis
for
the
potential
immunomodulatory functions of YNG and support its
素) in Anti-cancer Growth and Metastasis
WONG Sze Chuen Cesar
of
use as an anti-cancer agent in the future.
(MD10443)
AU Chi Chuen
1 January 2011
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Clinical Oncology
A Phase Ii Trial of BAY 86-9766 plus Sorafenib as
Neck Cancer Refractory to Platinum
a
Based Chemotherapy (MD08382)
First
Line
Systemic
Treatment
for
CHAN Anthony Tak Cheung
Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)
MA
Buig Yue Brigette HUI Pun* YU
YEO Winnie
CHAN Lam Stephen
LI
Kwok Hung*
KAM Michael*
LOONG Herbert*
Leung*
CHAN Lam
Stephen
2 January 2011
Bayer HealthCare Limited
2008-09 Efficacy of Recombinant Epstein-Barr
This is a Phase II Hepatocellular Carcinoma study
Virus (EBV) Vaccine in Patients with
with the aim to evaluate the efficacy of BAY 86-9766
Nasopharyngeal
plus sorafenib as a first line systemic treatment based
Residual
on the primary efficacy variable, disease control rate
Conventional Therapy (CU08607)
using RECIST version 1.1.
CHAN Anthony Tak Cheung
EBV
Cancer
Who
Had
DNA
Load
after
CHAN Lam Stephen
(MD10813)
HUI Pun
LO Yuk Ming Dennis (Chemical
Please refer to previous issues of this publication
Pathology)
for more details of the following ongoing research
MA Buig Yue Brigette
RICKINSON Alan B.*
at the department:
2009-10 Randomized Phase II Trial of Concurrent
Edition
Cisplatin-Radiotherapy with or without
Title/Investigators
Neoadjuvant Docetaxel and Cisplatin in
2004-05 MVA-EBNA1/LMP2 Vaccine: Phase I
Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Trial in Patients with EBV-Positive
(MD09366)
Nasopharyngeal
CHAN Anthony Tak Cheung
Carcinoma
(MTA)
(MD04307)
HUI
2008-09 A Randomized Phase I/II, Multi-center,
MA Buig
Open-label Trial of PR104 and Sorafenib
CHAN Anthony Tak Cheung
Pun*
CHAN Lam*
in Patients with Advanced Hepatocellular
Yue Brigette TAO Qian
Carcinoma (MD08818)
2006-07 Asian
Cancers
(Drug
Testing)
(MD06604)
CHAN Lam Stephen
YEO Winnie
HUI Pun*
CHAN Anthony Tak Cheung LAU
Pik Yuk Cecilia
2009-10 The Use of Serum Hepatitis B Viral
DNA in Prognostication of Liver Cancers
2008-09 Phase II Study of TAS-106 in Patients
Undergoing
with Recurrent or Metastatic Head and
(MD09737)
Non-surgical
Therapy
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Clinical Oncology
CHAN Lam Stephen
MO Kwok Fai
YEO Winnie
HO Wing Ming
YEO Winnie
POON Annette* CHAN Vicky*
CHAN Kay
Sheung Paul (Microbiology)
2008-09 Phase 3b, Randomized, Open-label Study
2009-10 A New Utility of an Old Marker: Serial
Alpha-fetoprotein
Predicting
Measurement
Radiologic
of
Bevacizumab
(Avastin®)
+
in
Temsirolimus
(Torisel®)
vs.
Response and
Bevacizumab
(Avastin®)
+
Survival of Patients with Hepatocellular
Interferon-alfa (Roferon®) as First-line
Carcinomas
Treatment in Subjects with Advanced
Undergoing
Systemic
Chemotherapy (MD09479)
CHAN Lam Stephen
Chuen Cesar
Renal Cell Carcinoma (MD08650)
WONG Sze
MO Kwok Fai
HO Wing Ming
CHAN Vicky*
POON Annette*
YEO Winnie
2009-10 A Randomized Phase III, Double-blind,
2007-08 A
Randomized
Phase
2
Trial
of
Placebo-controlled Multicenter Trial of
Double-blind, Placebo Controlled AMG
Everolimus
706 in combination with Paclitaxel, or
Trastuzumab and Paclitaxel, as First Line
Open-label Bevacizumab in combination
Therapy in Women with HER2 Positive
with Paclitaxel, as First Line Therapy in
Locally Advanced or Metastatic Breast
Women with HER2 Negative Locally
Cancer (MD09791)
Recurrent or Metastatic Breast Cancer
HO Wing Ming
(MD07451)
in
combination
with
CHAN Vicky*
YEO Winnie
HO Wing Ming
YEO Winnie
2009-10 This is a Phase II Study to Treat Subjects
CHAN V* CHAN L*
with Renal Cell Carcinoma. The Study’s
2008-09 A Phase III Randomized, Double-blind
Major
Objective
is
to
Assess
the
Study to Assess the Efficacy and Safety
Progression Free Survival after First Line
of 10mg ZD4054 versus Placebo in
of Treatment in Patients Who Receive
Patients with Hormone-resistant Prostate
RAD001. (MD09729)
Cancer and Bone Metastasis who are
HO Wing Ming
Pain
Free
or
Mildly
Symptomatic
CHAN Vicky*
POON Annette*
(MD08374)
HO Wing Ming POON Annette*
LOONG Herbert*
2008-09 An International Multi-centre, Open-label
2007-08 A
Double-blind,
Multicenter,
Phase
Randomised,
III
Study
of
Bevacizumab
in
Combination
Capecitabine
and
Cisplatin
versus
combination
with
in
with
2-arm Phase III Trial of Adjuvant
Placebo
Bevacizumab in Triple Negative Breast
Capecitabine and Cisplatin, as First-line
Cancer (MD08696)
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Clinical Oncology
Therapy in Patients with Advanced
Refractory,
Gastric Cancer (MD07478)
B-Cell
LAM Kwok Chi YEO Winnie
(MD08939)
CD22-positive
Non-Hodgkin’s
LEI Ieng Kit Kenny
2008-09 Multicenter, Randomized, Double-blind,
Follicular
Lymphoma
CHAN Lam
Stephen
Phase III Trial to Investigate the Efficacy
and Safety of Oral BIBF 1120 plus
2007-08 Intrinsic Mechanism of c-Met Induction
Standard Pemetrexed Therapy Compared
as a Point for Therapeutic Intervention
to Placebo plus Standard Pemetrexed
for Aggressive Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Therapy in Patients with State IIIB/IV or
(NPC) (CU07716)
Recurrent Non Small Cell Lung Cancer
LUI Wai Yan Vivian
after Failure of First Line Chemotherapy
Anthony Tak Cheung
(MD08512)
Chuen Cesar
LAM Kwok Chi
MOK Shu Kam
Tony LEUNG Linda*
CHAN
WONG Sze
TSUI Kwok Wing
(School of Biomedical Sciences)
TSAO Sai Wah*
Multicenter
2008-09 A Novel Signaling Axis of STAT3/c-Met
Comparatives Study of Peginterferon
Regulation Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
alpha2a vs. Roferon-A for the Treatment
(NSCLC): A Direct Link between Two
of Patients with Recently Diagnosed
Important
Chronic Phase Chronic Myelogenous
(MD08521)
Leukemia (CML) not Previously Treated
LUI Wai Yan Vivian
2000-01 Phase
III
Randomized
with Interferon (MD20042)
LEI Ieng Kit Kenny
Players
Kam Tony
LEUNG Wai
of
Metastasis
MOK Shu
WONG Sze Chuen
Cesar HO Yeung#
Tong Thomas# HUI Pun
2009-10 Study on the Involvement of TIGAR in
2007-08 Phase I Study of OPB-31121 in Patients
with
Relapsed
or
Refractory
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma or Multiple
the Antitumor Activity of TAS-106 in
NPC (MD09331)
LUI Wai Yan Vivian
Myeloma (MD07645)
LEI Ieng Kit Kenny
CHAN Lam
2009-10 A Novel Signaling Axis of TIGAR
Induction by EGFR in Non-small Cell
Stephen MA Buig Yue Brigette
Lung Cancer (NSCLC) (MD09710)
2008-09 An Open-label, Randomized, Phase 3
Study
of
Inotuzumab
(CMC-544)
Ozogamicin
Administered
a
Defined
Investigator’s
MOK Shu
Kam Tony
in
Combination with Rituximab Compared
to
LUI Wai Yan Vivian
2006-07 A Randomized, Open-label Phase II
Choice
Study Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety
Therapy in Subjects with Relapsed or
of FOLFOX-4 plus Cetuximab versus
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Clinical Oncology
UFOX plus Cetuximab as First-line
2009-10 A Phase 2, Randomized, Double-blind,
Therapy in Subject with Metastatic
Placebo-controlled Study Evaluating the
Colorectal Cancer (MD06478)
Safety and Efficacy of FOLFIRI in
MA Buig Yue Brigette
Ming*
Lam*
HO Wing
combination with AMG479 or AMG655
HUI Edwin P*
CHAN
versus FOLFIRI for the Second-line
LEUNG Linda*
CHAN
Treatment of KRAS-Mutant Metastatic
Colorectal Carcinoma (MD09819)
Anthony Tak Cheung
MA Buig Yue Brigette
2007-08 A Randomized, Double-blind Phase 3
Ming*
Study of Gemcitabine plus AG-013736
HO Wing
CHAN Lam Stephen
CHAN Vicky*
versus Gemcitabine plus Placebo for the
First-line Treatment of Patients with
Locally
Advanced,
or
Study to Assess the Safety & Tolerability,
Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer (MD07837)
and Pharmacokinetics of AZD8055 in
MA Buig Yue Brigette
HUI
Asian Patients with Advanced Stage
CHAN Lam
Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) and
Edwin*
Unresectable
2009-10 A Phase I/II, Open-label, Multicenter
HO WM*
with
Stephen POON Annette*
Mild
or
Moderate
Hepatic
Impairment (MD09556)
2008-09 Elucidating Predictive Biomarkers of
Response
to
Cetuximab
in
MA Buig Yue Brigette
Local
Winnie
HUI Edwin*
Populations with Advanced Colorectal
Herbert*
Cancer (MD08814)
CHAN Vicky*
MA Buig Yue Brigette
YEO
LOONG
CHAN Lam Stephen
TO Ka Fai
(Anatomical & Cellular Pathology)
2009-10 A Phase I, Randomized, Open-label
Study to Determine the Pharmacokinetics
WONG Sze Chuen Cesar
and
Tolerability
of
Cediranib
Non-randomized,
(RECENTIN AZD2171) Following a
Open-label Phase II Study Evaluating the
Single and Multiple Oral 20 mg or 30 mg
Safety and Efficacy of FOLFIRI plus
Doses in Chinese Patients with Advanced
Cetuximab (Erbitux) or FOLFOX plus
Solid Malignancies (MD09968)
Cetuximab as First-line Therapy in
MA Buig Yue Brigette
2008-09 An
Asia
Subjects
Pacific
with
Metastatic
KRAS
Wild-type
Colorectal
Cancer
(APEC-Study) (MD08932)
MA Buig Yue Brigette
Herbert*
HUI Edwin*
YEO
LOONG
CHAN Lam Stephen
CHAN Vicky*
HO Wing
Ming* POON Annette* LOONG
Herbert*
Winnie
2009-10 Identifying an Early Indicator of Drug
Efficacy in Patients with Advanced
Colorectal
Cancer
-
A
Prospective
Evaluation of Circulating Tumor Cells,
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Clinical Oncology
FDG-PET Scan and RECIST Criteria
after Failure of at least One Prior
(CU09721)
Cytotoxic Chemotherapy (MD06416)
MA Buig Yue Brigette
Anthony Tak Cheung
CHAN
MOK Shu Kam Tony
LAM Kwok
Chi LEUNG Kam Suet Linda
KING Ann
Dorothy (Imaging & Interventional
Radiol) WONG Sze Chuen Cesar
2007-08 A Randomized, Double-blind Multicenter
2-stage Phase III Study of Bevacizumab
2009-10 Preclinical Evaluation of the MK2206 in
MA Buig Yue Brigette
combination
LUI Wai
CHAN Anthony Tak
Cisplatin
and
and
Gemcitabine
in
Patients
with
Advanced or Recurrent Non-squamous
Non-small Cell Lung Cancer, Who Have
Cheung
Not
2009-10 A Randomized, Multicenter, Open-label,
Phase 3 Study to Compare the Efficacy
and
with
Gemcitabine versus Placebo, Cisplatin
NPC Cell Lines (MD09719)
Yan Vivian
in
Safety
of
Panitumumab
Received
Prior
Chemotherapy
(MD06432)
MOK Shu Kam Tony
and
LAM Kwok
Chi* CHAN Lam*
Cetuximab in Subjects with Previously
Treated, Wild-type KRAS, Metastatic
Colorectal Cancer (MD09356)
MA Buig Yue Brigette
Ming*
Herbert*
Double-blind Placebo-controlled Study
HO Wing
LOONG
HUI Pun*
2007-08 A Multi-center Phase III Randomized,
LAU CP Patrick*
of
the
Cancer
(L-BLP25
Vaccine
Liposome
Vaccine)
in
Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (MD06723)
MOK Shu Kam Tony
CHAN Anthony Tak Cheung
Stimuvax
LAM Kwok
Chi* CHAN Leung Cho* CHAN
2005-06 An
Expanded
TarcevaTM
Access
(ERlotinib)
in
Program
Patients
of
with
Advanced Stage IIIB/IV Non-small Cell
2007-08 A Phase 2, Multicenter, Open-label,
Randomized Trial of AMG 706 or
Lung Cancer (MD05993)
MOK Shu Kam Tony
Tung Ching*
LIN Marie
Bevacizumab
in
Combination
with
Paclitaxel and Carboplatin for Advanced
MC*
Non-squamous Non-small Cell Lung
2006-07 A Phase III, Randomised, Double-blind,
Multi-centre Parallel-group Study to
Assess
the
TM
(ZACTIMA )
Efficacy
versus
of
Cancer (MD07506)
MOK Shu Kam Tony LAM KC*
ZD6474
LOONG Herbert*
Erlotinib
®
(TARCEVA ) in Patients with Locally
2007-08 A
Double-blind,
Randomized,
Advanced or Metastatic (Stage IIIB – IV)
Placebo-controlled Phase III Study to
Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
Assess the Efficacy of recMAGE-A3 +
AS15
Antigen
Specific
Cancer
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Clinical Oncology
Immunotherapeutic as Adjuvant Therapy
Effusion) or Stage IV Non-small-cell
in
Lung Cancer (MD08990)
Patients
with
Resectable
MAGE-A3-positive Non-small Cell Lung
MOK Shu Kam Tony
Cancer (MD07395)
LAM Kwok
Chi* LEUNG Linda*
MOK Shu Kam Tony
LAM Kwok
2008-09 Randomized, Open Label, Phase III Trial
Chi* LEUNG Linda*
of CP-751,871 in Combination with
2007-08 A
Multicenter,
Double-blind,
Randomized,
Controlled
Phase
3,
Paclitaxel
with
(SU011248)
Advanced/Metastatic
Carboplatin
versus
Paclitaxel and Carboplatin in Patients
Efficacy and Safety Study of Sunitinib
in
and
Non-small
Cell
Lung
Patients
with
(MD08834)
Non-small
Cell
MOK Shu Kam Tony
Lung Cancer Treated with Erlotinib
Cancer
LAM Kwok
Chi* LEUNG Linda*
(MD07390)
MOK Shu Kam Tony
LAM Kwok
2008-09 A Randomized Phase 2 Study Comparing
Erlotinib-pemetrexed, Pemetrexed Alone,
Chi* POON Annette*
and Erlotinib Alone, as Second-line
2008-09 International, Randomized, Open-label,
Treatment for Non-smoker Patients with
Phase 3 Trial of Gemcitabine/Cisplatin
Locally
plus
Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (MD08488)
PF-3512676
versus
Gemcitabine/Cisplatin Alone as First-line
Advanced
or
MOK Shu Kam Tony
Treatment of Patients with Advanced
Metastatic
LAM Kwok
Chi* LEUNG Linda*
Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (MD05784)
MOK Shu Kam Tony
LAM Kwok
2008-09 A Randomized, Multicenter Phase II
Study to Explore Whether Biomarkers
Chi* WONG Herman*
Correlate with Treatment Outcome in
2008-09 Phase IIb/III Randomized, Double-blind
Chemo-naïve Patients with Advanced or
Trial of BIBW2992 plus Best Supportive
Recurrent Non-squamous Non-small Cell
Care (BSC) versus Placebo plus BXC in
Lung Cancer, Who Receive Treatment
Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Patients
with Bevacizumab (at a Dose of Either
Failing Erlotinib or Gefitinib (MD08607)
7.5mg/kg or 15mg/kg) in addition to
MOK Shu Kam Tony
Carboplatin-based
LAM Kwok
Chemotherapy
(Gemcitabine or Paclitaxel) (MD08338)
Chi* LEUNG Linda*
MOK Shu Kam Tony
2008-09 Study Title: A Phase II/III Randomized,
LAM Kwok
Chi* LEUNG Linda*
Double-blind Study of Paclitaxel plus
Carboplatin
in
Combination
with
Vorinostat (MK-0683) or Placebo in
2008-09 A
Phase
2,
Open-label,
Trial
PF-00299804 in Untreated Advanced
Patients with Stage IIIB (with Pleural
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Clinical Oncology
Adenocarcinoma of the Lung in Never or
Randomized, Phase III Clinical Trial of
Former Light Smokers (MD08588)
the
MOK Shu Kam Tony
(L-BLP25 or BLP25 Liposome Vaccine)
LAM Kwok
in
Chi* LEUNG Linda*
Cancer
Asian
Subjects
Unresectable,
2008-09 A
Randomized
Phase
2
Trial
of
Vaccine
Cancer
Stimuvax®
with
Non-small
(NSCLC)
Stage
Cell
III,
Lung
Who
Have
PF-00299804 versus Erlotinib for the
Demonstrated Either Stable Disease or
Treatment of Advanced Non-small Cell
Objective Response Following Primary
Lung Cancer after Failure of at least One
Chemo-radiotherapy”
Prior
Stimuvax®
Chemotherapy
Regimen
MOK Shu Kam Tony
LAM Kwok
“Study
Drug”)
MOK Shu Kam Tony LAM KC*
Chi* LEUNG Linda*
Randomized,
Double-blind
“Study”)
(MD09494)
(MD08641)
2008-09 A
(the
(the
LEUNG Linda*
Placebo-controlled,
Phase
III
Study
of
Sequential Administration of Tarceva
2009-10 Gefitinib or Carboplatin-paclitaxel in
Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma (MD09869)
MOK Shu Kam Tony
(Erlotinib) Placebo in Combination with
First-line
2009-10 Phase 2, Open-label Single Arm Study of
Treatment in Patients with State IIIb/IV
the Efficacy and Safety of PF-02341066
Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
in Patients with Advanced Non-small
(MD08657)
Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Harboring a
Gemcitabine/Platinum
as
MOK Shu Kam Tony
LAM K C*
Translocation or Inversion Involving the
Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK)
LEUNG Linda*
Gene Locus (MD09384)
2009-10 A
Phase
II,
Multi-center,
MOK Shu Kam Tony
Placebo-controlled trail of Sorafenib
LEUNG
Linda* LAM Kwok Chi*
(BAY43-9006) in Patients with Relapsed
or Refractory Advanced Predominantly
2009-10 Phase 3, Randomized, Open-label Study
Non Squamous Non-small Cell Lung
of
Cancer (NSCLC) after 2 or 3 Previous
PF-02341066 versus Standard of Care
Treatment Regimen (MD09995)
Chemotherapy (Pemetrexed or Docetaxel)
MOK Shu Kam Tony
in Patients with Advanced Non-small
LAM Kwok
Chi* LEUNG Linda*
the
Efficacy
Safety
or
Inversion
Event
Involving the Anaplastic Lymphoma
NSCLC Patients: Stimulating Immune
Kinase (ALK) Gene Locus (MD09442)
REsponse
MOK Shu Kam Tony
Double-blind,
“A
Multinational,
Placebo-controlled,
of
Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Harboring a
Translocation
2009-10 INSPIRE – Stimuvax Trial In Asian
and
LEUNG
Linda* LAM Kwok Chi*
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Clinical Oncology
TAO Qian QI Robert Z.*
2007-08 Epigenetic
and
Functional
Characterization of a Novel Putative
2009-10 The
Clinical
Significance
of
Tumor Suppressor KS2 (KRAB-Zinc
Mononuclear and Red Cells β3 Integrin
Finger Suppressor Protein 2) which is
mRNA in Colorectal Cancer Patients
Frequently Silenced in Nasopharyngeal
(MD09868)
Carcinoma (CU07744)
WONG
TAO Qian
CHAN Anthony Tak
Cheung
2008-09 Cancer
Sze
Chuen
Cesar
CHEUNG Moon Tong*
MA Buig
Yue Brigette
Epigenomics
Identifies
2009-10 The Potential of Menstrual Blood Human
Methylated Novel Tumor Suppressor
Papillomavirus DNA as a Non-invasive
Genes as Biomarkers for Common Hong
Marker
Kong Tumors (MD08651)
Neoplasia and Condyloma Acuminatum
TAO Qian LEUNG Sing Fai MA
(MD09497)
Buig Yue Brigette CHAN Anthony
Tak Cheung
for
Cervical
WONG Sze Chuen Cesar
Sik
Hung
Sammy*
(School
Suppressor
Primary Care)
Pathogenesis
8)
of
Virus-associated
in
the
SUEN
&
CHAN Chung Sum
ZEE Chung Ying Benny
Novel Tumor Suppressor TUSC8 (Tumor
Candidate
(Obstetrics
Gynaecology)
2008-09 Regulatory and Functional Studies of a
Intraepithelial
of
Public
Health
and
Epstein-Barr
Nasopharyngeal
1997-98 High Dose Adjuvant Chemotherapy and
Carcinoma and Its Potential Diagnostic
Peripheral Stem Cell Transplant for High
Application (CU08739)
Risk
TAO Qian
(MD95266)
CHAN Anthony Tak
Cheung MA Buig Yue Brigette
YEO Winnie
2008-09 Development of Epigenetic Biomarkers
Breast
Cancer
KWAN Wing Hong
TEO Man Lung Peter#
Wai Tong Thomas#
for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC)
Ming
(MD08416)
Cellular Pathology)
TAO Qian
CHAN Anthony Tak
Patients
Michael
LEUNG
SUEN Wang
(Anatomical
&
KING Wing
Keung Walter (Surgery)
Cheung
2007-08 A Randomized 2-Arm, Open Label,
2009-10 Study of the Epigenetic Mechanism of
Phase
II
Study
of
BMS-582664,
Activation
Administered Orally at A Dose of 800
Using a Unique HCT116 Colorectal
mg Daily or Doxorubicin Administered
Cancer Model with Double Knock-out of
Intravenously at A Dose of 60mg/m2
DNMT1 and DNMT3B (CU09750)
Every
Aberrant
RhoA-signaling
3
Weeks
in
Patients
with
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Clinical Oncology
Unresectable,
Metastatic
Locally
Advanced
Hepatocellular
or
Carcinoma
Trastuzumab
plus
(MD08779)
YEO Winnie
(MD06493)
YEO Winnie
HUI Pun*
Bevacizumab
HO Wing Ming*
POON Annette*
CHAN
Lam Stephen
2008-09 mTOR Inhibition as Novel Therapeutic
2007-08 A Phase III, Randomized, Double-blind,
Target
in
Human
Hepatocellular
Placebo-controlled Trial to Evaluate the
Carcinoma – A Corrective Study with
Efficacy and Safety of Pertuzumab +
Tumour
Trastuzumab + Docetaxel vs. Placebo +
(MD08535)
Trastuzumab + Docetaxel in Previously
YEO Winnie
Untreated
Breast
Her2-positive
Cancer.
Theme
Stathmin
Over-expression
Metastatic
No.:
7119
2009-10 A Phase I/II Study of PXD101 in Patients
(MD07586)
with
Unresectable
Hepatocellular
YEO Winnie HO Wing Ming*
Carcinoma with Pharmacokinetic and
Pharmacodynamic Evaluation {PXD101;
2008-09 Phase I/II Study of Temsirolimus (Torisel)
NSC726630
as Novel Therapeutic Drug for Patients
Sponsored
with
(MD06950)
Unresectable
Hepatocellular
Carcinoma (HCC) – A Correlative Study
with
Stathmin
[CTEP
by
CTRG-HC06/21/05}
YEO Winnie CHAN Lam Stephen
2009-10 Effect of Genetic Polymorphisms and
YEO Winnie
Gene
Expression
Chemotherapy-Related
Multinational,
Randomized,
Chinese
Breast
Open-label, Phase 3 Study of Sunitinib
(MD09632)
Malate versus Sorafenib in Patients with
YEO Winnie
Advanced
7237].
Over-expression
(MD08786)
2008-09 A
LOI
Hepatocellular
Carcinoma
Toxicities
Cancer
on
in
Patients
TANG Leung Sang
Nelson (Chemical Pathology)
(MD08322)
YEO Winnie
CHAN Stephen*
2009-10 A Randomized Phase III Clinical Study
of Bevacizumab plus Capecitabine vs.
HUI Edwin*
Bevacizumab Alone as Maintenance
2008-09 Multicenter Phase III Randomized Trial
Therapy in Patients with HER-2 Negative
of Adjuvant Therapy for Patients with
Metastatic Breast Cancer that has not
HER2-positive Node-positive or High
Progressed During First-line Docetaxel
Risk
plus Bevacizumab Therapy (IMELDA
Node-negative
Comparing
Breast
Cancer
Chemotherapy
plus
Trastuzumab with Chemotherapy plus
Study) (MD09994)
YEO Winnie
HO Wing Ming*
CHAN Tung Ching*
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Clinical Oncology
2009-10 A
Phase
III
Randomized,
Double-blind,
Placebo-controlled, Double Blind Trial of
Multi-center Phase III Study of Brivanib
Sorafenib plus Erlotinib vs. Sorafenib
plus Best Supportive Care (BSC) versus
plus Placebo as First Line Systemic
Placebo plus BSC in Subjects with
Treatment for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Advanced
(HCC) (MD09337)
2009-10 A
Randomized,
Hepatocellular
Carcinoma
(HCC) Who Have Failed or are Intolerant
YEO Winnie
HUI Edwin P*
to Sorafenib: The BRISK PS Study
CHAN Lam Stephen
(MD09597)
Vicky*
YEO Winnie
CHAN
CHAN Lam Stephen
2009-10 The Role of mTOR Inhibition with
HUI Pun*
Nab-rapamycin
2009-10 A
Randomized,
Double-blind,
Chemosensitivity
in
Enhancing
of
Multi-center Phase III Study of Brivanib
Microtubule-stabilizing Agent Abraxane
versus Sorafenib as First-line Treatment
in HCC (MD09647)
in Patients with Advanced Hepatocellular
YEO Winnie LUI Wai Yan Vivian
Carcinoma: THE BRISK FL STUDY
(MD09883)
YEO Winnie
CHAN Lam Stephen
HUI Pun* LI Leung*
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Imaging and Interventional Radiology
genus-0 structures (cerebellar hemispheres) and
RESEARCH PROJECTS
structures with high-genus topology (semicircular
canals).
Computational Morphometry of Semicircular
In this study, we would use adolescent idiopathic
Canals and Cerebellum Derived from Magnetic
scoliosis (AIS) as a clinical example. AIS is a 3-D
Resonance Imaging
spinal deformity occurring commonly in adolescent
girls. Its prevalence in Hong Kong is relatively high
CHU Chiu Wing Winnie
CHENG Chun Yiu
Jack (Orthopaedics & Traumatology)
HENG
Pheng Ann (Computer Science and Engineering)
SHI Lin
1 January 2011
Research Grants Council - General Research
Fund
(4%). When untreated or improperly treated, the
deformity may deteriorate progressively and cause
significant
cosmetic
and
functional
problems.
Impaired balance control is well known to be
associated with this disease. It has been suggested
that anatomical changes in the vestibular system and
cerebellum might be related to poor balance control,
which could be associated with the initiation and
In humans, the part of the central nervous system
subsequent progression of the spinal deformity. This,
(CNS) responsible for balance control consists of the
however, is still a poorly studied area due to the lack
vestibular system (composed of three semicircular
of technology and computational techniques to
canals) and the cerebellum. However, due to the
extract, visualize and analyze these structures. In this
complexity in their shapes and the lack of specific
project, we would like to investigate any statistical
image computing techniques in the past, little
morphometric differences in the vestibular system
research has been carried out to objectively
and cerebellum between AIS and controls. In AIS
investigate the morphoanatomy of these complex
patients, we would further study the correlation
CNS structures and to correlate them with clinical
between these anatomical variations with clinical
functional assessments.
postural balance functional tests.
Our first objective is to develop a novel method to
Findings from the current study could provide better
automatically extract semicircular canals images
understanding of the relevance of these anatomical
from T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging
changes and its relationship to the etiopathogenesis of
(MRI). This is technically challenging as the signal
AIS and the progression of the spinal deformity. With
intensity of the semicircular canals is usually
further refinement, the technique could potentially
inhomogeneous, and a portion of it can be
provide objective guidelines for predicting the
contaminated by imaging artifacts. Our second
occurrence and progression of AIS – a matter of high
objective is to automatically segment the cerebellum
clinical significance that would affect the treatment
from T1-weighted MRI images by exploiting its
strategy of individual patients.
texture features and using them to guide the
(CU10119)
segmenter propagation. The third objective is to
develop innovative surface comparison schemes that
enable angle-preserving surface mapping for both
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Imaging and Interventional Radiology
MRI Perfusion and Bone Mineral Density
width) obtained with a phantom (Image Analysis
Examination on Lumbar Spines of Elderly Female
Company, Columbia, KY, USA).
Subjects
Data analysis will be conducted after all raw data
obtained. The relationship between bone marrow
GRIFFITH James Francis
perfusion measured by MRI and bone mineral density
1 January 2011
will be obtain.
(MD10877)
Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen
Graduate School
Computational NeuroImage Analysis for the
Study on the relationship between bone marrow
Objective Assessment of Alzheimer’s Disease – A
perfusion and bone mineral density by MRI
Pilot Study
approaches. Clinical experiment will be carried out as
WANG Defeng
below:
1.
2.
CHU Chiu Wing Winnie
Recruiting 100 elderly female subjects within
TAM Cindy*
the age range 65-75 years.
(Medicine & Therapeutics)
Organize MRI perfusion experiment bone
mineral density examination on lumbar spine
for all recruited subjects following the
MOK Chung Tong Vincent
30 June 2011
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
experiment protocol:
1)
DCE-MRI
Examination
for
Bone
Marrow Perfusion.
For neurodegenerative disease like Alzheimer’s
disease (AD), proper early detection is crucial for
Dynamic contrast-enhanced MR images will be
subsequent treatment decision. Existing researches
acquired in the axial plane through the mid-L3 region
revealed that certain neuroanatomical signs can be
for a total interrogation time of 8 mins. A bolus of
detected in structural magnetic resonance images
gadoteric acid (Dotarem; Guerbet, Aulnay, France) at
(MRI) before observable symptoms occur. However,
a concentration of 0.15 mmol per kilogram of body
there is little study on detecting specific patterns of
weight will be injected at a rate of 2.5 mL/sec
brain morphoanatomical abnormality of AD in the
(Spectris, Medrad, Inc., Indianola, PA, USA) through
Chinese
a 21-gauge intravenous catheter inserted in an
quantitative approach. We propose to develop
antecubital vein. The injection will be followed by a
statistical
20-mL saline flush. Dynamic MR imaging will start
multi-scale information in brain anatomy of AD
at the same time the contrast medium injection is
patients in comparison with normal controls. This
started (time zero).
research is likely to identify potential radiological
2)
Densitometry Measurement.
population
using
morphometric
a
systematic
method
to
and
analyze
biomarkers of AD, which could guide future
Quantitative CT Examination (QCT). QCT of the L3
longitudinal research.
vertebral body will be performed using a 16 slice
(MD10581)
multidetector CT (Philips Gemini GSL 16, Philips
Medical Systems, Einthoven, Netherlands) (helical
mode, pitch 1.375:1, 120kV, 240mAs, 10mm beam
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Imaging and Interventional Radiology
Experimental Studies into T1rho Based Magnetic
histopathology. The results from this study will be
Resonance Imaging as a Potentially Important
crucial for identifying imaging biomarkers of liver
Biomarker for Evaluation of Liver Fibrosis
fibrosis and enabling non-invasive liver assessment,
hence expected to have great impact on clinical
WANG Yixiang
YU Jun (Medicine &
Therapeutics) YUAN Jing
practice.
(MD10616)
1 June 2011
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Hyperthermia for Treatment of Malignancy
Grants)
YU Chun Ho
CHAN Lam Stephen (Clinical
Originally considered to be irreversible, hepatic
Oncology) YEO Winnie (Clinical Oncology)
fibrosis is now regarded as a dynamic process with
YU Kwok Hung (Clinical Oncology)
potential for regression. It is thus important to
identify patients with liver fibrosis to control disease
progression at a relative early stage. To date, liver
17 May 2011
Vascular and Interventional Radiology
Foundation Limited
biopsy is the standard of reference for diagnosis and
staging of liver fibrosis. However, it is an invasive
The project aims to study the role of hyperthermia in
procedure, and is also an inherently subjective
conjunction with chemotherapy or radiotherapy is
process, subjects to sampling error. These limitations
treatment of malignancy.
make liver biopsy unsuitable for diagnosis and
(MD10940)
longitudinal monitoring in the general population. To
better manage the individuals with progressive
A Novel T1rho Imaging Method with Low Specific
fibrosis, especially those who may benefit from early
Absorption Rate for High Field MRI
intervention, a noninvasive, reproducible and reliable
method is needed to evaluate disease progression, to
monitor responses to drug treatment, and to facilitate
epidemiologic research. Recently, a mechanism for
magnetic resonance (MR) tissue contrast, T1rho
(T1ρ), has been investigated. In biological tissues,
T1rho contrast is sensitive to macromolecular
YUAN Jing
WANG Yixiang
GRIFFITH
James Francis
1 April 2011
Innovation & Technology
Commission-Innovation and Technology
Support Programme
composition. Our preliminary result has shown that
T1rho MR imaging is sensitive for evaluation of liver
T1rho relaxation is a novel contrast mechanism in
fibrosis in a rat model of biliary-duct-ligation induced
MRI to investigate low frequency motional processes
liver fibrosis. In the current proposal, we aim to
in tissues. It has been widely applied for various
further evaluate T1rho MR imaging in two animal
clinical applications as a sensitive biomarker for
models including 1) carbon tetrachloride induced rat
identification of early stage of many diseases.
liver fibrosis model; and 2) thioacetamide induced rat
However,
liver fibrosis model. T1rho results will be correlated
radiofrequency (RF) pulse cluster in the T1rho
to the severity of liver fibrosis defined by
imaging pulse sequence significantly increases the
the
introduction
of
a
spin
lock
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Imaging and Interventional Radiology
RF energy deposit and hence causes the potential
AHUJA Anil Tejbhan
excessive temperature rise in the object, thereby
James Francis
hindering the application of T1rho imaging for
clinical use, especially in high resolution imaging at
Winnie
high magnetic field strength. We propose to develop
Suryaveer Singh
YU Chun Ho
GRIFFITH
KING Ann Dorothy
CHU Chiu Wing
BHATIA
Kunwar
a novel T1rho imaging method with low specific
absorption rate (SAR) to eliminate the safety concern
2009-10 Provision of Operating Cost Sharing in
for high field T1rho imaging. This imaging method is
Co-join Use of CUHK Owned Siemens
implemented by the T1rho imaging pulse sequence
1.5T MRI System (MD09432)
design with single-transmitted of parallel transmitted
AHUJA Anil Tejbhan
RF pulses at very low spin-lock frequency, and a
novel post-processing algorithm based on a modified
2007-08 Is There a Relationship between Bone
general theoretical model for T1rho mapping.
Mineral
Additional to the SAR reduction, the novel T1rho
Composition
imaging method will also enhance the imaging
(CU07648)
performances in terms of spatial resolution and scan
GRIFFITH James Francis YEUNG
Density
and
in
Marrow
Human
Fat
Subjects?
time. This method will be verified and applied for
Ka Wai David*
identification
(The Nethersole School of Nursing)
of
early
disk
degeneration
and
CHOI Kai Chow
quantification of liver fibrosis.
(MD10574)
LEUNG Ping Chung (Institute of
LAM Sik Lok (Chemistry)
Chinese Medicine)
Please refer to previous issues of this publication
for more details of the following ongoing research
2008-09 Relationship between Bone Perfusion,
Marrow Fat Content and Bone Mineral
at the department:
Density: An Experimental Study with
Edition
Ovariectomy-induced Osteoporosis in a
Title/Investigators
Rat Model (CU08645)
2008-09 Replacement of Research MRI Unit
GRIFFITH James Francis
AHUJA Anil Tejbhan
Sciences)
QIN Ling (Orthopaedics
& Traumatology)
Provision
of
HUANG Yu (School of Biomedical
GRIFFITH
James Francis
for
CHEN
Zhenyu (School of Life Sciences)
(MD08489)
2009-10 Tender
Magnetic
WANG Yixiang
YEUNG Ka Wai Daivd
Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed
Tomography
(CT)
and
Ultrasound
2008-09 Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head
Scanning Services to Civil Service
and
Eligible Persons (CSEP) (MD09349)
Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging
at
Neck:
3
Tesla
Can
Dynamic
Predict
and
Contrast
Monitor
Therapeutic Response? (CU08660)
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Imaging and Interventional Radiology
KING Ann Dorothy
Tejbhan
AHUJA Anil
TSE Man Kit Gary*
Yixiang
Experimental
Study
into
the
Relationship between the Effect of
WANG
Nitrates in Preventing Osteoporosis and
LEE Ka Ho Francis*
2009-10 An
YEUNG Ka Wai Daivd
the Nitrates Induced Vessel Function and
Blood
YU Kwok Hung*
Perfusion
Changes
in
Ovariectomized Female Rats (MD09825)
2009-10 Superparamagnetic Iron-Oxide Nanoshell
WANG Yixiang
GRIFFITH James
and PVA Based Chemoembolisation
Francis POON Wai Sang (Surgery)
System: A Novel Approach for Targeted
Delivery, Selective Retention, Magnetic
Biomedical Sciences) YUAN Jing
HUANG
Yu
(School
of
Targeting, and MRI (MD09960)
WANG Yixiang
Fai (Chemistry)
LEUNG Cham
CHENG Hon Ki
Christopher (School of Biomedical
Sciences)
QIN Ling (Orthopaedics
& Traumatology)
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
(MD09360)
RESEARCH PROJECTS
A Multicentre Study to Investigate the Prevalence
Identifying Variants Causal for Type 2 Diabetes in
and Factors Associate with Depression in Chinese
Major Human Populations
Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
CHAN Chung Ngor Juliana
MA Ching Wan
CHAN Chung Ngor Juliana
NAN Hairong#
KO TC Gary* TING Rose* KONG Pik Shan
Ronald SO Wing Yee
1 October 2009
WING Yun Kwok (Psychiatry)
GUO
Xiaohui* JI Linong* JIA Wei Ping* XING
National Institutes of Health
Xiaoping*
LI Wenhui*
WENG Jianping*
In this U01 research project supported by US NIH
YANG Wenying*
(RFA-DK-09-004), the CUHK Diabetes Research
1 September 2010
Group has become part of a Global Diabetes
European Foundation for Study of Diabetes
Consortium (GDC) to contribute to the discovery and
replication of causal genes for type 2 diabetes in a
In China, 1 in 4 people has diabetes and 1 in 10 has
multi-ethnic population. The 3 main objectives of the
anxiety-depression. The coexistence of diabetes and
project are:
depression increases premature death by 2-3 folds.
1.
to use whole exome resequencing to
Despite these double burdens, many questions remain
discover novel variants of type 2 diabetes
to be answered:
genes discovered in GWAS in a multiethnic
1.
2.
population;
depression in a wider population of patients
to use whole genome sequencing in families
with type 2 diabetes in China at different
to discover novel loci and its inheritability
stages of socio-economical development?
2.
with diabetes and related traits; and
3.
What is the rate of diagnosed and undiagnosed
What are the interactive effects of host factors,
to perform in silico fine mapping of
external
established common variant loci using
development of depression, psychological
different computational and statistical tools
well-being, quality of life, health behaviors,
to
of
risk factor control, clinical outcomes and use
variants of major causal diabetes genes
of health care resources in Chinese patients
discovered in GWAS.
with type 2 diabetes?
compare
transethnic
differences
Through this project, our group has also contributed
3.
stressors,
co-morbidities
on
Do Chinese diabetes patients use somatic
to the discovery of novel signals for type 2 diabetes
complaints as an alternative to express their
genes in a metaanalysis of GWAS from Asian
emotional and psychological concerns?
population. These networks and collaborations will
In this multicentre study involving 7 sites in China (1
strengthen our ongoing work in using genomics to
in Hong Kong, 4 in Beijing, and 1 in Guangzhou), we
discover causality of diabetes and related traits in
shall document the predisposinjg, precipitating and
Chinese populations.
perpetuating factors pertaining to host, external
stressors and clinical diseases and their interactive
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
effects on psychological well being, health-related
Vanessa W S*
behaviors, risk factor control and quality of life in
Wan Ronald SO Wing Yee*
3500
type
2
diabetic
patients.
Apart
from
documenting the prevalence and risk factors and
KONG Pik Shan
MA Ching
31 October 2010
Oxford University
providing a cohort for prospective evaluation, data
from this survey shall provide the basis to generate
ACE is a double-blind, randomized, multi-centre,
further hypothesis regarding interventional strategies
prospective, cardiovascular intervention trial aimed to
to reduce disease burden.
randomize 7,500 patients who have IGT and
(MD10923)
established coronary artery disease in around 150
Chinese cardiovascular centers. Recruitment is
Provision of Diabetes Complication Screening
expected to take 18 months with target of 50
Service for Internal Medicine of New Territories
randomized patients per certre. Patients will be
Cluster
allocated randomly 1:1 to double-blinded therapy
with Acarbose (50mg) or matching plavebo three
CHAN Chung Ngor Juliana OZAKI Risa*
times daily with meals. The trial will continue until at
4 October 2010
least 904 adjudicated primary endpoints have been
accrued, or until the Data Safety Monitoring Board
Hospital Authority
(DSMB) advise otherwise. Minimum follow up for
Yao Chung Kit DM Assessment Center has been
the last patient to be randomized will be 4 years
given the tender by Hospital Authority to provide
unless the trial is terminated earlier. All patients who
Diabetes Complication Screening Services to 1,680
cease study medication will be followed up, if at all
diabetic patients in the Department of Internal
possible, for the full study period. All patients who
Medicine of New Territories Cluster. The service
withdraw from the trial will have their vital status
provision will commence from 4 October 2010 and
ascertained, if at all possible, for the end of the trial.
expire on 3 October 2011.
Enrolled
(MD10531)
single-blind placebo run-in-period during which time
patients
will
undergo
a
four-week
their existing therapy for coronary heart disease
The Acarbose Cardiovascular Evaluation (ACE)
(CHD) will be optimized if it does not already
Trial.
Double-blind,
conform to internationally accepted guidelines for the
Randomised Parallel-group Trial to Determine
treatment of patients with established CHD. ACE
Whether Reducing Post-prandial Glycaemia can
follow up visits will be performed at one month, at
Reduce Cardiovascular-related Morbidity and
two months, at four months post-randomization, and
Mortality in Patients with Established Coronary
then every four months.
Heart Disease or Acute Coronary Syndrome Who
(MD10421)
A
4-year,
Multicentre,
Have Impaired Glucose Tolerance
CHAN Chung Ngor Juliana
LAU Wing Yan*
LUK On Yan*
TING Zhao Wei*
NG
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
Comparison of Clinical Analysis Using Chinese
techniques
(data
sensing,
Medicine (CM) Techniques, Medical Biometrics
classification
(MB) Based on Pattern Recognition Structured
automate
Comprehensive Risk Assessment Using the JADE
diagnosis. It can also provide objective evidence to
Portal in Diabetes and Obesity
corroborate
and
pattern
medical
feature
recognition,
diagnosis,
clinical
extraction,
etc)
particularly,
diagnosis
made
by
to
CM
CM
practitioners with inherent intra and inter-individual
CHAN Chung Ngor Juliana ZHANG David*
SUI YI
OZAKI Risa
NG Wan Sze Vanessa
prescribed for the right subject. The Joint Asia
KO
Diabetes Evaluation (JADE) Program is a web-based
CHUNG Hau Yee
NAN Jennifer*
variations to ensure that the right remedy is
Tin Choi YOU Jane* ZHANG Lei* CHEN
disease
Yinghui*
templates to allow care professionals to collect data
WANG
Xinzheng*
GUO
management
program
which
provides
on risk factors, complications and clinical outcomes
Dongming* WANG Dimin*
using standard methods as part of a quality
1 March 2011
improvement program. The program also allows the
Hospital Authority
doctors to establish a registry, stratify risks and
Diabetes is a disorder of energy metabolism due to
individualize therapies. The aim of this study is to
imbalance between insulin resistance and deficiency.
confirm the correlations amongst the diagnosis of
Hitherto, many therapeutic advances have been made
metabolic syndrome in diabetic and non-diabetic
in the field of diabetes. However, one of the major
subjects made by CM, WM and MB. Using risk
challenges relates to the management of obesity in
factors, complications and JADE risk categories with
type 2 diabetes. Many of the anti-diabetic drugs
prognostic values as reference, we shall be able to
including insulin cause weight gain which can lead to
validate the diagnosis made by CM and MB. With the
other risk factors. To date, most of the western
validation of CM methods, we will be able to use the
anti-obesity medications have been withdrawn from
appropriate tools to identity obese individuals with or
market due to adverse effects. In a HA commissioned
without
study in which our group performed a systematic
anti-obesity claims.
review of the efficacy of Traditional Chinese
(MD10842)
diabetes
to
benefit
from
CM
with
Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture on weight
reduction, there are consistent data suggesting that
An
International,
Multicenter,
Randomized,
these traditional therapeutic strategies were effective
Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Phase 3 Study
in reducing body weight (2-5 kg) with few side
to Determine the Efficacy and Safety of SYR-322
effects. However, our data analysis also suggested
When Used in Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes
that the tolerability and efficacy depend on the
diagnosis
of
subphenotypes
using
traditional
CHAN Chung Ngor Juliana
OZAKI Risa*
approach by practitioners of Chinese Medicine (CM).
KONG Pik Shan
Although TCM are widely used, they usually lack
Wan Ronald
objective evidence and quantification with marked
Yan* NG Vanessa W S* TING Zhao Wei*
practitioner variability in diagnosis and management.
CHEUNG Kit Ting Kitty* WU Enoch*
SO Wing Yee*
LAU Wing Yan*
MA Ching
LUK On
Medical Biometrics (MB) applies the biometric
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
11 May 2011
Asian collaborators. In this project, we propose to
Takeda Global Research and Development Asia
resequence the exons and regulatory sequence of
these 10 genes in 480 cases of young onset familial
Ptd. Ltd.
diabetes (age of onset <40 years with 2 affected first
This
study
is
a
multi-center,
randomized,
degree relatives) and 480 controls arranged in 20
double-blind, placebo-controlled, 16-week study in
DNA pools to discover causal variants followed by
subjects with diagnosis of type II diabetes mellitus
replication 1000 healthy subjects and 2000 young
(T2DM). The study will compare alogliptin 25 mg
diabetic patients with 6 year follow up and 1% annual
once daily (QD) versus placebo when used alone
incidence of cancer. We anticipate to discover a panel
(monotherapy), as add-on to metformin, or as add-on
of causal variants to explain the heritability and
to pioglitazone with or without metformin. The study
complexity of these chronic diseases.
will be conducted in approximately 480 T2DM
(MD11739)
subjects who have glycoslated hemoglobin (HbAlc)
between 7-10% and are between the ages of 18-75,
A Study of the Gut Microbiota in the Healthy
inclusive.
Population, Patients with Inflammatory Bowel
All subjects will enter into a screening period of up to
Disease (IBD) and Their Relatives (IBD Microbe
2 weeks, followed by a 4 week placebo run-in period.
Study)
Following the 4 week placebo run-in period, subjects
will be stratified into 1 of the 3 therapy groups based
upon their background antidiabetic therapy before
being randomized 1:1 to receive either alogliptin
25mg QD or matching placebo QD for 16 weeks and
2-week safety follow up thereafter.
(MD10638)
CHAN Ka Leung Francis NG Siew Chien
17 December 2010
Australasian Gastro Intestinal Research
Foundation Ltd
Crohn’s
disease
and
ulcerative
colitis
are
inflammatory disorders of the gut which cause major
A Multipronged Approach to Discover Genomic
life-long disability. They affect males and females,
Variants to Explain the Missing Heritability and
with the commonest age of onset in childhood, teens
Multifaceted Nature of Diabetes, Cancer and
and early adult life. Previously restricted almost
Depression
exclusively to the West, these conditions are
becoming much more common in Asian countries,
CHAN Chung Ngor Juliana
MA Ching Wan
Ronald SO Wing Yee* YANG Xilin
including Hong Kong – the cause of this dramatic
change is unknown.
1 July 2011
The cause of IBD is widely accepted as relating to the
Research Committee Group Research Scheme
mucosal immune response to stimulation from the gut
bacteria, on a background of genetic susceptibility.
Using GWAS or candidate gene approaches, we have
The bacteria and other organisms in the gut play a
discovered 10 novel loci associated with type 2
central role in the development of IBD in the West.
diabetes in young Chinese patients with strong family
However it is unknown if the gut bacteria differ
history. These variants have been replicated by our
between Chinese patients with IBD and non-IBD
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
(healthy subjects) in Hong Kong, and whether it is
atherothrombotic diseases. However, ASA induces
affected by diet or changes in diet. A family history is
peptic ulcer bleeding that remains an important cause
the largest risk factor for the disease. More than 50
of hospitalization and death worldwide. In Hong
different genes associated with IBD have recently
Kong, we found that ASA use accounts for about
been identified in the West and preliminary data
one-third of all cases of peptic ulcer bleeding. ASA
showed that Chinese patients have a different genetic
users with a history of ulcer bleeding are at the
profile to Western populations.
highest risk; up to 15% of these patients develop
This project aims to explore the factors that may be
recurrent ulcer bleeding in one year when exposed to
contributing to, or causing, the increase of IBD in
ASA again.
Hong Kong. We aim to exploit the huge recent
Current guidelines recommend co-therapy with a
increases in knowledge of the genetic factors and gut
proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) in ASA users with high
bacteria that contribute to these disorders in the West,
ulcer risk. Among ASA users with prior ulcer
and explore difference in diet and gut flora in
bleeding who receive prophylactic PPI, we have
Chinese populations. Characterising the gut bacteria
shown in a double-blind randomized trial that the
in low but increasing incidence countries and ethnic
one-year incidence of recurrent ulcer bleeding was
populations may allow the identification of specific
0.7% only. However, there have been concerns about
casual factors. The identification of casual bacteria
PPIs because of their costs, safety, and potentially
agents would have great relevance to all patients with
serious drug interactions in patients with coronary
IBD.
artery disease (see Background).
(MD10401)
Recently, H2-receptor antagonists (H2RAs) have
been advocated as alternative to PPIs for the
A
Double-blind,
Randomized
Histamine-2-receptor
of
prevention of peptic ulcers in ASA users. Comparing
Versus
to PPIs, H2RAs are much cheaper and have minimal
Trial
Antagonist
of
drug interactions in cardiac patients. Results of a
Recurrent Ulcer Bleeding in Users of Low-dose
recent endoscopic trial indicate that famotidine, a
Aspirin
H2RA, reduces gastric injury associated with ASA.
Proton-pump
Inhibitor
for
Prevention
However, the efficacy of H2RAs is uncertain at least
CHAN Ka Leung Francis
in the Chinese population. Limited local data suggest
1 January 2011
that H2RAs are inferior to PPIs in preventing ulcer
bleeding associated with ASA. To date, there is no
Research Grants Council - General Research
large-scale, clinical outcome trial comparing H2RAs
Fund
with PPIs for the prevention of ulcer bleeding in
This double-blind randomized trial aims to compare
high-risk ASA users.
an alternative treatment (H2-receptor antagonist) with
Despite the uncertain efficacy of H2RAs, our local
a standard strategy (proton pump inhibitor) for the
health authority has already endorsed this class of
prevention of ulcer bleeding associated with low-dose
drugs as an alternative to PPIs for ASA users with
aspirin in patients with very high ulcer risk.
high ulcer risk. In this proposal, we hypothesize that
Low-dose aspirin (ASA) is one of the most widely
PPIs are superior to H2RAs for the prevention of
used
peptic ulcer bleeding in ASA users with prior ulcer
drugs
for
secondary
prevention
of
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
bleeding. Unfortunately, this important clinical
(MD10321)
question is not a priority of pharmaceutical
companies because the results may not favor their
Investigating the Epidemiology of Inflammatory
products. The outcome of this industry-independent
Bowel Disease in Hong Kong: An Inception
clinical trial will encourage health authorities and
Cohort Study
international guideline committees to review their
recommendations for ASA users with high risk of
CHAN Ka Leung Francis NG Siew Chien
ulcer bleeding.
30 June 2011
(CU10609)
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
Gastrointestinal Oncology Summit: Translational
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic
Medicine and Future Perspectives
inflammatory disorders of the gut that cause major
CHAN Ka Leung Francis
life-long disability. Afflicting mostly young people at
1 June 2011
an age when they are most active both in their private
and professional life, inflammatory bowel disease
Croucher Conference
(IBD) represents an important public health problem
Digestive cancers of the stomach, colon, and liver
affecting both the patients education, working
account for over 60% of all cancers in Hong Kong
abilities, social life and quality of life. The chronic
and China. With the advancement of molecular
nature of IBD requires frequent contacts between
diagnosis of early cancers, new endoscopic therapy,
patients and the Health Care system regarding
and
gastrointestinal
lifelong medication, social and psychological support
oncology is a rapidly developing field. However,
and follow-up in clinics. Previously a disease
research in this important field lacks synergism
predominantly of the West, there is now a marked
because
increase in the incidence of IBD in Hong Kong.
molecular
there
target
is
therapy,
little
collaboration
between
and
However the true incidence of IBD in Hong Kong
oncologists. Similarly, management of digestive
remains unclear, and the cause of this dramatic
cancers is fragmented since a comprehensive training
increase over the last decade is unknown. Genetic
program for early cancer detection to targeted therapy
factors, environmental factors and the gut bacteria
or palliative care is lacking in Asia. In this conference,
may play a role in disease development. Via a
we
in
web-based data base, we intend to create a
translational and clinical research in gastrointestinal
prospective population-based inception cohort study
oncology. Internationally renowned experts will share
in Hong Kong. The primary aim is to explore the true
with participants their experience of amalgamating
incidence of IBD in Hong Kong, and factors that may
gastroenterology and oncology practice into a
be contributing to, or causing, the rise of IBD in
seamless delivery of holistic patient care. A special
Hong Kong. We will also assess disease course,
forum will be dedicated to the development of
medical therapy, surgery, quality of life, mortality,
gastrointestinal oncology as a fledgling subspecialty
work productivity and health care cost. Incident cases
in Hong Kong.
will be prospectively recruited from North Territory
gastroenterologists,
endeavor
to
surgeons,
capture
pathologists
recent
advances
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
East and Kowloon East Cluster with a background at
This
Phase
2
randomized,
double-blind,
risk population of 3 million inhabitants. This will be
placebe-controlled study will evaluate 15mg/kg
the first IBD epidemiological study in Hong Kong to
FG-3019 in combination with entecavir, compared
examine all the above factors in a comprehensive
with placebo plus entecavir. Antiviral therapy naïve
way.
subjects with hepatitis B who are eligible for
(MD10621)
initiation of antiviral therapy for hepatitis B will
undergo initial eligibility testing including serum
Week 24 Response and Long-term Outcomes of
markers of disease activity, assessment of liver,
Lamivudine (Zeffix®) Therapy in Patients with
kidney and hematologic function. Subjects who
Chronic Hepatitis B – A Propective Cohort Study
appear eligible after initial eligibility screening will
undergo a liver biopsy to establish the level of liver
CHAN Lik Yuen Henry
WONG Wai Sun
fibrosis. An Ishak fibrosis score of ≥2 inclusive is
required for protocol eligibility. Eligible subjects will
Vincent WONG Lai Hung Grace*
be stratified by the presence or absence of HBe
1 August 2010
antigen and randomized (2:1) to one of two treatment
GlaxoSmithKline Limited
arms: Arm A: FG-3019 plus entecavir; Arm B:
This is a 5-year prospective study of lamivudine
Placebo plus entecavir. FG-3019 (15 mg/kg) or
therapy among chronic hepatitis B patients on
placebo is administered as an intravenous infusion
lamivudine in a few hospitals in Hong Kong. All
every 3 weeks for a total of 16 infusions. Entecavir
patients will have HBV DNA monitored every 6
(0.5 mg) is taken orally once daily throughout the
monthly. Adefovir will be added if patients have
study. At Week 48 subjects undergo a second liver
suboptimal HBV DNA suppression at month 6 or at
biopsy to assess the level of liver fibrosis compared
the time of drug resistance. The primary outcome
to baseline. Subjects who received placebo will be
measure
with
offered crossover treatment with FG-3019 and
undetectable HBV DNA at the end of 5 years. Two
entecavir. Crossover subjects will receive 16
hundred patients will be recruited.
infusions of FG-3019 and will be asked to undergo
(MD10858)
another liver biopsy after completion of treatment.
is
the
proportion
of
patients
(MD10727)
A
Phase
2,
Double-blind,
Randomized,
Placebo-controlled Study of FG-3019 in Subjects
A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled
with Liver Fibrosis due to Chronic Hepatitis B
Phase 2 Study to Evaluate The Efficacy and Safety
Infection
of Oral PF-04136309 500mg Bid in Subjects with
Chronic
CHAN Lik Yuen Henry
Vincent
WONG Wai Sun
WONG Lai Hung Grace*
Shan Angeline*
15 October 2010
FibroGen, Inc.
HCV
Infection
and
Raised
Aminotransferases
LO Oi
CHAN Lik Yuen Henry
WONG Wai Sun
Vincent WONG Lai Hung
1 March 2011
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
As HBsAg reduction can reflect the immune control,
Pfizer Corporation Hong Kong Limited
the best combination regime will be evaluated based
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and
efficacy of PF-04136309 in patients with chronic
hepatitic C virus infection and abnormal liver
enzymes. This is a double-blinded study, patients will
be randomized to receive either PF-04136309 or
placebo. Patients who fulfill eligibility criteria will be
on the on-treatment HBsAg level. The reduction in
HBsAg will be correlated to the sustained virological
response at 12 months after cessation of therapy.
Impact: The results of our study will guide the future
combination therapy in chronic hepatitis B.
(MD10989)
randomized and undergo a 28-day trial period
consisting of a baseline (Day 1) visit followed by
study visits the first 4 at weekly intervals and a
follow up visit 4-weeks after the last treatment.
Dose-ranging Study to Evaluate the Safety,
Efficacy and Pharmacokinetics of Pegylated
Interferon Lambda (BMS-914143) Monotherapy
(MD10600)
in
Interferon-naïve
Hepatitis
Role of On-treatment HBsAg Quantification to
Predict
Response
to
Lamivudine
B
Virus
Patients
with
Infection
Chronic
Who
Are
HBeAg-positive
and
Peginterferon Combination Treatment
CHAN Lik Yuen Henry
WONG Wai Sun
Vincent WONG Lai Hung Grace*
CHAN Lik Yuen Henry
20 June 2011
1 March 2011
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
This is a multi-centre, phase II study on the use of
peginterferon lamda to treat HBeAg-positive chronic
Aim: To evaluate best regime of lamivudine and
peginterferon combination in terms of HBsAg
reduction.
manner to receive peginterferon lamda 180ug/week,
peginterferon lamda 240ug/week or the standard
Patients: Residual serum samples of 30 patients in a
previously conducted clinical trial will be studied
[Chan HL, et al., Antiviral Therapy 12:815-23].
These patients were randomized to receive 32-week
peginterferon 8-week before, simultaneously and
8-week
hepatitis B. Eligible patients are randomized in 1:1:1
after
the
commencement
of
2-year
lamivudine therapy in 1:1:1 manner. Serial serum
treatment of peginterferon alfa-2a 180ug/week for 48
weeks. It is a non-inferiority study for peginterferon
lamda vs the peginterferon alfa-2a. 60 patients will be
recruited in each arm. The primary outcome measure
is HBeAg seroconversion at week 24 after stopping
treatment.
(MD10636)
samples are available during follow-up and all
patients have signed informed consent for the use of
serum samples for future viral hepatitis studies.
Study Design: Quantitative HBsAg will be measured
at 4 week interval to determine the reduction of
HBsAg in relation to timing of combination therapy.
BEGINTM BB An Extension Trial to NN1250-3582
Comparing Safety and Efficacy of NN1250 and
Insulin Glargine, Both with Insulin Aspart as
Meal-time Insulinc OADs in Type 2 Diabetes. A
26 Week Controlled, Open Label, Multicentre,
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
Multinational, Treat-to-target Extension Trial
Obese Subjects or Overweight Subjects with
Comparing Safety and Efficacy of SIBA and
Comorbidities
Insulin Glargine Both Administered Once Daily in
Placebo Controlled, Parallel Group, Multi-cntre
a Basal-bolus Regimen with Insulin Aspart as
Multinational Trial with Stratification Subject to
Mealtime Insulin Treatment with Metformin,
Either 56 or 160 Weeks of Treatment Based on
Pioglitazone in Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes
Pre-diabetes Status at Randomisation
A
Randomised,
Double-blind,
after a Preceding 52 Week Treatment Period with
SIBA or Insulin Glargine Both with Mealtime
CHOW Chun Chung Francis
Insulin Aspart Treatment with Metformin,
CHEUNG Kit Ting Kitty*
Pioglitazone
NG Vanessa W S*
in
Trial
NN1250-3582
(Trial
OZAKI Risa*
LAU Wing Yan*
TING Zhao Wei*
WU
Enoch*
Phase:3a)
1 June 2011
CHOW Chun Chung Francis
LAU Winnie WY*
Vanessa W S*
OZAKI Risa*
LUK Andrea O Y*
TING Zhao Wei*
Novo Nordisk Hong Kong Ltd
NG
MA Ching
The trial has been designed to further investigate the
Wan Ronald
potential of liraglutide to safety induce long term
1 September 2010
weight loss in non diabetic obese subjects, as well as
Novo Nordisk Hong Kong Ltd
in overweight subjects with comorbidities (treated or
untreated hypertension or dyslipidaemia according to
Former trials have shown that once daily or three
ATP-III). A treatment duration of one year is
weekly treatments with SIBA results in a low and
considered to be sufficient to demonstrate weight loss
stable amount of insulin in the body with a longer
and subsequent weight maintenance. In order to
duration of action than other long acting (basal)
assess the effects of drug cessation on appetite and
insulin products. It is therefore expected that
weight control, possible with drawl effects and
treatment with this new insulin will result in a better
rebound will be ascertained in the 3-month follow
overall control of the blood sugar level and fewer
up/observational period.
episodes of low blood sugar levels. This trial will
3-month follow-up period: To allow for a blinded
provide information on efficacy and safety of long
assessment of the withdrawal effects, a fraction of
term exposure of SIBA in combination with insulin
subjects (of the subgroup without pre-diabetes) will
aspart as mealtime insulin and metformin and
maintain dietary measures and physical activity while
pioglitazone (if these oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs)
keeping the blind. The subjects selected for
were part of the subjects’ former diabetes treatment)
participation in the 3-month follow-up period are the
in relevant ethnic populations in adult age groups.
subjects first (approximately 900 subjects) to
(MD10943)
complete the one year main trial (52 weeks). Subjects
receiving placebo throughout the main part of the
ACALETM – Obesity and Pre-diabetes Satiety and
trial will continue on liraglutide placebo treatment for
Clinical Adiposity – Liraglutide Evidence in
the follow-up period (approximately 300 subjects),
Nondiabetic and Diabetic Subjects Effect of
whereas
Liraglutide on Body Weight in Non-diabetic
treatment (approximately 600 subjects) will be
subjects
receiving
active
liraglutide
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
randomized 1:1 to either continue active liraglutide
Cost of Diabetes in Europe – Type 2 study where
treatment (approximate 300 subjects) or switch from
only 31% achieved the < 6.5% HbA1c goal for
active liraglutide treatment to placebo (approximately
HbA1c. The purpose of this trial is to find answer for:
300 subjects). 3-month observational period: The
(1)
The non-inferiority of treatment of linagliptin
remaining non-diabetic subjects who complete the
in comparison to glimepiride with respect to
one year main trial will continue in a 3-month
time to first occurrence of any of the
off-drug observational period and will contribute with
adjudicated
additional information on the effects of drug
composite endpoint;
cessation on weight control and potential weight
(2)
components
of
the
primary
Secondly the primary composite endpoint will
rebound.
be tested with a superiority hypothesis if the
(MD10590)
non-inferiority hypothesis with margin 1.3 has
revealed a significant result;
A
Multicentre,
International,
Randomised,
(3)
Thirdly the first key secondary endpoint will
Parallel Group, Double Blind Study to Evaluate
be tested hierarchically if the superiority test
Cardiovascular
has revealed a significant result;
Safety
of
Linagliptin versus
Glimepiride in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
(4)
Fourthly
the
secondary
key
secondary
Mellitus at High Cardiovascular Risk. The
endpoint will be tested hierarchically if the test
CAROLINA Trial
of the first key secondary hypothesis has
revealed a significant result;
CHOW Chun Chung Francis
CHEUNG Kit Ting Kitty*
NG Vanessa W S*
Ching Wan Ronald
OZAKI Risa*
(5)
hypoglycaemia; and
LAU Wing Yan*
TING Zhao Wei*
MA
LUK Andrea O Y*
WU
HbA1c change from baseline, (6) Incidence of
(6)
Weight change and treatment stability defined
as need for additional medication to control
blood glucose to obtain HbA1c ≤7.0% and
Enoch*
patients
1 June 2011
without
any
moderate/
severe
hypoglycaemic episodes.
Boehringer Ingelheim Singapore Pte Ltd
(MD10713)
Patients
with
combinations
T2DM
of
are
lifestyle
usually
and
treated
by
pharmacological
Attain Success Trial
interventions and several international guidelines for
the treatment of T2DM have been issued. Most
guidelines suggest that the therapeutic goal for
HgA1c should be 6.5-7.0%, which by the use of
available tools seem hard to obtain after more than
FUNG Wing Hong
YU Cheuk Man
CHAN
Yat Sun Joseph* CHAN Chin Pang Gary*
19 July 2010
Medtronic International Limited
5-10 years of diabetes duration. A survey in the US
(National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
The purpose of this trial is to assess left-heart lead
[NHANES] 2003-2004) found that only 57% of
implant success and complication rate using the
participants had HbA1c <7.0%. Poor control was also
Medtronic Attain Family of left-heart leads and
noted among the 7000 individuals with T2DM in the
delivery catheters.
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
implanting
that cause a hiccup reflex) and high energy output
physicians’ satisfaction with ICD leads during
(sometimes necessary to stimulate the heart, but this
implant, data related to the right ventricular (RV)
could lead to a shortened lifecycle of the device).
lead handling experience will be gathered in this
To try to overcome these challenges, pacing leads
study. The results will be used to evaluate physician
with multiple electrodes have been developed. These
satisfaction level of different ICD lead models
leads have multiple electrodes that allow stimulation
implanted in study subjects. It may also be used as
of the heart in a number of different locations.
input to design future clinical studies or implant
The aim of the LILAC study is to evaluate the
products.
electrical performance of three prototypes of a
The Attain Success sub-study will collect coronary
multiple electrodes left ventricular pacing lead. These
sinus venograms and cine images both pre-implant
three lead prototypes differ in the electrodes
and
post-implant
placement on the lead body and lead tip length. The
(pre-discharge) chest X-rays. In addition, the
results from this study will be used to make
implanting physician’s own assessment of the
recommendations to further the development of these
left-heart lead positioning will be collected and
leads.
documented. Left-heart lead position venograms, cine
This study is an acute, non-randomized, multicenter
images, and chest X-rays will be verified by the study
data collection clinical investigation. All patients who
Core Lab. The data
the
are enrolled in the study undergo the same study
development of left-heart implant training programs
testing. A minimum of 30 to a maximum of 60
and implant tools.
patients will be enrolled in a maximum of 15 centers
(MD10814)
outside of the United States.
To
enhance
the
understanding
post-implant
along
of
with
collected
will
aid
The study will enroll patients during approximately
Left Ventricular Lead Acute Clinical Study
12 months. Patients who qualify for the study will
(LILAC Study)
only be involved for the clinically indicated
procedure that they will undergo for implanting a
FUNG Wing Hong
Yat Sun Joseph*
YU Cheuk Man
CHAN
CHAN Chi Kin Hamish*
CHAN Chin Pang Gary*
17 August 2010
Guidant Europe / Boston Scientific
heart failure device (or upgrading their currently
implanted system). The individual testing is expected
to add 30 minutes to the clinical procedure. There
will be no additional follow-up visits as part of this
study.
The test protocol starts during the implantation of the
Within the last few years, pacing therapies have been
heart failure device once the venogram (picture of the
developed to treat heart failure patients. This
left ventricular venous system) has been performed.
treatment require placement of pacing leads (wires)
Based on the venogram, the physician will select two
on the left lower chamber of the heart (left ventricle).
lead prototypes to be tested on the patient. The first
This lead is then connected to a heart failure device.
lead prototype will be advanced to the selected vein
Current challenges with this treatment are stimulation
and positioned at the bottom of this vein. The
of a nerve called the phrenic nerve (stimulation of
physician will make electrical measurements (pacing
this nerve can lead to contractions of the diaphragm
thresholds,
sensing,
impedance)
while
briefly
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
stimulating the heart using an external pacemaker.
Validation of the New COPD Assessment Test
The lead prototype will then be positioned in the
(CAT) Translated into Chinese in Patients with
same vein in a middle position. The same
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
measurements will be repeated.
After testing the first lead prototype, the physician
HUI Shu Cheong David KO Wai San Fanny*
will remove it and introduce a second one. He will
position it into the same coronary vein as the
previous
prototype.
The
same
electrical
NG Susanna* NGAI Jenny* TO Kin Wang*
1 December 2010
GlaxoSmithKline Limited
measurements will be made at the bottom and in the
middle of the vein. Once the test protocol is complete,
The COPD Assessment Test (CAT), which has been
the physician will remove the second lead prototype.
developed
After all the measurements have been completed, the
self-administrated
investigational paving leads will be removed. No
condition of patients and overall impact of COPD,
investigational will remain in the patient’s body. All
and to improve patient-physician communication. It
investigational devices will be completely removed.
has been developed with significant patient input,
After that, the physician will implant a commercially
producing a questionnaire containing core items
available left ventricular lead.
which are considered to be reliable, applicable to
(MD10372)
every patient in every setting, and have good
recently,
is
a
short
questionnaire
to
and
simple,
assess
the
measurement properties. This is a cross-sectional
Shockless
Implant
Evaluation
(SIMPLE)
A
validation study with a single visit. All subjects will
be outpatients. Males and females 40 years of age or
Prospective Randomized Clinical Study
older with a diagnosis of COPD are eligible. Subjects
FUNG Wing Hong
YU Cheuk Man
CHAN
Yat Sun Joseph* CHAN Chin Pang Gary*
1 September 2010
Guidant Europe / Boston Scientific
will complete questionnaires and perform spirometry
at a single visit. For the primary objective of this
study (Correlation of the CAT with SGRQ),
investigators have to ensure subjects complete all
questionnaires required. Secondary endpoints include
The trial will test the hypothesis that ICD
correlations of CAT with the FEV1 values and with
implantation without defibrillation testing (DT) is
the MRC dysnoea scale.
non-inferior to implantation with testing against the
(MD10577)
composite endpoint of ineffective first appropriate
clinical shock or arrhythmic death.
A
It will also test the hypothesis, that defibrillation
Double-blind, Double-dummy Study to Evaluate
testing increases the peri-operative (30 days)
the Efficacy and Safety of 300 mg or 600 mg of
complication rate of ICD implantation.
Intravenous Zanamivir Twice Daily Compared to
(MD10542)
75 mg of Oral Oseltamivir Twice Daily in the
Phase
III
International,
Randomized,
Treatment of Hospitalized Adults and Adolescents
with Influenza
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
HUI Shu Cheong David LEE Lai Shun Nelson
LUI Grace*
KO Wai San Fanny*
NG
versus Placebo on Pulmonary Function in Patients
with COPD
Susanna* TO Kin Wang* NGAI Jenny*
HUI Shu Cheong David KO Wai San Fanny*
12 April 2011
NG Susanna* TO Kin Wang* NGAI Jenny*
GlaxoSmithKline Limited
1 June 2011
Influenza infection remains an important public
Nycomed
health issue, with seasonal outbreaks and pandemics
causing significant morbidity and mortality. The
This is multicenter phase III trial with a 24-week
complications
predominantly
randomized, double-blind treatment, preceded by a
respiratory in nature, such as acute bronchitis,
4-week single-blind placebo baseline period. It is
pneumonia, and acute respiratory distress syndrome.
performed in COPD patients and includes 2 parallel
The severity of influenza outbreaks is determined by
treatment arms (placebo and roflumilast 500g once
the antigenic composition of the virus and the extent
a day. A 1:1 randomisation scheme will be used, i.e.,
of pre-existing immunity in the population. Inhaled
patients will be equally allocated to roflumilast
zanamivir has been approved for use in over 120
500g or placebo. Patients with COPD who are
countries worldwide for the treatment of influenza in
eligible for participation will enter the patient
adults and adolescents. In over 50 of these countries,
single-blind baseline period. Rescue medication
inhaled zanamivir is also approved for the treatment
(salbutamol) will be used throughout the entire trial
of pediatric patients. Inhaled zanamivir is approved in
on an “as-needed” basis.
over 60 countries for prophylaxis of influenza. The
During the baseline period, patients will receive one
purpose of this Phase III study is to obtain
placebo tablet (once daily in the morning). The
comprehensive data on the clinical efficacy, antiviral
patients will record the use of rescue medication as
activity, and safety of IV zanamivir relative to oral
well as symptoms in their paper diary. On completion
oseltamivir in adults and adolescents hospitalized
of the baseline period, patients will be re-evaluated
with influenza infection. This study will compare
and those who meet all randomization criteria will be
zanamivir at two different doses and oseltamivir.
randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive one tablet once
There will be three patient groups in this study. One
daily either roflumilast 500g, or placebo. During the
group of people will take one dose of zanamivir plus
treatment period patients will record their symptoms
a placebo, or ‘sugar’ pill, one group will take another
and use of rescue medication in a diary. At visits V0,
dose of zanamivir plus a placebo, of ‘sugar’ pill and
V2, V3, V4, V5, V6 and Vend, pulmonary function
another group will take oseltamivir plus a placebo,
tests will be performed. Visits are to be scheduled in
‘saline drip’. The effects of the drugs, both good or
the morning (between 8 am and 12 pm) such that
bad, will be compared.
pulmonary function tests will be performed within ±
(MD10619)
2 hours of the time done at visit V2. On clinic visit
of
influenza
are
days, patients will be instructed to withhold their
Randomised,
rescue medication for at least 4 hours and to withhold
Multicenter, Multinational Trial to Investigate the
trial medication until after pulmonary function
Effect of 500 g Roflumilast Tablets Once Daily
measurements are performed. The primary endpoint
A
6-month,
Double-blind,
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
will be the change from randomization (V2) over
smokers and hence early detection of COPD and
24weeks of treatment in pre-bronchodilator FEV1.
early smoking cessation if possible.
All other data will be evaluated as secondary
The hypothesis of this study is that serum
parameters. Safety status will be assessed by clinical
inflammatory and remodeling biomarkers (IL-6, IL-8,
laboratory tests, vital signs, physical examination
TGF-β, MMP9/TIMP-1, hsCRP) correlate with
(including electrocardiogram [ECG], and monitoring
respiratory symptoms and spirometric parameters in
of adverse events.
smokers when compared with non-smokers; and the
(MD10385)
pattern of these serum biomarkers can be useful in
early detection of airflow limitation and COPD. The
with
aims of this study are (1) to compare serum
Smoking-related Lung Function Abnormalities in
inflammatory and remodeling biomarker levels
Chinese Subjects
between smokers and non-smokers; (2) to correlate
Correlation
of
Serum
Biomarkers
serum biomarker levels with respiratory symptoms
KO Wai San Fanny IP Sau Man Mary* LAM
and
spirometric
parameters
in
smokers
and
non-smokers; and (3) to explore the association
Chi Leung David* YU Wai Cho*
between
1 November 2010
these
serum
biomarkers
and
with
progressive lung function decline. Serum biomarkers
Hong Kong Lung Foundation
represent
simple
and
reproducible
means
of
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
assessment of airway and systemic inflammation in
causes a significant burden to the health care system
smokers and non-smoker subjects. The demonstration
in Hong Kong. Tobacco-smoking is known to cause
of differences in biomarker levels in relation to
airway and systemic inflammation and to accelerate
abnormal lung function in smokers could allow for
lung function decline in smokers. This could further
early
lead to the development of airflow limitation and
inflammation and tissue destruction in the context of
eventually
clinical manifestation as airflow limitation or early
COPD.
Lung
function
parameters,
detection
however, have been found to be poorly correlated
COPD.
with severity and symptoms in COPD. There is
(MD10692)
of
smoking-related
airway
cumulative evidence that the clinical syndrome of
COPD reflects underlying airway inflammation and
A Randomized Controlled Trial to Investigate the
lung tissue destruction with persistent exposure to
Impact of a Low Glycemic Index (GI) Diet on
noxious substance such as tobacco smoke and such
Body
airway and systemic inflammation are reflected by
Cardiovascular and Hormonal Factors in Chinese
various
Adolescents
potential
biomarkers
detectable
from
Mass
Index
and
Obesity
Related
different body sites. Inflammatory mediator and
airway remodeling biomarkers can be detected in
KONG Pik Shan CHAN Chung Ngor Juliana
peripheral blood in patients with COPD. The
CHAN Suk Mei
identification of biomarkers that correlates with lung
Nethersole School of Nursing)
function abnormalities or symptom development may
CHOI Kai Chow (The
HENRY Jeya*
LI Man Chim Albert Martin (Paediatrics)
allow for early diagnosis of airflow limitations in
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
NELSON Edmund Anthony Severn (Paediatrics)
we propose to conduct a randomized controlled trial
of a low GI (<55) versus conventional Chinese diet
WOO Jean LOK YW Kris
(GI≥70) in adolescents (12-month intervention
1 January 2011
followed by a 6-month observational period) to study;
Research Grants Council - General Research
1) the changes in body mass index and obesity
Fund
associated changes in cardiometabolic profile; 2) the
A healthy diet is key to preventing obesity and
underlying hormonal factors associated with these
diabetes. Conventional therapy for obesity is a
changes. The challenge of suboptimal compliance
low-fat energy-restricted diet but it has consistently
and high attrition rate reported by other dietary
been shown to have modest and non-sustained
interventions will be combated by this experienced
impacts on weight reduction. Hence, alternative
team with good track record of maintaining high
dietary interventions, including low GI diet, have
retention rates of study subjects using reasonably
been proposed. Glycemic index (GI) is a measure of
frequent
the rise in blood glucose after eating a set amount of
counseling. Apart from its implications for public
carbohydrate. It has been proposed that foods that are
health, our study will provide new insights into the
rapidly digested, absorbed and transformed into
mechanisms of how low GI diets facilitate prevention
glucose have a high GI which causes accelerated and
of obesity and diabetes. It will also provide an
transient surges in blood glucose and insulin, quick
invaluable prospective cohort for data acquisition
return of hunger sensations and may contribute to
regarding
excessive caloric intake. Conversely, a low GI diet
metabolism and long-term health outcomes.
produces lower blood glucose and insulin excursions,
(CU10674)
individual
the
legacy
meetings
effect
and
between
telephone
glucose
promotes greater fat oxidation, decreases lipolysis
and increases satiety.
An Open-label Multicenter Extension Study to
Epidemiological studies suggest a role for a low GI
Determine Long Term Safety and Efficacy of
diet in the management of obesity and associated
Pregabalin (Lyrica) as Monotherapy in Patients
metabolic
with Partial Seizures
risks
including
diabetes.
However,
evidence from long-term, randomized controlled
trials exploring the relationship between low GI diet,
KWAN Kwok Leung Patrick
weight reduction and glycemia, particularly in
23 July 2010
children
and
adolescents, is lacking. Modern
Pfizer Corporation Hong Kong Limited
food-processing technology has produced many food
products with high GI which may contribute to the
This is a clinical trial assessing the long term safety
burgeoning epidemic of obesity worldwide. Since
of Pregabalin for monotherapy in partial seizure.
dietary habits are shaped in early life, adolescence is
(MD10764)
a critical period to educate our young people to
acquire a healthy eating habit to prevent obesity.
Using
a
multidisciplinary
endocrinologists,
team
pediatricians,
consisting
statistician
A Randomized Placebo Controlled Trial of
of
Vitamin
B12
Supplementation
to
Prevent
and
Cognitive Decline in Cognitively Normal Older
nutritionists experienced in conducting clinical trials,
Diabetic People with Mild Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
Data analysis: Generalized estimating equations
CHOI Kai Chow
(GEE) model will be used to compare the trial groups
(The Nethersole School of Nursing) LAM Chiu
in the proportions of subjects reaching the primary
Wa (Psychiatry)
outcome. Subgroup analysis on subjects with better
KWOK Chi Yui Timothy
MA Ching Wan Ronald
WONG Yeung Shan Samuel (School of Public
cognitive function (MMSE >25) will be performed.
Health and Primary Care)
(CU10681)
1 January 2011
Research Grants Council - General Research
Vertebral Factures in Older Chinese Men and
Women: Mr OS (Hong Kong) and Ms OS (Hong
Fund
Kong) Studies
Background: Older diabetic people are at greater risk
of cognitive decline than nondiabetic people. Vitamin
KWOK Chi Yui Timothy
WANG Yixiang
B12 deficiency in older people is associated with
(Imaging & Interventional Radiol)
cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease.
Wai
JCC
Vitamin B12 deficiency may therefore contribute to
Osteoporosis Care & Control)
cognitive decline in older diabetic people.
Chung (Institute of Chinese Medicine)
Objective: To determine whether the correction of
mild vitamin B12 deficiency in cognitively normal
older diabetic people reduces the incidence of
Leung
Anthony
(CUHK
KWOK
for
LEUNG Ping
30 June 2011
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
cognitive decline.
Design: randomized, double blind, placebo controlled
Clinical decision for anti-osteopotosis drug therapy
trial.
should be based on fracture risk factor profile, rather
Subject: 536 cognitively normal diabetic outpatients
than being based on BMD alone. Vertebral fractures
aged 75 years or older with mild vitamin B12
are a serious and irreversible outcome of osteoporosis.
deficiency (plasma vitamin B12 150-250 pmol/L and
It is estimated that less than one third of all vertebral
serum methylmalonic acid ≥ 0.4 μmol/L), recruited
fractures are clinically diagnosed. Mr. Os (Hong
from medical and family medicine/ general outpatient
Kong) is the first large scale cohort study conducted
clinics in one health region of Hong Kong.
on bone health in Asian men. This cohort will be
Method: Subjects will be randomly assigned to take
followed up to study the determinants of osteoporotic
either one capsule of vitamin B12 1 mg or one
fractures. Ms OS (Hong Kong) is a study carried out
placebo capsule daily for 27 months. Randomization
with similar structure to Ms. Os (Hong Kong). Four
will be stratified by mini mental state examination
thousand community-dwelling men (n=2000) and
score (MMSE) of 25. Follow-up will be performed at
women (n=2000) aged 65 or over were invited to
9, 18, 27 month. The primary endpoint is the
attend a health check between August 2001 and
incidence of cognitive impairment or dementia, as
December 2003. This project was designed primarily
indicated
scale.
to examine the BMD of older Chinese adults
Secondary outcomes include Alzheimer disease
prospectively for 4 years. The subjects were recruited
assessment scale (cognitive subscale) and Chinese
in three age strata so that approximately 33% were in
executive interview.
each of the stratum: 65-69 years, 70-74 years and 75
by
Clinical
dementia
rating
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
years and over. For the study subjects, lateral thoracic
ERN/LRPT/SIM combination treatment. There will
and lumbar spine radiographs have been obtained at
be 8 scheduled clinic visits at Weeks –10 or –8 or –4,
baseline and the fifth year. Using a structured spine
-2, 0 (Day 1), 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20. The final visit will
radiograph analysis, we intend to investigate: 1) The
be conducted at Week 20 (Visit 8), followed by a
prevalence, and incidence of radiographic vertebral
post-study telephone contact 14 days after the last
factures in Hong Kong males and females, in normal
visit or last blinded treatment dose. Patients who
BMD subjects, osteopenia subjects, and osteoporosis
discontinue from the study prior to completion will
subjects, respectively; 2) These subjects’ incidence of
also be contacted by telephone at their intended final
clinical vertebral factures; and 3) Risk factors of
visit study date (20 weeks from randomization) for
vertebral fractures. The results will provide a
serious cardiovascular adverse events or death.
foundation from which the health impact of vertebral
Approximately
fracture can be estimated.
hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia will be
(MD10633)
randomized at sites worldwide.
1268
patients
with
primary
(MD10596)
A Phase III Multicenter, Double-blind, Crossover
Design Study to Evaluate Lipid-altering Efficacy
Enteric Involvement of Seasonal Influenza A
and
Virus Infection and Its Pathogenesis (Sub-project
Safety
of
Extended-release
Niacin/Laropiprant/Simvastatin
Tablet
in
Patients
Combination
with
of MD09881)
Primary
Hypercholesterolemia or Mixed Dyslipidemia –
LEE Lai Shun Nelson
(Microbiology)
MK-0524B-118
CHAN Chi Wai
CHAN Kay Sheung Paul
(Microbiology)
LAM Yat Yin
YU Cheuk Man
YAN Ping
Yen Bryan
1 January 2010
Research Fund for the Control of Infectious
1 April 2011
Diseases
Merck Sharp & Dohme
Background: In humans seasonal influenza A viruses
This is a multicenter, double-blind, randomized,
(H1N1 and H3N2) infections usually present with
crossover
respiratory and, to a lesser extent, gastrointestinal
study.
Following
the
pre-screening/wash-out period and 2-week placebo
symptoms.
run-in, eligible patients will be randomized in a 1:1
influenza A viruses from stool has been infrequently
ratio at Visit 3 to one of the two treatment groups.
documented.
After 4 weeks of treatment at Visit 4 (Week 4),
influenza A viruses infection and pathogenesis
treatment doses of ERN/LRPT will be increased in
remains largely unexplored.
both treatment groups for an additional 8 weeks. At
Study Design: Stool specimens from adult patients
Visit 6 (Week 12), patients on ERN/LRPT/SIM
(age ≥ 18) with confirmed influenza A infection will
combination will crossover to the ERN/LRPT + SIM
be collected. Influenza A viruses in stool will be
coadministration treatment and patients in the
detected and quantified by TaqMan probe-based
coadministration
reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain
group
will
crossover
to
the
However,
isolation
of
seasonal
Enteric involvement of seasonal
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
reaction (RT-qPCR).
Virus subtyping will be
performed using H1- and H3-specific PCR targeting
the hemagglutinin gene.
1 January 2011
Research Fund for the Control of Infectious
Isolation of infectious
Diseases
influenza A virus from stool will be performed by
Presence and distribution of human
Background: C difficile diarrhea (CDI) is the most
influenza A virus receptor, sialic acid alpha-2, 6-Gal,
common cause of hospital-acquired diarrhea. It is
along
estimated that 15-20% of patients experience
MDCK culture.
human
gastrointestinal
tract
(stomach,
duodenum, jejunum, and colon) will be evaluated by
recurrence of CDI after treatment.
lectin histochemistry on archival tissues.
Research Plan:
On the
basis of lectin histochemistry results, ex vivo culture
1.
This is a prospective case-control study
of influenza A viruses of the corresponding tissue
identifying all the cases of C. difficile
will be performed.
Immunofluorescence of viral
infection in four hospitals in NTEC (PWH,
hemagglutinin and neuraminidase proteins and
Shatin Hospital, AHNH and Tai Po Hospital)
TCID50 determination will be used to access
during the study period of three years.
successful viral infection and replication.
are hospital acquired CDI, and control are
Preliminary Findings: From February 2006 through
age-sex matched individuals admitted for
February 2008, a total of 75 stool specimens were
non-diarrheal
collected from 71 adult patients with nasopharangeal
information about host factors was abstracted
aspirate-confirmed influenza A infection in a local
from the medical records.
hospital (Prince of Wales Hospital).
Influenza A
(age, gender, source of patient e.g., elderly
viruses were detected in 30 (40%) of our stool
home for A&E), clinical (medical condition,
specimens by RT-qPCR.
previous treatment (including exposure to
The median viral RNA
conditions.
Relevant
Demographic
level is 39,650 PCR copies per gram of stool (range
antimicrobials),
4,870-4,560,000).
Virus subtyping by H1- and
antacid medication etc) and environmental
H3-specific PCR revealed that our influenza A
factors (acute vs rehabilitation hospital,
viruses match to either the predominant H1 or H3
hospital isolation facilities, hand hygiene etc)
sublineage that was circulating locally at the time of
will be included in the survey. Information
specimens collection.
Our preliminary findings
on environmental and administrative factors
show that seasonal influenza A viruses may shed
was obtained through visits to the wards and
through gastrointestinal tract.
interview with ward managers or nursing
In-depth follow-up
concomitant
Cases
receipt
of
investigations are highly warranted.
officers.
Logistic regression analyses were
(MD09942)
used to identify the major risk factors for
CDI.
Clostridium Difficile Diarrhea: Risk Factors for
2.
All patients with DCI will be treated with oral
Development and Recurrence (Sub-project of
metronidazole for 12 days.
In the second
MD09881)
part of the study, patients who has relapse of
diarrhea within one month after the treatment
LEE Lai Shun Nelson SUNG Joseph Jao Yiu
will be required for studying the risks factors
associated with recurrent CDI.
Again,
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
demographic, clinical, and environmental
A Randomized, Double-blind, Parallel Group
factors will be included in the survey and
Study of the Safety and Effect on Clinical
analysis will be conducted to identify risk
Outcome of Tocilizumab SC versus Tocilizumab
factors.
IV, in combination with Traditional Disease
(MD10875)
Modifying
Anti-rheumatoid
Arthritis
Drugs
(DMARDs), in Patients with Moderate to Severe
Functional Outcome and Recovery after STROKE:
Active Rheumatoid Arthritis
The First Trial
LI Kwok Ming Edmund
LEUNG Wai Hong Thomas
Edward*
LEUNG Howan*
LAU YL
Alexander* IP HL Vincent* AU WC Lisa*
TAM Lai Shan
KWOK Lai Wa* WONG Ching Han*
WONG H C
30 September 2010
Roche Hong Kong Limited
SOO OY Yannie* SIU YW Deyond*
1 July 2010
Penumbra Inc.
This is a Phase III, 2-arm, 2-year, randomized,
double-blind,
double-dummy,
active
controlled,
parallel group multicenter trial in patients with
Current literature has only limited information on the
moderate to severe, active RA who currently have an
natural history of acute ischemic stroke from large
inadequate response to a stable dose of DMARDs
vessel occlusion in a stroke cohort who presents
that may include one or more anti-TNF biological
within 8 hours from symptom onset, particularly on
agent. The primary endpoint will be evaluated at 24
90 day functional outcome as defined by the mRS.
weeks.
Data from this trial will advance our knowledge on
The screening visit can occur up to 21 days prior to
this important topic and may serve as a bench mark
the baseline randomization visit. Patient eligibility
for future trials.
will be determined at the screening and baseline visits,
The objective of this study is to determine the natural
at which time the patient will be randomized. The
history of acute ischemic stroke from large vessel
number of patients that have failed previous anti-TNF
thromboembolism in the brain. The target population
treatment will be limited to approximately 20% of the
is a stroke cohort with a known infarct volume who
total study population.
presents within 8 hours from symptom onset with a
In the double-blind period, at baseline visit, patients
NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score > 10. Functional
will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either
outcome as defined by the modified Rankin Scale
TCZ 162 mg SC weekly and placebo IV q4w (group
(mRS) of all enrolled patients will be followed for 90
A), or TCZ 8mg/kg IV q4w with placebo SC qw
days after the index event.
(group B) for 24 weeks. The primary analysis will
A prospective, single arm, multi-center trial. Up to
occur when all patients reach Week 24.
200 patients at up to 45 centers will be enrolled in the
At Week 24, all patients will be re-randomized for
study. It is anticipated that up to 150 evaluable
the open-label period as follows:
patients will be needed for analysis.
•
(MD10588)
Group A: patients will be re-randomized in an
11:1 ratio to receive TCZ 162 mg SC weekly
(group A1), or 8 mg/kg IV every four weeks
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
Research Grants Council - General Research
(group A2); and
•
Group B: patients will be re-randomized in a
Fund
2:1 ratio to receive 8 mg/kg IV every four
weeks (group B1), or TCZ 162 mg SC weekly
develop osteoporosis and they are at a high risk for
(group B2).
Prior to the first dose of double-blind study
medication (baseline visit), patient-reported outcomes
and efficacy assessments should be performed within
24 hours (up to 72 hours will be allowed when
necessary). All laboratory assessments should be
performed as per the Schedule of Assessments for the
double-blind period and the open-label period. There
will be a one-week dose interruption period between
Week 24 and 25 before the first treatment for the
The efficacy parameters will be assessed at baseline,
Week 2, Week 4 and then every 4 weeks up to Week
24 and then Week 37, 49, 73 and 97 or early
All patients will have two follow-up “telephone”
visits at Weeks 4 and 8 after the end of treatment
study visit (Week 97) or early WD visit from the
no
Patients
with
systemic
lupus
erythematosus (SLE) is an example of a condition
that
require
prolonged
corticosteroid
therapy.
Measurement of areal bone mineral density (BMD)
by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is
presently the accepted method for the diagnosis of
osteoporosis and prediction of fracture risk. However,
this technique has limitations that include the
2-dimensional nature that does not allow assessment
assessment. BMD measures with DXA do not always
accurately predict those who are at risk for fractures
as some with normal BMD will develop fractures.
replacement
of
density, such as the microstructure and mechanical
strength
are
important.
A
new
system,
a
high-resolution quantitative peripheral tomography
(HR-pQCT), a 3-dimensional imaging technique of
study to assess AEs and conomitant medications.
be
fractures.
This suggests other determinants, apart from bone
withdraw (WD) visit.
will
bone
of the bony microarchitecture, a 3-dimension
open-label period at Week 25.
There
Patients with on long-term steroid are prone to
patients
discontinuing treatment for any reason during the
sufficiently high resolution is currently available to
study bone microarchitecture in vivo. Similar to
quantitative histomorphometry of transiliac bone
study.
biopsy
(MD10942)
samples,
HR-pQCT
can
be
used
non-invasively to assess trabecular and cortical bone
In Vivo Assessment of Bone Microarchitecture in
Patients
on
Chronic
Steroid
Therapy
by
High-resolution Peripheral Quantative Computed
at the distal radius and tibia, thus providing additional,
independent information and may help to better
predict fracture risk and assess response to drug
therapy.
Tomography and the Finite Method
Most studies to date using HR-pQCT reported that
LI Kwok Ming Edmund
GRIFFITH James
Francis (Imaging & Interventional Radiol) QIN
Ling (Orthopaedics & Traumatology)
Lai Shan ZHANG Ming*
6 October 2010
TAM
microarchitecture measurements at the distal radius
discriminate postmenopausal women with a history
of fragility fracture from those without, partly
independent of BMD assessed with DXA. With the
addition
of
finite
element
analysis,
μFE
(a
mathematical modeling technique to calculate bone
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
strength and stiffness), bone mechanical properties
Bone mineral density (BMD) does not entirely
can be assessed, in addition to microstructure, and are
determine fracture risk. Studies using high resolution
likely to enhance prediction of wrist fracture risk, not
peripheral
assessed by BMD or architecture measurements alone
(HR-pQCT) have demonstrated that alterations of
in postmenopausal women.
cortical and trabecular architecture is associated with
There is as yet no HR-pQCT data in patients with
fragility fractures. With technical advances in
steroid - induced osteoporosis or comparative data on
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), studies have
normal healthy subjects. The aim of our study is to
shown a correlation between low vertebral bone
assess bone mineral density, microarchitecture and
perfusion, increased fat content and decreased BMD
mechanical properties in 180 patients on long-term
in post-menopausal women using dynamic-contrast
steroid
lupus
enhanced MRI. Currently, there is a new MRI
erythematosus (SLE) and 180 healthy controls. Using
technique, namely blood oxygen level-dependent
HR-pQCT with finite element anaylsis (μFE) to
(BOLD) MRI, which measures tissue oxygen. This
estimate mechanical properties, we can indentify
non-invasive technique may provide valuable insight
possible
into bone perfusion, which has been shown
using
risk
patients
factors
with
for
systemic
bone
fractures.
By
quantitative
computed
tomography
prospectively following both groups for 2 years, we
significantly associated with osteoporosis.
can
In this study, we will use the new technique to
determine
the
serial
bone
density,
microarchitecture and mechanical progression in each
measure
bone
perfusion
in
systemic
lupus
group and to assess development of new fractures,
erythematosus (SLE) patients. In SLE, bone loss is
further enhancing possible early detection those are at
largely due to glucocorticoids, although inflammation,
risk of the development of fractures in long-term
disease activity and co-morbidities may also play a
steroid users.
critical role. Considering the role of inflammation in
(CU10710)
the development of osteoporosis in SLE, we propose
a case-control pilot study, the objectives of which
In vivo Assessment of Bone Microarchitecture and
include: 1) to assess volumetric bone density
Bone Perfusion in Osteoporotic Patients with
(vBMD), mircoarchitecture and bone perfusion of
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
SLE
patients;
2)
to
compare
vBMD,
microarchitecture and bone perfusion between active
LI Kwok Ming Edmund
GRIFFITH James
Francis (Imaging & Interventional Radiol)
TAM Lai Shan
QIN Ling (Orthopaedics &
Traumatology)
1 March 2011
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
and inactive patients; and 3) to determine the
correlation between vBMD, microarchitecture and
bone perfusion.
10 disease active SLE patients (subjects) and 10
inactive SLE patients (controls), both on long-term
glucocorticoids and with osteoporosis will be
recruited. Demographic and clinical measures will be
collected. We use HR-pQCT to assess vBMD,
Osteoporosis is the most common metabolic bone
microarchitecture, and BOLD MR1 to assess bone
disorder. There are many factors contributing to it.
perfusion.
However, the actual pathophysiology remains unclear.
(MD10966)
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
AstraZeneca Hong Kong Limited
The Observational Registry Collecting Data on
Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor
Saxagliptin (BMS-477118) is a highly potent,
selective, reversible, and competitive DPP4 inhibitor.
Patients (GEP-NET)
DPP4 is the enzyme responsible for the inactivation
MA Ching Wan Ronald
CHOW Chun Chung
saxagliptin potentiates active endogenous GLP-1
Francis* NG Enders Kwok-wai (Surgery)
concentrations,
6 July 2010
regarding the clinical presentation, epidemiology,
disease progression and treatment is relatively scarce,
particularly in relation o patients in Asia. This
projects aims to establish a registry of Asian patients
with neuroendocrine tumours in order to advance
understanding about the diagnosis and treatment of
patients with this disorder. Information regarding
clinical background and status of patients with
confirmed diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumours will
be otained and entered into a registry. No
study-related intervention will be administered during
physiological
fasting glucose levels in patients with T2DM.
The results from the 8 clinical studies in the
saxagliptin Phase IIb and III programmmes in over
4600 patients combined with the results from clinical
pharmacology studies support the oral dose of
saxagliptin 5mg once daily in a wide range of
patients with T2DM, as either monotherapy, add-on
combination therapy with metformin, a TZD, or a SU,
or initial combination therapy with metformin.
The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of
Saxagliptin on the incidence of cardiovascular death,
myocardial infarction or ischaemic stroke in patients
with type 2 diabetes.
the study.
(MD10688)
(MD10447)
Multicentre,
Randomized,
Double-blind,
Placebo-controlled Phase IV Trial to Evaluate the
of
the
glucagons release, thereby reducing postprandial and
Neuroendocrine tumours are rare and information
Effect
augmenting
mechanism of insulin secretion and decreasing
Novartis Pharmaceuticals (HK) Ltd
A
of GLP-1 and GIP. By inhibiting the enzyme DPP4,
Saxagliptin
on
the
Incidence
of
Cardiovascular Death, Myocardial Infarction or
Developing a Platform to Deliver Personalized
Healthcare
Using
Genotype-based
Risk
Algorithms to Predict Diabetes and Diabetic
Complications
Ischaemic Stroke in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
MA Ching Wan Ronald
MA Ching Wan Ronald
Juliana
KONG Pik Shan
CHAN Chung Ngor
SO Wing Yee*
OZAKI Risa*
Andrea O Y*
NG Vanessa W S*
Kit Ting Kitty*
LAU Wing Yan*
Enoch*
15 December 2010
LUK
CHEUNG
TING Zhao Wei*
WU
Juliana
SO Wing Yee
Heung Man
(Statistics)
Biomedical
CHAN Chung Ngor
YANG Xilin
WANG Ying
LEE
FAN Xiaodan
TSUI Kwok Wing (School of
Sciences)
CHAN
Hon
Fu
Raymond (Mathematics)
1 February 2011
Daiichi Sankyo Company Limited Innovation
& Technology Commission-Innovation and
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
Technology Support Programme
End stage renal disease (ESRD) is a common
Sanofi-Aventis Hong Kong Ltd
complication among patients with diabetes. Protein
Kinase
There is an estimated 100 million individuals with
diabetes in China at present. Cardiovascular and
kidney complications are the main causes of death in
patients with diabetes, which together account for a
large proportion of the healthcare burden associated
with diabetes. Accurate tools which can help identify
patients at high risk of developing complications
would be most valuable, as they can aid the selection
of patients for intensified treatment, which can
significantly reduce the risk of complications, and the
associated healthcare costs. Our group has identified
a large number of genetic markers which are
associated with diabetes and diabetic complications
in Chinese, and have received patents to utilize these
markers for disease prediction. In this project, we aim
to use a large biobank consisting of 6000 patients,
with detailed clinical information and follow-up data,
to consolidate a core set of genetic variants which
will be incorporated into a validated assay to predict
diabetic complications in Chinese. We will also
develop a set of risk prediction algorithms based on
genetic information obtained from the assay, which
will be included in an electronic portal which can be
used to deliver innovative treatment and upgrade the
competitiveness of healthcare services in Hong Kong.
(MD10592)
C-β
intermediate
is
in
an
the
important
cell-signaling
pathogenesis
of
diabetic
nephropathy. The aim of our study was to examine
the
contribution
of
PKC-β
gene
(PRKCB1)
polymorphisms to diabetic kidney disease in a 8-year
prospective Chinese cohort of patients with type 2
diabetes. We genotyped eighteen tag SNPs (single
nucleotide polymorphism) in the promoter region and
spanning PRKCB1 gene at r2=0.8 based on HapMap
CHB data in 1172 Chinese patients without past
history of chronic kidney disease at baseline.
Associations of PRKCB1 polymorphisms under
additive, dominant and recessive genetic models with
outcome of end stage renal disease were assessed by
Cox proportional hazard regression, adjusted for the
conventional risk factors including sex, age, duration
of T2D and drug treatments. During mean follow-up
period of 7.9 ± 1.9 years, 90 of 1172 subjects (7.7%)
progressed
to
end
polymorphisms,
stage
which
are
renal
in
failure.
high
Two
linkage
2
disequilibrium (r =0.98 in the present study), showed
the strongest association with the transition to end
stage renal disease (HR (95% C.I.) = 2.25 (1.31 –
3.87), P=0.003; HR (95% C.I.) = 2.26 (1.31 – 3.88),
P = 0.003). There were also significantly increased
risk for ESRD with increasing numbers of risk alleles
(P<0.001 for ESRD) in the joint effect analysis. The
adjusted risk for ESRD was 6.04 (95% C.I.
Genetic Variants of the Protein Kinase C-β 1 Gene
and Development of End Stage Renal Disease in
Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
2.00-18.31) for patients with four or more alleles
compared to patients without risk alleles. Our study
suggested that genetic variants in the PRKCB1 gene
are
MA Ching Wan Ronald
SO Wing Yee
CHAN Chung Ngor Juliana
3 March 2011
important
independent
predictors
for
the
development of diabetic nephropathy in Chinese
subjects.
(MD10681)
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
A 78-week Noninterventional Longitudinal Study
increasing in Asia in the past two decades. Incidence
to Validate the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment
of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis has risen by
Scale – Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-Cog), Disability
two-fold in Hong Kong. The pathophysiology of IBD
Assessment
and
relates to the mucosal immune response to antigenic
Neuropsychological Test Battery (NTB) in Asian
stimulation from the gut microbiota, on a background
Subjects with Mild to Moderate Alzheimer’s
of genetic susceptibility. The children of immigrants
Disease
from low to high incidence areas, but not the
for
Dementia
(DAD),
immigrants themselves, have a high incidence of IBD,
MOK Chung Tong Vincent
CHAN Anne*
KWAN Wing Lam WONG Adrian
8 September 2010
Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
suggesting that exposure to new environmental
factors during childhood is a key factor in the
development of IBD. “Westernization” of lifestyle
and industrialization in Asia may also play a role.
Patients with IBD have altered gut microbiota; these
This is a phase 2, multicenter, longitudinal,
changes are likely to reflect the evolution of lifestyle
noninterventional study in subjects with mild to
factors. Little is known about the gut microbiota of
moderate AD or in normal cognition subjects.
IBD patients in the Asia. We aim to assess and
Subjects from China, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong,
compare the diversity of the microbiota within and
and Korea will be enrolled in the trial. All subjects
between Hong Kong and Australia (countries with
will enter a screening period up to 31 days. If
different IBD incidence) both in the healthy, and IBD
subjects are found to be eligible, they will be entered
populations in subjects of Caucasian and Chinese
into the study and will be evaluated over the next 78
ethnicity. We will also compare the gut microbiota in
weeks. Subjects will be treated as outpatients for the
IBD patients with the micobiota of their non-IBD
duration of the study. No investigational product will
affected siblings. Twenty IBD patients and twenty
be introduced. A caregiver/study partner needs to
controls will be recruited from each country.
present for each visit to provide adequate information
Microbiological
about the subject.
colonoscopically-obtained mucosal biopsies will be
(MD10468)
conducted
using
analysis
State-of-the-art
of
metagenomic
techniques. Mucosal adherent microbiota will be
Gut Microbiota in the Healthy Population,
assessed using microarray analysis of gut microbial
Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients, and Their
community; initial assessment involves using a
Relatives
phylogenetic custom microarray to assess gut
microbial diversity; a more detailed investigation is
NG Siew Chien
then undertaken using pyrosequencing, which detects
20 June 2011
known and novel phyla within the microbiome, and
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
allows monitoring of microbiota population dynamics
using 16S fingerprinting. Targeted PCR will then be
used in order to possibly identify a candidate
Previously a disease of the west, the incidence of
microorganism that may be implicated in IBD in this
inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is rapidly
cohort. Characterising the microbiota in low but
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
increasing, and high, incidence countries and ethnic
insulin with or without concomitant metformin
populations, and the effect of migration of ethnic
treatment.
groups on the development of disease, may allow the
(MD10430)
identification of specific causal factors in the
microbiota. Blood will also be taken for assessment
A
of serum markers of inflammation, and a panel of
Placebo-controlled, Parallel Group, Efficacy and
antibodies against bacterial peptides and glycans, and
Safety Study of BI 10773 (10 mg and 25 mg
for genetic studies. This research aims to delineate
Administered
the contribution of microbiota in a population of
Pre-existing Antidiabetic Therapy over 52 Weeks
increasing risk. To our knowledge, this will be the
in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and
first trans-national and trans-cultural study to
Renal Impairment and Insufficient Glycaemic
examine the microbiota in this comparative way.
Control
Phase
III,
Randomized,
Once
Daily)
as
Double-blind,
Add
on
to
Studying gut microbiota, genetics and environmental
factors in populations with changing incidence offers
OZAKI Risa
CHEUNG Kit Ting Kitty*
the greatest hope of identifying potentially important
LUK On Yan*
MA Ching Wan Ronald
aetiological factors in IBD.
Vanessa W S*
TING Zhao Wei*
(MD10559)
Yee* LAU Wing Yan*
NG
SO Wing
1 October 2010
A
24-week,
Multi-center,
Double-blind,
Boehringer Ingelheim Taiwan Ltd
Randomized, Placebo-controlled, Parallel-group
Study to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of
This randomized, double-blind, multi-national, and
Vildagliptin 50mg Bid as an Add-on Therapy to
placebo controlled, parallel group study compares
Insulin, with or without Metformin, in Patients
two doses of BI 10773 (10 mg and 25 mg) to placebo
with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
as add-on therapy to preexisting antidiabetic therapy,
excluding only SGLT-2 inhibitors.
OZAKI Risa
CHAN Chung Ngor Juliana
In total, 682 patients with type 2 diabetes who meet
MA Ching Wan Ronald SO Wing Yee* LUK
the entry criteria are planned for inclusion in this trial.
Andrea O Y* LAU Wing Yan*
NG Vanessa
The randomized treatment will be double-blind
CHEUNG Kit Ting
within the dose groups of BR 10773 and plavebo (i.e.,
W S*
TING Zhao Wei*
Kitty*
1 October 2010
Novartis Pharmaceuticals (HK) Ltd
each patient will receive one active treatment and one
placebo matching the alternative active treatment or
two placebos matching both active ingredients).
Patients are included in the study once they have
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic
signed the informed consent. All patients suitable
progressive disease which is associated with long
after screening will undergo a two week open-label
term complication that increases morbidity, mortality
placebo run-in period before randomization. Patients
and healthcare costs as a global public health concern.
who successfully complete this period and who still
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and
meet
effect of vildagliptin 50mg as an add-on therapy to
randomized to the 52 week randomized period of the
the
inclusion/exclusion
criteria
will
be
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
study in which patients with mild renal repairment
study compares one dose of BI 10773 (25mg) to
(an estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) ≥60
glimepiride (1-4 mg).
and <90 ml/min) will receive either 10 mg BI 10773,
In total, 1400 patients with type 2 diabetes who meet
25 mg BI 10773 or placebo, in addition to their
the
pre-existing antidiabetic therapy and patients with
randomization/inclusion in this trial. The randomised
moderate or severe renal impairment (an eGFR ≥30
treatment will be double-blind within the dose groups
and <60 ml/min and ≥15 and <30 ml/min
of BI 10773 and glimepiride (i.e., each patient will
respectively) will receive either 25 mg BI 10773 or
receive one active treatment and one placebo
placebo in addition to their pre-existing antidiabetic
matching the alternative active treatment, i.e., a
therapy.
double dummy design.
Once the patient is randomized, background therapy
Patients are included in the study once they have
should remain unchanged until Visit 7. During this
signed the informed consent. All patients suitable
period, rescue medication can be added if needed
after screening undergo a 2 week open-label placebo
(according to Section 4.2.1). After Visit 7 (24 weeks
run-in period before randomization. Patients who
after randomization) adjustments in antidiabetic
successfully complete this period and who still meet
therapy will be allowed at the Investigators’ disection
the inclusion/exclusion criteria will be randomized to
to control glucose values and HbA1c according to
the 104 week randomised period of the study in
clinical judgment.
which they will receive either BI 10773 25mg or
(MD10777)
glimepiride 1-4 mg in addition to metformin. The
entry
criteria
are
planned
for
patient participation is concluded when they have
A
Phase
III
Randomized,
Double-blind,
Active-controlled Parallel Group Efficacy and
undergone (v 15) i.e., the last planned visit.
(MD10554)
Safety Study of BI 10773 compared to Glimepiride
Administered Orally during 104 Weeks in Patients
A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled,
with Type 2 Diabetes Orally during 104 Weeks in
3-arm,
Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and
Study with a 26-week Extension, to Evaluate the
Insufficient
Efficacy, Safety and Tolerability of Canagliflozin
Glycaemic
Control
Despite
Metformini Treatment
Parallel-group,
26-week,
Multicenter
in the Treatment of Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes
Mellitus Who Have Moderate Renal Impairment
OZAKI Risa
CHEUNG Kit Ting Kitty*
LUK On Yan*
MA Ching Wan Ronald
Vanessa W S*
TING Zhao Wei*
NG
SO Wing
Yee* LAU Wing Yan*
OZAKI Risa
CHAN Chung Ngor Juliana
KONG Pik Shan MA Ching Wan Ronald SO
Wing Yee*
LAU Winnie WY*
LUK On
Yan* NG Vanessa W S* TING Zhao Wei*
15 November 2010
CHEUNG Kit Ting Kitty* WU Enoch*
Boehringer Ingelheim Taiwan Ltd
6 April 2011
This
randomised,
double-blind,
multi-national,
Johnson & Johnson (Hong Kong) Limited
non-inferiority, actively controlled, parallel group
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
This
is
a
randomized,
double-blind,
placebo-controlled, parallel-group, 3-arm, multicenter
OZAKI Risa
CHAN Chung Ngor Juliana
study in subjects with T2DM 25 years of age with
KONG Pik Shan MA Ching Wan Ronald SO
inadequate glycemic control (i.e., HbA1c of 7.0%
Wing Yee* LAU Wing Yan* LUK Andrea O
and 10.5%) who have moderate renal impairment
Y*
(eGFR 30and <50 mL/min/1.73m2), and are either
CHEUNG Kit Ting Kitty* WU Enoch*
not on an antihyperglycemia agent (AHA) or on a
stable AHA regimen (for at least 8 weeks prior to
NG Vanessa W S*
TING Zhao Wei*
1 June 2011
Merck Sharp & Dohme (Asia) Ltd
Week-2). To be eligible for the randomization, the
subject must be on AHA(s) used in accordance with
The purpose of this study is to examine the efficacy
local prescribing information (i.e., the local label) for
and safety of a sitagliptin-based treatment paradigm
patients with T2DM and moderate renal impairment.
compared
Subjects not meeting this criterion at screening may
paradigm over a 26-week treatment period in patients
have their AHA regimen appropriately adjusted
with T2DM with inadequate glycemic control on
during and AHA adjustment period. Subjects must
metformin monotherapy.
also have generally stable renal function, based on
Approximately 600 patients who are 18 and 79
eGFR values at Week-2 (start of the 2-week
years of age with T2DM and inadequate glycemic
single-blind placebo run-in period) relative to the
control (A1C 7.0% and 11.0%) on metformin
(pre)screening visit value (i.e., 25% eGFR). After
monotherapy will be eligible for randomization into
completing the 2-week single-blind placebo run-in
the study if they meet all other enrollment criteria.
period, approximately 240 subjects meeting all
The duration of the study will be up to 27 weeks
eligibility criteria will be randomly assigned in a
(with 5 clinic visits). This will include a 1-week
1:1:1
screening period (Visit 1 to Visit 2) and a 26-week
ratio
to
once
daily
administration
of
with
a
liraglutide-based
treatment
canaglifloxin 100mg, canagliflozin 300 mg, or
open-label treatment period (Visits 2 to Visits 5).
matching placebo added to the subject’s current
At Visit 1/Screening Visit, patients on a stable dose
stable diabetes regimen (e.g., diet, exercise, and
of metformin monotherapy ( 1500 mg per day for at
medication therapy ) for 52 weeks of double-blind
least 12 weeks), who have a hemoglobin A1C (A1C)
treatment: a 26-week core double-blind treatment
7.0% and 11.0% and who meet all study
period followed by a 26-week double-blind extension
enrollment criteria will be eligible to enter into the
period.
26-week open-label treatment period at Visit 2/Day1.
(MD10458)
Patients will be randomized to either sitagliptin or
liraglutide in a 1:1 ratio. Sitagliptin will be
A Phase III, Multicenter, Randomized, Open-label
administered as a 100 mg tablet once-daily (q.d.)
Clinical Trial comparing the Efficacy and Safety
orally throughout the study. The starting dose of
of a Sitagliptin-based Treatment Paradigm to a
liraglutide will be 0.6 mg by subcutaneous injection
Liraglutide-based
in
q.d. until Day 7. The dose of liraglutide will then be
Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Who Have
up-titrated to 1.2 mg q.d. on Day 8 (this up-titration
Inadequate Glycemic Control on Metformin
step is not associated with a study visit). All patients
Monotherapy
will continue their stable dose of metformin 1500
Treatment
Paradigm
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
mg per day and diet/exercise therapy throughout the
110mg/dL(6.1 mmo1/L) at Visit3/Week 12.
study.
Glimepiride will be administered as oral tablets
At Visit 3/Week 12, patients’ glycemic status will be
(either 1 or 2 mg q.d.). Refer to Section 2.4.2.7 for
assessed by a mandatory sitefingerstick A1C and
detailed information regarding the initiation and
site-fasting fingerstick glucose (FFSG) measurements
up-titration of glimepipride.
to determine if additional oral antihyperglycemic
A poststudy telephone contact will be performed 14
agent
for
days after the last dose of study medication (either
sitagliptinbased treatment paradigm patients), or
after completion of the 26-week open-label treatment
up-titration from 1.2 to 1.8 per day of liraglutide (fro
period or after early discontinuation from the study)
liraglutide-based treatment paradigm patients) will be
to query for serious adverse events (SAEs).
administered.
(MD10605)
(AHA)
therapy
(glimepiride
Patients who have a site-fingerstick A1C <7.0% at
Visit 3/Week 12 will continue their current regimen
A Phase IIb/III Clinical Study Protocol – Chronic
of study medication of their respective open-label
Renal
therapy for the remainder of the study.
Disease/Nephrosclerosis)
Failure
(Primary
Glomerular
Patients assigned to the sitagliptin-based treatment
paradigm who have a site-fingerstick A1C 7.0% and
SZETO Cheuk Chun
FFSG <110mg/dL (<6.1 mmo1/L) at Visit 3/Week 12
1 December 2010
will also continue with their current regimen of study
Astellas Pharma Inc.
medication for the remainder of the study. However,
patients who have a site-fingerstaick A1C 7.0% and
Chronic renal failure (CRF) is a condition in which
FFSG 110 mg/dL (6.1 mmo1/L) at Visit 3/Week
the kidneys gradually lose their functions. Patients
12 will initiate glimepiride (either 1 mg or 2 mg q.d.)
eventually requires dialysis or kidney transplant.
in addition to their ongoing therapy with sitagliptin
TRK-200STP is expected to slow the progression of
100mg q.d and metformin 1500 mg per day.
chronic renal failure by making blood harder to clot,
Patients assigned to the liraglutide-based treatment
improving blood flow by widening the blood vessels,
paradigm who have a site-fingerstick A1C 7.0% at
and suppressing the production of inflammation
Visit 3/Week 12 will up-titrate their dose from 1.2 to
mediators. TRK-100STP used in this study is a
1.8 mg at Visit 3/Week 12.
longer acting version, which requires less frequent
Sitagliptin 100 mg q.d. will be administered as oral
dosing, than the marketed product sold under the
tablets during the entire 26-week study treatment
name of Dorner or Procylin for the treatment of
period. Liraglutide will be injected subcutaneously
“ulcers, pain, and coldness related to chronic arterial
once daily using a pre-filled pen device. Metformin
obstruction” or “primary pulmonary hypertension”.
will be administered as oral tablets at a daily dose of
TRK-100STP, the longer acting version also has been
1500 mg; all patients will continue on their stable
commercially available in Japan by the product
dose of metformin throughout the course of the study.
names “Careload LA” and “Berasus LA” has already
Patients assigned to the sitagliptin-based treatment
been used by a large number of Japanese patients
paradigm will initiate glimepiride at Visit 3/Week 12
with pulmonary arterial hypertension. Based on the
if their site-fingerstick A1C is 7.0% and FFSG is
past non-clinical data, a multicenter, randomized,
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
double-blind, and parallel-group comparative study
management of PD peritonitis. Recent studies
(phase IIb/III clinical study) was planned to
showed that bacterial-derived DNA fragments are
investigate the superiority of TRK-100STP over the
present in clinically used fluids such as dialysis fluid.
placebo for the CRF patients with glomerular disease
DNA fragments are thought to be derived from
or nephrosclerosis as primary diseases. Using the
microorganisms
renal composite endpoints, this study will evaluate
hypothesize that the presence of bacteria-derived
“extension of the period up to introduction of
DNA fragment in PD effluent is a predictor of
dialysis” as a true endpoint and will investigate a
relapsing peritonitis in PD patients. We plan to study
recommended therapeutic dose using the three groups
120 patients with PD peritonitis. After inform consent,
of 120 μg/day, 240 μg/day and the placebo.
two specimens of PD effluent will be collected, on 0
Based on the past non-clinical and clinical data, a
day and 28 days after the antibiotic treatment has
multicenter,
and
completed, for the test of bacterial-derived DNA
parallel-group comparative study (phase IIb/III
fragments. All patients will be followed for one year
clinical study) was planned to investigate the
after completion of antibiotic therapy for the
superiority of TRK-100STP over the placebo for the
development of relapsing, recurrent, or repeat
CRF
or
peritonitis episodes. Our study would explore the use
nephrosclerosis as primary diseases. Using the renal
of detecting bacterial-derived DNA fragment in PD
composite endpoints, this study will evaluate
effluent as an non-invasive tests for the prediction of
“extension of the period up to introduction of
relapsing peritonitis.
dialysis” as a true endpoint and will investigate a
(MD10766)
patients
randomized,
with
double-blind,
glomerular
disease
inhabiting
body
fluid.
We
recommended therapeutic dose using the three groups
of 120 μg/day, 240 μg/day and the placebo.
Circulating Bacterial-derived DNA Fragments in
(MD10483)
Peritoneal Dialysis
Bacterial-derived DNA Fragment in Peritoneal
SZETO Cheuk Chun
Dialysis Effluent as a Predictor of Relapsing
1 January 2011
Peritonitis
Baxter Healthcare - Renal Discoveries
Extramural Grant Program
SZETO Cheuk Chun KWAN Ching Ha Bonnie
Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the
1 December 2010
major cause of mortality and morbidity in peritoneal
Research Fund for the Control of Infectious
dialysis (PD) patients. In addition to the traditional
Diseases
risk factors of CVD, it is now recognized that
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is the first-line treatment of
systemic inflammation plays a key role in the
end stage renal disease (ESRD) in Hong Kong.
pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and CVD. The
Despite the advance in antibiotic therapy and
underlying causes of immune activation in renal
connecting system, recurrent peritonitis remains the
failure,
major cause of peritoneal failure. A reliable predictor
endotoxin derived from intestinal bacteria has been
of
proposed to adversely affect cardiovascular structure
relapsing
peritonitis
is
invaluable
in
the
however,
remain
elusive.
Translocated
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
and function by driving systemic inflammation,
Expected outcome: This project will establish the
atherosclerosis, and oxidative stress, but results of
pathogenic role of circulating bacterial DNA
prospective trials remain conflicting. Recently,
fragment in the development of malnutrition,
circulating bacterial DNA fragments, presumably
systemic inflammation, and CVD in PD patients. It
coming from the dialysate during hemodialysis (HD),
would shed light to the further development of
are found to associate with higher levels of C-reactive
intervention for the prevention of CVD in PD
protein and IL-6 in HD patients. However, even in
patients.
the setting of peritoneal dialysis, circulating bacterial
(MD10501)
DNA fragments is a microbial component from
intestinal bacteria that could be released to the
A Randomized, Double-blind Phase 2b Study to
systemic circulation and triggers inflammation and
Evaluate the Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of
CVD.
A-623 Administration in Subjects with Systemic
Hypothesis: Circulating bacterial DNA fragment
Lupus Erythematosus
contributes to the pathogenesis of malnutrition,
systemic inflammation, and cardiovascular disease in
TAM Lai Shan LI Kwok Ming Edmund
PD patients.
18 March 2011
Specific aim:
1.
2.
Anthera Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
To determine the relation between circulating
bacterial DNA fragment, nutritional status,
This is a medical research study. The purpose of this
systemic inflammatory markers, and arterial
study is to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of
pulse wave velocity in a cohort of new PD
a new drug called A-623 when administrated at 3
patients; and
different
To explore whether the circulating load of
serologically active systemic lupus erythematosus
bacterial
(SLE) compared with placebo.
DNA
fragment
predicts
the
dosage
regimens
to
patients
with
development of CVD and all-cause mortality
The number of B Cells (specialized white blood cells
in a cohort of new PD patients.
in our blood) can increase in patients with SLE.
Method: The proposed project is a prospective
A-623 has been developed as a treatment for SLE
observational study. We plan to enroll 200 new PD
based on its ability to bind to and antagonize the
patients. We will quantify the circulating bacterial
action of human B cell activating factor (BAFF).
DNA fragment at the beginning and 6 month after PD.
BAFF is a protein that is a critical survival factor for
The result would be correlated to the nutritional
B cells and is required for B cell development and
status (as represented by subjective scoring systems
maintenance.
and a panel of serum markers), degree of systemic
Therefore, A-623 is a potential therapeutic agent for
inflammation
B cell-mediated autoimmune and inflammatory
(as
represented by a panel of
inflammatory markers) and vascular dysfunction (as
diseases.
represented by serum markers and arterial pulse wave
The treatment period in this study is 52 weeks. If the
velocity). All patients will then be followed for at
subjects are eligible to enter the study, he/she will be
least one year. The development of CVD, peritonitis,
randomized (chosen by chance, like flipping a coin)
and all-cause mortality, will be analyzed.
to receive 200 mg or placebo subcutaneously (SC)
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
weekly; 100 mg or placebo SC weekly; 200 mg or
binding of HMGB1. In our pilot study, increased
placebo SC every 4 weeks. Each subject has an equal
expression of RAGE on macrophages and the
chance of being put into any of the groups. Neither
concentration of HMGB1 were observed in SLE
the subject nor the doctor will choose the group. Up
patients. Moreover, recombinant HMGB1 and toll
to 600 subjects will be randomized in this study: 100
like receptor (TLR)-9 alone could induce the
in each of the study group: (1a) A- 623 200 mg
phosphorylation of p38 MAPK in the macrophages of
weekly, (1b) placebo weekly matching 1a; (2a)
SLE patients. Whether aberrant expression and
A-623 100 mg weekly, (2b) placebo weekly matching
function of RAGE in SLE patients may lead to
2a; (3a) A-623 200 mg every 4 weeks, (3b) placebo
increased inflammatory response upon binding by
every 4 weeks matching 3a.
HMGB1-DNA complex compared to healthy control
Upon completion of this study, the subject will be
remained uncertain. The balance between the levels
given the option to continue to receive A-623 under
of HMGB1, RAGE and soluble RAGE (sRAGE) may
the open-label extension study, AN-SLE3322.
represent a dynamic system. The relationship
(MD10684)
between the up-regulation of RAGE/HMGB1 and the
level of ‘protective’ sRAGE levels in SLE is of
HMGB1: A Danger Signal Molecule of the Innate
obvious clinical interest.
Immune Response for the Immunopathogenesis of
Hypothesis: HMGB1 binds to molecules release from
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
apoptotic cells such as nucleosomes and DNA
thereby increasing the immunogenicity of these
TAM Lai Shan
LI Kwok Ming Edmund
molecules and facilitating their interaction and uptake
by macrophages through RAGE and TLR.
WONG Chun Kwok (Chemical Pathology)
Objective: We will measure the function of HMGB1
15 June 2011
in purified macrophages of 20 consecutive SLE
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
patients with active inflammation (flare) compare
Grants)
with 20 healthy controls.
Introduction: The autoantibodies that form against
Significance: The investigation of function of
double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) and nucleosomes are
HMGB1 in SLE patients may provide a useful
characteristic of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
platform for studying the role of innate immunity in
Understanding of the mechanisms leading to
the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, and the
induction of inflammatory responses by uptake of
targeting HMGB1 might be a promising tool to
mammalian nucleic acids is of great importance since
control the inflammation in lupus.
aberrant immunologic responses against self antigens
(MD10396)
in
predisposed
individuals
would
lead
to
auto-immunity including SLE.
A Single-dose, Open-label, Phase 1 Study to
High mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) is a
Evaluate
non-histone nuclear protein that binds DNA and act
Tolerability of Oral Fampridine-PR 10 mg in
as a proinflammatory cytokine when released outside
Chinese, Japanese, and Caucasian Adult Healthy
the cell. Receptor for advanced glycation end
Volunteers
the
Pharmacokinetics,
Safety,
and
products (RAGE) is the most important receptor for
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
TOMLINSON Brian WONG Raymond SM*
receive TMC 435 as a single dose of 100 or 200 mg
on Day 1. Full pharmacokinwric profiles of TMC435
CHAN CM Jones*
will be determined up to 72 hours after dosing. Safety
1 September 2010
and tolerability will be evaluated continuously. A
Biogen Idec Hong Kong Ltd
washout period of at least 72 hours should be
This is a single-dose, open-label study to evaluate the
respected between dosing in the single dose period
PK, safety, and tolerability of 10 mg fampridine-PR
and first dosing in the multiple dose period.
administered orally under fasted conditions to adult
In the multiple dose period subjects will receive 100
Chinese, Japanese, and Caucasian healthy volunteers.
or 200 mg TMC435 q.d. for 5 days (Days 4 to 8).
The Caucasian group is included to allow comparison
Subjects will receive the same TMC435 dose as they
of PK data from different race groups to be
received
performed with data obtained from the same study
pharmacokinetic profiles of TMC435 will be
under the same controlled conditions.
determined up to 72 hours after dosing. Safety and
Frequent blood and urine samples for assay of 4-AP
tolerability will be evaluated continuously. A
concentrations will be collected within 24 hours after
pharmacogenomic blood sample will be collected
dosing. PK parameters will be estimated from the
from subjects who consent separately to the
concentration data. Only Chinese subjects will be
pharmacogenomic
studies in Hong Kong.
Participation
(MD10691)
optional.
in
the
in
single
dose
component
of
pharmacogenomic
period.
the
Full
study.
research
is
(MD10670)
Phase I, Open Label, Randomized Study to
and
SAVOR Saxagliptin Assessment of Vascular
Tolerability of Different Oral Doses of TCM435
Outcomes Recorded in Patients with Diabetes
after Single and Repeated Dosing in Healthy
Mellitus.
Chinese Subjects
Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Phase IV Trial
Examine
the
Pharmacokinetics,
Safety
A
Multicentre,
Randomised,
to Evaluate the Effect of Saxagliptin on the
TOMLINSON Brian WONG Raymond SM*
CHAN CM Jones* CHAN Michael*
Incidence of Cardiovascular Death, Myocardial
Infarction or Ischaemic Stroke in Patients with
Type 2 Diabetes
1 October 2010
Johnson & Johnson (Hong Kong) Limited
TOMLINSON Brian WONG Raymond SM*
This is an open label, randomized, Phase I study to
determine
the
pharmacokinetics,
safety
and
tolerability of TMC435 after single and multiple oral
CHAN CM Jones* CHAN Michael*
1 December 2010
AstraZeneca Hong Kong Limited
intakes. The study population will consist of 32
healthy
Chinese
subjects.
Each
subject
will
Saxagliptin lowers the blood glucose sugar levels by
participate in 2 treatment periods, i.e., single dose
stopping the breakdown of a hormone in the body
period and multiple dose period. First, subjects will
called Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). GLP-1 is
enter the single dose period in which they will
normally made in the gut and works to help the body
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
to release insulin when the blood glucose is high. In
dipivoxil) when administered separately. In this study,
this study, subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) will
the
be assigned, by chance (1 in 2, or 50%), to receive
lamivudine/10mg adefovir dipivoxil. In total 40
either saxagliptin or placebo (an inactive pill with no
healthy adult subjects will be enrolled. The study will
effect). The study drug is an oral tablet that is taken
include a screening visit and two treatment sessions.
once each day and is provided to subjects at no cost.
The screening visit will be conducted up to 3 weeks
On average, subjects will take part in this study for
prior to the first dose of Sessions 1. Pharmacokinetic
approximately 5 years. During this time subjects will
sampling for measurement of plasma lamivudine and
be asked to return for follow up visits every 6 months,
adefovir dipivoxil concentrations will be conducted
and site staff will call the subjects every 3 months.
over a 48-hour period following the morning
Subjects will make between 6 and 10 visits
administration of study medication in each study
depending on how long subjects take part in the study.
session. The total duration (from screening to the end
Each follow-up visit will take about an hour to
of the study) of each subject’s participation will be
complete. Examples of what will be completed at
approximately four weeks.
each study visit include: electrocardiogram (EKG),
(MD10615)
FDC
product
will
contain
100mg
blood samples, urine samples, medical history, and
physical examination.
An Open Label, Randomized, Cross-over Study to
(MD10416)
Investigate the Single Dose Bioequivalence of
Lamotrigine Dispersible/Chewable Tablets (5mg)
Study LAF114957, A Randomized, Open-label,
compared to Lamotrigine Compressed/Standard
Single-dose, Two-period, Crossover Study to
Tablets (25mg) in Chinese Healthy Male Subjects
Demonstrate the Bioequivalence of the Fixed Dose
Combination (FDC) of Lamivudine and Adefovir
TOMLINSON Brian
WONG Raymond*
CHAN CM Jones* CHAN Michael*
Dipivoxil (100mg/10mg) to Heptodin® (100mg)
and Hepsera® (10mg)
15 February 2011
GlaxoSmithKline Limited
TOMLINSON Brian
WONG Raymond*
CHAN CM Jones* CHAN Michael*
Lamotrigine (LAMICTAL), a selective inhibitor of
the
18 January 2011
voltage-sensitive
sodium
channel,
is
an
antiepileptic drug of the phenyltriazine class that is
GlaxoSmithKline Limited
structurally distinct from other available antiepileptic
This is a phase I study being conducted to support the
drugs. Lamotrigine chewable/ dispersible (CD)
clinical development program of a fixed dose
tablets can be taken without water. Bioequivalence
combination (FDC) product of the nucleoside
studies
analogue lamivudine and the nucleotide analogue
lamotrigine CD and standard tablets are bioequivalent
adefovir dipivoxil. To establish bioequivalence, the
and food-intake had no influence on lamotrigine’s
exposure of lamivudine and adefovir dipivoxil when
absorption from CD tablets. The present study will
administered as the FDC will be compared to that of
evaluate the bioequivalence of the lamotrigine CD
Heptodin
tablets and lamotrigine standard tablets when
(lamivudine)
and
Hepsera
(adefovir
from
other
populations
showed
that
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
administered in equal doses under fasted status in
placebo run-in, eligible patients will be randomized
healthy Chinese male adult volunteers. The safety,
in a 1:1 ratio at Visit 3 to one of the two treatment
tolerability
groups. After 4 weeks of treatment, treatment doses
and
pharmacokinetic
profile
of
lamotrigine CD tablets will also be assessed.
of ERN/LRPT will be increased in both treatment
This is an open-label, randomized, single dose,
groups for an additional 8 weeks. At Visit 6, patients
two-sequence cross-over study. Twenty-four eligible,
will crossover to the other treatment. There will be 8
healthy, Chinese male subjects will be enrolled after
scheduled clinic visits at Weeks –10 or –8 or –4, -2, 0
providing written informed consent. Subjects will be
(Day 1), 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20. The final visit will be
randomized into two treatment groups 1 day prior to
conducted at Week 20 (Visit 8), followed by a
the first dosing day and will be assigned to regimen
post-study telephone contact 14 days after the last
sequences (AB or BA). Subjects will receive their
visit or last blinded treatment dose. Patients who
allocated regimen on the morning of Day 1 and will
discontinue from the study prior to completion will
undergo study assessments for 7 days (until Day 8).
also be contacted by telephone at their intended final
Subjects will receive their alternate randomized
visit study date (20 weeks from randomization) for
treatment after a washout period of 14-21 days from
serious cardiovascular adverse events or death.
Day 1. Subjects will undergo a further assessment
Approximately
period of 7 days and will attend a follow-up visit
hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia will be
during 8-12 days after the second treatment. The total
randomized worldwide.
observation period in this study will be 23~24 days.
(MD10650)
1268
patients
with
primary
(MD10774)
Efficacy and Safety of Lixisenatide in Patients
A Phase III Multicenter, Double-blind, Crossover
with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Insufficiently
Design Study to Evaluate Lipid-altering Efficacy
Controlled by Metformin (with or without
and
Sulfonylurea):
Safety
of
Extended-release
Niacin/Laropiprant/Simvastatin
Tablet
in
Patients
Combination
with
Primary
A
Multicenter,
Randomized,
Double-blind, Parallel-group, Placebo-controlled
Study with 24-week Treatment Period
Hypercholesterolemia or Mixed Dyslipidemia
TSANG Chiu Chi OZAKI Risa*
TOMLINSON Brian
WONG Raymond*
CHAN CM Jones* CHAN Michael*
1 October 2010
Sanofi-Aventis Hong Kong Ltd
1 May 2011
The purpose of EFC11321 study is to evaluate the
Merck Sharp & Dohme
benefits and risks of adding lixisenatide (AVE0010)
The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the
to a stable dose of metformin alone or metformin
lipid lowering effects of ERN/LRPT/SIM 2g/40mg
with sulfonylurea in comparison to placebo for
compared to EPN/LRPT 2g co-administered with
control of diabetes in patients with type 2 diabetes
simvastatin
mellitus (T2DM)
40
mg.
This
is
a
multicenter,
study.
Lixisenatide/AVE0010, a peptide of 44 amino acids
Following the pre-screening/wash-out period and
from the exendin family, is a novel selective GLP-1
double-blind,
randomized,
crossover
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
receptor agonist with a receptor binding affinity to
This is a multicentre, randomized, double-blind,
the GLP-1 receptor approximately 4-times higher
placebo-controlled Phase IV study to evaluate
than human GLP-1. It is being developed for the
whether treatment with saxagliptin can reduce the
treatment of T2DM by daily subcutaneous injection.
composite
Lixisenatide/AVE0010 trends towards preservation
myocardial infarction or non-fatal stroke in patients
of pancreatic insulin content and β-cell function
with T2DM and to definitively exclude unacceptable
beyond treatment duration in preclinical trials.
CV toxicity. The anticipated duration of the study is
The primary efficacy endpoint of EFC11321 study is
approximately 5 years, including an anticipated
HbA1c reduction at week 24. Other secondary
enrolment period of 2 years and follow up period of 3
efficacy parameters of interest in type 2 diabetes are
years. However, the duration of the trial will be based
also assessed, such as percentage of patients reaching
on accrual of the pre-determined number of events,
HbA1c < 7% or HbA1c ≤ 6.5%, changes in fasting
and therefore the study may be shorter or longer.
plasma glucose (FPG), postprandial plasma glucose
Patients with documented T2DM and with either a
(PPG) levels and weight changes.
history of CV events or multiple risk factors for
The treatment duration in study EFC11321 will be 24
vascular disease will be enrolled from sites
weeks
of
throughout the world. All patients will be treated to
lixisenatide/AVE0010 on HbA1c is expected to be
regional standards of care for cardiovascular risk
reached between 12 and 24 weeks and 24 weeks of
factors (e.g., blood pressure, lipids) and HbA1c.
treatment should also allow a significant evaluation
Approximately 12000 patients meeting all eligibility
of effect on body weight. There will be a safety
criteria at approximately 700 study sites will be
follow-up
randomized (1:1) to receive either saxagliptin or
since
an
period
almost
of
3
maximal
days
after
effect
treatment
endpoint
of
CV
death,
non-fatal
discontinuation, which is based on the terminal
placebo.
half-life lixisenatide/AVE0010.
In the study, subjects will be assigned, by chance, to
(MD10885)
receive either saxagliptin or placebo (an inactive pill
with no effect). Subjects will have an equal chance (1
Saxagliptin Assessment of Vascular Outcomes
in 2, or 50%) of receiving either saxagliptin or
Recorded in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus A
placebo. The study drug is an oral tablet that is taken
Multicentre,
once each day and is provided to subjects at no cost.
Randomised,
Double-blind,
Placebo-controlled Phase IV Trial to Evaluate the
On average, subjects will take part in this study for
Effect
of
about 3-4 years. During this time subjects will be
Cardiovascular Death, Myocardial Infarction or
asked to return for follow up visits every 6 months,
Ischaemic Stroke in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
and site staff will call the subjects every 3 months.
of
Saxagliptin
on
the
Incidence
Subjects will make between 6 and 10 visits
TSANG Chiu Chi
OZAKI Risa
Kin Hamish* NG Vanessa W S*
1 December 2010
AstraZeneca Hong Kong Limited
CHAN Chi
depending on how long subjects take part in the study.
Each follow-up visit will take about an hour to
complete. Examples of what will be completed at
each study visit include: electrocardiogram (EKG),
blood samples, urine samples, medical history, and
physical examination.
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
each study visit include: electrocardiogram, blood
(MD10496)
samples, urine samples, medical history & physical
A
Multicentre,
International,
Randomised,
Parallel Group, Double Blind Study to Evaluate
Cardiovascular
Safety
of
examination.
(MD10834)
Linagliptin versus
Glimepiride in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo Controlled,
Mellitus at High Cardiovascular Risk. The
Parallel Group Trial for Assessing the Clinical
CAROLINA Trial
Benefit of Dronedarone 400mg BID on Top of
Standard Therapy in Patients with Permanent
TSANG Chiu Chi
OZAKI Risa
CHAN Chi
Atrial Fibrillation and Additional Risk Factors
Kin Hamish* NG Vanessa W S*
WONG Ka Sing Lawrence
1 June 2011
Boehringer Ingelheim Singapore Pte Ltd
This is a multicentre, international, randomized,
parallel group, double blind, comparator-controlled
safety study of linagliptin versus glimerpiride as
montherapy or as add-on therapy. The aim of the
WONG H C Edward*
CHAN Yin Yan Anne*
SOO OY Yannie*
LAU YL Alexander*
IP HL Vincent*
AU WC Lisa*
15 March 2011
Hamilton Health Sciences Corporation
Sanofi-Aventis Hong Kong Ltd
study is to investigate the long-term impact on CV
morbidity and mortality and relevant efficacy
The study is being conducted worldwide in about 43
parameters of treatment with linagliptin in a relevant
countries, 700 hospitals and physician offices, and
population of patients with T2DM and compare
will involve approximately 10800 patients.
outcome
The primary goal of the study is to demonstrate that
against
glimepiride.
The
anticipated
duration of the study is approximately 7.7 years.
dronedarone 400 mg twice a day can reduce
Patients with documented T2DM and concurrently
cardiovascular
insufficient glycaemic control and with either a
infarction, a clotting of arteries called “systemic
history of CV events or multiple risk factors for
arterial
vascular disease will be enrolled from sites
cardiovascular reason, or death from cardiovascular
throughout the world. Approximately 6000 patients
or other cause in patients 65 years of age or older
meeting all eligibility criteria at all study sites will be
with permanent atrial fibrillation and additional
randomized (1:1) to receive either Linagliptin 5 mg
cardiovascular diseases of risk factors. The secondary
or Glimepirde 1-4 mg. The study drug and
objective is to assess if dronedarone is safe in these
comparator drug is an oral tablet that is taken once
patients with permanent atrial fibrillation and
each day and is provided to subjects at no cost.
additional cardiovascular diseases or risk factors.
On average, subjects will take part in this study for
As a participant to this study, subject will be assigned
7-8 years. Subject will return to the clinic for
by chance to dronedarone or placebo. The chance to
regularly scheduled follow-up visits up to 400weeks.
receive the one or the other treatment is 50%. Neither
Each follow up visit will take about an hour to
subjects nor investigator(s) will be aware of the
events,
embolism”,
i.e.,
stroke,
hospitalization
myocardial
for
a
complete. Examples of what will be completed at
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
treatment to which subjects have been allocated
detected by transcranial Doppler (TCD), are a
(double blind randomized trial).
surrogate marker of future stroke risk and have been
All subjects are required to take 1 tablet (dronedarone
used to demonstrate treatment efficacy in extracranial
400mg or placebo) twice a day with food for the
carotid stenosis. We aimed to test the hypothesis that
study period. Up to 14 study visits are planned, which
dual antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel plus aspirin
include baseline visit, Day 7, Month 1, Month 4,
was superior to aspirin alone in reducing the presence
Month 8, Month 12, Month 16, and every 6 months
of MES in patients with recent stroke.
visits thereafter with phone calls between two visits.
Methods: CLAIR was prospective, randomized,
Assessment to be performed may include: physical
open-label, blinded end point evaluation (PROBE)
examination,
ECG
trial. 100 patients with acute ischemic stroke or TIA
(electrocardiogram), echocardiography, chest x-ray,
within 7 days of symptom onset, who had
laboratory tests and questionnaires. Blood samples
symptomatic large artery stenosis in the cerebral or
will be taken for laboratory tests up to visit at month
carotid arteries and in whom TCD monitoring
12 (not more than 30ml of blood will be taken at each
revealed the presence of MES, were recruited.
visit).
Patients
The study will last for approximately 3 years. The
clopidogrel plus aspirin (47 patients) or aspirin alone
duration of each subject participation depends on the
(53 patients) for 7 days. MES monitoring were
time that subject enter the study. It can vary from
repeated on Day 2 and Day 7. The primary endpoint
about 3 months up to approximately 36 months. The
was the proportion who were MES positive on day 2.
treatment and follow up will be completed for all
Diffusion weighted MRI (DWI) was also performed
patients at the same time (common study end date).
at baseline and on day 7 and new infarcts recorded.
(MD10471)
Findings: The majority of subjects had symptomatic
medical
history,
were
randomized
to
receive
either
intracranial stenosis in either the intracranial internal
Clopidogrel plus Aspirin versus Aspirin Alone for
carotid artery or the middle cerebral artery. (97.8% in
Reducing Embolisation in Patients with Acute
the
Symptomatic Cerebral or Carotid Artery Stenosis
monotherapy group). On intention-to-treat analysis,
(CLAIR Study): A Randomised, Open-label,
there was a reduction in the proportion of patients
Blinded-endpoint Trial
with MES on day 2: 14 (31%) in the dual therapy
dual
therapy
group,
and
92.3%
in
the
group versus 27 (54.0%) in the monotherapy group
WONG Ka Sing Lawrence
(P= 0.025); relative risk reduction (RRR) 42%,
1 April 2011
95%CI 4.6-65.2). On Day 7, MES were detected in
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
10 (23.3%) of the dual therapy group versus 26
(51.0%) in the monotherapy group (P=0.006); RRR
54.4%; 95%CI 16.4-75.1. Per protocol analysis
Background: There have been few randomized
showed similar results. In contrast there was no
clinical trials on the use of antithrombotic agents in
difference between the two treatment groups in new
the early secondary prevention of stroke and transient
infarcts detected by DWI. Two ischaemic strokes
ischaemic attack (TIA) in patients with intracranial
(both in the monotherapy group) and no major
atherosclerotic stenosis. Microembolic signals (MES),
bleeding was found during the study period.
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
with
megakaryocytes from bone marrow progenitor cells.
clopidogrel and aspirin is more effective than aspirin
In 2008, eltrombopag was granted marketing
alone in reducing microembolic signals in patients
approval in the US for the treatment of patients with
with predominantly intracranial symptomatic stenosis.
chronic ITP who have had an insufficient response to
Clinical trials are now warranted in this group to
corticosteroids, immunoglobulins or splenectomy.
determine whether this approach also results in a
This is a phase IV, open-label safety study, designed
reduction in stroke.
to determine baseline levels of bone marrow fibers in
(MD10712)
previously treated adults with chronic ITP and to
Interpretations:
Combination
therapy
evaluate the long-term effect of eltrombopag on bone
Study TRA112940, A Longitudinal 2-year Bone
marrow reticulin and/or collagen fibers. Subjects
Marrow
Olamine
previously treated with eltrombopag or romiplostim
(SB-497115-GR) in Previously Treated Adults,
must have completed treatment with eltrombopag or
with
romiplostim at least 6 months prior to screening bone
Study
of
Chronic
Eltrombopag
Immune
(Idiopathic)
marrow biopsy. Subjects treated with any other
Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)
TPO-R agonist are not eligible. The enrollment of
WONG Siu Ming Raymond
subjects previously exposed to a TPO-R agonist will
1 July 2010
be limited to no more than 20%. Approximately 150
subjects are expected to be enrolled in this study.
GlaxoSmithKline Limited
Eltrombopag will be administered for at least 2-years
Chronic
immune
purpura
(ITP)
characterized
by
(idiopathic)
is
an
thrombocytopenic
autoimmune
autoantibody-included
(104 weeks) followed by a 4-week follow-up period.
disorder
The total study duration is up to 116 weeks. Subjects
platelet
will initiate treatment with eltrombopag 25mg once
destruction and reduced platelet production, leading
daily.
to a low platelet count (<150 Gi/L)
eltrombopag dosing modifications will be based upon
Reticulin fibers can be increased in the bone marrow
each subject’s individual platelet count response.
of subjects with several conditions such as cancers, or
Bone marrow biopsies will be performed at screening,
autoimmune diseases including ITP. There is a
after 1-year (52 weeks) and 2-years (104 weeks) of
potential
of
eltrombopag treatment, and at early withdrawal of
receptor
treatment if the subject withdraws > 3 months after
risk
megakaryocytes
that
with
chronic
stimulation
thrombopoietin
Specific
instructions
(TPO-R) agonists might contribute to a further
the last bone marrow biopsy.
increase of reticulin or collagen fibers in the bone
(MD10643)
for
subsequent
marrow.
Eltrombopag olamine (SB-497115-GR, referred to as
A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo Controlled
eltrombopag) is an orally bioavailable, small
Study to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of CNTO
molecule, TPO-R agonist. Eltrombopag interacts with
328 (Anti IL 6 Monoclonal Antibody) plus Best
the transmembrane domain of the human TPO-R and
Supportive Care Compared with Best Supportive
initiates a signaling cascade similar but not identical
Care in Subjects with Multicentric Castleman’s
to that of endogenous thrombopoietin (TPO),
Disease
inducing
proliferation
and
differentiation
of
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
WONG Siu Ming Raymond CHENG Gregory
subjects with multicentric Castleman’s disease
15 July 2010
(MCD).
The secondary objectives of this study are:
Johnson & Johnson (Hong Kong) Limited
•
To
demonstrate
additional
measures
of
double-blind,
efficacy (duration of tumor response; time to
placebo-controlled, multicenter Phase 2 study to
treatment failure; change in hemoglobin levels;
determine the safety and efficacy of CNTO 328 +
ability to discontinue corticosteroids; and
Best Supportive Care (BSC) compared with BSC, in
improvement in fatigue, physical function, and
subjects with symptomatic MCD. Approximately 75
other disease-related symptoms);
This
is
a
randomized,
subjects will be randomly assigned in a 1:2 ratio to
•
To study the safety of prolonged dosing;
placebo + BSC or to CNTO 328 + BSC. The study
•
To determine the pharmacokinetics of CNTO
328 among subjects with MCD; and
will be conducted in a blinded manner with
independent, centrally confirmed assessment of the
•
To determine a baseline hepcidin value
primary endpoint.
predictive of a ≥ 2 g/dL increase in
All subjects will receive the assigned, blinded, study
hemoglobin.
treatment for 18 weeks in the absence of treatment
(MD10960)
failure, to allow for assessment of the primary
endpoint of radiologic response. Subjects who attain
A
response (Complete response [CR] or Partial
Placebo
response [PR]) and subejcts with stable disease (SD)
Panobinostat in Combination weith Bortezomib
who are experiencing symptom improvement should
and Dexamethasone in Patients with Relapsed
continue to receive the assigned study treatment until
Multiple Myeloma
Multicenter,
Randomized,
Controlled
Phase
Double-blind,
III
Study
of
treatment failure or until the study is unclinded (i.e.,
approximately 27 weeks after the last subject starts
WONG Siu Ming Raymond CHENG Gregory
study treatment), whichever occurs earlier. All
9 August 2010
decisions
to
unblind
for
reasons
other
than
Novartis Pharmaceuticals (HK) Ltd
documented radiologic progression must be discussed
with the Medical Monitor and documented at the time
The purpose of this study is to find out whether the
the decision is made, or unblinded treatment with
combination
CNTO 328 will not be allowed. Study treatment may
dexamethasone is safe and results in a better
continue up to 1 year after the last subject starts study
anti-myeloma
treatment.
dexamethasone alone.
Subjects
who
are
benefiting
from
of
panobinostat,
activity
than
bortezomib
bortezomib
and
and
treatment (defined by CR, PR, or SD with symptom
The participants have 50% chance of being treated
improvement) at the end of study may continue to
with bortezomib and dexamethasone and oral
receive CNTO 328 in an extension protocol.
panobinostat, or bortezomib and dexamethasone and
The primary objective of this study is to demonstrate
a placebo pill also taken by mouth.
that CNTO 328 in combination with BSC is superior
Patients will be randomized within 3 weeks of
to BSC in terms of objective response (complete
screening procedures and treatment with PAN or
response [CR] + partial response [PR] among
placebo and BTZ/Dex will start within 7 days after
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
randomization. Starting Cycle 1/Day 1, all patients
12 years of age or older. Subjects who sign informed
will receive study drug (Panobinostat 20mg or
consent will undergo a screening evaluation up to 8
placebo 3 times per week, 2 weeks on/ 1 week off).
weeks prior to the first dose of the study treatment.
Total duration of treatment will be 48 weeks, divided
All eligible subjects will undergo a wash-out period
into two phases:
of 96 houts (4 days) with no FIX treatment. After
Treatment phase 1: 24 weeks of combined treatment
which they will be enrolled and have an initial
with PAN or placebo + BTZ/Dex (8 cycles of 21 days
pharmacokinetics (PK) assessment that will range
duration each)
from 10 to 14 days in length.
Treatment phase 2: 24 weeks of combined treatment
A Data Safety Monitoring Committee (DSMC) will
with PAN or placebo + BTZ/Dex (4 cycles of 42 days
evaluate and monitor the safety and tolerability of
duration each)
FIXFx on an ongoing basis. For more information on
All patients will receive study treatment until
the DSMC, see section 19.2.1. of the study protocol.
completion of week 24. Patients with clinical benefit
The first dose of rFIXFc will be administered under
in phase 1 will continue study treatment up to week
medical supervision. Thereafter, study treatment may
48.
be self administered or given at the clinic. All
All patients enrolled to the study will be followed
laboratory data will be based on laboratory analyses
through the treatment period or until disease
performed by central laboratories.
progression and thereafter for survival, except those
All subjects, except new subjects) not participating in
who are lost to follow up.
Arm 1, 2, or 3) from the Arm 4, who complete the
(MD10820)
study have an option to continue the treatment with
rFIXFc in an extension study. For any subject not
B-LONG: An Open-label, Multicenter Evaluation
continuing in an extension study, a final visit will be
of the Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Efficacy of
made by telephone 7 days after his last dose of
Recombinant, Long-acting Coagulation Factor IX
rFIXFc to assess his well-being.
Fc Fusion (rFIXFc) in the Prevention and
(MD10759)
Treatment of Bleeding in Previously Treated with
Severe Hemophilia B
A Phase 3 Randomised, Open-label Study of
Bosutinib versus Imatinib in Subjects with Newly
WONG Siu Ming Raymond
Diagnosed
16 August 2010
Chromosome
Biogen Idec Hong Kong Ltd
Chronic
Positive
Phase
Philadelphia
Chronic
Myelogenous
Leukemia
This is an open-label multicenter study with 4
WONG Siu Ming Raymond
treatment arms to evaluate the safety, tolerability,
13 January 2011
pharmacokinetics, and efficacy of rFIXFc in subjects
Pfizer Corporation Hong Kong Limited
with severe (defined as ≤2 IU/dL [≤2%] endogenous
FIX) hemophilia B. Approximately 75 subjects
Imatinib (Gleevec) was granted accelerated approval
across 40 sites globally will be enrolled to achieve a
for treatment of all phases of newly-diagnosed CML
minimum of 61 evaluable, previously treated subjects,
by the United States Food and Drug Administration
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
(FDA) in 2003. Bosutinib has also been shown to be
CD22-positive NHL as measured by overall response
effective in achieving cytogenetic and hematologic
rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), and
responses in subjects with CML.
overall survival (OS) data.
The primary objective is to compare the rate of
(MD10735)
complete cytogenetic response (CCyR) at one year in
chronic phase subjects receiving bosutinib alone
Non-invasive
versus chronic phase subjects receiving imatinib
Steatohepatitis
alone.
Resonance Spectroscopy and Serum Biomarkers
Diagnosis
with
of
Nonalcoholic
Phosphorus-magnetic
The secondary objective is to estimate the major
molecular response (MMR) rate at one year and the
duration of complete cytogenetic response (CCyR)
and complete hematological response (CHR).
WONG Wai Sun Vincent
CHU Chiu Wing
Winnie (Imaging & Interventional Radiol)
1 January 2011
(MD10389)
Research Grants Council - General Research
Fund
An Poen-label, Phase 1 Study of R-CVP or R-GDP
in Combination with Inotuzumab Ozogamicin in
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of
subjects
the most common chronic liver diseases worldwide.
with
CD22-positive
Non-Hodgkin’s
In Asia, NAFLD affects 15% to 40% of the general
Lymphoma
population. Among NAFLD patients, those with
WONG Siu Ming Raymond
simple steatosis have benign clinical course while
14 March 2011
those with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) have
progressive disease and increased mortality. NASH
Pfizer Corporation Hong Kong Limited
may progress to liver cirrhosis, liver failure and liver
Inotuzumab ozogamicin (CMC-544) is an antibody
cancer. Therefore, distinguishing between simple
targeting
steatosis and NASH has important prognostic and
CD22,
conjugated
with
a
cytotoxic
antitumor antibiotic (calicheamicin) in development
therapeutic implications.
for the treatment of non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
At present, the gold standard to diagnose NASH is
(NHL), the tenth most commonly diagnosed cancer
liver histology. However, this is an invasive
worldwide.
represents
procedure and is not acceptable to all patients.
malignancies of B-lymphocyte lineage, the majority
Moreover, it is not practical to perform liver biopsy
of which also expresses CD22.
to evaluate a disease that affects one-third of the
The primary objective is to determine the tolerability,
population. Routine imaging tests such as ultrasound
the initial safety profile, and the maximum tolerated
scan may detect fatty liver, but cannot reveal the
dose
disease activity or the degree of liver injury.
The
(MTD)
of
majority
the
of
NHL
immunochemotherapeutic
regimen R-CVP given in combination with CMC-544
Non-invasive diagnosis of NASH is welcomed.
in subjects with CD22-positive NHL. The secondary
Phosphorus
objective is to obtain preliminary information on the
(31P-MRS) is a non-invasive technique that provides
antitumor activity of R-CVP in combination with
information about the functional status of the liver.
CMC-544
During liver regeneration after injury, there is an
administered
to
subjects
with
magnetic
resonance
spectroscopy
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
increase in the turnover of cell membrane synthesis
1 January 2011
and degradation products. In our pilot study of 24
France/Hong Kong Joint Research Scheme
subjects with biopsy-confirmed NAFLD, NASH
patients had distinct spectral features compared to
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of
those with simple steatosis. NASH patients had
the most common chronic liver diseases worldwide.
significantly higher phosphomonoester-to-inorganic
A minority of NAFLD patients will develop cirrhosis
phosphate ratio, indicating increased liver injury.
and liver cancer. It is important to detect liver fibrosis
Besides, the livers of NASH patients also had altered
and cirrhosis early, and to provide management
energy status as reflected by decreased γ-ATP level.
accordingly.
The data suggest the potential to develop 31P-MRS
Traditionally, liver biopsy is the test for liver fibrosis
as a non-invasive test for NASH.
and cirrhosis. It is however invasive and not
In this project, we plan to validate the performance of
acceptable by many patients. Recently, our group
31P-MRS in detecting NASH in patients with
validated the accuracy of transient elastography
biopsy-proven NAFLD and control subjects without
(Fibroscan) in the assessment of liver fibrosis in
fatty liver. We will also compare the performance of
NAFLD patients. However, a group of patients
31P-MRS to that of two serum biomarkers,
remained misclassified.
cytokeratin-18
fatty
In this study, we aim to combine transient
acid-binding protein (AFABP), in detecting NASH.
elastography and serum biomarkers to improve the
Cytokeratin-18 fragment is a marker of apoptosis and
overall accuracy in the assessment of liver fibrosis in
AFABP is involved in fatty acid metabolism and
NAFLD patients.
insulin resistance. Both markers are increased in
(MD10604)
fragments
and
adipocyte
NASH subjects in Caucasian series, but this has not
been validated in Asian subjects. The potential to
Treatment of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
combine 31P-MRS and serum biomarkers to enhance
with
diagnostic accuracy will also be explored.
Proof-of-concept Study
Probiotics
and
Prebiotics
–
A
The results of this study may provide clinicians with
non-invasive tests to stratify the risk of NAFLD
WONG Wai Sun Vincent
patients. This will change clinical practice and reduce
1 April 2011
the need for invasive liver biopsies in the future.
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
(CU10777)
Grants)
Non-invasive Diagnosis of Liver Fibrosis and
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most
Cirrhosis in Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty
common chronic liver disease worldwide. It affects
Liver
20% to 40% of the general adult population, and may
Disease
with
Transient
Elastography
progress to cirrhosis and liver cancer. At present,
(Fibroscan) and Serum Biomarkers
there is no registered drug treatment for NAFLD.
WONG Wai Sun Vincent
Victor*
DE LEDINGHEN
CHAN Lik Yuen Henry
Ling Angel VERGNIOL Julien*
CHIM Mei
A number of studies have shown that the composition
of bacterial flora in the gut is closely associated with
metabolic syndrome and obesity. Preliminary data
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
from our group also showed that NAFLD patients
Colorectal adenomas are precursors of CRC, and
have
Bacteroides,
first-degree relatives of individuals with colorectal
Firmicutes and Fusobacteria in the gut as compared
adenomas also have an increased risk of CRC.
to age-, gender- and body mass index-matched
Current knowledge on the prevalence of CRC among
controls. The altered gut flora increases energy
siblings of individuals with colorectal adenomas or
extraction from food. The production of bacterial
advance colonic lesions in Hong Kong is limited. We
endotoxin also increases liver fat and inflammation.
aimed (1) to quantify the risk of both CRC and
Moreover, probiotics treatment effectively reduces
adenomas among the siblings of patients with
liver fat and inflammation in animal models of
advanced colonic neoplasms in a prospective cohort
NAFLD. With this background, treatment targeting
study with case-control analysis; and (2) to determine
the gut flora may become effective treatment for
molecular alteration profiles of colorectal adenoma in
NAFLD.
siblings of patients with advanced colonic neoplasms.
In this study, patients with liver biopsy-proven
Cases will include siblings of screening subjects with
NAFLD will be randomized to receive probiotics
advanced colonic findings, and controls will include
treatment or usual care for 6 months. Metabolic
siblings of the screening subjects with normal
profile and liver fat will be measured serially. In
colonoscopy findings. Two control subjects will be
addition, the gut flora composition will be assessed
matched for each case subject according to age, sex,
serially by pyrosequencing using the Genome
and gastrointestinal symptoms. The primary outcome
Sequencer FLX System (454 Life Sciences, Branford,
of this study is the prevalence of advanced colonic
CT).
findings (i.e. adenoma and advanced neoplasms) in
The results of this study will clearly define the
cases compared with controls. Secondary outcomes
efficacy of probiotics in NAFLD. It will improve
include predictive factors associated with increased
clinical care and provide patients and clinicians with
risk of advanced colonic findings in cases. Stool
a new treatment.
sample, blood sample, and tissue biopsies of polyp
(MD10798)
will be collected from 40 cases and 80 control
abnormal
concentration
of
subjects for molecular investigation. Information
Colonoscopy Screening in Siblings of Patients with
obtained from the study will help establish the risk of
Advanced Neoplasm: A Concurrent Case-control
both CRC and adenomas among the siblings of
Study
patients with advanced colonic findings, provide a
background against which screening strategies can be
WU Che Yuen Justin NG Siew Chien
formulated, and assist in targeting screening in high
1 April 2011
risk individuals. Moreover, determination of the
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
molecular alteration profiles of adenomas in at risk
siblings will help to elucidate molecular pathways of
adenoma-carcinoma sequence.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is currently the second
(MD10855)
commonest cancer in Hong Kong. Individuals with a
family history of CRC have an approximately two to
three-fold increased risk of developing CRC.
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
The Role of Free Fatty Acid on GLP-1 and GIP
of the incretin effect may occur at the receptor level
Receptor Expression: Possible Contribution to
in pancreatic - cells. Apart from sequence variants in
Impaired Incretin Effects in Diabetes
the coding region which may alter the structure or
expression of these receptors, downregulation by
XU Gang
CHAN Chung Ngor Juliana
LEE
acquired conditions such as gluco- and lipotoxicity
Heung Man
are possible explanations for incretin resistance in
1 October 2010
type 2 diabetes. To date, no genetic variations have
been reported for the GLP-1 and GIP receptors, thus
Research Grants Council - General Research
it remains plausible that expression of these receptors
Fund
may be dysregulated especially in the presence of
There is now a global epidemic of diabetes. These
gluco- and lipotoxicity. We recently reported reduced
silent conditions independently and collectively
expression of GLP-1 and GIP receptors in -cells in
contribute to 50% of all causes of death mainly due to
diabetic hyperglycemic rats with impaired insulin
cardiovascular and renal complications. Fundamental
secretion capacity. However, it remains uncertain
to the development of diabetes is pancreatic cell
whether
secretory failure. Understanding the mechanisms by
hyperlipidemia conditions. In this proposal, we aim
which cell function decline within the setting of lipid
to explore the role of free fatty acid on the expression
over-supply,
the
of GLP-1 and GIP receptors and functional
pathogenesis of diabetes. The incretin effect is
consequences in terms of insulin secretion using both
defined as enhanced insulin secretion after oral
in vivo and in vitro experiments. Unraveling these
versus intravenous glucose administration due to the
mechanisms
insulinotropic effect of the gastrointestinal hormones
understanding of the effects of metabolic control on
Glucagon-like
incretin-islet pathways in the development of diabetes
is
pivotal
peptide
to
1
understanding
(GLP-1)
and
similar
will
changes
may
significantly
occur
under
improve
glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP),
for optimization of treatment protocols.
which has been extensively studied in type 2 diabetes.
(CU10781)
our
In most studies, plasma GIP levels after meals have
been found to be normal in type 2 diabetes while
Therapeutic Effects of GRP78 in Human Islet
GLP-1 levels were modestly reduced. In addition,
Amyloid Polypeptide Induced Beta Cell Damage
patients with type 2 diabetes have abnormal
responses to action of incretin hormones, particularly
XU Gang
GIP, which when infused has almost no effect upon
Weili
insulin secretion. Although the effects of GLP-1 are
partially preserved in type 2 diabetes, which is
important for its therapeutic potential, insulin
CHAN Chung Ngor Juliana
SHI
15 June 2011
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
responses are substantially reduced in these subjects
compared to normal controls, at comparable plasma
The islet in type 2 diabetes is characterized by a
glucose levels.
~60% β-cell deficit, increased β-cell apoptosis, and
Both GLP-1 and GIP receptors are expressed in
islet amyloid derived from islet amyloid polypeptide
pancreatic -cells. Thus, it is plausible that impairment
(IAPP). It has been suggested that formation of
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
intracellular IAPP oligomers may contribute toβ-cell
association of antidiabetic agents and CV risk, which
loss in T2DM. We and others previously reported
led to the issuance of new Food and Drug
that treatment with human IAPP in INS-1E
Administration (FDA) guidance in December of 2008
pancreatic beta cells triggered apoptosis through
entitled,
MAPK, AKT, mitochondria, and ER stress pathways.
Cardiovascular Risk in New Antidiabetic Therapies
Also, ER chaperone gene GRP78/BIP prevented free
to Treat Type 2 Diabetes.”
fatty acid-induced cell apoptosis in liver and beta
Alogliptin is a selective and potent dipeptidyl
cells through attenuation of ER stress. In the present
peptidase-4
study, we sought examine whether GRP78/BIP could
developed by Takeda for use in patients with T2DM.
attenuate the cytotoxicity effects of hIAPP in beta
Dpp-4
cell in vitro and in vivo with islet transplantation
(glucagons-like
mice models. These findings will provide novel
glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide [GIP]).
approach for the treatment of type 2 diabetes with the
Incretin hormones are part of an endogenous system
risk of developing amyloidogenesis.
involved in the physiologic regulation of glucose and
(MD10587)
insulin homeostasis. By preventing the reapid
“Diabetes
(DPP_4)
rapidly
Mellitus
inhibitor
degrades
–
currently
incretin
peptide-1
Evaluating
being
hormones
[GLP-1]
and
degradation of GLP-1, alogliptin enhances the body’s
A
Multicenter,
Randomized,
Placebo-controlled
Study
Double-blind,
to
Evaluate
ability to control elevated blood glucose by triggering
pancreatic
insulin
secretion
and
suppressing
Cardiovascular Outcomes Following Treatment
pancreatic glucagons secretion.
with Alogliptin in Addition to Standard of Care in
There were no nonclinical signals of a potential CV
Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes and Acute
toxicity, no clinical signals with respect to cardiac
Coronary Syndrome
biomarkers, including heart rate, blood pressure and
lipid parameters, and results of the thorough QTc
YAN Ping Yen Bryan
LAM Yat Yin
YU
evaluation were negative. CV Safety is of special
Chan
interest in the T2DM population, particularly in
Cheuk Man
Kin Yin*
CHAN Chi Yuen*
CHAN Chin
T2DM subjects who have CV disease and are a t high
LEE Pui Wai*
WU Eugene
risk for MACE events, such as those patients who
KAM Ka Ho Kevin*
WONG Bun
have had recent acute coronary syndrome (ACS).
Pang Gary*
Brian*
CHAN Yat Sun Joseph*
This study has been designed to evaluate the CV
Hung Christopher*
safety of alogliptin versus placebo in addition to
1 December 2010
Standard of Care in subjects with T2DM and ACS.
Takeda Global Research and Development
(MD10304)
Centre (Europe) Ltd
Diabetes is a chronic illness associated with both
Assessment of Circulating microRNAs in Patients
microvascular complications, such as nephropathy,
with
retinopathy, and neuropathy, and macrovascular
Biomarkers
complications, including cardiovascular (CV) disease,
Necrosis
stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. Recently,
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
there
has
been
some
concern
regarding
Coronary
for
and
Artery
Disease
Peri-procedural
In-stent
as
Novel
Myocardial
Restenosis
after
the
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
YAN Ping Yen Bryan LAM Yat Yin
Mechanistic Studies of the Effects of AVE3085 on
30 June 2011
Homocysteine-induced
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Coronary
Endothelial
Dysfunction
Grants)
YANG Qin
Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death
worldwide.
Coronary
angioplasty
with
stent
implantation is widely used to treat coronary artery
disease.
Limitations
of
percutaneous
30 June 2011
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
coronary
intervention include (i) peri-procedural myocardial
Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is an independent
necrosis due to trauma during the procedure and (ii)
risk factor for various cardiovascular diseases. HHcy
in-stent restenosis from excessive proliferation of
may cause vascular lesion formation and endothelial
smooth muscle cells in response to injury after stent
dysfunction that is associated with nitric oxide (NO)
implantation. MicroRNAs have been shown to
deficiency. AVE series are new pharmacological
perform various important cellular functions via their
compounds recently developed to increase NO
negative
gene
bioavailability through enhancing the transcription of
expression. Recent studies have demonstrated that
endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). In this
microRNAs can be detected in circulating blood and
study, we will investigate the efficacy of AVE3085, a
may be useful as biomarkers for many diseases,
new generation of AVE compounds, in inhibiting
including
diseases.
homocysteine (Hcy)-induced endothelial dysfunction
Previously, we have identified microRNAs that
in porcine coronary arteries and we will further
increased on the plasma of patients with myocardial
explore the mechanisms underlying the protective
infarction. We have also identified distinct expression
effect
patterns of microRNAs that regulate smooth muscle
relaxation to bradykinin (-10 ~ -6.5 Log M) and
cell functions exhibit in the plasma of patients who
endothelium-independent
developed in-stent restenosis compared to patients
nitroprusside (SNP, -11 ~ -4.5 Log M) will be studied
who
stent
in a myograph with endothelial NO release directly
implantation. Based on our preliminary results, we
measured electrochemically by a specific NO
hypothesize that circulating microRNAs could be
microsensor. Protein expression of eNOS and the
useful as novel biomarkers for peri-procedural
phosphorylation
post-transcriptional
did
cancer
not
and
develop
control
of
cardiovascular
restenosis
after
of
Ser1177
AVE3085.
of
Endothelium-dependent
relaxation
eNOS
at
to
serine
sodium
1177
myocardial necrosis and restenosis after percutaneous
(p-eNOS
coronary intervention. The main goals of this
be determined by Western blot. eNOS mRNA
proposal are to determine the association of
expression will be detected by RT-PCR and
circulating microRNAs levels with peri-procedural
lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminenscence will be used
myocardial necrosis and in-stent restenosis; and
to measure superoxide anion (O2.-) production. The
evaluate potential of microRNAs as diagnostic
present investigation will provide information and lay
biomarkers for these conditions.
basis for the development of novel strategies with
(MD10710)
directly targeting endogenous eNOS for prevention or
) as well as Akt phosphorylation will
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
treatment
of
endothelial
dysfunction
in
include baseline visit, Day7, Month 1, Month 4,
cardiovascular disorders.
Month 8, Month 12, Month 16, and every 6 month
(MD10398)
visits thereafter with phone calls between two visits.
Assessments to be performed may include: physical
A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo Controlled,
examination,
medical
history,
ECG
Parallel Group Trial for Assessing the Clinical
(electrocardiogram), echocardiography, chest x-ray,
Benefit of Dronedarone 400mg BID on Top of
laboratory tests and questionnaires. Blood samples
Standard Therapy in Patients with Permanent
will be taken for laboratory tests up to visit at month
Atrial Fibrillation and Additional Risk Factors
12 (not more than 30ml of blood will be taken at each
visit).
YU Cheuk Man
YIP Wai Kwok Gabriel#
The study will last for approximately 3 years. The
duration of each subject participation depends on the
YAN Ping Yen Bryan LAM Yat Yin
time that subject enter the study. It can vary from
15 March 2011
about 3 months up to approximately 36 months. The
Sanofi-Aventis Hong Kong Ltd
treatment and follow up will be competed for all
The study is being conducted worldwide in about 43
patients at the same time (common study end date).
countries, 700 hospitals and physician offices, and
(MD10630)
will involve approximately 10800 patients.
The primary goal of the study is to demonstrate that
Schematic
dronedarone 400 mg twice a day can reduce
Treatment Non-Responders in Patients with
cardiovascular
Systolic Heart Failure
events,
i.e.,
stroke,
myocardial
Identification
of
Predictors
of
infarction, a clotting of arteries called “systemic
arterial
embolism”,
hospitalization
for
a
YU Cheuk Man
LAN Hui Yao (Li Ka Shing
cardiovascular reason, or death from cardiovascular
Institute of Health Sciences)
or other cause in patients 65 years of age or older
John Elsby
with permanent atrial fibrillation and additional
Renneberg, Reinhard*
cardiovascular disease or risk factors. The secondary
Richards Mark*
objective is to assess if dronedarone is safe in these
Yen Bryan
patients with permanent atrial fibrillation and
additional cardiovascular diseases or risk factors.
As a participant to this study, subject will be assigned
SANDERSON
COATS Andrew Justin Stewart
Krum Henry*
LAM Yat Yin
YAN Ping
1 June 2011
RGC - Collaborative Research Fund (CRF)
Research Committee Group Research Scheme
by chance to dronedarone or placebo. The chance to
receive the one or the other treatment is 50%. Neither
Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a major public health
subjects nor investigator(s) will be aware of the
problem in Hong Kong. Data from our heart failure
treatment to which subjects have been allocated
registry shows that 1-year mortality and readmission
(double blind randomized trial).
for heart failure (HF) is about 50%. Over the past
All subjects are required to take 1 tablet (dronedarone
two decades there have been significant advances in
400mg or placebo) twice a day with food for the
the treatment of systolic heart failure with the use of
study period. Up to 14 study visits are planned, which
drugs that block the major neurohormonal responses
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
to the initial injury. Recently cardiac devices such
underlying gastric cancer development remains
as biventricular pacing (or CRT) which rectify the
elusive. The transcription factor STAT3 is overactive
abnormal conduction and contraction in CHF have
in many cancers including gastric cancer. STAT3
also been used for CHF treatment. Although large
becomes activated by phosphorylation on a single
scale clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy
tyrosine residue and accumulates in the nucleus
and safety of the commonly used drugs for CHF, it is
where it binds DNA and directs transcription of a
a common clinical observation that not all patients
wide array of genes in the host cells. Our preliminary
respond as well as others and some not at all. Our
findings show that STAT3 is activated in gastric
hypothesis is in that myocardial fibrosis and
mucosa of patients with H. pylori infection. However
inflammation are key mediators of non-response to
the molecular mechanisms of H. pylori-induced
CHF treatment. We wish to undertake a large scale
STAT3 activation that leads to gastric carcinogenesis
project to attempt to estimate the prevalence of
and the effect of H. pylori eradication on STAT3 and
non-response and how can we identify these patients.
its downstream moleculars are still largely unknown.
We
Here, we propose to utilize a novel integrated
will
combine
the
use
of
advanced
echocardiographic imaging techniques and novel
approach
that
biochemical and molecular (microRNAs) biomarkers
immunoprecipitation microarray and computational
to establish and validate an Assessment Model which
modeling to dissect H. pylori induced STAT3
identify treatment non-responders. Cardiac MRI will
signaling network. The key inflammatory and
also be performed in a subgroup to determine the
tumorigenic-regulators in this network will be
relationship between cardiac scar burden and
identified and their functional significance will be
echocardiographic function.
The project also has
characterized in vitro and in vivo. We will further
the potential of identifying new diagnostic and
determine if these key regulators are deregulated in H.
prognostic markers for CHF (biomarkers and
pylori related precancerous lesions and gastric cancer.
microRNA), pioneer new approaches to manage CHF,
In addition, the effect of H. pylori eradication on
as well as geared towards the development of new
expression
treatment targets.
downstream targets in human stomach will be
(MD10450)
determined. The results of this series of experiments
of
involves
phosphor-STAT3
chromatin
and
its
key
will help to elucidate the role of STAT3 activation on
Clarification of the Role of H. Pylori Infection on
H. pylori associated gastric carcinogenesis.
Activation of STAT3 through Dissecting STAT3
(MD10990)
Signaling Network in Gastric Cancer
Functional Significance of Paired box Gene 5 in
YU Jun SUNG Joseph Jao Yiu
Hepatocellular carcinoma
1 January 2011
Research Fund for the Control of Infectious
YU Jun
1 June 2011
Diseases
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a type I carcinogen
for
gastric
cancer.
However,
the
Grants)
mechanism
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
Although
the
molecular
mechanisms
of
the
pathogenesis of HCC remain unclear, inactivation of
tumor-related
genes
through
Edition
Title/Investigators
promoter
hypermethylation has been demonstrated to play an
2005-06 International
Diabetes
Management
important role in the development of this disease.
Practices Study, The "IDMPS" HOE
Considerable efforts have now focused on identifying
901/9010 (MD05511)
novel gene targeted by promoter methylation so as to
CHAN Chung Ngor Juliana
unravel
the
molecular
mechanisms
for
the
inactivation of tumor suppressive pathways that
2005-06 The International 1q Type 2 Diabetes
contribute to the hepatocarcinogenesis and to design
Consortium (MD05654)
better treatments to reduce its mortality. Through
CHAN Chung Ngor Juliana
promoter methylation array, we have recently
NG
Chor Yin#
identified a candidate tumor suppressor gene, paired
box gene 5 (PAX5), to be hypermethylated at its
2009-10 Discovery of Diabetes Gene Using
promoter. It is interesting that PAX5 is highly
Whole Genome Sequencing and Its
expressed in normal tissues, but frequently silenced
Regulation and Expression (MD09578)
in HCC cell lines and in primary HCC tissues.
CHAN Chung Ngor Juliana
MA
Moreover, PAX5 expression could be reactivated
Ching Wan Ronald SO Wing Yee*
through pharmacologic demethylation, suggesting
LEE Heung Man WANG Jian*
that expression of PAX5 in HCC cells may be
regulated by promoter methylation. We also revealed
2009-10 Chinese Medicine Systematic Review on
that forced expression of PAX5 in silenced HCC cell
the Prevention and Treatment Obesity
line resulted in substantial inhibition of cell growth.
(MD09314)
Based on these findings, we hypothesized that PAX5
CHAN Chung Ngor Juliana ZHAO
is a putative tumor suppressor gene implicated in the
Hailu# SUI Yi#
hepatocarcinogenesis. To test this hypothesis, we aim
to 1) characterize the epigenetic alterations and
2009-10 A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-
molecular functions of this novel gene in HCC by in
and
vitro and in vivo PAX5 gene transfection studies; 2)
Response Study of CS-1036 in Patients
identify the novel genomic targets of PAX5 in HCC
with Type 2 Diabetes (MD09558)
cells
CHAN
using
an
immunoprecipitation
integrated
microarray
(or
chromatin
ChIP-chip)
Comparator-controlled,
Chung
OZAKI Risa*
assay.
SO Wing Yee*
(MD10451)
Ronald
On Yan*
Please refer to previous issues of this publication
Ngor
Juliana
KONG Pik Shan
MA Ching Wan
LAU Wing Yan*
Dose
TING Zhao Wei*
LUK
NG
Vanessa W S*
for more details of the following ongoing research
at the department:
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
2009-10 Functional Characterization of Proximal
2007-08 A
Multi-center,
Randomized,
Promoter SNP in Carboxypeptidase E
Double-blind, Active-control, 96 Week,
(CPE) in Type 2 Diabetes (BL09958)
Phase III Trial of the Efficacy and Safety
CHAN Chung Ngor Juliana
Ching Wan Ronald
XU Gang
MA
SO Wing Yee
LEE Heung Man
of Clevudine Compared with Adefovir at
Weeks
48
and
96
in
Nucleoside
Treatment-naive Patients (MD07459)
CHAN Lik Yuen Henry
LAM Kwok Lim
Wai Sun Vincent
2009-10 Impacts of Hyperglycemia and Insulin
WONG
WONG Lai
Hung Grace*
Treatment on the Insulin-like Growth
Factor Pathway for Cancer in Type 2
Diabetes (MD09664)
Multi-center,
Randomized,
Double-blind, Active-control, 96 Week,
CHAN Chung Ngor Juliana
Heung Man
2007-08 A
LEE
Phase III Trial of the Efficacy and Safety
MA Ching Wan
of Clevudine Compared with Adefovir at
Ronald XU Gang ZHAO Hailu#
Weeks
48
and
96
in
Nucleoside
Treatment-naïve Patients with HBeAg
2008-09 The First Asia-Pacific Collaboration for
the
Study
of
NSAID-related
Negative
Chronic
Hepatitis
to
Hepatitis B Virus (MD07581)
CHAN Lik Yuen Henry
Gastrointestinal Diseases (MD08555)
due
CHAN Ka Leung Francis
Wai Sun Vincent
WONG
WONG Lai
Hung Grace*
2009-10 Combination of a Cyclo-oxygenase-2
Inhibitor and a Proton-pump Inhibitor for
2007-08 A
Randomized,
Double-blind
Study
Prevention of Recurrent Ulcer Bleeding
Evaluating
in Patients at Very High Risk: A
Fumarate (DF) Monotherapy versus the
Double-blind,
Combination
Randomized
trial.
Tenofovir
of
Disoproxil
Emtricitabine
and
(CU09609)
Tenofovir DF for the Treatment of
CHAN Ka Leung Francis
Chronic (MD07740)
CHAN Lik Yuen Henry
2007-08 A Comparative Study fo Entecavir vs.
Adefovir
vs.
the
Combination
Subjects:
The
DEFINE
Study
(MD07300)
Wai Sun Vincent
2008-09 Use of Serum Hepatitis B Surface
Antigen
Quantitation
to
Monitor
Treatment Response in Chronic Hepatitis
CHAN Lik Yuen Henry
Wai Sun Vincent
Hung Grace*
WONG
in
Lamivudine-refractory Chronic Hepatitis
B
WONG
WONG Lai
SUNG Joseph Jao
B (MD08781)
CHAN Lik Yuen Henry
WONG
Wai Sun Vincent*
Yiu
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
Telbivudine
600mg
of HBX Isolated from Novel HBV
Disoproxil
Fumarate
Subgenotype/Mutants Associated with
combination or Telbivudine 600mg or
Increased
Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate 300mg
2008-09 Elucidating Gene Regulatory Networks
Risk
of
Hepatocellular
and
Tenofovir
300mg
in
Monotherapy Given over 12 Weeks on
Carcinoma (MD08874)
CHAN Lik Yuen Henry
CHENG
Alfred Sze Lok (Biology)
SUNG
the Kinetics of Hepatitis B Virus DNA in
Adults
with
HBeAg
Positive
Compensated CHB (MD09591)
Joseph Jao Yiu
CHAN Lik Yuen Henry
2009-10 A Single-Arm, Multinational, Two Year
Wai Sun Vincent
Study Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety
WONG
WONG Lai
Hung Grace*
of Lead-in Telbivudine for 24 Weeks
with or without Tenofovir Treatment
2007-08 A Clinical Evaluation of the XIENCETM
Intensification in Adult Patients with
V Everolimus Eluting Coronary Stent
HBeAg-Positive Chronic Hepatitis B
System in the Treatment of Patients with
(MD09757)
de
CHAN Lik Yuen Henry
Wai Sun Vincent
WONG
WONG Lai
Coronary
Artery
Lesions
(MD07332)
CHAN Wai Man Wilson
Hung Grace*
2009-10 Development
novo
WU
Eugene Brian* KUM Chi Chiu*
of
a
Non-invasive
2009-10 Registry on Cardiac Rhythm DisORDers:
Algorithm for Advanced Liver Fibrosis
An
in Chronic Hepatitis B (MD09548)
Prospective Survey Assessing the Control
CHAN Lik Yuen Henry
of Atrial Fibrillation in Asia Pacific
Wai Sun Vincent
Hung
WONG
WONG Lai
CHOI Cheung Lung Paul
(Anatomical & Cellular Pathology)
International,
Observational,
(MD08717)
CHAN Yat Sun Joseph
Kwok Gabriel#
YIP Wai
YAN Ping Yen
Bryan LAM Yat Yin
2009-10 A PHarmacokinetic / Pharmacodynamic
Evaluation of ABF656 in Subjects with
2006-07 LENS
–
Long-term
Eltrombopag
Chronic Hepatitis B, eAg+, Infection
ObservatioNal Study – A Long Term
(MD09846)
Observational Ocular Safety Follow-up
CHAN Lik Yuen Henry
Joseph Jao Yiu
SUNG
WONG Wai Sun
Vincent WONG Lai Hung Grace*
Study in Adults Who Have Received
Study
Medication
(SB-49711-GR
/
Eltrombopag Olamine or Placebe) in a
Phase II or III Clinical Study Evaluating
2009-10 A Randomized, Open-label, Controlled,
Exploratory Trial to Characterize the
Results of Daily Oral Administration of
Eltrombopag (MD06429)
CHENG Gregory
Ming Raymond
WONG Siu
CHENG Chak
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
Kwan Arthur (Ophthalmology and
2009-10 A Phase I/IIa Safety and Pharmacokinetic
Visual Sciences)
Study
2009-10 Study PMA112509, a Phase I/II Study of
Eltrombopag
in
Thrombocytopenic
Subjects with Advanced Myelodysplastic
Previously
Leukemia
after
Treated
FIXFc
in
Hemophilia
B
CHENG
Gregory
Gregory
Raymond*
WONG
or
R-GDP
in
Combination
with
Inotuzumab Ozogamicin in Subjects with
CD22-Positive
International,
Randomized,
WONG
2009-10 An Open-label, Phase 1 Study of R-CVP
Raymond*
2009-10 An
MDS
(sAML/MDS) (MD09484)
CHENG
Intravenous
Patients (MD09639)
Syndrome (MDS) or Secondary Acute
Myeloid
of
Multicenter,
Double-blind Study of
Non-Hodgkin’s
Lymphoma (MD09417)
CHENG
Vorinostat (MK-0683) or Placebo in
Gregory
WONG
Raymond*
combination with Bortezomib in Patients
with Multiple Myeloma (MD09770)
CHENG
Gregory
2009-10 A Phase I/IIa, Open-label, Crossover,
WONG
Dose-escalation, and Multi-center Study
to Determine the Safety, Tolerability, and
Raymond*
Pharmacokinetics of a Single Intravenous
Inotuzumab
Injection of rFVIIIFc in Previously
Ozogamicin (CMC-544) in Subjects with
Treated Patients with Severe Hemophilia
Indolent
A (MD09937)
2009-10 A
Phase
2
Study
of
Non-hodgkin’s
Lymphoma
(NHL) That is Refractory to or has
Relapsed
after
Rituximab
CHENG
and
Gregory
WONG
Raymond SM*
Chemotherapy or Radioimmunotherapy
(MD09635)
2004-05 A
CHENG
Gregory
WONG
Multicenter,
Randomized,
Double-blind, Active Controlled Study to
Compare the Long-term Effect (up to 5
Raymond SM*
Years) of Treatment with LAF237 50 mg
2009-10 An Open-label, Single-arm, Phase 2
bid to Glimepiride up to 6 mg Daily as
Study of Inotuzumab Ozogamicin plus
Add-on Therapy in Patients with Type 2
Rituximab
Diabetes Inadequately Controlled with
in
Subjects
Relapsed/Refractory
Diffuse
Large
Eligible
for
with
CD22-positive
B-cell
Autologous
Lymphoma,
Stem
Cell
Transplantation (MD09816)
CHENG
Gregory
Metformin Monotherapy (MD04418)
CHOW Chun Chung Francis
Wing Yee
WONG
SO
KONG Pik Shan
OZAKI Risa
CHAN Wing Bun
LAU Wing Yan
LUK On Yan
Raymond*
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
Andrea
YU Wai Ling Linda
CHOW Chun Chung Francis
CHENG Yuen Shan Angela#
OZAKI Risa*
2006-07 Randomized, Multinational, Multicenter,
Double-blind,
Placebo-controlled,
Two-arm
Group
Parallel
LUK Andrea O Y*
LAU Winnie WY*
NG Vanessa
W S* YU Linda W L*
of
2009-10 A 52 Week Randomized, Controlled,
Rimonabant 20 mg OD for Reducing the
Open Label, Multicentre, Multinational
Risk of Major Cardiovascular Events in
Treat-to-target Trial comparing Efficacy
Abdominally
and Safety of SIBA and Insulin Glargine
Obese
Trial
Patients
with
Clustering Risk Factors (MD06778)
CHOW Chun Chung Francis
KONG Pik Shan
YEUNG CY*
both Administered Once Daily in a
Basal-bolus Regimen with Insulin Aspart
as Mealtime Insulin ± Treatment with
CHENG Y S
Metformin, ± Pioglitazone in Subjects
OZAKI R*
with Type 2 Diabetes Currently Treated
Angela*
with Insulin Qualifying for Intensified
2007-08 A
Randomised,
Active-controlled
Double-blind,
Parallel
Group
Treatment (MD09429)
CHOW Chun Chung Francis
Efficacy and Safety Study of BI 1356
OZAKI Risa*
(5.0mg, Administered Orally Once Daily)
Compared to Glimepiride (1 to 4mg Once
W S* TING Zhao Wei
LAU Winnie WY*
LUK Andrea O Y*
NG Vanessa
Daily) over Two Years, in Type 2
Diabetic
Patients
with
Insufficient
2009-10 A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-
Glycaemic Control Despite Metformin
and
Therapy (MD07312)
Multicenter Study to Determine the
CHOW Chun Chung Francis
OZAKI Risa*
LUK Andrea O Y*
LAU Winnie WY*
NG Vanessa
Active-controlled,
Efficacy
and
Administered
Parallel-group,
Safety of
in
Albiglutide
combination
with
Metformin and Glimepiride compared
with Metformin plus Glimepiride and
W S* YU Linda W L*
Placebo
2008-09 A Worldwide, Multicenter, Double-blind,
and
with
Metformin
plus
Glimepiride and Pioglitazone in Subjects
Randomized, Placebo-controlled, Dose
with
Type
2
Diabetes
Mellitus
Ranging Study to Evaluate the Efficacy,
(MD09407)
Safety, and Tolerablity of MK-0736
CHOW Chun Chung Francis
When Added to Ongoing Therapy with
OZAKI Risa
Angiotensin-converting Enzyme (ACE)
LUK Andrea O Y* NG Vanessa W
Inhibitor
S* TING Zhao Wei
or
Angiotensin
Receptor
LAU Winnie WY*
Blocker (ARB) in Patients with Diabetes
and Hypertension (MD08335)
2009-10 Protocol
Open-label,
Title:
A
Randomized,
Active-controlled,
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
to
2 Diabetes. A 26-week Randomised,
Determine the Safety and Efficacy of
Confirmatory, Controlled, Open Label,
Albiglutide Administered in Combination
Multicentre, Multinational Treat-to-target
with Insulin Glargine as compared with
Trial Comparing the Efficacy and Safety
the Combination of Insulin Glargine and
of SIBA and Insulin Glargine, Both
Preprandial Lispro Insulin in subjects
Injected Once Daily as Add on to Current
with
OAD Treatment in Insulin Naïve subjects
Parallel-group,
Type
Multicenter
2
Study
Diabetes
Mellitus
with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Qualifying
(MD09364)
CHOW Chun Chung Francis
OZAKI Risa*
LAU Winnie WY*
LUK Andrea O Y*
W S*
NG Vanessa
TING Zhao Wei*
for
More
Intensified
Treatment
(MD09877)
CHOW Chun Chung Francis
OZAKI Risa*
MA
Ching Wan Ronald
2009-10 BOOST : INTENSIFY ALL A Pan
LAU Winnie WY*
LUK Andrea O Y*
W S*
TM
NG Vanessa
TING Zhao Wei*
MA
Ching Wan Ronald
Asian Trial Comparing Efficacy and
Safety of NN5401 and Biphasic Insulin
2008-09 Feature Assessment Study for Indications
Aspart 30 in Type 2 Diabetes A 26-week
Based
Trial, Randomised, Open-label, Two-arm,
(MD08981)
Parallel-group,
FUNG Wing Hong
Treat-to-target
Study
Programming
(FASt-IBP)
YU Cheuk
Comparing Efficacy and Safety of the
Man
Soluble Insulin Analogue Combination
CHAN Yat Sun Joseph*
(SIAC) Twice Daily with Biphasic
Anna* WU Eugene Brian* LAM
Insulin Aspart 30 Twice Daily, with or
Yat Yin
without Metformin in subjects with Type
CY Karl*
YIP Wai Kwok Gabriel#
LEE PW Alex*
CHAN
CHAN
2 Diabetes in Inadequate Glycaemic
Control on Once or Twice Daily Insulin
2009-10 Continuous ST Segment Monitoring and
Regimen with or without Metformin
Incidence of Clinical Events in ICD
(MD09804)
Patients-AnalyST Registry (MD09624)
CHOW Chun Chung Francis
OZAKI Risa*
FUNG Wing Hong
CHAN Yat
Sun Joseph*
LAU Winnie WY*
LUK Andrea O Y*
W S*
NG Vanessa
TING Zhao Wei*
MA
Ching Wan Ronald
2008-09 A
Randomized,
Double-dummy,
Double-blind,
Placebo-controlled,
Parallel Group Study to Assess the
2009-10 BEGINTM: ONCE ASIA A Pan Asian
Efficacy and Safety of 48 Weeks of Once
Trial Comparing Efficacy and Safety of
Daily Treatment of Orally Inhaled BI
Insulin NN1250 and Insulin Glargine as
1744 CL (5µg [2 Actuations of 2.5g] and
Add on to OAD(s) in subjects with Type
10 µg [ 2 Actuations of 5µ]) Delivered by
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
the Respimat® Inhaler, and 48 Weeks of
Margaret Hospital Infectious Diseases
Twice Daily Foradil® (12µg) Delivered
Block
by the Aerolizer® Inhaler, in Patients
(MD09456)
with
HUI Shu Cheong David
Cronic
Obstructive
Pulmonary
Disease (COPD) (MD08925)
HUI Shu Cheong David
San Fanny*
TUNG Alvin*
of
MD09881)
CHAN
Matthew Tak Vai (Anaesthesia &
KO Wai
TO Kin Wang*
NG Susanna*
(Sub-project
Intensive Care)
Chow Ka Ming
Benny*
2009-10 Clinical Bioequivalence Study on Two
NGAI Jenny*
Salbutamol Formulations (MD09338)
2008-09 A
Randomized,
Parallel,
Controlled
Study to Evaluate the Role of Directly
HUI Shu Cheong David
KO Wai
San Fanny* TOMLINSON Brian
Observed Therapy Short Course-plus
(DOTS-plus)
versus
DOTS
for
2009-10 A Pilot Phase 2, Open-label, Randomized
Retreatment of Repapsed Pulmonary TB
Study of the Antiviral Activity, Safety,
in Guangzhou (MD08463)
and Tolerability of Intravenous Peramivir
HUI Shu Cheong David
CHAN
in Adult Hospitalized Subjects with
Chiu Yeung Raphael (Microbiology)
Confirmed Pandemic H1N1 Influenza
LEUNG Chi Chiu*
Ming*
TAN
TAM Cheuk
Shou-yong*
ZHONG Nan-shan*
Infection (MD09515)
HUI Shu Cheong David
Shun Nelson
LEE Lai
WONG Bonnie*
WONG Yee Kwan Rity CHOI Kin
2008-09 A
12-week
Treatment,
Randomized,
Multi-center,
Double-blind,
Wing*
TAI Kian Bun*
Ming Chi*
LUK
WONG Kwan Keung*
Placebo-controlled, Parallel Group Study
to Assess the Efficacy, Safety and
Kay Sheung Paul (Microbiology)
Tolerability of Indacaterol (150 and
ZEE Chung Ying Benny (School of
300ug o.d.) in Patients with Chronic
Public Health and Primary Care)
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
JOYNT
(MD08600)
(Anaesthesia & Intensive Care)
HUI Shu Cheong David
San Fanny*
Kin Wang*
KO Wai
NG Susanna*
NGAI Jenny*
Air
Dispersion
Gavin
Matthew
LUI Grace*
TO
2009-10 A Phase III, Randomized, Observer-blind,
Placebo-controlled, Multicentre, Clinical
TUNG Alvin* CHU JoJo*
2009-10 Exhaled
LAM Kwun Ngai Philip* CHAN
During
Vaccination
Trial
to
Assess
the
Prophylactic
Efficacy,
Safety
and
Application of Common Respiratory
Immunogenicity of GSK Biologicals’
Therapies at Prince of Wales Hospital
gE/AS01B Vaccine When Administered
Clinical Service Block versus Princess
Intramuscularly
on
a
0,
2-month
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
Schedule in Adults Aged 70 Years and
Follow-up Studies in Hong Kong School
Older (MD09533)
HUI Shu Cheong David
San Fanny*
2008-09 Prevalence of Melamine Incident and
NGAI Jenny*
TUNG Alvin*
KO Wai
Children (MD08668)
TO Kin Wang*
KONG Pik Shan
NG Susanna*
Ngor Juliana
Anthony
Severn
(Paediatrics)
CHAN
Kay
Sheung
CHAN Chung
YANG Xilin
CHU
Chiu Wing Winnie (Imaging &
NELSON Edmund
Interventional Radiol)
Paul
Kei
(Microbiology)
Christopher
LAM Wai
(Chemical
Pathology)
2009-10 A Phase III, Randomized, Observer-blind,
2009-10 A
Randomized,
Placebo
Controlled
Placebo-controlled, Multicentre, Clinical
Clinical Trial to Evaluate Cardiovascular
Vaccination
Trial
to
Assess
the
Outcomes
Prophylactic
Efficacy,
Safety
and
Sitagliptin in Patient with Type 2
after
Treatment
Immunogenicity of GSK Biologicals’
Diabetes
gE/AS01B Vaccine When Administered
Glycemic Control on Mono- or Dual
Intramuscularly on a 0, 2 month Schedule
Combination Oral Anthihyperglycemic
in Adults Aged 50 Years or Older
Therapy (MD09884)
(MD09841)
KONG Pik Shan
HUI Shu Cheong David
San Fanny*
NGAI Jenny*
TUNG Alvin*
KO Wai
TO Kin Wang*
NG Susanna*
NELSON Edmund
Anthony
Severn
(Paediatrics)
CHAN
Kay
Sheung
Paul
Mellitus
Ngor Juliana
and
with
2008-09 Project Management and Consultancy
1)
MA Ching Wan
Ronald
2009-10 Effects of 150 µg Aleglitazar on Renal
Function in Patients with Type 2
Diabetes and Moderate Renal Impairment,
KONG Pik Shan
for
CHAN Chung
as Compared to Actos® (MD09586)
(Microbiology)
Services
Inadequate
Development
and
Ngor Juliana
CHAN Chung
MA Ching Wan
Ronald
Maintenance of the Joint Asia Diabetes
Evaluation (JADE) Program and 2) Peer
2009-10 Anti-inflammatory
Effects
of
Support, Empowerment Communication
Erythropoietin in Peritoneal Dialysis
Linked
Patients (MD09540)
by
Information
Technology
(PEARL) Program (MD08883)
KONG Pik Shan
CHAN Chung
Ngor Juliana SO Wing Yee* KO
T C Gary*
KWAN Ching Ha Bonnie
2008-09 An Open-label, Multi-center, Follow-up
Trial to Evaluate Long-term Safety and
Efficacy of Brivracetam (ucb 34714)
Used as Adjunctive Treatment at a
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
Flexible Dose up to a Maximum of
2009-10 A
Double-blind,
Randomized,
150mg/day in Subjects Aged 16 Years or
Multicenter Efficacy and Safety Study of
Older
Epilepsy
Pregabalin (Lyrica) as Monotherapy in
(HK$36,951 per patient for the first 21
Patients with Partial Seizures (MD09573)
months x 6) (MD08538)
KWAN Kwok Leung Patrick
Suffering
from
KWAN Kwok Leung Patrick
2009-10 Validation of Clinical Assessment Tools
LEUNG Howan* FOK Joshua*
for
2008-09 A
Randomized,
Double-blind,
Placebo-controlled,
Multicenter
Study
to
Population
Genetic
Studies
of
Epilepsy in Rural China (co-funded by
Parallel-group,
National
Evaluate
Disorder And Stroke (NINDS) and
the
Institute
of
International
Neurological
Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of
Fogarty
Center
(FIC))
Carisbamate as Adjunctive Therapy in
(MD10369)
Subjects with Partial Onset Seizures,
KWAN Kwok Leung Patrick
Followed by Open-label Extension Study
BAUM Lawrence William (School
(MD08441)
of Pharmacy)
KWAN Kwok Leung Patrick
Cherny Stacey*
SHAM Pak Chung*
LEUNG Howan*
WANG
Josemir*
2009-10 An Open-label Extension Phase of the
Double-blind,
Wiliard*
Placebo-controlled,
DING Ding*
Wenzhi*
Sander
Duncan John*
Hauser
WU Jiangzhong*
HONG Zhen* LI Schichuo*
Dose-escalation, Parallel-group Studies
to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of
2009-10 A
52-week,
2-period,
Multicentre,
E2007 (Perampanel) Given as Adjunctive
Randomized,
Therapy in Subjects with Refractory
Donepezil-reference, Placebo-controlled,
Partial Seizures (MD09957)
Efficacy, and Safety Study of 3 Dosage
KWAN Kwok Leung Patrick
Double-blind,
Levels of SAM-531 in Outpatients with
Mild to Moderate Alzheimer Disease
LEUNG Howan* FUNG Eva*
(MD09745)
2009-10 Association
between
HLA-B*1502
KWOK Chi Yui Timothy
Allele and Antipileptic Drugs-induced
LEE
Shun Wah Jenny*
Severe Cutaneous Reactions in Han
Chinese: A Hong Kong-wide Population
Based Study (MD09805)
KWAN Kwok Leung Patrick
2009-10 A Randomized Placebo Controlled Trial
of Low Dose Angiotensin Converting
NG
Enzyme Inhibitor to Prevent Pneumonia
Heung Ling Margaret (Anatomical &
in
Older
People
Who
Require
Cellular Pathology) LO Su Vui*
Nasogastric Tube Feeding because of
Neurological Dysphagia (MD09880)
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
KWOK Chi Yui Timothy
LEE
and
a
Normal
Ejection
Fraction
CHAN Becky*
(CU09795)
Fai
Michael
LAM Yat Yin SANDERSON John
(Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck
Elsby* YU Cheuk Man YIP Wai
Surgery)
Kwok Gabriel#
Shun Wah Jenny*
TONG
2009-10 A
Chi
78-week
Noninterventional
2009-10 Detection of Patent Foramen Ovale in
Longitudinal Study to Validate the
Young
Alzheimer’s
Transthoracic
Disease
Assessment
Patients
Echocardiography
Disability
(MD09687)
for
Dementia
(DAD), and Neuropsychological Test
Stroke
Saline
Scale-Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-Cog),
Assessment
with
in
by
Contrast
Hong
Kong
LAM Yat Yin YU Cheuk Man
Battery (NTB) in Asian Subjects with
Mild to Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease
(MD09651)
2008-09 A Phase IIa, Multicenter, Randomized,
Placebo-
KWOK Chi Yui Timothy
LEE
and
Active-comparator
Controlled, Cross-over Clinical Trial to
Study the Safety
Shun Wah Jenny*
and
Efficacy of
MK-3577 in Patients with Type 2
2009-10 TECOS:
A
Randomized,
Placebo
Diabetes Mellitus Who Have Inadeqate
Controlled Clinical Trial to Evaluate
Glycaemic Control (MD08837)
Cardiovascular
LAU Wing Yan
Outcomes
after
Treatment with Sitagliptin in Patients
LUK On Yan*
with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and
Inadequate Glycemic Control on Mono-
L*
or
KONG Pik Shan
Dual
Combination
Oral
Antihyperglycemic Therapy (MD09900)
LAM Yat Yin
WU Eugene Brian*
YU Cheuk Man
Bryan
YAN Ping Yen
NG Vanessa W S*
LEE Oi Yan Janet# YU Linda W
MA Ching Wan Ronald
SO Wing Yee*
CHAN Chung Ngor Juliana
2009-10 A
Phase
III
Randomized,
Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial to Study
the Safety and Efficacy of the Addition
LEE
of Sitagliptin (MK-0431) in Patients with
CHAN YEUNG Yuk
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Who Have
CHAN Chi Yuen*
Pui Wai*
CHAN Yat Sun
Joseph* YIP Wai Kwok Gabriel#
CHAN Anna*
OZAKI Risa*
Inadequate
Ching ZHANG Mang
Glycemic
Control
on
Combination Therapy with Metformin
2009-10 Interaction
between
Peripheral
Non-diastolic Factors and Ventricular
and Pioglitazone (MD09843)
LAU Wing Yan
Mechanics as a Cause of Exercise
LUK On Yan*
Intolerance in Patients with Heart Failure
OZAKI Risa*
NG Vanessa W S*
LEE Oi Yan Janet# YU Linda W
L*
MA Ching Wan Ronald
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
KONG Pik Shan
SO Wing Yee*
Leung Patrick
CHAN Chung Ngor Juliana
2009-10 Initiating
Oseltamivir
WONG Ka Sing
Lawrence
in
Adults
2008-09 Study Name: THE IMPACT-24 TRIAL
Hospitalized with Influenza – A Study on
(IMPlant Augmenting Cerebral Blood
Virological and Clinical Outcomes for
Flow Trial 24 Hours from Stroke Onset)
Higher-dose Treatment Started within 96
Study Title: A Multicenter, Randomized,
Hours (MD09697)
Double Blind, Sham Control, Parallel
LEE Lai Shun Nelson
CHAN Kay
Arm Trial to Assess Effectiveness and
Sheung Paul (Microbiology) CHOI
Safety of the Ischemic Stroke System
Kin Wing HUI Shu Cheong David
ISS, as an Adjunct to Standard of Care in
Subjects with Acute Ischemic Stroke
2009-10 Role of Toll-1ike Receptors in Naturally
LEUNG Wai Hong Thomas
Occurring Influenza (MD09822)
LEE Lai Shun Nelson
Kay
(Microbiology)
Sheung
WONG Ka Sing Lawrence
WONG
Chun Kwok (Chemical Pathology)
CHAN
(MD08508)
OY Yannie*
Paul
David
Chu
SOO
LAU YL Alexander*
CHAN Yin Yan Anne*
Kwok
HUI Shu Cheong
(Surgery)
WONG
ZHU
Xian-lun
2009-10 Identifying Predictors for Progression of
2008-09 A
Randomised,
Double-blind,
Atherosclerosis in HIV-infected Patients
Parallel-group Placebo-controlled Phase
in Hong Kong (MD09596)
III Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and
LEE Lai Shun Nelson
LUI Grace*
MA Ching Wan Ronald
WONG
Chun Kwok (Chemical Pathology)
Safety of Desmoteplase in Subjects with
Acute Ischemic Stroke (MD08892)
LEUNG Wai Hong Thomas
Ka
CHOOK Ping (Institute of Chinese
WONG
Medicine) LEE Shui Shan (Stanley
GRAHAM C A (Accident and
Ho Centre for Emerging Infectious
Emergency Medicine Academic Unit)
Diseases)
LEUNG Ho Wan
Chung Edward
2008-09 The Neuroeconomics of Health Care
Financing
Options:
A
Study
of
Sing
Lawrence
WONG Ho
SOO Oi Yan
LAU Yuk Lun Alexander
Yin Yan Anne
CHAN
SIU Yung Woon
Willingness to Pay and Save (MD08643)
Deyond (Imaging & Interventional
LEUNG Ho Wan
Radiol)
LEUNG Chi
Ming Michael (School of Public
MAK
2007-08 Multi-center, Prospective, Randomized
KWAN Kwok
Trial to Demonstrate Improved Metabolic
Health and Primary Care)#
Ka Fung Henry*
Control of PPEN vs. DDDD in Diabetic
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
CAPD Patients – the IMPENDIA Trial
2008-09 A Randomised, Double-blind, Placebo
Controlled, Parallel-group, Multicenter
(MD07452)
LI Kam Tao Philip
CHOW Kai
Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety
of Two Doses of Ocrelizumab in Patients
Ming# LAW Man Ching*
with Who or ISN Class III or IV
2005-06 Long-term Extension Study of Safety
during
Treatment
with
Tocilizumab
(MRA) in Patients Completing Treatment
in WA 17822 (MD05442)
Nephritis
due
to
Systemic
Lupus
Erythematosus (MD08911)
LI Kwok Ming Edmund
TAM Lai
Shan
LI Kwok Ming Edmund TAM LS*
2008-09 A Multi-center, Continuation Trial of
2006-07 A
Randomized,
Double-blind,
Belimumab (HGS1006, LymphoStat-Bä),
Four-arm,
a Fully Human Monoclonal Anti-BLyS
Multicenter,
Antibody, in Subjects with Systemic
Placebo-controlled,
Parallel-group,
Multinational Safety and Efficacy Trial
Lupus
of
Completed
100mg,
300mg
and
900mg
of
Erythematosus
the
(SLE)
Phase
3
Who
Protocol
Abetimus Sodium in Systemic Lupus
HGS1006-C1056 or HGS1006-C1057
Erthematosus (SLE) Patients with a
(MD08615)
History of Renal Disease (MD06750)
LI Kwok Ming Edmund
LI Kwok Ming Edmund
TAM Lai
Shan KWOK Lai Wa
2007-08 WA20494/ACT3985g: A Randomized,
Double-blind,
Parallel
Group,
2009-10 Human
Papillomavirus
Patients
with
Infection
Systemic
in
Lupus
International Study to Evaluate the Safety
Erythematosus-predictors for Cervical
and Efficacy of Ocrelizumab Compared
Intraepithelial Neoplasia (MD09860)
to Placebo in Patients with Active
LI Kwok Ming Edmund
Rheumatoid
Arthritis
Continuing
Shan
WONG
LI Kwok Ming Edmund
Pathology)
KWOK
Lai Wah* TAM Lai Shan
TAM Lai
SZETO Cheuk Chun
Methotrexate Treatment (MD07819)
Chun
Kwok
(Chemical
CHAN Kay Sheung
Paul (Microbiology)
HO CHAN
Suzanne (School of Public Health
2008-09 A Randomized, Open-label Study in the
Asia-Pacific
Region
Comparing
the
and Primary Care)
May*
Tak Hong*
Usual Dmard Therapy in Subjects with
(School
Rheumatoid Arthritis (MD08648)
Primary Health)
Shan
YU Mei Yung
YIM So Fan*
Safety and Efficacy of Etanercept with
LI Kwok Ming Edmund
of
CHEUNG
WONG Chi Sang
Public
Health
and
TAM Lai
2008-09 The Effect of Uninephrectomy and
Inhibition of the Renin Angiotensin
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
System on Myocardial Gene Expression
2008-09 Validation
(MD08649)
MA Ching Wan Ronald
LEE
of
Neuropsychology Protocols in Chinese
MOK
Effects
of
Genetic
NINDS-VCI
Stroke Patients (MD08667)
Heung Man ZHAO Hailu#
2009-10 The
the
Variants
Chung
Tong
Vincent
WONG Ka Sing Lawrence
LAM
Implicated in Fasting Glucose and Their
Wai Man Wynnie (Imaging &
Impact on Type 2 Diabetes Risk in
Interventional Radiol)#
Chinese (MD09878)
Nyenhuis*
MA Ching Wan Ronald
David L.
SO Wing
2009-10 Amyloid Burden in Poststroke Dementia
Yee CHAN Chung Ngor Juliana
(MD09400)
2006-07 A 24-weeks Prospective, Multicentre,
Randomised,
Double-blind,
Placebo-controlled Study of Dysport
MOK
Chung
Tong
Vincent
LEUNG Yim Lung Eric*
WONG
Adrian WONG Ka Sing Lawrence
Injection for the Treatment of Upper
Limb
Spasticity
in
Early
Stroke
(MD06955)
MOK
2008-09 Superiority Study of Insulin Glargine
over Sitagliptin in Insulin-naive Patients
Chung
Tong
Vincent
with Type 2 Diabetes Treated with
Metformin
WONG Ka Sing Lawrence
and
not
Adequately
Controlled (EASIE Trial – Evaluation of
2007-08 AVA102675-A
52-week
Open-label
insulin glArgine versus Sitagliptin in
Extension Study of the Long-term Safety
Insulin-naïvE patients) and its Extension
and
Study Combination Therapy of Insulin
Efficacy
of
Rosiglitazone
Extended-release
(RSG
XR)
Adjunctive
Therapy
as
Glargine and Sitagliptin in Patients with
to
Type
2
Diabetes
not
Adequately
Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor in Subjects
Controlled by a Previous Treatment with
with
Metformin and Either Insulin Glargine or
Mild-to-moderate
Alzheimer’s
Sitagliptin
Disease (REFLECT-4) (MD07315)
MOK Chung Tong Vincent
Wan Sze Wency
(EASIE
Evaluation of insulin glArgine versus
CHAN Yin Yan
Sitagliptin in Insulin-naïvE patients)
(MD08399)
OZAKI Risa
Phase
–
HO
Anne*
2008-09 A
extension
2,
36-Week,
Open-label,
YEUNG Chun Yip*
TSANG Chiu Chi*
LAU Wing
Uncontrolled Safety Follow-up Study
Yan*
Assessing
Yan Janet# KO Tin Choi*
SCH
420814
5mg
BID
LUK On Yan*
LEE Oi
(MD08671)
MOK Chung Tong Vincent CHAN
Yin Yan Anne*
2008-09 A Phase III, Randomised, Double-blind,
Placebo-controlled,
Parallel
Group,
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
NG Vanessa W S*
KONG
Safety and Efficacy Study of BI 1356
Wei*
(5mg), Compared to Placebo as Add on
Pik Shan MA Ching Wan Ronald
to Insulin and /or Sulphonylurea over 52
SO Wing Yee*
Weeks in Type 2 Diabetic Patients with
Ngor Juliana
Severe
Chronic
Renal
CHAN Chung
2009-10 A Phase III, Randomized, Clinical Trial
OZAKI Risa
CHAN Chung Ngor
LAU Wing Yan
to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of the
MA
Addition of Sitagliptin in Patients with
Ching Wan Ronald
SO Wing Yee
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Who Have
KONG Pik Shan
LUK On Yan
Inadequate Glycemic
Andrea
YU Wai Ling Linda
Wan Sze Vanessa
NG
LEE Oi Yan
Sulfonylurea
in
Control on
combination
Active-controlled,
Parallel-group,
with
LUK On Yan*
LAU Wing Yan*
2009-10 A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-
a
Metformin (MD09626)
OZAKI Risa
Janet#
and
Impairment
(MD08926)
Juliana
Wei*
TING Zhao
NG Vanessa W S*
KONG
Pik Shan MA Ching Wan Ronald
Multicenter Study to Determine the
SO Wing Yee*
Efficacy and Safety of Albiglutide when
Ngor Juliana
CHAN Chung
Used in combination with Metformin
compared
with
plus
2003-04 Treatment of Early Immunoglobulin a
Sitagliptin, Metformin plus Glimepiride,
Nephropathy by Angiotensin Converting
and Metformin plus Placebo in Subjects
Enzyme Inhibitor - A Randomized
with
Controlled Trial (MD04749)
Type
Metformin
2
Diabetes
Mellitus
SZETO Cheuk Chun
(MD09336)
OZAKI Risa
LAU Wing Yan*
LEE Oi Yan Janet#
L*
LI Kam Tao
Philip* YU Wai Yin Alex*
YU Linda W
NG Vanessa W S*
LUK
2008-09 A Phase IIb Randomized, Double-blind,
Placebo-controlled,
Andrea O Y*
Dose
and
Dose
Regimen-ranging Study of the Safety and
2009-10 Dose Finding, Safety and Efficacy of
Monthly
Subcutaneous
Canakinumab
Efficacy
of
Epratuzumab
Serologically-positive Systemic Lupus
Administration for the Treatment of
Erythematosis
Hyperglycemia
Disease (MD08525)
in
Metformin
Monotherapy Treated Type 2 Diabetic
Patients: A Randomized, Double-blind,
in
Patient
TAM Lai Shan
with
Active
LI Kwok Ming
Edmund KWOK Lai Wah*
Placebo-controlled, Multi-center Study
(MD09786)
OZAKI Risa
2009-10 SERAPHIN-OL: Study with an ERA in
LUK On Yan*
LAU Wing Yan*
TING Zhao
Pulmonary
Improve
Arterial
cliNical
Hypertension
Outcome
to
(Open
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
Label)
–
Long-Term
Single-arm
Abdominally
Obese
Patients
with
Open-label Extension Study of the
Clustering Risk Factors (MD06682)
SERAPHIN Study, to Assess the Safety
TOMLINSON Brian
and Tolerability of ACT-064922 in
Patients with Symptomatic Pulmonary
2007-08 A 76-week, Worldwide, Multicenter,
Arterial Hypertension (MD09579)
Double-blind,
TAM Lai Shan
Placebo-controlled Study to Assess the
LI Kwok Ming
Randomized,
Tolerability and Efficacy of Anacetrapib
Edmund YIP Wai Kwok Gabriel#
When Added to Ongoing Therapy with a
2009-10 A Phase 2A, Randomized, Double-blind,
Statin
in
Patients
with
or
Mixed
Active and Placebo-controlled Study of
Hypercholesterolemia
PF-04171327 in the Treatment of the
Hyperlipidemia (MD07789)
Signs and Symptoms of Rheumatoid
TOMLINSON
Arthritis (MD09631)
TOMLINSON
LI Kwok Ming Edmund
KWOK Lai Wah*
KUAN Woon
2008-09 A
Multi-center,
Randomized,
Double-blind,
Parallel
Group,
Placebo-controlled 12-week Study to
Pang*
Investigate
2009-10 Arthritis
TSUI
Teresa*
TAM Lai Shan
Brian
Brian
and
Traditional
Chinese
Safety
/
Parameters
Tolerability
of
and
Pharmacokinetics of Five Dose Levels of
Medicine (MD09763)
TAM Lai Shan
Efficacy,
Glycemic
LI Kwok Ming
RO4998452 in Patients with Type 2
Diabetes Mellitus (MD08924)
Edmund Brian Berman*
TOMLINSON
2009-10 Function and Expression Profile of the
Raymond
Nucleotide-binding and Oligomerization
Michael*
Brian
SM*
WONG
CHAN
CC
Domain (NOD)-2 Receptors in Systemic
Lupus Erythematosus (MD09782)
TAM Lai Shan
Edmund
WONG
LI Kwok Ming
Kwok
Phase
III
Randomized,
Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial to Study
the Safety and Efficacy of the Addition
(Chemical
of Sitagliptin (MK-0431) in Patients with
SZETO Cheuk Chun
Chun
2008-09 A
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Who Have
Pathology)
Inadequate
2006-07 Randomized, Multinational, Multicenter,
Glycemic
Control
combination Therapy with Metformin
Double-blind,
Placebo-controlled,
and Pioglitazone (MD08947)
Two-arm
Group
of
TOMLINSON
Rimonabant 20 mg OD for Reducing the
Raymond SM*
Risk of Major Cardiovascular Events in
CHAN CM Jones*
Parallel
Trial
on
Brian
WONG
CHAN Michael*
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
Placebo
2009-10 Pharmacogenomics of Nicotinic Acid
Controlled Clinical Trial to Evaluate
with Laropiprant in Hong Kong Chinese
Cardiovascular
Patients with Dyslipidemia (MD09703)
2009-10 TECOS:
A
Randomized,
Outcomes
after
Treatment with Sitagliptin in Patient with
TOMLINSON Brian
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Inadequate
Glycemic Control on Mon- or Dual
2009-10 A
Randomized,
Combination Oral Anthihyperglycemic
Placebo-controlled,
Therapy (MD09319)
Multicenter
TOMLINSON
Raymond
Brian
SM*
WONG
CHAN
CC
Study
Double-blind,
Parallel-group,
to
Evaluate
the
Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of
Canagliflozin Compared with Placebo in
the Treatment of Older Subjects with
Michael* CHAN CM Jones*
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Inadequately
2009-10 A Multi-center, Randomized, Open-label,
Controlled on Glucose Lowering Therapy
Active-controlled Study to compare the
(MD09861)
Efficacy, Safety and Tolerability of
TOMLINSON
Taspoglutide
(RO5073031)
versus
Brian
WONG
Raymond SM* CHAN Michael*
Insulin Glargine in Insulin-naïve Type 2
Diabetic Patients Inadequately Controlled
with
Metformin
and
Sulfonylurea
2007-08 A 16 Week Open-label Outpatient,
Randomized, Parallel Study Assessing
Combination Therapy (MD09449)
the Impact of Two Different Initial Dose
TOMLINSON
Prescriptions for Dry Powder Inhaled
Raymond SM*
Brian
WONG
CHAN Michael*
CHAN CM Jones*
Insulin (Exubera®) on Glycemic Control
in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Who
2009-10 A Randomized, Double-blind, Placeboand
Comparator-controlled,
Dose
Response Study of CS-1036 in Patients
with Type 2 Diabetes (MD09355)
TOMLINSON
Brian
are
Poorly
Controlled
a
Combination of Two or More Oral
Agents (MD07523)
TONG Peter Chun Yip
Chung Ngor Juliana
WONG
on
CHAN
KONG Pik
Shan OZAKI Risa
Raymond SM* CHAN Michael*
2008-09 Superiority Study of Insulin Glargine
2009-10 Effects of 150µg Aleglitazar on Renal
over Sitagliptin in Insulin-Naïve Patients
Function in Patients with Type 2
with Type 2 Diabetes Treated with
Diabetes and Moderate Renal Impairment,
Metformin
as Compared to Actos (MD09509)
Controlled (EASIE Trial – Evaluation of
TOMLINSON
insulin glArgine versus Sitagliptin in
Brian
WONG
Raymond* CHAN CC Michael*
Insulin-naïvE
and
not
patients)”
Adequately
and
its
Extension Study “Combination Therapy
of Insulin Glargine and Sitagliptin in
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
Patients with Type 2 Diabetes not
Glimepiride and Pioglitazone in Subjects
Adequately Controlled by a Previous
with
Treatment with Metformin and Either
(MD09535)
Insulin Glargine or Sitagliptin (EASIE
TSANG Chiu Chi OZAKI Risa
Type
2
Diabetes
Mellitus
Extension Trial – Evaluation of insulin
glArgine
versus
Sitagliptin
in
2009-10 A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-
Insulin-naïvE patients) (MD08844)
and
Comparator-controlled,
Dose
TSANG Chiu Chi OZAKI Risa*
Response Study of CS-1036 in Patients
with Type 2 Diabetes (MD09629)
2009-10 A
Randomized,
Placebo
Controlled
TSANG Chiu Chi OZAKI Risa*
Clinical Trial to Evaluate Cardiovascular
Outcomes
after
Treatment
with
2004-05 PRoFESS - COG Sub-study Effects of
Sitagliptin in Patients with Type 2
BP Lowering with Micardis®, and
Diabetes
Anti-patelet
Mellitus
and
Inadequate
Therapy
with
either
Glycemic Control on Mono- or Dual
Aggenox® or Clopidogrel, on Cognitive
Combination
Function and Dementia Following Acute
Oral
Antihyperglycemic
Therapy (MD09850)
Ischaemic Stroke (MD04379)
TSANG Chiu Chi OZAKI Risa
WONG Ka Sing Lawrence
Chung Tong Vincent
2009-10 A Randomized, Double-blind, Placeboand
Active-controlled,
Parallel-group,
Che Fai
MOK
HUI Andrew
KWAN Kwok Leung
Patrick
LEUNG
Wai
Hong
Multicenter Study to Determine the
Thomas
Efficacy and Safety of Albiglutide When
Ho Chung Edward
Used in combination with Metformin
Shing Eric# LEUNG Howan*
compared
with
Metformin
SOO Oi Yan
WONG
LIANG Ka
plus
Sitagliptin, Metformin plus Glimepiride,
2006-07 Randomized, Multinational, Multicenter,
and Metformin plus Placebo in Subjects
Double-blind,
Placebo-controlled,
with
Two-arm
Group
Type
2
Diabetes
Mellitus
Parallel
Trial
of
(MD09529)
Rimonabant 20 mg OD for Reducing the
TSANG Chiu Chi OZAKI Risa
Risk of Major Cardiovascular Events in
Abdominally
2009-10 A Randomized, Double-blind, Placeboand
Active-controlled,
Parallel-group,
Obese
Patients
Clustering Risk Factors (MD06315)
WONG
Ka
Sing
Lawrence
Multicenter Study to Determine the
LEUNG Wai Hong Thomas
Efficacy
Chung Tong Vincent
and
Administered
Safety of
in
Albiglutide
combination
with
Metformin and Glimepiride compared
with
Wan
MOK
LEUNG Ho
WONG Ho Chung Edward
SOO Oi Yan MAN Bik Ling
with Metformin plus Glimepiride and
Placebo
and
with
Metformin
plus
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
2007-08 A
Prospective,
Randomized,
Double-blind,
LEUNG Ho Wan
SOO Oi Yan
LAU YL Alexander*
Double-dummy,
Parallel-group, Multicenter, Event-driven,
CHAN Yin
Yan Anne*
Non-interiority Study Comparing the
Efficacy and Safety of Once-daily Oral
Rivaroxaban
(BAY
59-7939)
with
2009-10 A Double-blind, Placebo Controlled,
Randomized,
Multicenter
Study
to
Adjusted-dose Oral Warfarin for the
Investigate Chinese Medicine Neuroaid
Prevention of Stroke and Non-central
Efficacy on Stroke Recovery (CHIMES
(MD07700)
Study) (MD09815)
WONG
Ka
Sing
Lawrence
LEUNG Thomas WH*
Howan*
Vincent
WONG Ka Sing Lawrence
OY Yannie*
LEUNG
LAU YL Alexander*
CHAN Yin Yan Anne*
SOO
CHAN Yin
Yan Anne* LAU YL Alexander*
IP HL Vincent* AU WC Lisa*
SOO OY
LEUNG Howan*
WONG H C Edward*
MOK Chung Tong
Yannie*
2007-08 A Worldwide, Observational Registry
2008-09 Apixaban versus Acetylsalicylic Acid
Collecting Longitudinal Data on the
(ASA) to Prevent Stroke in Atrial
Management of Chronic Myelogenous
Fibrillation Patients Who Have Failed or
Leukemia
are Unsuitable for Vitamin K Antagonist
WORLD CML Registry) in Routine
Treatment: A Randomized Double Blind
Practice (MD07429)
Trial (MD08830)
WONG Siu Ming Raymond
WONG Ka Sing Lawrence
Yin
Yan
Anne*
YL
Alexander* LEUNG Thomas WH*
LEUNG Howan*
SOO OY
(The
2008-09 A
Prospective,
Non-interventional
Multicenter Multinational Registry of
Anemia Patients with Requiring Chronic
Transfusional Therapy Who are at Risk
Yannie*
for
2008-09 A
Patientw
CHAN
LAU
(CML)
Multicenter,
Randomized,
Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study
Transfusional
Hemosiderosis
(MD08483)
WONG Siu Ming Raymond
to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of
CHENG Gregory
SCH 530348 in Addition to Standard of
Care in Subjects with a History of
Atherosclerotic
Receptor
Disease:
Antagonist
in
2009-10 A
Multi-center,
Randomized,
Thrombin
Double-blind,
Secondary
Clinical Trial of Deferasirox in Patients
Placebo-controlled,
Prevention of Atherothrombotic Ischemic
with
Events (TRA 2P – TIMI 50) (MD08666)
(low/int-1 risk) and Transfusional Iron
WONG
Overload (TELESTO) (MD09705)
Ka
Sing
Lawrence
LEUNG Wai Hong Thomas
Myelodysplastic
Syndromes
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
WONG Siu Ming Raymond
2008-09 Healthy Ageing Through Empowerment
(MD08945)
CHENG Gregory
WOO Jean CHAN Suk Mei SEA
2009-10 An Open-label, Multi-center, Three Arm
Man Mei (School of Public Health
Randomized, Phase III Study to Compare
and Primary Care)
the Efficacy and Safety of RO5072759 +
Dominic
Chlorambucil
Osteoporosis Care & Control)
(GC1b),
Rituximab
+
LO Hip Shing
(CUHK
JCC
for
Chlorambucil (RC1b) or Chlorambucil
LEUNG Ping Chung (Institute of
(C1b) Alone in Previously Untreated
Chinese Medicine)
CLL
Leung Anthony (CUHK JCC for
Patients
with
Comorbidities
(MD09345)
KWOK Wai
Osteoporosis Care & Control)
WONG Siu Ming Raymond
2009-10 Study on Parental Knowledge, Attitude
CHENG Gregory
and Practice (KAP) in child Feeding, and
2009-10 A Study of the Pharmacokinetics of
Nilotinib (Tasigna) in Chinese Patientw
a Dietary Survey of Children (MD09838)
WOO Jean CHAN Suk Mei
sith Imatinib-resistant and/or –intolerant
CML at Chronic or Accelerated Phase
(MD09365)
2009-10 Study on Parental Knowledge, Attitude
and Practice (KAP) in Child Feeding, and
WONG Siu Ming Raymond
a Dietary Survey of Children (MD09784)
WOO Jean CHAN Suk Mei
CHENG Gregory
2009-10 Prevalence of Nanolcoholic Fatty Liver
2009-10 Manipulation
of
Visceral
Disease and Advanced Liver Fibrosis in
Hypersensitivity with Probiotic Bacteria
Hong
in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (MD09637)
Kong
Population
–
A
Study
Cross-Sectional
Using
Magnetic
WU Che Yuen Justin
NG Siew
Resonance Spectroscopy and Transient
Chien LAM Fung Chun TSE Chi
Elastography (MD09972)
Hang
WONG Wai Sun Vincent
CHU
Chiu Wing Winnie (Imaging &
Interventional Radiol)
CHAN Suk Mei
WOO Jean
WONG Lai
2008-09 Role of Free Fatty Acid on GLP-1 and
GIP
Receptor
Contribution to Impaired Incretin Effects
XU Gang
2006-07 CADENZA (MD06911)
WOO Jean
Ada*
Possible
in Type 2 Diabetes (MD08784)
Hung
Timothy
Expression:
Juliana
KWOK Chi Yui
LUM Terry*
CHAN Chung Ngor
GU Xuemei#
FAN
Rongrong*
MUI
2008-09 Factors Controlling B-cell Differentiation
from Embryonic Stem Cells (CU08770)
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
XU Gang
Juliana
CHAN Chung Ngor
MA Ching Wan Ronald
TONG Peter Chun Yip
ZHAO
2007-08 Studies on the Function and mRNA and
Protein Expression of Ion Channels in the
Coronary
Endothelium
Related
to
Ischemia (CU07651)
Hailu#
YANG
2009-10 Mechanisms for Attenuated Glucose
Qin
(Surgery)#
HE
YAO
Guo
Wei
Xiaoqiang
Lowering Effects of Glucagon Like
(School of Biomedical Sciences)
Peptide-1
HUANG Yu (School of Biomedical
/
Exendin-4
in
Aging
(MD09397)
Sciences)
XU Gang
CHAN Chung Ngor
2009-10 Modulation
Juliana YANG Xilin
of
Intermediate-
Small-conductance
2008-09 Chinese Translation and Validation of the
Potassium
and
Calcium-activated
Channels
in
Coronary
Walking Impairment Questionnaire in
Endothelium in Response to Hypoxia
Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease
(CU09789)
(MD08357)
YANG Qin ADELMAN John P*
YAN Ping Yen Bryan
YU Cheuk
HE Guo Wei (Surgery)#
YAO
Man Lau JY (Surgery) LAM Yat
Xiaoqiang (School of Biomedical
Yin
Sciences)
YU Sau Fung Doris (The
Nethersole School of Nursing) MA
2009-10 Modulation
Ching Wan Ronald
Receptor
2009-10 Efficacy, Safety and Cost-effectiveness
of
Drug-eluting
World ＂
Hong
Stents
in
Kong
“ Real
Cardiology
of
Canonical
Potential
Transient
Channel
Hypoxia-Reoxygenation
in
3
by
Coronary
Endothelium (MD09716)
YANG Qin
Practice (CU09787)
YAN Ping Yen Bryan
LEE Wing
Yan Vivian (School of Pharmacy)
REID Christopher Michael*
YU
2008-09 Use of Oral Anti-diabetic Drugs and
Risks of Cancer in Type 2 Diabetes
Mellitus (MD08684)
YANG Xilin
Cheuk Man
Juliana
2009-10 Cardiovascular Risk Profile & Long-term
CHAN Chung Ngor
SO Wing Yee
KO Tin
Choi
Clinical Outcomes of Patients with
Peripheral Arterial Disease in Hong
Kong (MD09890)
YAN Ping Yen Bryan
(Surgery)
2009-10 A Randomized Translational Study to
Examine the Effects of Shared Care
Lau JY
versus Usual Care in Management of
Gestational Diabetes in a Three-tier
Prenatal Care Network in Tianjin, China
(MD10623)
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
YANG Xilin
CHAN
TIAN Huiguang*
Chung
Ngor
ZHANG Fuxia*
Zhijie*
2004-05 Cardiac Contractility Modulation for the
YU
Treatment of Heart Failure - Impact of
ZHANG
Haemodynamic Optimization of Lead
Juliana
HU Gang*
DONG Ling*
Position (MD04842)
Hong*
YU Cheuk Man
2002-03 A Multicentre, Multinational, Long-term,
of
Subject
FUNG W. H.*
CHAN Yat Sun Joseph CHAN Chi
Extension Study to Assess the Safety and
Toleration
Kin Hamish
Optimised
Treatment Regimens of Oral Sildenafil
2006-07 A
Multicenter,
Double-blind,
for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in
Randomized Study to Establish the
Subjects Who Have Completed Study
Clinical Benefit and Safety of Vytorin
A1481140 (MD02489)
(Ezetimibe/Simvastatin
YU Cheuk Man
Ling#
KONG Shun
MA Wing Yan#
Kwok Gabriel#
(Ophthalmology
Sciences)#
YIP Wai
Simvastatin Monotherapy in High-risk
Subjects Presenting with Acute Coronary
Syndrome
and
Outcomes: Vytorin Efficacy International
Visual
WONG Wing Cheong
WONG
vs.
WANG Zheng
(Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences)
Tablet)
Tai
Hung
John
(Orthopaedics & Traumatology)#
KUM Chi Chiu Leo
(Improved
Reduction
of
Trial – IMPROVE IT) (MD06410)
YU Cheuk Man
Leo
KUM Chi Chiu
WONG Man Lok Edmond#
CHAN Wai Man Wilson
LAI Hong
2006-07 Randomized, Multinational, Multicenter,
Yee Connie*
2004-05 A Multicentre, Multinational, Long-term
Double-blind,
Placebo-controlled,
Two-arm
Group
Parallel
Trial
of
Extension Study to Assess the Safety and
Rimonabant 20 mg OD for Reducing the
Toleration
Risk of Major Cardiovascular Events in
of
Subject
Optimised
Treatment Regimens of Oral Sildenafil
Abdominally
for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in
Clustering Risk Factors (MD06532)
Subjects Who Have Completed Study
YU Cheuk Man
A1481140 (MD02736)
YU Cheuk Man
Gabriel#
Patients
YIP Wai Kwok
with
LAM Yat Yin
YIP Wai Kwok Gabriel#
TAM Lai Shan
Chi Chiu Leo
Obese
CHAN
Chin Pang CHAN Kin Yin
KUM
LEE Pui Wai
LAM Yat Yin
2006-07 The Effect of Eplerenone versus Placebo
on Cardiovascular Mortality and Heart
Failure Hospitalisation in Subjects with
2004-05 Consultant Agree with Guidant Inc.
(MD04303)
HYHA Class II Chronic Systolic Heart
Failure (EMPHASIS-HF) (MD06705)
YU Cheuk Man
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
YU Cheuk Man
Gabriel#
YIP Wai Kwok
CHAN Anna*
Chi Chiu*
LEE Pui Wai*
Eugene Brian*
KUM
WU
LAM Yat Yin*
CHAN CP Gary*
CHAN
Chi
Yuen*
YEUNG Yuk Ching
CHAN
AU YEUNG
Sau Yee
CHAN YEUNG
2007-08 FREEDOM – A Frequent Optimization
Study Using the QuickOptTM Method
Yuk Ching DONG Ming#
(MD07704)
2007-08 A
Prospective,
Randomized,
Double-blind,
Double-dummy,
Parallel-group, Multicenter, Event-driven,
YU Cheuk Man
Hong*
FUNG Wing
CHAN Yau Sung Joseph*
CHAN Hamish C.K.*
Non-interiority Study Comparing the
Efficacy and Safety of Once-daily Oral
Rivaroxaban
(BAY
59-7939)
with
Adjusted-dose Oral Warfarin for the
2007-08 DOT-HF Trial (Diagnostic Outcome
Trial in Heart Failure) (MD07793)
YU Cheuk Man
YIP Wai Kwok
Prevention of Stroke and Non-central
Gabriel#
Nervous System Systemic Embolism in
CHAN Yat Sun Joseph
Subjects
Anna*
with
Non-valvular
Atrial
Fibrillation (MD07683)
YU Cheuk Man
Joseph
CHAN Yat Sun
KUM Chi Chiu*
WU Eugene Brian*
Yin*
CHAN
Chi
Yuen*
YEUNG Yuk Ching
KUM Chi Chiu*
CHAN
WU
LAM Yat Yin*
CHAN Chin Pang Gary*
LAM Yat
CHAN Chin Pang Gary*
Eugene Brian*
YIP Wai Kwok Gabriel#
CHAN Anna*
FUNG Wing Hong
CHAN
AU YEUNG
Sau Yee
2007-08 CRT-D Based Impedance Monitoring
Feasibility IDE Study (MD07993)
YU Cheuk Man
Gabriel#
YIP Wai Kwok
FUNG Wing Hong*
CHAN Yat Sun Joseph*
Chi Kin Hamish*
CHAN
CHAN Kin Yan
Anna* WU Eugene Brian* LAM
2007-08 A Phase 3, Active (Warfarin) Controlled,
Yat Yin*
LEE Pui Wai*
Randomized, Double-blind, Parallel Arm
Chin Pang Gary*
Study to Evaluate Efficacy and Safety of
Yuen*
CHAN
CHAN Chi
Apixaban in Preventing Stroke and
Systemic Embolism in Subjects with
Nonvalvular
Atrial
Fibrillation
(MD07694)
KUM Chi Chiu*
WU Eugene Brian*
Heart
Systolic
Three-year
Randomised
Placebo-controlled
LAM Yat
CHAN Chin Pang Gary*
Chronic
Ventricular
CHAN Yat Sun
YIP Wai Kwok Gabriel#
CHAN Anna*
Yin*
Events in Patients with Moderate to
Severe
YU Cheuk Man
Joseph
2007-08 Effects of Ivabradine on Cardiovascular
Failure
Dysfunction.
Left
A
Double-blind
International
Multicentre Study (MD07907)
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
YU Cheuk Man
Gabriel#
YIP Wai Kwok
CHAN Anna*
WU
Eugene Brian* CHAN CP Gary*
LAM YY Homer* LEE PW Alex*
CHAN YY Joseph*
Karl*
CHAN CY
LAM Hoi Yan
(TRA·CER)(Protocol
(MD09383)
YU Cheuk Man
Gabriel#
YIP Wai Kwok
YAN Ping Yen Bryan
LAM Yat Yin
2009-10 Mechanistic Assessment of Changes in
Cardiac
Multicenter,
Randomized,
Function
Contractility
by
Multi-modality
to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of
Imaging (CU09797)
SCH 530348 in Addition to Standard of
YU Cheuk Man
Hong
Atherosclerotic
ZHANG Qing
Antagonist
Thrombin
in
by
Echocardiographic
Care in Subjects with a History of
Disease:
Cardiac
Modulation
Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study
Receptor
P04736)
POON
Sheung Por
2008-09 A
No.
FUNG Wing
YIP Wai Kwok Gabriel#
Secondary
Prevention of Atherothrombotic Ischemic
2009-10 OPTIMISE
CRT
–
Optimal
Events (TRA 2P – TIMI 50) (MD08616)
Programming to Improve Mechanical
YU Cheuk Man
Indices, Symptoms and Exercise in
Gabriel#
YIP Wai Kwok
YAN Ping Yen Bryan
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapeutics
(MD09493)
LAM Yat Yin
YU Cheuk Man
2009-10 Cardiac Contractility Modulation for the
Treatment
of
Heart
Non-responders
of
Failure
in
Cardiac
Resynchronization Therapy (MD09514)
YU Cheuk Man
CHAN Anna*
CHAN Yat Sun Joseph*
CP Gary*
CHAN Hamish C.K.*
2009-10 A
Multicenter,
Ping Yen Bryan
Joseph*
Brian*
YAN
CHAN Yat Sun
WU Eugene
LEE Pui Wai*
FUNG Wing Hong*
Chin Pang Gary*
Yuen*
YIP Wai Kwok
LAM Yat Yin
Chan Kin Yin*
CHAN
FUNG Jeffrey WH*
Gabriel#
CHAN
CHAN Chi
WONG Tommy*
KAM
Ka Ho Kevin*
Randomized,
2008-09 Latent-Lytic
Switch
of
Epstein-Barr
Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study
Virus Infection in EBV Associated
to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of
Gastric Carcinoma (MD08552)
SCH 530348 in Addition to Standard of
YU Jun
Care in Subjects with Acute Coronary
Syndrome:
Thrombin
Acute
Coronary
JIN Hongchuan (Institute
of Digestive Disease)#
Receptor
Antagonist for Clinical Event Reduction
in
Syndrome
2008-09 Up-regulation of the Novel Oncogene
PHI-1 Represents a New Mechanism of
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
Aberrant Ras Activation in Gastric
Cancer (CU08658)
YU Jun
LEUNG Wai Keung
SUNG Joseph Jao Yiu
2008-09 Targeting
Heme
Modulation
to
Oxygenase-1
Control
Gene
Murine
Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (CU08781)
YU Jun
CHAN Lik Yuen Henry
WONG Wai Sun Vincent
2008-09 Research Centre for Gastric Cancer:
Molecular
Basis
and
Clinical
Applications (MD08325)
YU Jun
TO Ka Fai (Anatomical &
Cellular Pathology)
Jao Yiu
(Surgery)
SUNG Joseph
NG Enders Kwok-wai
JIN
Hongchuan
(Institute of Digestive Disease)#
CHENG
Sze
Lok
(Institute
of
Digestive Disease) CHIU Wai Yan
Philip (Surgery)
2009-10 Targeting the TGF-beta/Smad Signaling
Pathway by Overexpressing Smad7 to
Control
Non-alcoholic
Steatohepatitis
with Fibrosis in Mice (MD09823)
YU Jun CHU Siu Hong
2009-10 Integrative Research on Molecular Basis
and Potential Targets for Gastric Cancer
(MD10453)
YU Jun
JIN Hongchuan (Institute
of Digestive Disease)#
CHENG
Sze Lok (Institute of Digestive
Disease) SUNG Joseph Jao Yiu
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Microbiology
enrich MTB cells in both spiked artificial sputum and
RESEARCH PROJECTS
clinical sputum samples. These experiments shall
lead to development of a specific and rapid
Development
Technology
of
for
a
Peptide
Selective
Ligand-based
Enrichment
of
peptide-mediated separation method for MTB, which
shall provide a valuable tool to enhance the
sensitivity of sputum smear microscopy and facilitate
Mycobacterium Tuberculosis in Sputum
more accurate diagnosis and better control of MTB
CHAN Chiu Yeung Raphael CHAN Wai Chi
KAM Kai Man* YIP Chi Wai
AU Tai Kong
infection.
(MD10635)
HUI Mamie
The Effect of Treatment with Anti-interleukin
1 November 2010
Research Fund for the Control of Infectious
Diseases
(IL)-6 Receptor Antibody on the Cytokine /
Chemokine Profile Induced by Influenza Infection
in Lung Cells In-vitro
Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is the most common
clinical manifestation of MTB infection. Microscopic
CHAN Kay Sheung Paul
examination of sputum smears for acid-fast bacilli
1 September 2010
remains a critical step in the initial diagnosis of
F Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd
pulmonary TB, monitoring of treatment effectiveness,
and determination of eligibility for release from
Interleukine-6 (IL-6) is one of the cytokines produced
quarantine. However, the current sputum smear
during infection with influenza viruses. Cytokine
microscopy suffers from low and variable detection
storm has been shown to be a mediator of adverse
sensitivity (20%-60%). In recent years, efforts to
clinical outcome of highly pathogenic avian influenza
enhance the sensitivity of microscopy detection by
infection in humans. This study will examine whether
enriching MTB in sputum have not been successful,
treatment with IL-6 antibody will have an effect on
presumably due to a lack of specificity in the physical
cytokine production in lung cells infected with
and chemical methods used. In this study, we propose
influenza viruses in vitro.
to use peptide ligands to enrich MTB cells specificity
(MD10828)
in sputum samples. Firstly, peptide sequences that
bind preferentially to MTB will be identified by
Characterization of Sequence Variation of Human
means of the phage display technology. Secondly,
Papillomavirus 52 Circulating in Hong Kong and
MTB-binding peptides will be further characterized
Worldwide,
with respect to binding specificity to different MTB
System and Identification of High-risk Mutations
strains
and
mycobacteria
species.
Establishment
of
Classification
Eventually,
peptides with high binding affinity and specificity to
CHAN Kay Sheung Paul
LAM Wai Yip
MTB will be synthesized and used to coat
(School of Biomedical Sciences)
paramagnetic beads, followed by evaluation of the
Tak Hong* YU Mei Yung May*
ability of such peptide-coated paramagnetic beads to
CHEUNG
1 December 2010
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Microbiology
Research Fund for the Control of Infectious
Functional Profiling and Strategic Antimcirobial
Diseases
Manipulation of a Universal Nutrition-sensing
Network that Regulates Microbial Virulence,
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a necessary cause
Antibiotic Tolerence and Stress Protection
for cervical cancer, which ranks second among
female cancers globally. Current vaccines cover two
types (HPV16/18) accounting for 70% of cervical
cancers worldwide. To achieve a better control, it is
necessary
to
advance
our
knowledge
on
non-vaccine-covered HPV types. The importance of
individual non-vaccine-covered HPV types varies
geographically. For instance, HPV52 has been found
in 7-31% of cancers from Chinese women residing in
different areas. This project focuses on HPV52 to
address the concern of our region.
of 250 HPV52 samples from 5 regions of the world,
and 250 local isolates will be examined. The
sequence data and the collection of isolates will be
used to:
primers; (2) develop new consensus primers to catch
all variants; (3) construct phylogenetic analysis to
establish a classification system; (4) identify genetic
signatures for each clade / lineage, and develop
for
identifying
these
genetic
signatures to facilitate further epidemiological and
risk association studies; and (5) identify mutations
conferring an increased risk for cervical cancer to
assist the development of variant-specific assays to
improve the clinical value of HPV testing.
Furthermore, this project will generate data that are
instrumental for future studies, particularly on
diagnostic assays and vaccine development.
(MD10844)
CHAN Chiu
Yeung Raphael
1 January 2011
Research Fund for the Control of Infectious
Diseases
Microorganisms are known to posses protection
mechanisms that enhance cellular survival against
environmental stress. Characterized by elevated
activation
of
such
mechanisms
predispose
development of latent, recurrent and biofilm-related
infections, as well as mutational and physiological
changes pertaining
resistance.
(1) evaluate existing commonly used consensus
methods
AU Tai Kong
tolerance to antibiotics and other adverse conditions,
Four key viral genome regions (L1, LCR, E6 and E7)
simple
CHAN Wai Chi
The
to
ability
formation
to
of antibiotic
oscillate
between
stress-tolerant and susceptible models is observable
among diverse genetic entities, suggesting that
identification of universal tolerance determinants
may provide novel clues for developing effective
control of virulence and dissemination potential of a
wide range of infectious agents. In a recent study to
delineate the molecular basis of antibiotic tolerance,
we showed that bacteria possessed a redundant
network of nutrient sensing and phenotypic switching
functions, which mediated active stress defence
according to exogenous nutrient compositions. In the
proposed work, we extend the current findings to
include a series of cross-species phenotypic and
molecular assays in the hope of identifying common
regulators
of
bacterial
nutrient-sensitive
stress
responses. The induction and functional profiles of
such determinants will be established to elucidate
their relative roles in the transition between
physiological dormancy and active synthesis of
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Microbiology
macromolecules, which may be used to predict
based strategy (i.e., if they present with risk factors at
antibiotic tolerance and infectivity respectively.
the time of delivery).
Furthermore, the defence status in drug sensitive and
Epidemiological data regarding rates of neonatal
resistant strains will be compared to depict their
GBS disease are limited in certain geographical
physiological role in resistance formation and
regions including eastern Europe, Latin America and
maintenance. Finally, these data will be utilized to
Asia. The potential impact and cost-effectiveness in
generate a new set of diagnostic markers for
the control of GBS invasive disease in this age group
evaluation of treatment efficacy, and development of
requires obtaining local data demonstrating the
novel
burden of neonatal GBS disease in terms of incidence
antimicrobial
approaches
through
stress
response suppression.
and serotype distribution. This study will ascertain
(MD09946)
the incidence (per1,000 live births); serotype
distribution, and the case fatality ratio (CFR, %) of
Multi-center Evaluation of the Burden of Invasive
invasive GBS disease in neonates and young infants.
Neonatal
(MD10494)
Group
B
Streptococcal
Diseases:
Incidence and Serotype Distribution
Characterizing Prevalent Clones of Multi-drug
IP Margaret
NELSON Edmund Anthony
Severn (Paediatrics)
TAM Wing Hung
(Obstetrics & Gynaecology)
LAM Hugh
Simon Hung San (Paediatrics)
1 October 2010
Resistant,
Community-associated
Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus
Aureus
(CA-MRSA) in Mainland China and Hong Kong:
Resistance Mechanisms and Virulence Factors
Distribution
Novartis Asia Pacific Pharmaceuticals Pte Ltd
IP Margaret SHEN Xuzhuang*
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) or Streptococcal
agalactiae is a significant cause of serious infections
1 January 2011
NSFC/RGC Joint Research Scheme
in neonates such as bacteremia, pneumonia and
meningitis. GBS infection occurring between birth
Community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) is a
and 6 days of age is defined as early onset disease
major cause of bacterial infections and has emerged
(EOD) while infection occurring between 7 and 89
in the community in recent years and become
days of age represents late onset disease (LOD). It is
epidemic in some countries. MRSA is now a leading
generally accepted that the major route of acquiring
cause of death by any single infectious agent in the
GBS disease in newborns is vertical transmission of
United States. Initiatives have been introduced to
GBS from mothers to their newborns. No vaccine is
control MRSA globally but the disease burden with
currently available for the prevention of GBS disease.
MRSA remains significant, and it is a major concern
Prevention has depended on the administration of
that CA-MRSA becomes pandemic worldwide.
intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) to women
The major MRSA types in Hong Kong and mainland
according to either a culture based strategy (i.e., if
China belong to a few clonal types that are distinct
they are colonized with GBS prenatally) or a risk
from
USA
clones,
in
that
they
are
often
multidrug-resistant, thus limiting the choice for
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Microbiology
treatment and increases clinical failure rates and
reactive oxygen species (ROS) that causes oxidative
mortality. This study aims to (1) characterize the
stress in host cell leads to hypermethylation; and
molecular types of prevalent multidrug-resistant
upredulation of the cytokine IL-1β also triggers
CA-MRSA clones in mainland China and Hong
hypermethylation.
Kong; (2) define the resistance mechanisms, the
(MTB) is a well-known intracellular pathogen that
relationships of multiple resistance determinants
can evade host immunity and survive within human
within common mobile genetic elements and their
macrophages. Recent reports suggest that upon MTB
potential to spread; and (3) the presence of major
infection, various specific mycobacterial lipopeptides
virulence factors, including arginine catabolic mobile
can induce ROS and IL-1β production. This study
element,
Mycobacterium
tuberculosis
phenol-soluble
modulins,
investigates whether MTB infection would eventually
panton-valentine
leukocidin
lead to hypermethylation in human macrophages; and
toxins, and the pathogenic potential of CA-MRSA to
whether such epigenetic changes could facilitates
cause severe disease in an animal infection model.
intracellular survival and/or pathogenesis of this
The study will contribute to the basis of future
highly successful organism.
potential targets for treatment of staphylococcal
(MD10580)
alpha-type
α-haemolysins
and
disease and to public health importance in the
formulation of programmes in the control of MRSA.
Please refer to previous issues of this publication
An important endeavour will be to establish a
for more details of the following ongoing research
platform to compare CA-MRSA strains locally,
at the department:
within mainland China and Hong Kong, in order to
reveal
major
insights
into
transmission
and
Edition
Title/Investigators
micro-evolution of predominant clones.
(MD10974)
2009-10 Expression Analysis of Putative Small
Regulatory RNAs in Mycobacterium
Human Epigenetic Alterations in Mycobacterium
Tuberculosis: Effects of Growth Phase
Tuberculosis Infection – A Novel Platform to
and Oxidative Stress (MD09563)
Eavesdrop Interactions between MTB and Host
AU Tai Kong
Immunity
LEUNG Tung Yiu
CHAN Wai Chi
CHAN Chiu Yeung Raphael
IP Margaret
CHAN Wai
Chi CHAN Chiu Yeung Raphael
2008-09 Evaluation
of
the
Prevalence
of
Efflux-mediated Resistance Mechanisms
28 February 2011
in
Research Fund for the Control of Infectious
Tuberculosis Clinical Isolates in Hong
Diseases
Drug
Resistant
Mycobacterium
Kong (MD08946)
CHAN Chiu Yeung Raphael
Growing scientific attention has been given to
CHAN Wai Chi AU Tai Kong
promoter hypermethylations in host cells as a result
of bacterial invasion. Scientific evidence supports the
notions that the infection-induced generation of
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Microbiology
2008-09 Effect of Avian Influenza A H5N1
2009-10 Modulatory Effects of Antimicrobials on
Infection on Human Cellular MicroRNA
the
Profile
Community-Acquired
–
Identification
of
Gene
Pathogenicity
of
Regulatory Pathway Leading to Adverse
Methicillin-Resistant
Clinical Outcome (MD08768)
Aureus (CA-MRSA) in Hong Kong
CHAN Kay Sheung Paul
LAM
Wai Yip (School of Biomedical
Sciences)
TO Ka Fai (Anatomical
Sequence
Oncogenic
IP Margaret
LEUNG Tung Yiu
TO Ka Fai (Anatomical & Cellular
2008-09 Development and Application of a
of
Human
Real-time PCR Protocol for Rapid and
Papillomavirus Type 58 Variants Across
Simultaneous
the World (MD08306)
Mycobacterium
CHAN Kay Sheung Paul
DAVID
Detection
Tuberculosis,
Drug
Resistance and Beijing Genotype in a
LEUNG Tung Yiu
2008-09 Influenza Resistance Information Study
(IRIS) (MD08776)
CHAN Wai Chi
IP Margaret
CHAN Chiu
Yeung Raphael
CHAN Kay Sheung Paul
Nelson
Therapeutics)
of
Diagnostic Laboratory Set (MD08316)
Pim* Lawrence Banks*
Shun
and
Diversity
Potential
(MD09752)
Pathology)
& Cellular Pathology)
2008-09 Genomic
Staphylococcus
LEE Lai
(Medicine
&
LEUNG Ting Fan
(Paediatrics)
2009-10 Cellular Pathogenesis of Human Swine
Influenza (Sub-project of MD09881)
(MD09534)
CHAN Kay Sheung Paul
2009-10 Human
MicroRNA
Profiling
in
Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Infectious:
Potential
Association
with
Virulence
and
Predisposition
Host
Strain
(MD09395)
LEUNG Tung Yiu
IP Margaret
TO Ka Fai (Anatomical & Cellular
LAM
Wai Yip (School of Biomedical
Pathology)
CHAN Wai Chi
CHAN Chiu Yeung Raphael
Sciences)
2009-10 Virus RNA Replication and Transcription
as a Restriction to Host Adaptation of
Influenza Viruses (MD09828)
CHAN Kay Sheung Paul
Faculty of Medicine
The Nethersole School of Nursing
(EE10547)
RESEARCH PROJECTS
Home Care Service Needs for Chronically Ill
Design Innovation and Customisation of the
Patients and Their Families in Hong Kong
Mastectomy Bra and Prosthesis for Hong Kong
HO Sin Man Simone
Mastectomy Patients
Helen YL CHAN
CHAN YIP Carmen Wing Han
HO Sin Man Simone
DOWNING Kevin*
SHIN Woo Kyung*
YEO Winnie (Clinical
Oncology) SEUN Joyce* LEE Kun Min*
LEE Tze Fan
Diana CHOI Kai Chow
30 November 2010
CUHK Departmental Funding
1 September 2010
Research Grants Council - General Research
Fund
With an aging population, patients who require
complex care for chronic conditions keep increasing.
However, people in Hong Kong tend to go to the
This study proposes to design and produce custom
public
healthcare
external breast prostheses and bras for Hong Kong
management, which results in a heavy burden on the
breast cancer survivors who have had one or both
public healthcare system. Providing long-term care in
breasts surgically removed. The challenge of
patients’ homes, thus, has been suggested as an
designing a well-fitting, yet affordable, custom
option as home care (HC) is more cost-effective than
prostheses and bra, requires understanding of a
traditional hospital treatment.
number of different disciplinary areas. For example,
Aims: The study aims to identify the service needs
consideration must be given to the breast cancer
and service content of HC required by chronically ill
patients’ psychological needs, the support provided
patients and their families in Hong Kong, and to
by attending healthcare providers and professionals
examine the gap of the existing HC service.
including nurses, doctors, the training available for
Method: Focus group interviews will be conducted
these healthcare professionals, the nature of the
with 3 different categories of stakeholders (1)
prosthesis and bras currently available, and the
patients; (2) patients families; and (3) healthcare
technology which will allow the customization of
professionals to explore their views, concerns,
prostheses and bras at an affordable price. Therefore,
expectations and suggestions towards HC. Each
this research will involve a multidisciplinary team of
focus
seven researchers whose expertise ranges from bra
individuals. Patients, who are diagnosed with
design and pattern making to psychology and cancer
either one of the following health problems,
care. This combination will assist in achieving a
including stroke, cancer, continuous ambulatory
holistic and multiple perspective approach to this
peritoneal dialysis, Diabetes Mellitus, or dementia,
important but often neglected area. Consequently, not
and their family members will be recruited to
only is the focus of this study unique, but the
interview. The health professionals, including
multidisciplinary will significantly benefit breast
doctors,
cancer survivors and their families.
professionals of various specialties who are
group
system
interview
nurses
and
for
will
other
chronic
consist
allied
illness
of
4-6
health
actively practicing patient management in the past
Faculty of Medicine
The Nethersole School of Nursing
six months will be interviewed. Socio-demographic
Data Collection Procedure: Upon the approval of the
data of the participants will be collected. An
Survey and Behavioral Research Ethics committee of
interview guide is developed for data collection.
the University to conduct the study, data collection
The length of each interview will be about an hour.
will be carried: Students will be asked to fill in a
Data collection will be completed upon data
questionnaire in class. Based on the scores of the
saturation.
be
questionnaire, research assistant will purposively
transcribed verbatim and undergone the process
select ten students (five each from the higher and the
of qualitative content analysis.
lower band of scores) from each of year 1 and year 4
(MD10919)
study for a 30-45minutes individual interview.
Audiotaped
interviews
will
Data Analysis: SPSS version 17 will be employed to
The Investigation of Metacognitive Awareness
analyze the quantitative data and thematic content
Among Undergraduate Nursing Students
analysis will be adapted to facilitate qualitative
analysis.
IP Wan Yim
Lai
KO Suk Fun#
KWONG Nga
CHAN YIP Carmen Wing Han
(ED10417)
Helen
YL CHAN
1 January 2011
Provide Nursing Service to Patients in ASTRI
Telecare System Pilot Run (Ref. no. ARD081)
CUHK Departmental Funding
LEE Tze Fan Diana
Background: Nurse educators (Kupier, 2002; Hsu,
2010) advocate the need to explore the role of
metacognitive awareness in the development of
learning strategies to improve students thinking and
CHAIR Sek Ying
CHAU Pak Chun Janita YU Sau Fung Doris
15 September 2010
Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology
Research Institute (ASTRI) Company Limited
learning processes. The aims of this study are to
investigate the metacognitive awareness among
Objectives of the Project: The Hong Kong population
undergraduate nursing students. It is envisaged that
is aging rapidly. At mid 2008, the number of citizens
findings from this study will address the development
above 65 is 12% of the total population (0.88M) and
of effective teaching interventions to improve
the estimate for 2033 is 27% (HK Council of Social
students’ learning strategies.
Service). As people are growing older, more care is
Design: An exploratory descriptive design including
needed. Typically, they move from private homes to
both survey and qualitative interview will be adopted
nursing homes and then to hospitals. While the
for this study.
elderly represent only 12% of the population
Sample: All students studying the 4-year full-time
currently, they account for close to 50% of the
bachelor of nursing programme in the School will be
inpatients in our hospitals. If we can let them stay in
invited to participate voluntarily in the survey on
their homes or in nursing homes for a longer period
metacognitive awareness. Upon the completion of the
through “telecare”, it will provide tremendous
survey, 20 consenting students (10 from each of yr 1
benefits. It will reduce medical errors by enabling
& 4 years) will then be invited to participate
direct contacts between patients and healthcare
respectively in an in-depth personal interview.
professionals at all times. It will avoid unnecessary
Faculty of Medicine
The Nethersole School of Nursing
hospitalizations and ensure that those who need
Results: The results of CVI of the Chinese version of
urgent care will receive it sooner. Overall, it should
SCNS-SF34 and the supplementary module were
contribute to a significant reduction of the total
0.84 and 0.87 respectively. Cognitive debriefing was
healthcare expenditure.
carried out with 20 cancer patients. Modifications of
Aim of the Project: To examine the effects of a
the instruments were made based on the suggestions
tele-care service on the respiratory status, medication
of the expert panel and patients to ensure the clarity
compliance, health-related quality of life, level of
and semantic equivalence of the Chinese versions.
satisfaction, acceptability of the tele-care system, and
The internal consistency of each subscale of the
health service utilization among older people with
Chinese
COPD.
(Cronbach’s alpha ranged from 0.78 to 0.92), and the
(MD10584)
alpha for the entire scale of the supplementary
version
of
module was 0.8.
SCNS-SF34
were
good
Confirmatory factor analysis
A Psychometric Evaluation of a Chinese Version
indicated an adequate fit to the five-domain factor
of the 34-item Supportive Care Needs Survey
structure
(C-SCNS-SF34) and the 16-item Supplementary
SRMR=0.080).
Module of Access to Health Services
Conclusions: The findings of the study showed that
(RMSEA=0.074,
NNFI=0.96
and
the Chinese version of SCNS-SF34 and the
SO Kwok Wei CHAN YIP Carmen Wing Han
supplementary module is a reliable and valid
MAK So Shan* WAN Wai Man Rayman*
instrument which is suggested to be used in future to
CHOI Kai Chow CHAIR Sek Ying MA Wai
examine the supportive care needs of Chinese cancer
Ling Karen*
patients.
1 June 2010
(MD09821)
The Nethersole School of Nursing, CUHK
Please refer to previous issues of this publication
Objectives: To translate the 34-item Supportive Care
for more details of the following ongoing research
Needs Survey (SCNS-SF34) and the supplementary
at the department:
module of access to health care and ancillary support
services into Chinese and evaluate their psychometric
Edition
Title/Investigators
properties in Chinese cancer patients.
Methods: The study consisted of three phases. In
2009-10 The Psychometric Evaluation of the
phase I, the forward and backward translation
Chinese
procedure was used to develop the Chinese version of
Inventory Heart Failure (MDASIHF)
the SCNS-SF34 and the supplementary module. In
(MD08678)
phase II, the cultural equivalence of translation of the
CHAIR Sek Ying
M.D.
Anderson
Symptom
Anecita Fadol*
two instruments were evaluated through content
YU Ming Ming
WANG Wenru#
validity and cognitive debriefing. In phase III, the
TIAN Sylinna*
SO Kwok Wei
construct validity of the two instruments were
CHAN YIP Carmen Wing Han
examined with internal consistency and confirmatoty
Wan Yim
IP
HUNG Shuk Yu
factor analysis.
Faculty of Medicine
The Nethersole School of Nursing
CHAN Dominic Shung Kit#
CHAN Wai Yee CHAN Po Tai#
2009-10 A Telephone Survey on the Attitude and
Knowledge of the Hong Kong Public
2009-10 Fight against Cardiovascular Disease -
towards Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
An Online Knowledge Transfer Project
(MD09574)
(ED09965)
HUNG Shuk Yu
CHAIR Sek Ying
WONG Kit Yee
Irene# LEE Tze Fan Diana
Diana
LEE Tze Fan
CHAIR Sek Ying
Cho Ze Joseph*
LUI
SHIU Yuk Chun
Irene*
2008-09 A Survey on Health Status of Childhood
Cancer Surviors (MD08833)
2008-09 ‘Growing in Happiness’, Mental Health
CHAN YIP Carmen Wing Han
GOGGINS
(School
III William Bernard
of
Public
Primary Care)
Karis#
Health
CHENG Kin Fong
CHIEN Wai Tong#
Chi Kong*
and
LI
YUEN Hui Leung*
Promotion Programme for Children with
Mentally Ill Parents (MD08770)
IP Wan Yim CHIEN Wai Tong#
MUI Hang Chun Jolene*
Chung Shing*
KAN
YAU Mei Siu
Teresa (Social Work)#
LI Chi Keung*
2008-09 A Benefit-finding Intervention for Family
2008-09 Health Promotion Package for People
Caregivers of Persons with Alzheimer
Suffering from Life-limiting Disease
Disease (MD08363)
(SS08389)
LEE Tze Fan Diana
CHAN YIP Carmen Wing Han
CHAIR
Sek
Ying
Mau-kwong Michael*
SHAM
LO See Kit
Raymond*
Sheung Tak*
2009-10 Achieving an Outcomes-based Approach:
Timothy
FUNG Hoi Lam
Helene (Psychology)
Therapeutics)
CHENG
CHAN Alfred*
CHOU Kee Lee*
Yui
KWOK Chi
(Medicine
&
LAI C.L. Julian*
LAM Chiu Wa (Psychiatry)
Evaluation of Web-enriched Resources in
Enhancing
Baccalaureatenursing
2009-10 Effects of an Interactive eLearning
Students' Learning of Clinical Nursing
Information
Skills (MD09601)
Hospitalized Older People and Families
CHAU
Pak
Chun
Janita
Package
Locations (ED09940)
for
LOW Lisa Pau Le
Enhancement
and
Research)
CHAN YIP Carmen
Wing Han
CHAN Dominic Shung
Kit#
IP Wan Yim
SHIU Tak
Ying Ann# LEE Fung Kam Iris
for
to Make Decisions about Discharge
MCNAUGHT Carmel Marie (Centre
Learning
(eLIP)
2009-10 Effects of an Interactive eLearning
Information
Package
(eLIP)
for
Hospitalized Older People and Families
Faculty of Medicine
The Nethersole School of Nursing
to Make Decisions about Discharge
Effects of Cognitive-behavioral Therapy
Location (SS09863)
(MD08517)
LOW Lisa Pau Le
YU Sau Fung Doris
2008-09 Relieving
Insomnia
in
Chinese
Community-dwelling Older People: The
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
in
RESEARCH PROJECTS
the
out-patient
clinic.
Gynaecologist
and
psychiatrist will have professional clinical assessment
for them with medical investigations and treatments
Prospective Observational Study of Urinary
provided. Subsequent follow-up will be arranged for
Symptoms, Sexual Behaviors and Psychiatric
them accordingly. The participants will be invited to
Symptoms in Ketamine Misuers
complete some medical health questionnaires. The
clinical information obtained will be analyzed under
CHEUNG Yau Kar Rachel CHAN Shing Chee
Symphorosa
Wai Lam
CHOY Kwong Wai
LEE Ho Sze Jacqueline
PANG
strict confidentiality.
(MD10835)
TANG Ka
Lam Alan (Psychiatry)
1 November 2010
Beat Drugs Fund
Investigation into the Epigenetic Regulation of
Angiogenic Factor Genes in the Preeclamptic
Placenta
Ketamine has well documented safety in medical and
CHIM Siu Chung Stephen LEUNG Tak Yeung
veterinary settings. The recreational use of ketamine
30 June 2011
gained the popularity in Hong Kong (HK) since
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
1980s as it is easy to consume and with clear dose
Grants)
response effect. The rising trend of the recreational
use of ketamine, especially in the adolescent group,
Preeclampsia is a major cause of maternal and fetal
has recently created a large social arousal. Much
mortality
concern has been put in the acute effect after
obstetrics care. This important condition may
ketamine intake, while the long term effect is not well
complicate 3-8% of all pregnancies after the 20th
known.
week of gestation. The origin of preeclampsia has not
Urinary symptoms and renal failure has been reported
been
in previous medical case reports. However, the
evidences suggest that the aberrant concentrations of
symptom in the people who quitted ketamine is not
angiogenic factors in the maternal circulation, and the
known. Whether the remaining symptom is related to
induced endothelial dysfunction, are involved in the
their previous duration and dosage used or whether
pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Specifically, the
these symptoms are reversible or how long they will
anti-angiogenic soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase
persist is not clear. This study aims to evaluate the
(sFLTI)
urinary, psychiatric symptoms and sexual attitude in
preeclamptic placenta and maternal serum. Moreover,
the ex-ketamine user and the relationship of the
decreased concentrations of free placental growth
pattern of previous ketamine use. Also inflammatory
factor (PGF) and free vascular endothelial growth
markers, cytokines and chemokins, will be test in the
factor (VEGF), both of which are angiogenic, in
urine sample, which can be a potential new marker to
maternal
ex-ketamine users referred to our department for
preeclampsia, and even before its onset. However, the
urinary or gynaecological symptoms will be assessed
cause
and
fully
morbidity,
elucidated.
was
found
circulation
leading
to
to
despite
Nevertheless,
be
were
the
the
modern
mounting
increased
also
in
noted
dysregulation
of
the
during
these
angiogenic factor genes in preeclampsia remains
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
elusive. Here, we hypothesize that the dysregulation
distribution and frequency of CNVs amongst our
in preeclampsia involves aberrant DNA methylation,
Chinese population compared to what is reported in
which is a well-studied aspect of epigenetics. To test
the Database of Genomic Variants. Our genome wide
this hypothesis, we propose to generate the
pilot study data strongly argues that the spectrum of
quantitative profiles of the DNA methylation of these
CNVs in our local Chinese populations is different
angiogenic factor genes in the preeclamptic placentas,
compared to European populations. The absence of
and compare them with those in the non-preeclamptic
knowledge about these genetic variants (CNVs) in
placentas. This will be the first report investigating
the Chinese population (including their alleles,
the role, if any, of DNA methylation of the
frequencies and precise locations), provides limited
angiogenic factor genes in preeclampsia. This study
clinical meaning to the physicians and patients.
will also form the groundwork for the clinical
Consequently, many CNVs are currently classified as
application of the aberrantly methylated DNA, if any,
genomic imbalances of unknown clinical significance
for the assessment or prediction of preeclampsia.
and limits the ability to distinguish pathogenic CNVs
(MD10664)
from polymorphic CNVs. We therefore propose to
identify and characterize germline CNVs in our
Detection and Validation of Chromosome Copy
Chinese populations and compare these to a cohort of
Number Variants in Fetuses with Multiple
Chinese fetuses with multiple malformations. We
Malformations but Normal Karyotype
shall used the Agilent array CGH platform to study
comprehensively the spectrum of CNVs in our
CHOY Kwong Wai
LAU Tze Kin
LEE
locality, followed by real-time quantitative-PCR and
sequencing to fine map and estimate the frequency
Charles* WANG Chi Chiu
and precise location of CNVs identified. The
1 November 2010
identified CNVs will be correlated with disease status
Research Grants Council - General Research
and clinical findings. We believe that our CNV study
Fund
in Chinese population is as essential as data generated
Chromosome copy number variants (CNVs; gains
from other populations to understand fully the
and losses of DNA sequences >1 kb) are widely
biological significance of a CNV. Hence we have
spread throughout the genome of healthy individuals.
developed a proposal to identify pathogenic CNVs
Pathogenic CNVs are associated not only with birth
associated
defects
information generated form this cohort will be
and
cancers,
neurodevelopmental
disorders
neurodegenerative
diseases
Unfortunately,
limited
the
but
also
at
in
with
birth
or
adulthood.
knowledge
of
the
phenotypic effects of most CNVs has led to the
useful
in
with
terms
fetal
of
malformations.
counselling
of
The
parents
recurrence in future pregnancies and offering for
prenatal diagnosis if appropriate.
(CU10637)
classification of many CNVs as genomic imbalances
of unknown clinical significance. Using Agilent
Diagnosis of Chromosomal Abnormalities: The
microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization
Application and Use of Microarray Technology in
(array CGH) technology in our laboratory, we noticed
the Hong Kong Health Service
a
substantial
difference
in
the
spectrum,
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
CHOY Kwong Wai
Tak Yeung
LEUNG
database will be constructed to allow data sharing and
LO Fai Man*
stored of clinical and laboratory information, which
LAU Tze Kin
LAM Tak Sum*
will broaden our understanding of genetic-based
WANG Chi Chiu
clinical syndromes.
1 November 2010
(MD10754)
Health and Health Services Research Fund
Background: With advances in molecular-based
Research and Development Related to Diagnosis
techniques, several genome-wide screening platforms
of
based
Disorders Using Molecular Techniques on DNA
on
microarray
technologies
have
been
developed, enabling the detection of submicroscopic
Prenatal
and
Postnatal
Constitutional
Samples
deletions or duplications in segments as small as tens
to hundreds of kilobases (kb) in size, which is well
below the level of discrimination by conventional
G-banded karyotype analysis. Purpose/Objective: To
assess the feasibility of replacing the labor and
CHOY Kwong Wai
LEUNG Tak Yeung
LAU Tze Kin WANG Chi Chiu
1 December 2010
Wallac Oy
time-consuming karyotyping with microarray based
comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) for
The overall area of interest is research and
diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalitlies and to
development related to diagnosis of prenatal and
define a specific cause of undiagnosed postnatal or
postnatal constitutional disorder using molecular
prenatal neurological or developmental disorders.
techniques on DNA samples.
Design/Subjects:
Initial Project Goals:
This
is
a
prospective, blind
comparison to gold standard (karyotyping) cohort
Study 1:
To demonstrate the performance of BoBs
study. We aim at investigating the cost-effectiveness
assay for clinical cytogenetic diagnostics
of a CGH versus standard cytogenetic analysis on
in a prenatal setting: Accuracy in the
postnatal cases (N=100) referring to the Clinical
detection of common autosomal and sex
Genetic Service at the Department of Health and
chromosomal aneuploidies as well as
prenatal
of
ability to diagnosis less common, but
Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Prince of Wales
clinically significant, microdeletions or
Hospital. Exclusion criteria included: The non
microduplications (4p16.3, 5p15.3-p15.2,
availability of biologic parents to provide blood
7q11.2, 8q23-q24, 10p14, 15q11-q12,
samples. Demographic and clinical data will be
17p13.3, 17p11.2 and 22q11.1) currently
collected. Analysis: The costs and effects (number of
not readily detectable by the conventional
additional diagnoses) of an aCGH versus standard
cytogenetic GTG-banded analyses.
cases
(N=100)
from
Department
cytogenetic analysis using karyotyping will be
Study 2:
Efficiency
of
BoBs
assay
for
compared. Sensitivity analysis, correlations, range of
identification of targeted microdeletion or
agreement between the two methods will be
microduplication syndromes in prenatal
compared with FISH analysis. A cost per diagnosis
samples.
will be created based on the 200 prenatal and
(MD10839)
postnatal cases referred. In addition, an aCGH
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Application of Microarray-based Technology in
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
Preimplantation Genetic Screening
CHOY Kwong Wai HAINES Christopher John
YEUNG Sum Yee Queenie KWOK Ka Yin*
CHEUNG Lai Ping*
Microarray based comparative genomic hybridization
(molecular
karyotyping/aCGH)
is
a
powerful
technique for detecting clinically relevant genome
imbalance and can offer up to 100 times the
1 March 2011
resolution of FISH and karyotyping. We have
Hong Kong Obstetrical and Gynaecological
Trust Fund
demonstrated that genome microarray analysis has
improved diagnostic success in patients referred for
Microarray-based technology has been applied to
single cells and embryos and expanding the scope of
PGS. Johnson et al. performed a preclinical
validation of microarray method for PGS and found
that the accuracies of microarray method and
metaphase karyotyping are roughly in line. Emerging
data showed successful pregnancies after PGS using
the aCGH technology. This encouraging result has
renewed hope that array techniques may show the
usefulness of aneuploidy screening. However, there is
major question that need to be addressed before the
routine use of aCGH in reproductive medicine. First,
its accuracy and reliability in PGS has not yet been
established. This proposal outlines a pilot study to
demonstrate the accuracy, efficacy, and clinical
advantages of PGS using aCGH compared to
standard conventional chromosome analysis using
cytogenetic analysis in postnatal as well as in prenatal
case. However, use of microarray in pre-implantation
screening (PGS) is a comparatively new concept. To
assess the feasibility and establish application
guidelines of microarray analysis for diagnosis of
chromosomal abnormalities among developmentally
abnormal oocytes and embryos, we propose this pilot
study aim at investigating the cost-effectiveness of
molecular karyotyping versus standard FISH analysis
among PGS cases. Sensitivity analysis, correlations,
range of agreement between microarray result and
conventional FISH results will be compared. The
clinical indications and pathogenic chromosome copy
number changes identified will be correlated with
clinical findings. Results of this study will contribute
to the understanding of the role of microarray
analysis
in
the
diagnosis
of
chromosomal
abnormalities in Assisted Reproductive Medicine.
FISH.
Objective: The specific aim is to establish the
(MD10487)
feasibility of microarray among developmentally
Identification
Chromosomal
of
Structural
and
Abnormalities
Numerical
among
Developmentally Abnormal Oocytes and Embryos
by Microarray
CHOY Kwong Wai HAINES Christopher John
KONG Wing Shan
abnormal oocytes and embryos conceived by in vitro
fertilization (IVF).
Possible outcome: Evaluate the feasibility of
microarray in assisted reproductive medicine and the
possibility
of
obtaining
additional
genomic
information using microarray.
(MD10360)
1 June 2011
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Effect of Chorioamnionitis on Placental Gene
(MD10556)
Expression
Tumor-derived Lymphotoxin is Induced by the
CHUNG Man Kin
LAO Tzu Hsi Terence
CHIM Siu Chung Stephen LEUNG Kit Tong
Extrinsic and Intrinsic Pathways that Connect
Inflammation and Cancer in Ovarian Tumor
1 April 2011
KWONG Joseph
Hong Kong Obstetrical and Gynaecological
1 April 2011
Trust Fund
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Histological chorioamnionitis has been shown to be
Grants)
present in as much as 70% and 20% of term and
preterm births respectively. While the majority of the
Inflammation and cancer are connected by two
cases, especially those developing chorioamnionitis
pathways: the extrinsic pathway which induced by
at term, remain largely subclinical, was associated
inflammation and infection; and the intrinsic pathway
with adverse infant outcome. It remains uncertain, at
which initiated by genetic events that cause neoplasia.
chorioamnionits, what has actually happened at the
Cancer-related inflammation has been known to
placenta
immediate
promote tumor progression and is thus a target for
adverse infant outcome such as sepsis and respiratory
therapeutic intervention. We have been studied
distress occur after birth.
over-expression of a cytokine, lymphotoxin, in
We hypothesize that in response to chorioamnionitis,
ovarian cancer, and known that the tumor-derived
there is up- and down regulation of different placental
lymphotoxin
genes which, when identified, will provide some
progression by creating bidirectional tumor-host
clues as to what placental products can be assayed in
interactions
the maternal circulation so as to allow a diagnosis of
chemokines in stromal fibroblasts. However, the
chorioamnionitis to be made. This study is going to
mechanism
determine the placental gene expression in relation to
over-expression in ovarian cancer is still unknown.
the
The aim of this proposed project is to determine the
interface,
presence
chorioamnionitis
and
especially
when
absence
confirmed
of
after
histological
delivery
in
could
via
promote
its
paracrine
which
ovarian
tumor
regulation
causes
of
lymphotoxin
molecular mechanism(s) that induce lymphotoxin
pregnancies ending up in preterm delivery.
expression in ovarian tumor cells. We discovered that
The identification of differences in placental gene
certain pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α,
expression in relation to histological chorioamnionitis
up-regulate lymphotoxin expression in non-malignant
would provide information on the molecular changes
ovarian
in
better
between the expression of lymphotoxin and TNF-α
understanding of the mechanisms of fetal injury in
was also found in non-malignant ovarian epithelial
chorioamnionitis, as well as to explore the utilization
and ovarian tumor cell lines. These preliminary
of changing levels of placental products in the
results suggest that pro-inflammatory cytokine
maternal
of
TNF-α stimulate the expression of lymphotoxin in
rationalized
ovarian tumor cells probably through NF-κB
the
underlying
placental
circulation
cellular
in
level
the
chorioamnionitis
and
identification
for
management of individual patients.
a
signaling
epithelial
cells.
pathway.
Significant
Besides,
correlation
we
found
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
over-expression of c-Myc oncogene in 40% of
as
ovarian tumor cell lines, and two c-Myc DNA
inflammasome is responsible for the activation of
binding
of
caspace-1, leading to the processing and secretion of
lymphotoxin. These preliminary data suggest that
proinflammatory cytokine interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and
lymphotoxin is a c-Myc target gene and up-regulated
IL-18. The secretion of these active cytokines elicits
in some portion of ovarian tumors with c-Myc
a potent inflammatory response. We recently
amplification. Based on these observations, we
discovered a novelty that most of the components of
hypothesize that tumor-derived lymphotoxin is
NLRP3 inflammasome were severely down-regulated
induced by the extrinsic and intrinsic pathways that
in a majority of human ovarian cancer cell lines, and
connect inflammation and cancer in ovarian tumor. In
their down-regulation was governed by epigenetic
this proposal project, we will investigate the
gene silencing. Based on these preliminary results,
transcription
by
we hypothesize that the NLRP3 inflammasome may
c-Myc
play an important role as a “tumor suppressor” in
oncogene in ovarian tumor cells. Our results will
ovarian tumorigenesis. We speculate that the loss of
define the molecular mechanisms which cause
NLRP3 inflammasome could promote tumorigenesis
lymphotoxin over-expression in ovarian tumors. Most
of ovarian tumor by allowing the tumor cells escape
importantly, these findings will offer important
from IL-1β induced potent inflammatory responses
insights into the cancer-related inflammation in
and caspase-1 dependent cell death. In this proposed
ovarian cancer and allow exploitation of is effects
project, we will first confirm the down-regulation of
during cancer therapy.
the components of NLRP3 inflammasome in primary
(MD10350)
ovarian tumors by immunohistochemistyr, and
sites
(E-boxes)
regulation
pro-inflammatory
cytokine
in
of
the
promoter
lymphotoxin
TNF-α
and
NLRP3
determine
inflammasome.
the
clinical
of
NLRP3
The
NLRP3
significance
of
inflammasome
in
Exploring the Role of NLRP3 Inflammasome in
down-regulation
Ovarian Cancer
primary ovarian tumors. In order to determine the
mechanism that confers down-regulation of NLRP3
KWONG Joseph CHEUNG Tak Hong*
inflammasome in ovarian cancer, we will investigate
1 June 2011
the epigenetic regulation of each component of
Hong Kong Obstetrical and Gynaecological
Trust Fund
NLRP3 inflammasome in human ovarian cancer cells.
Finally, we will use ectopic expression and gene
knockdown to manipulate the expression of each
Cancer-related inflammation has been known to
component of NLRP3 inflammasome in human
promote tumor progression and is thus a target for
ovarian cancer cells in order to determine the
therapeutic intervention. The aim of this proposed
function of NLRP3 inflammasome in the ovarian
project to determine the role of a component of the
cancer cells. Our results will define a unique feature
immune immunity system, NLRP3 inflammasome, in
of NLRP3 inflammasome in cancer on how the loss
ovarian cancer. NLRP3 is an intracellular immune
of NLRP3 inflammasome promoter tumorigenesis.
sensor for various danger signals. This protein forms
Most importantly, these findings will offer important
a cytoplasmic complex with the adaptor protein
insights into the cancer-related inflammation in
PYCARD and the effector caspase-1, which known
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
ovarian cancer and aloow exploitation of its effects
during cancer therapy.
Evaluations of In Vitro Embryotoxicity Tests for
(BL10482)
Chinese Herbal Medicines
Effect of Hepatitis B Viral Infection on Placental
WANG Chi Chiu
Gene Expression
LEUNG Tak Yeung
LAO Tzu Hsi Terence
CHUNG Man Kin
LAU Tze Kin
LEUNG
Ping Chung (Institute of Chinese Medicine)
LIEBSCH Manfred*
SEILER Andrea*
SPIELMANN Horst*
1 January 2011
1 April 2011
Research Grants Council - General Research
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Fund
Grants)
Chinese herbal medicines have been widely used to
There are more than 400 millions of individuals
relieve many symptoms and to treat complications
infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) world-widely,
during pregnancy. Systematic evaluation is still
for which Hong Kong is one of the endemic areas.
lacking. Until now, there is no information on how
About 10% of the Hong Kong population is infected.
safe the herbal medicines are being used during
HBV was reported to interact with the host immune
pregnancy and if there is any beneficial and adverse
system leading to the impairment of the immune
effects
response. Moreover, maternal HBV infection was
development.
reported
obstetrics
There are more than 300 herbal medicines currently
complications. Higher incidence of low birth-weight,
used for pregnancy in clinical practice. Our
pre-maturity,
mellitus,
embryotoxicity laboratory is currently screening the
antepartum haemorrhage and preterm delivery was
embryotoxic potentials of the most frequently used
associated with the acute and chronic maternal HBV
herbal medicines in pregnant mice. However, to
infection. Currently there was no report on the effect
determine the safety of all herbal medicines by the in
of HBV infection on the placenta during pregnancy.
vivo test methods can be very expensive, laborious
The current proposed study aims to investigate the
and time consuming. In vitro embryotoxicity test
effects of chronic maternal HBV infection on the
methods (embryonic stem cell test, micromass test
placental gene expression and to provide groundwork
and whole embryo culture test) have been well
for the delineation of the molecular mechanism of the
established and widely validated for chemicals,
HBV-associated obstetrics complications. We will
natural
assess the placental gene expression profile of the
alternative methods, but not yet for Chinese herbal
HBV-infected pregnancies by microarray technology;
medicines. In order to test the usefulness of the in
identify and validate the differentially expressed
vitro test methods in assessing the safety of Chinese
genes related to the HBV infections by quantitative
herbal medicines for developmental toxicity, the aim
reverse transcription and polymerase-chain reaction
of the study is to evaluate the in vitro embryotoxicity
(qRT-PCR) assays.
tests for Chinese herbal medicines.
to
associate
with
gestational
several
diabetes
of
the
medicines
supplements
and
to
embryo-fetal
pharmaceuticals
as
(MD10470)
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
In this study, well characterized herbal medicines
Health and Health Services Research Fund
with in vivo developmental toxicity data in human
and/or animals will be selected for the evaluations. In
collaboration with Institute of Chinese Medicine in
Hong
Kong
and
Federal
Institute
for
Risk
Assessment in Germany, firstly we will determine the
embryotoxic potentials of selected herbal medicines
by the established in vitro tests. The embryotoxic
potentials of the test medicines will be determined by
comparing the biological and molecular endpoint
measures obtained from the concentration response
curves in cytotoxicity, differentiation, embryonic
development and malformation. Secondly we will
compare the performance of the in vitro tests in
predicting the precise classification of embryotoxic
potentials of the test medicines. Prediction models
will be developed by linear analysis of discriminance
and sensitivity, specificity, predictivity and accuracy
Purpose: To characterize the development toxicity of
Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae.
Objective:
To
identify
the
extract
and
sub-fraction/compound(s) of Rhizoma Atractylodis
Macrocephalae and to evaluate its pharmacotoxicity
profiles for skeletal malformation.
Design: In vitro and in vivo embryotoxicity tests.
Subject: Mouse embryos and pregnant mice.
Investigations: Following tradition custom, water
crude
extract
of
Rhizoma
Atractylodis
Macrocephalae will be prepared for bioassay-guided
fractionation, including solvent partition to isolate the
extracts and column chromatography to isolate the
sub-fraction/compound(s). Bioassay tests will include
in vitro micromass (MM) and whole embryo culture
(WEC) as screening tests to identify the active extract
and sub-fraction/compound(s) affecting chondrocyte
of the in vitro tests.
There is an urgent need in testing the safety of
Chinese herbal medicines for local and international
health care service and also commercial marketing.
This initial evaluation can identify the suitable in
vitro embryotoxicity tests for Chinese herbal
medicines and provide rapid and reproducible
alternative approach for large-scale validating and
differentiation and limb development; and in vivo
pregnant mouse model as validation test to confirm
the
embryotoxicity
pharmacological
profiles
to
of
evaluate
the
active
sub-
the
fraction/compound(s) in mother and fetsus.
Main outcome measure: Dose response curves of the
medicine extract and compounds/constituents to
determine
screening programme in future.
and
embryotoxicity
potential
in
vitro.
Biological endpoints include cytotoxicity (IC) and
(CU10762)
differentiation (ID) for MM test; total morphological
Embryotoxicity Studies of Rhizoma Atractylodis
Macrocephalae
Extracts
for
Skeletal
score (TMS) and developmental malformation (Mal)
for
WEC
test.
Molecular
endpoints
include
expression of genes for pluripotency, chondrocyte
Malformation in Mice
differentiation and limb development for both MM
WANG Chi Chiu LAU Bik San Clara (Institute
of Chinese Medicine)
Pharmacy)
ZUO Zhong (School of
LEUNG Ping Chung (Institute of
Chinese Medicine)
1 January 2011
and WEC tests. Incidence and severity of skeletal
malformation to confirm the specific embryotoxicity
potential in vivo. Concentrations of the extract and
sub-fraction/compound(s) in maternal and placental
samples and its transfer rate from mother to fetus.
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Analysis: Biological and molecular parameter of MM
experimental endometriosis in SCID mice in vivo and
& WEC cytotoxicity IC50, MM chondrocyte
the specific anti-angiogenic effects of EGCG are
differentiation
developmental
through VEGFC pathway on endometriosis in vivo.
morphology and malformation ICNOEC, IC50,
We hypothesize that EGCG inhibits endothelial cell
ICNOEC, TMS, ICMAX, IC50TMS and IC75TMS
functions through VEGFC signaling pathway during
for in vitro tests. Pharmacokinetic parameters include
angigenesis. The specific objective of current
Cmax, Tmax, T1/2, AUC, MRT, C1/F and V/F in
proposal is to study the anti-angiogenic effects of
mother and fetuses and placental transfer/clearance
EGCG on VEGFC signaling pathway in endothelial
rates for in vivo test.
cell proliferation, migration, invasion and tube
(MD10804)
formation.
ID50,
WEC
(MD10787)
Anti-angiogenic
Effects
Green
Tea
(EGCG)
on
Transcriptome Sequencing to Detect Gene Dosage
Endometriosis: Vascular Endothelial Growth
Imbalance in Fetal Brains of Down’s Syndrome: A
Factor
Pilot Study
Epigallocatechin
C
of
Gallate
(VEGFC)
Signaling
Pathway
in
Endothelial Cells
WANG Chi Chiu WANG Huating SUN Hao
WANG Chi Chiu
MAN Cw Gene (Faculty
Office of Medicine)
(Chemical Pathology) CHOY Kwong Wai
1 April 2011
1 March 2011
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Hong Kong Obstetrical and Gynaecological
Grants)
Trust Fund
Down syndrome (DS) is the most common autosomal
Endometriosis is a chronic disorder characterized by
abnormality at birth. Individuals with DS present
the implantation of endometrial glands and stroma
variable severity of cognitive impairment and
outside the uterine cavity. Angiogensis, the formation
behavioural
and sprouting of new blood vessels, plays a key role
neurological disabilities and autosomal trisomy in DS
in the growth and survival of endometiotic lesions.
is not clear. Central working hypothesis in DS
Anti-angiogenic therapy has been demonstrated to be
research is primary and secondary gene dosage
efficient
of
effects result from increased gene expression of the
The
extra copy of the human chromosome 21. We
water-extractable fraction of green tea catechins,
hypothesize that gene dosage imbalance can be
especially epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), exhibits
detected by RNA-Seq in the fetal brain of Down’s
potent antioxidant capacity and also suppressive
syndrome. In this study we aim to quantify
effects on microvascular endothelium for tumor
transcriptome contents and characterize the gene
inhibition. Our previous study demonstrated that
dosage imbalance in the fetal brain of Down’s
EGCG has significant anti-angiogentic effect to
syndrome by RNA-Seq; and to determine the
prevent the growth and survival of engrafted
sensitivity and accuracy of RNA-Seq in detecting the
in
endometriotic
suppressing
the
lesions
rodent
in
development
models.
phenotypes.
Relationship
between
endometrium from endometriosis patients in an
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
gene dosage imbalance in the fetal brain of Down’s
regulate the splicing of GRIA3 as an antisense
syndrome.
transcript. To test above hypothesis, four objectives
(MD10448)
are proposed which aim to discover a novel
mechanism underlying T-UCR’s role in myogenesis.
The Role of Transcripts of Ultra-conserved
The resultant findings from this study will shed a
Regions (T-UCRs) in Skeletal Myogenesis
light on the involvement of T-UCRs in skeletal
muscle differentiation and identify a completely
WANG Huating
CHANDLER Dawn*
SUN
novel mechanism of gene regulation by ncRNAs.
(CU10763)
Hao (Chemical Pathology)
1 January 2011
TGFbeta-Smad-miR29
Research Grants Council - General Research
Over the past several years, large-scale analyses of
WANG
the mouse and human genomes have revealed that a
portion
in
Muscle
SUN
Hao
(Chemical
Fibrogenesis
Fund
large
Axis
of
the
mammalian
genome
is
transcribed. However, most transcripts do not seem to
Huating
Pathology)
30 June 2011
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
encode proteins; rather, they constitute a diverse
Grants)
repertoire of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) emerging
as potent regulators of gene expression.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked
Transcripts from Ultra-conserved Regions (T-UCRs)
lethal genetic muscle disease affecting 1 in 3,500 live
represent a novel class of ncRNAs whose functions in
male births. It is caused by the deficiency of
biological processes remain largely unknown. The
dystrophin, a protein that is essential for the integrity
tissue-specific expression of T-UCRs in skeletal
of
muscle suggests that it may play a role in skeletal
characterized
muscle development. To explore this possibility, we
respiratory and cardiac failure, and premature death.
performed an expression profiling by microarray
Fibrosis is a prominent pathological feature of muscle
analysis using RNAs from undifferentiated myoblasts
biopsies from patients with DMD. It directly leads to
and
results
muscle dysfunction and contributes to the lethal
differentially
DMD phenotype. Understanding the cellular and
differentiated
demonstrated
that
myotubes.
T-UCRs
are
Our
muscle
fiber
membranes.
The
by
progressive
limb
disease
is
weakness,
expressed in myoblasts and myotubes. A subset of
molecular
T-UCRs is up-regulated during myoblast fusion into
fibrogenesis associated with DMD is the key to the
terminally differentiated myotubes. One particular
development of effective anti-fibrotic therapies for
T-UCR, tuc.478+A is among the most significantly
DMD. microRNAs (miRNAs), a novel family of
up-regulated T-UCRs, leading us to hypothesize that
gene regulators, are emerging as potent regulators of
it plays a positive role in skeletal muscle cell
fibrogenesis in multiple tissues. Our preliminary
differentiation or myogenesis. Further sequence
studies revealed that miR-29 expression levels were
analysis revealed that a possible mechanism through
down-regulated in dystrophic muscles; moreover, the
which tuc.478+A stimulates myogenesis is to
restoration of miR-29 levels by intramuscular
mechanisms
underlying
muscle
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
injection of miR-29 mimics oligos could inhibit the
Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of
expression of fibrotic markers, suggesting a potential
Tanezumab
anti-fibrotic role for miR-29 in DMD. We thus
Moderate to Severe Pain Associated with
propose to investigate the underlying cellular
Interstitial
mechanism of miR-29’s anti-fibrotic action using a
Syndrome (IC/PBS) (MD09955)
C2C12 cell culture system. We hypothesize that the
CHAN Shing Chee Symphorosa
for
the
Cystitis/
Treatment
Painful
of
Bladder
down-regulation of miR-29 in myoblasts cells
promotes the transdifferentiation of myoblasts into
2007-08 A
Randomized,
International,
fibrogenic cells, thus contributing to the muscle
Double-blinded (With In-house Blinding),
fibrogenesis in dystrophic muscles. Furthermore, we
Controlled
hypothesize that the down-regulation of miR-29 is a
Dose-ranging,
result of activated TGFβ-Smad3 signaling pathway.
Immunogenicity, and Efficacy Study of a
Three objectives were designed to test above
Multivalent Human Papillomavirs (HPV)
hypotheses. Findings from this study will reveal a
L1 Virus-like Particle (VLP) Vaccine
novel mechanism of muscle fibrogenesis and
Administered to 16- to 26-year-old
eventually benefit the therapeutic intervention of
Women (MD07364)
DMD.
CHEUNG Tak Hong
(MD10379)
GARDASILTM,
with
Tolerability,
YIM So Fan
SIU Shing Shun Nelson
Shing Chee Symphorosa
CHAN
LO Wing
Kit
Please refer to previous issues of this publication
for more details of the following ongoing research
2009-10 A Phase III Randomized, International,
at the department:
Placebo-controlled,
Edition
Clinical Trial to Study the Tolerability
Title/Investigators
and
2009-10 Quality
of
Double-blind
Life
and
Symptom
Immunogenicity
of
V503,
a
Multivalent Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Measurements in Chinese Women with
L1 Virus-like Particle (VLP) Vaccine,
Pelvic Floor Disorders – Validation
Given to Females 12-26 Years of Age
Study of Plevic Floor Distress Inventory
Who
and Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire
GARDASILTM (MD09386)
(MD09974)
CHEUNG Tak Hong
CHAN Shing Chee Symphorosa
PANG Man Wah Selina
Kwong Wai
Have
Previously
Received
YIM So Fan
SIU Shing Shun Nelson
CHOY
LAI Pui Yee (School
of Public Health and Primary Care)
2009-10 Systematic
Development
of
DNA
Methylation Markers for the Noninvasive
Prenatal Detection of Fetal Trisomy 13
2009-10 A Phase 2B, Randomized, Double-blind,
Placebo-controlled, Dose Ranging Study
and Trisomy 18 (CU09629)
CHIM Siu Chung Stephen LEUNG
Tak Yeung
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
2009-10 Differentially
Expressed
Genes
in
2009-10 A
Multiple
Dose,
Randomized,
Maternal Blood Cells Collected from
Double-blind Multicenter Study of the
Preterm
Efficacy
Spontaneous
Delivery
and
Safety
of
Pregabalin
(MD09592)
compared to Placebo in the Treatment of
CHIM Siu Chung Stephen LEUNG
Patients with Post-surgical Pain from
HYSTERECTOMY (MD09430)
Tak Yeung
CHUNG
2008-09 胎兒先天性心臟畸形的遺傳學病因研
Kwok
Hung
CHEUNG Chun Wai Eva*
Tony
CHAN
究 Investigation of the Genetic Basis of
Matthew Tak Vai (Anaesthesia &
Fetus with Congenital Heart Disease
Intensive
(MD08311)
(Anaesthesia & Intensive Care)
蔡光偉
CHOY Kwong Wai
CHEN Ying*
WANG W*
LI H*
DING J*
DUAN CY*
Care)
GIN
Tony
LEUNG Pui Ling*
Doris* WAN Alex* YU Andrea*
XU
NG Pui Shan
YUEN Pong Mo*
YL*
2009-10 Characterization of a 1q43 Copy Number
2008-09 Quantitative Analysis of Copy Number
Variants Associated with Ovarian Cancer
(MD08529)
Loss in Ovarian Cancer (MD09327)
CHUNG Kwok Hung Tony CHOY
Kwong Wai LEE Charles*
CHOY Kwong Wai
Kwok Hung Tony
CHUNG
KWONG
2008-09 Prevention
of
Osteoporosis
Normogonadotropic
Joseph LEE Charles*
in
Anovulatory
Women (MD08580)
2009-10 Studying the Efficacy of Molecular
HAINES Christopher John
Karyotyping in High Risk Pregnancy
Hung Ingrid
(MD09387)
CHOY Kwong Wai LAU Tze Kin
Shan Grace*
LOK
CHEUNG Lai Ping*
LAM Po Mui*
KONG Wing
CHOY Tak Kee
Dicky (CUHK JCC for Osteoporosis
2007-08 Expression
Profiling
and
Functional
Care & Control)
Analysis of MicroRNAs in Endometrial
Chung
Cancer
Medicine)
in
Identification
Hong
of
Kong
Novel
Women:
(Institute
LEUNG Ping
of
Chinese
Molecular
Markers and Therapeutic Targets in
2008-09 Studies on Kit Signaling Pathway and
Endometrial Malignancy (CU07638)
Spermatogonial Stem Cell Differentiation
CHUNG Kwok Hung Tony
(MD08546)
Kee Voon*
CHIN
YU Mei Yun*
CHEUNG Tak Hong*
WONG
HAN Yibing
WANG Chi Chiu
HAINES Christopher John
Yick Fu
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
2009-10 Development of Spermatocyte-specific in
vivo RNA Interference for the Study of
2009-10 Abberant Expression of microRNAs and
Gene Function during Spermatogenesis
Their Predicted Target Genes in Cervical
(CU09648)
Intraepithelial Neoplasm (BL09558)
HAN Yibing HAINES Christopher
LAU Pui Kei Amy
John
PILDER Stephen Howard*
CHEUNG Tak
Hong
WANG Chi Chiu
2007-08 Application
2009-10 Exploring Lymphotoxin and LIGHT
of
Microarray-based
Comparative Genomic Hybridization in
Signaling Pathways in Ovarian Cancer
Prenatal
Cytogenetic
(MD09547)
(CU07693)
KWONG Joseph
LAU Tze Kin
LEE Charles*
WANG Chi Chiu
2008-09 Interactions between Glycodelin and First
Diagnosis
CHOY Kwong
Wai
Trimester Trophoblast: Implications for
Early
Pregnancy
Loss
in
Diabetes
Mellitus (MD08326)
Biu
of
Submicroscopic-chromosomal
LAO Tzu Hsi Terence
Shu
2009-10 Detection
William*
Chi-ngong Philip*
YEUNG
CHIU
CHOY Mei
Abnormalities in Fetuses with Increased
Nuchal
Translucency
but
Normal
Karyotyping Using Array Comparative
Genomic Hybridization (MD09951)
Yee*
LEUNG Tak Yeung
2009-10 Study on the Effect of Pregnancy on the
LAU Tze Kin
CHOY Kwong Wai
Activity and Infectivity of Hepatitis B
Virus in Women with Chronic Hepatitis
B Infection (MD09767)
SUEN Sik
LEUNG Tak Yeung
CHAN Lik Yuen Henry (Medicine
& Therapeutics)
Hyperglycaemia
Cardio-metabolic
LAO Tzu Hsi Terence
Hung
2008-09 Maternal
WONG Wai Sun
of
Children
Offspring - A Follow up on HAPO Study
(CU08734)
TAM Wing Hung
Ngor
Juliana
Therapeutics)
Vincent (Medicine & Therapeutics)
Risk
and
CHAN Chung
(Medicine
MA Ching Wan
Ronald (Medicine & Therapeutics)
2009-10 A Randomised Control Trial on the Use
of Acupuncture in the Relief of Labour
&
ROGERS Michael Scott#
YANG
Xilin (Medicine & Therapeutics)
Pain (MD09854)
LAO Tzu Hsi Terence
Waizhu
(School
Medicine)
of
SUN
Chinese
LAM Siu Keung*
2008-09 Safety Studies on Commonly Used
Chinese
Herbal
Medicines
During
Pregnancy (MD08334)
LEUNG Kwok Yin*
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
WANG Chi Chiu
Chung
LEUNG Ping
Pathology)
of
(Chemical
Pathology)
(Institute
Chinese
Medicine) LAU Tze Kin
Chau-ming*
MAK
2008-09 Molecular
Regulations
Interference
in
of
RNA
Embryonic
Brain
Development (MD08367)
HO Chung Shun
LAU
TING Tai-lun*
Thomas
Chung
Wai
(Chemistry)
2009-10 The Role of miR-29 in Duchenne
WANG Chi Chiu
Muscular Dystrophy (CU09763)
WANG Huating
2008-09 Melamine Toxicity in Fetus and Infant
(MD08755)
Denis*
Pathology)
WANG Chi Chiu
FUNG Kwok
GUTTRIDGE
SUN Hao (Chemical
WONG
Nathalie
(Anatomical & Cellular Pathology)
Pui (School of Biomedical Sciences)
FOK Tai Fai (Paediatrics)
Tze Kin
LAU
PANG Chi Pui Calvin
(Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences)
CHU Kai On (Ophthalmology and
Visual Sciences)
Alisa
(School
Sciences)
Ho
Skeletal Myogenesis (BL09982)
WANG
Huating
SUN
Hao
(Chemical Pathology)
SHUM Sau Wun
of
LAM
Biomedical
Wai
Kei
Christopher (Chemical Pathology)
CHAN
2009-10 The Regulation of miR-1/133 by YY1 in
Ming
(Chemical
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK), and superficial
RESEARCH PROJECTS
keratectomy with diamond burr polishing. Excimer
laser ablation in the form of PTK has been shown to
Randomized Controlled Pilot Study to Compare
be a safe and effective treatment for recurrent erosion
the Efficacy of Epithelial Debridement with
syndrome. The reported rate of success, regarding
Alcohol
alleviation of symptoms and prevention of recurrence
Delmaination
for
Corneal
Erosion
of epithelial erosion, ranges between 74% and 100%.
syndrome
Alcohol delamination of the corneal epithelium
JHANJI Vishal
LAM Shun Chiu Dennis
(ALDCE) is a relatively new treatment described for
the management of RCES. Alcohol delamination of
FAN Hoi Alex*
the corneal epithelium involves the application of a
30 June 2011
solution of 18-20% alcohol over the affected area and
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
surroundings and delamination of the thus-loosened
Grants)
epithelium. This technique, on the basis of two
Recurrent corneal erosion syndrome (RCES) is a
reports with a follow-up of 2 years each, has been
relatively common condition for any practicing
found to be equally effective as PTK. In addition, it
ophthalmologist. It is a chronic relapsing disease of
offers advantages of simplicity and cost.
the corneal epithelium characterized by repeated
In a previous study from our centre, we have shown
episodes of sudden onset of pain usually at night or
that diamond burr polishing is a safe, convenient, and
upon first awakening, accompanied by redness,
inexpensive treatment option for the management of
photophobia, and watering of the eyes. Despite a
RCES and resulted in better outcomes compared to
familiar presentation and history, the management of
simple epithelial debridement. We designed this
this condition can be exasperating for both patient
prospective pilot study in order to investigate the
and ophthalmologist. In spite the plethora of
clinical efficacy of alcohol delmaination versus
treatments
is
epithelial debridement for the treatment of RCES. To
challenging. Both medical and surgical treatments
date there are no comparative randomized follow up
have been used for the management of RCES. The
studies in evaluating ALDCE’s true efficacy in these
use of lubricants, patching, topical hypertonic saline,
cases.
and bandage contact lens to promote epithelial
(MD10953)
being
used,
the
management
healing may provide acute symptomatic relief.
However, patients often experience recurrence of
A
12
Month,
Phase
symptoms that may affect their activities of daily
Double-masked,
living, and surgical intervention may be required in
Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Two
these circumstances. The goal of surgical treatment is
Different
to remove the loosened epithelium to allow new
Ranibizumab vs. Verteporfin PDT in Patients
epithelial cells with stronger adhesion complexes to
with
grow. Surgical options include epithelial debridement
Neovascularization
(ED), another stromal puncture, excimer laser
Myopia
Multicenter,
Dosing
Visual
III,
Active-controlled
Regimens
Impairment
due
Secondary
Randomized,
of
to
to
0.5
mg
Choroidal
Pathologic
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
LAI Yuk Yau Timothy
immunosuppressive drug has to be added. A
LUK Oi Jing Fiona* FOK Chung Tin Andrew*
prospective controlled study to evaluate the efficacy,
LEE Ka Yau Gary*
safety
YIP Pui Pui* MOHAMED Shaheeda*
and
tolerability
of
enteric
coated-mycophenolate sodium (EC-MPS) in patients
1 September 2010
with chronic intraocular inflammation is not available.
Novartis Pharmaceuticals (HK) Ltd
This study aims to assess the efficacy, safety and
This is a phase III, 12 months, multi-center,
tolerability of mycophenolate sodium in subjects with
randomized, double-masked, active controlled study
noninfectious intermediate uveitis in Hong Kong
comparing two different dosing regimens of 0.5 mg
subjects.
ranibizumab versus verteporfin photodynamic (vRDT)
(MD10806)
therapy
for
the
treatment
of
choroidal
neovasvcularization secondary to pathologic myopia.
A Pilot Randomized Study of Valproic Acid
(MD10601)
versus Omega-3 Fish Oil for Prevention of Visual
Functional
Myfortic (Enteric-coated Mycophenolate-sodium)
Losses
in
Degenerative
Retinal
Diseases
for the Treatment of Non-infectious Uveitis
(Anterior, Intermediate and Posteriour Uveitis). A
LAI Yuk Yau Timothy
Prospective Controlled Randomized Single Center
Andrew*
Trial
Yau
FOK Chung Tin
LAM Shun Chiu Dennis
Gary*
LUK
Oi
Jing
LEE Ka
Fiona*
MOHAMED Shaheeda* YIP Pui Pui*
LIU Ta Li
CHAN Kar Mun Carmen*
LUK Oi Jing Fiona*
YIP Pui Pui*
FOK
Chung Tin Andrew*
1 April 2011
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
28 December 2010
Novartis Pharmaceuticals (HK) Ltd
This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of
valproic acid (VPA) versus omega-3 fatty acid in fish
The term “uveitis” summarizes a group of intraocular
oil for preventing visual functional losses in patients
inflammatory diseases with their origin in uveal
with retinal degenerative diseases. The study will
tissues comprising the iris, the ciliary body, and the
evaluation the visual outcomes and side effect
choroids. Systemic corticosteroids represent the
profiles at 12 months in the two treatment groups.
first-line therapy in non-infectious cases of severe
(MD10607)
uveitis such as intermediate uveitis, posterior and
panuveitis. Usually they will be started at an initial
Characterization of the Glaucoma Gene at the
daily dose of 1 mg/kg bodyweight and subsequently
GLC1M Locus for Juvenile Onset Primary Open
tapered during several weeks to a maintenance daily
Angle Glaucoma
dose of 5 to 7.5 mg (depending on the bodyweight).
If it is not able to keep the disease in remission with
this maintenance dose or relapses occur already
LAM Shun Chiu Dennis
PANG Chi Pui Calvin
LEUNG Kai Shun
RHEE Douglas J*
during tapering the corticosteroids, a steroid sparing
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
THAM Chee Yung Clement
YAM Hin Fai
the prioritized candidate genes for mutations, we will
also analyze the copy numbers of these genes to
ZHANG Mingzhi*
detect a possibly existing gene dosage effect related
1 November 2010
to glaucoma. Specific disease-causing mutations in
Research Grants Council - General Research
target genes will be explored in POAG families and
Fund
unrelated POAG patients, all of whom would have
This study is aimed to identify and characterize the
been excluded for MYOC, OPTN, and WDR36 gene
novel glaucoma-associated gene in the GLC1M locus.
mutations. Functional analysis will be conducted to
Primary
a
characterize the novel glaucoma gene and investigate
progressive optic neuropathy that would lead to
the impact of mutations on the gene. We should be
severe and irreversible visual impairment if not
able to identify and characterize a novel glaucoma
treated early and appropriately. Its occurrence is
gene. Amid the present limited genetic information
pan-ethnic. About 2% of the world’s population is
for POAG and the small proportion of POAG patients
affected. The genetics of POAG is known to be
with known genetic cause, functions and properties of
complex, with both monogenic and multifactorial
a new glaucoma gene will give valuable insight into a
etiology. Other risk factors include age and cigarette
better
smoking. However, there is a subset of POAG that
glaucoma.
appears earlier in life, even at teenage. Such patients
(CU10688)
open-angle
glaucoma
(POAG)
is
understanding
of
the
pathogenesis
of
are often inherited in an autosomal dominant manner
and have more serious clinical conditions. Three
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Intravitreal
genes have been identified for POAG, MYOC,
Bevacizumab Monotherapy versus Triple Therapy
OPTN, and WDR36, but together they account for
with Half Fluence Verteporfin Photodynamic
less than 10% of POAG in the Chinese population.
Therapy and Intravitreal Bevacizumab and
Another 19 loci for POAG are now known without
Triamcinol Acetonide for the Treatment of
identification of the underlying gene defects. Our
Neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration
whole genome scan and linkage analysis on a
juvenile-onset POAG pedigree has led to the
LAM Shun Chiu Dennis
identification of the GLC1M locus for POAG at
Timothy
5q22.1-q32. Involvement of MYOC, OPTN, and
Fiona* YIP Pui Pui*
WDR36 genes has been ruled out in this family. In
this application we propose first to conduct a fine
LIU Ti Li David*
LAI Yuk Yau
LUK Oi Jing
1 November 2010
Health and Health Services Research Fund
mapping study with microsatellite and SNP markers
to further confine the locus to a narrowed region. We
Purpose: To compare the efficacy of intravitreal
shall then carry out positional cloning to identify the
bevacizumab versus triple therapy with half fluence
gene responsible for glaucoma in the pedigree.
photodynamic
Priority will be given to the genes that are expressed
bevacizumab and intravitreal triamcinolone (IVTA)
in the eye tissues, involved in the possible functional
in the treatment of neovascular age-related macular
pathways of POAG, and related to glaucoma or other
degeneration (AMD).
therapy
(PDT),
intravitreal
relevant neurodegenerative diseases. When screening
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Objectives/hypothesis: Triple therapy with reduced
An
fluence PDT, intravitreal bevacizumab and IVTA
Observational Study following Implantation of the
might result in better visual acuity compared with
enVista® Intraocular Lens
Open
Label,
Non-interventional,
intravitreal bevacizumab monotherapy after 12
months.
Design
LAM Shun Chiu Dennis
and
subjects:
Prospective
randomized
controlled trial. One hundred patients will be
randomized to receive intravitreal bevacizumab or
LAM Nai Man*
YOUNG Lerrmann Alvin* FAN Hoi Alex*
1 December 2010
Bausch & Lomb Incorporated
triple therapy using half fluence PDT, intravitreal
bevacizumab and IVTA. Patients will be followed for
This is an observational study which aim is to
12 months.
retrieve data that was collected during normal course
Study instruments: Best-corrected visual acuity,
of care in the treatment of cataract with enVista®
number of treatments with intravitreal bevacizumab,
intraocular lens.
IVTA and PDT; anatomical outcomes including
(MD10669)
fluorescence angiography (FA), indocyanine green
angiography
(ICGA)
and
optical
coherence
An
Open
Label,
Non-interventional,
tomography (OCT), growth factor levels and
Observational Study Following Implanation of the
multifocal electroetinography.
enVista® Intraocular Lens
Interventions: Patients in both groups will receive
three
loading
doses
of
1.25mg
intravitreal
bevacizumab injections followed by additional
monthly bevacizumab if they meet the retreatment
criteria based on OCT, BCVA, FA or ICGA. For
patients in the triple therapy group, PDT with IVTA
LAM Shun Chiu Dennis
LAM Nai Man*
YOUNG Lerrmann Alvin* FAN Hoi Alex*
1 December 2010
Bausch & Lomb Incorporated
will be performed if the interval since the last PDT
This is an observational study which aim is to
plus IVTA is more than 3 months. PDT with
retrieve data that was collected during normal course
verteporfin will be performed using half fluence
of care in the treatment of cataract with enVista®
(25J/cm2) laser and 2mg IVTA is used.
intraocular lens.
Main outcome measures and analysis: Best-corrected
(MD10702)
visual
acuity,
number
of
treatments
with
bevacizumab, IVTA and PDT, angiographic and
Tracking Retinal Mocroglia Activation in Relation
visual outcomes.
to Retinal Ganglion Cell Degeneration
(MD10736)
LEUNG Kai Shun
PANG Chi Pui Calvin
LAM Shun Chiu Dennis Weinreb Robert*
1 March 2011
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
The objective of this study is to investigate the
Biological
longitudinal profile of microglia activation in relation
Degeneration
Roles
of
HTRA1
in
Macular
to retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration after
acute elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) using a
PANG Chi Pui Calvin
novel in vivo imaging model.
Microglia
play
a
major
role
in
mediating
phagocytosis during degeneration RGCs. Upon
activation in tissue injury, microglia transform to an
LAI Yuk Yau Timothy
LAM Shun Chiu Dennis
LEE Yau Wing,
Vincent YAM Hin Fai YANG Zhenglin*
1 November 2010
Research Grants Council - General Research
ameboid shape capable of phagocytosis and secretion
Fund
of cytotoxic factors and proinflammatory molecules.
Being capable of both exacerbating tissue damage
In this application, we aim to characterize the
and protecting neuronal cells, the relationship
HTRA1 gene in the development of age-related
between microglial activation and RGC degeneration
macular degeneration (AMD), which is a leading
remains unclear.
cause of irreversible visual impairment and blindness
By using a confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope
in people aged more than 65 years in developed
imaging model established in our group, the retinas
countries,
of the CX3CR1
GFP/+
transgenic mice (CX3CR1 is a
affecting
about
50
million
people
worldwide. Its occurrence is pan-ethnic and its
chemokine receptor expressed by microglia) will be
etiology
imaged in vivo at baseline and then weekly for 12
susceptibility. Other major risk factors include age
weeks after acute IOP elevation. The dynamic
and
changes of microglia and the longitudinal profile of
genome-wide association study, we identified an
microglia activation in relation to RGC survival will
AMD-associated
be examined.
Requirement factor A1 (HTRA1). HTRA1 encodes a
One major challenge in investigating the activation of
serine protease. In subsequent studies we found
microglia is the lack of a suitable model that can
HTRA1 SNPs rs10490924 and rs11200638 both
monitor microglia longitudinally and non-invasively.
conferred more than 10 times risk to develop AMD.
Examination on microglia in animal studies has been
Reported studies of other research groups have
based on single time point measurement when the
established the association of HTRA1 SNPs with
animals are sacrificed. The proposed study provides a
exudative AMD in different ethnic populations. An
simple and rapid approach based on an in vivo
independent study has shown elevated HTRA1
imaging technique to investigate the longitudinal
expressions of HtrA1 mRNA and protein had been
profiles of microglia activation in relation to RGC
shown in lymphocytes and retinal pigment epithelium
loss. The result of this study would be pertinent to
of AMD patients. While the biological roles of the
uncover the role of modulating microglia activation
HtrA1 protein in the development of AMD are still
as a novel therapeutic target for optic nerve diseases.
under investigation, we propose that HTRA1 is
(MD10489)
directly linked to AMD pathogenesis. In this proposal,
multi-factorial
cigarette
smoking.
gene,
with
strong
Recently,
High
genetic
using
the
Temperature
we shall first investigate the HtrA1 protein
expression with AMD-associated proteins, CFH,
VEGF and PEDF, in vitreous humors of AMD
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
patients and controls. Secondly, we shall carry out
two-dimensional proteomics and mass spectrometry
2008-09 Phase
II
Multicenter,
Age
Prospective,
analysis to identify HtrA1 molecular substrate targets
Randomized,
Related
within the vitreous humor of mice given intravitreal
Degeneration, Comparator Controlled,
and subretinal injection of recombinant HtrA1.
Dose
Thirdly, the interactive effect and contribution to
PF-04523655 versus Ranibizumab in the
AMD by HtrA1, VEGF and identified substrate
Treatment of Subjects with Choroidal
targets will further be manipulated in the in vitro
Neovascularization
ocular cell culture system. Results from this study
(MD08793)
would establish the association of HtrA1 expression
LAI Yuk Yau Timothy
Ranging
Study
Evaluating
(Monet
in vitreous humor with the disease status of AMD
Yau Gary*
and identify HtrA1 molecular substrate targets in the
LUK Oi Jing Fiona*
Macular
Study)
LEE Ka
LIU Ti Li David*
eye. Valuable information will be provided on the
biological effects of HtrA1 and how it affects the
2008-09 A Phase 2, Randomized, Double-masked,
development of AMD. Such new knowledge will
Placebo-controlled Study of the Safety,
contribute to advancing the understanding of AMD
Pharmacokinetics and Biological Effects
pathogenesis and provide information for future
of Intravenous Fosbretabulin in Saian
design of therapeutic treatment.
Subjects
(CU10734)
Vasculopathy (PCV) (MD08562)
with
LAI
Polypoidal
Yuk
Yau
Choroidal
Timothy
Please refer to previous issues of this publication
TOMLINSON Brian (Medicine &
for more details of the following ongoing research
Therapeutics) LUK Oi Jing Fiona*
at the department:
LEE Ka Yau Gary*
David*
Edition
LIU Ti Li
WONG Raymond SM*
CHAN Michael*
Title/Investigators
CHAN CM
Jones*
2005-06 A Randomized Controlled Trial on the
Safety and Efficacy of A Modified
2009-10 A
Randomized,
Double-masked,
Regimen of Photodynamic Therapy with
Multicenter, Laser-controlled Phase III
Verteporfin on Acute Central Serous
Study Assessing the Efficacy and Safety
Chorioretinopathy (MD04609)
of Ranibizumab (Intravitreal Injections)
CHAN Wai Man
LEE Yau Wing,
as Adjunctive and Mono-therapy in
Vincent LAM Shun Chiu Dennis
Patients with Visual Impairment due to
LAI Wai Kwan Wico# TANG Wai
Diabetic Macular Edema (MD09568)
Ho Emily#
LAI Yuk Yau Timothy CHAN Kar
MOHAMED Shaheeda
LAI Yuk Yau Timothy
Chi Wai
TSANG
LI Kai Wang Kenneth#
LI Siu Hung# LIU Ta Li
Mun
Carmen*
Shaheeda*
MOHAMED
LEE Ka Yau Gary*
LUK Oi Jing Fiona*
FOK Chung
Tin Andrew*
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
2009-10 A 24 Week Multicenter, Randomized,
Double-masked,
Placebo
Controlled
2009-10 A
Randomized
Controlled
Trial
to
Compare the Efficacy and Safety of 1)
Study to Assess the Difference in the
Macular
Rate of Recurrent Exacerbations in
Intravitreal
Behcet’s Patients with Posterior or
Combined
Panuveitis Treated with AIN457 vs.
Bevacizumab with Macular Laser for
Placebo Adjunctive to Standard-of-care
Diabetic Macular Edema (CU09687)
Immunosuppressive Therapy (MD09882)
LAM Shun Chiu Dennis
LAI Yuk Yau Timothy CHAN Kar
Mun Carmen*
Laser
Repeated
Timothy
Fiona* FOK Chung Tin Andrew*
Double-masked,
Repeated
vs.
3)
Intravitreal
CHAN
LAI Yuk Yau
LEE Yau Wing, Vincent
LEUNG Kai Shun
LIU Ta Li
2009-10 A 38-week Extension to a 24 Week
2)
Bevacizumab
Kar Mun Carmen
LUK Oi Jing
Multicenter,
vs.
LIU Shu
MOHAMED Shaheeda
LEE Allie
Randomized,
Placebo
Controlled
2009-10 A
Randomized,
Double-masked,
Study to Assess the Difference in the
Multicenter, Laser-controlled Phase III
Rate of Recurrent Exacerbations in
Study Assessing the Efficacy and Safety
Behcet’s Patients with Posterior or
of Ranibizumab (Intravitreal Injections)
Panuveitis Treated with AIN457 vs.
as Adjunctive and Mono-therapy in
Placebo Adjunctive to Standard-of-care
Patients with Visual Impairment due to
Immunosuppressive Therapy (MD09893)
Diabetic Macular Edema (MD09866)
LAI Yuk Yau Timothy CHAN Kar
LEE Yau Wing, Vincent LIU Ti Li
Mun Carmen*
LUK Oi Jing
Fiona* FOK Chung Tin Andrew*
David*
CHAN C K Vesta*
2009-10 Suturless Retinal Detachment Surgery
at the GLC1N Locus for Primary Open
(MD09368)
Angle Glaucoma (CU08677)
LEE Yau Wing, Vincent
Chi Pui Calvin
LI
Chi Lai*
2008-09 Characterization of the Glaucoma Gene
LAM Shun Chiu Dennis
PANG
THAM Chee Yung
Shun Chiu Dennis
LAM
LIU Tai Li
David* LI Chi Lai*
Clement YAM Hin Fai
2005-06 Diagnostic Imaging Assessment in the
2008-09 Identification of Disease-causing Gene
Evaluation
of
Glaucomatous
for High Myopia in the Novel High
Neuropathy (MD05567)
Myopia 5p15 Locus (MD08413)
LEUNG Kai Shun
LAM Shun Chiu Dennis
Ping Dorothy
FAN Shu
YAM Hin Fai
PANG Chi Pui Calvin
Optic
LEUNG King
Sai (Faculty Office of Medicine)
LI Yuen Mei Emmy
Shaheeda
MOHAMED
HO Chuen Kwong
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Thomas
Yolanda
KWONG Yuen Ying
THAM Chee Yung
Clement LAM Shun Chiu Dennis
LI Chi Hong Felix
LEUNG Yu
Lung YICK Wai Fong#
2008-09 Copy Number Variation in High Myopia
(MD08674)
PANG Chi Pui Calvin
Ping Dorothy
FAN Shu
LAM Shun Chiu
Dennis
2009-10 Evidence-based Adjustment of Topical
2009-10 Characterization of the GLC1M Locus in
Glaucoma Drop Use among Hong Kong
Juvenile Onset Primary Open Angle
Patients (MD09977)
Glaucoma (MD09377)
LEUNG Kai Shun
Chiu Dennis
FAN
Hoi
Shuet-yan*
LAM Shun
LAM Tsze Ho Philip
POON
Agnes
Michael Boland*
PANG Chi Pui Calvin
Chee Yung Clement
THAM
FAN Shu
Ping Dorothy
YUEN Nancy* Nathan Congdon*
2008-09 Chemical
Chaperone-mediated
Degradation of Cataract-causing Mutant
2009-10 Investigation of Distribution Pattern of
Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Damage in
Alpha A-Crystallin (BL08328)
YAM Hin Fai
Glaucoma (MD09470)
LEUNG Kai Shun
PANG Chi Pui
2009-10 Non-surgical
chaperone-assisted
Calvin LAM Shun Chiu Dennis
Cataract
2007-08 Moh’s Micrographic Surgery (MMS) in
Hong
Kong
for
the
Treatment
Chemical
of
Periocular Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
and
Therapy
Corneal
to
Treat
Dystrophy
(CU09786)
YAM Hin Fai
LAM Shun Chiu
Dennis PANG Chi Pui Calvin
through a Multidisciplinary Approach
(MD07923)
2009-10 Role of MicroRNA-145 in Corneal
LIU Ta Li
Paul
CHOI Cheung Lung
(Anatomical
&
Cellular
Epithelium Development (MD09478)
YAM Hin Fai
Pathology) LIU D L David
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology
the Mainland;
RESEARCH PROJECTS
5.
To share the experience of developing
innovative technology for rehabilitation; and
Symposium on Rehabilitation Technology –
Interdisciplinary
Approach
from
Theory
to
6.
To consolidated the practical skills in orthosis,
prosthesis and wheelchair.
Practice
(MD10492)
CHAN Kai Ming HUNG Leung Kim FUNG
Phase III Protocol Comparing a Microfracture
Treatment to a Cartipatch® Chondrocyte Graft
Kwai Yau LAW Sheung Wai
Treatment in the Femoral Condyle Lesions
1 July 2010
Contribution from Applicant Otto Bock
CHAN Kai Ming LI Gang YUNG Shu Hang
Professional Services Development Assistance
Scheme, Commerce and Economic Development
1.
2.
Patrick
Bureau, HKSAR Govt Shanghai Kesheng
1 July 2010
Prostheses
TBF Tissue Engineering
The complexity of rehabilitation process and
This is a phase III clinical trial and part of a multiple
the
technological
centre international phase III clinical trial comparing
development pose and ongoing challenge for
a microfracture treatment to a chondrocytes graft in a
Orthopaedic surgeons and therapists involved
gel: CARTIPATCH® in femoral condyle lesions,
in the total care of patients. The expertise and
organized by TBF Tissue Engineering (France). We
inputs of other professional disciplines are
are going to recruit 8-16 cases of patients in Hong
necessary to best serve the needs of parties and
Kong who suffered from femoral condyle lesion and
their families;
subject them for this clinical trial follow the protocols
To update the local Orthopaedics Surgeons /
that are designed by TBF company. The follow up
Allied Health / Community Partnership on the
period is 18 months following the treatment.
latest
(MD10952)
increasing
range
development
of
on
rehabilitation
technology;
3.
To consolidate the collaboration between
Development of a Vitamin-C Surgical Irrigation
various parties in providing interdisciplinary,
Solution to Improve Healing Outcomes of Surgical
collaborative are to patients with complex
Repair of Tendon and Ligament Injuries
needs related to rehabilitation technology;
4.
To
updated
the
latest
knowledge
in
CHAN Kai Ming HUNG Leung Kim YUNG
management of rehabilitation for related
Shu Hang Patrick
professionals by inviting famous speakers in
Hysan Clinical Research Laboratories)
this field in order to enhance participants’
Yee Pauline LI Gang CHENG Wai Hang
medical standard, thus promoting our high
FU Sai Chuen Bruma (Lee
LUI Po
1 October 2010
quality healthcare service in Hong Kong and
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology
Innovation & Technology
Tendon connects muscle and bone and transmits
Commission-Innovation and Technology
force generated by muscle to bone for skeletal
Support Programme
movement. Tendon tissue mainly composed of dense
fibrous collagenous bundle and endures constant
Tendon and ligament injuries are very common
sporting and occupational injuries. Surgical repair
provides a mechanically stable micro-environment
for the tendons or ligament to heal, but the healing
outcomes are always compromised by the low innate
healing capacity. Thus it is important to study
potential treatments to promote the innate healing
capacity. We discovered that surgical irrigation with
vitamin C solution may be able to improve healing in
animal models. Conventional surgical irrigation
solution only acts as neutral fluid to cleanse the
surgical sites. Limited modifications of surgical
irrigation solution have been proposed to reduce
infection or bleeding, but there is no investigation to
develop irrigation solution with an added value to
improve healing outcomes. We propose to develop a
new formula of vitamin C supplemented surgical
irrigation solution which can promote tendon and
ligament
healing.
Pre-clinical
studies
in
well-established animal models will be used to
evaluate the effects of the new irrigation solution, and
the results will be used to apply for patents. In the
next stage of the product development, clinical trials
could be conducted with industrial collaboration.
(MD10446)
mechanical stress/strain loading. Tendon injuries are
common
with
3-5
millions
injuries
annually
worldwide caused by sports activities and trauma.
Achilles tendon is one of the most frequently
ruptured tendons and counts for approximately 40%
of all tendon repair surgery. Tendon injuries are
usually caused by a sudden overloading strain or
direct blow to the tendon during contraction or age
related chronic degeneration. Achilles tendon rupture
is preferably treated surgically with immobilization
and
the
complications
breakdown,
adhesion,
associated
joint
are
wound
contractures
and
secondary rupture. Tendon injury is difficult to repair
and often leads to scar tissue formation, which is
prone to re-rupture. Augmentation of tendon healing
is needed to reduce rehabilitation time, morbidity and
complications.
Injection
of
anabolic
factors,
biophysical intervention and stem cell therapy with
tissue engineering have been attempted to enhance
tendon repair in preclinical studies.
In this proposal, we will test the use of tenogenic
stem cells with tendon matrix in Achilles tendon
defect animal model using tissue engineering
approaches. Bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem
cells (MSCs) will be induced for tenogenic
differentiation by growth differentiation factor-6
The Use of Tenogenic Cells and Acellular Tendon
Matrix for Tendon Tissue Engineering
(GDF-6) or over-expression of tendon differentiation
specific gene, Scleraxis gene. The modified stem
cells will be loaded to a novel three-dimensional
CHAN Kai Ming CHAN Chun Wai* FU Sai
Chuen Bruma (Lee Hysan Clinical Research
Laboratories) LI Gang LUI Po Yee Pauline
acellularised
tendon
matrix.
The
cell-matrix
composites are then implanted into mouse Achilles
tendon defect model to test the hypothesis that
1 January 2011
MSC-derived tenogenic cells together with tendon
Research Grants Council - General Research
matrix could enhance tendon healing. The objective
Fund
of this study are: 1) To investigate effect of GDF-6
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology
and Scleraxis axis on tenogenesis of bone marrow
multi-lineage
differentiation
potential,
and
derived MSCs; 2) To fabricate acellularised tendon
tenocyte-like properties of human TDSCs (hTDSCs)
matrix as bioscaffold for tendon regeneration; and 3)
isolated from patellar tendons. Results from this
To exam the efficacy of tenogenic MSCs combined
study will provide important information for the rapid
with tendon matrix for tendon repair. The results will
ex vivo expansion of hTDSCs for tendon tissue
shed light on mechanisms of tendongenesis and
engineering.
tendon tissue engineering.
(MD10395)
(CU10607)
Genetic Basis of Idiopathic Scoliosis in Chinese
The Effect of Hypoxia on the Ex-vivo Expansion
and Maintenance of Stem Cell Properties of
CHENG Chun Yiu Jack
TANG Leung Sang
Nelson (Chemical Pathology)
Tendon-derived Stem Cells (TDSCs)
YEUNG Hiu
Yan
CHAN Kai Ming LUI Po Yee Pauline
30 June 2011
25 June 2011
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
Grants)
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a complex
and
three-dimensional spinal deformity without known
inefficiently after injury. Tendon-Derived Stem Cells
causation. It occurs commonly in girls during their
(TDSCs) have been isolated recently and have been
puberty. The prevalence in Hong Kong is 3.6% in
shown to promote tendon repair. The ability to
girls and 1.3% in boys. The current treatment regimes
achieve
for
are not satisfactory as there are still considerable gaps
transplantation is essential for clinical applications.
in our understanding of the etiopathogenesis and the
Although
relatively
prognostic factors for curve progression. Previous
oxygen-deficient, cells isolated from tendons are
studies showed that strong genetic predisposition in
usually cultured under ambient condition, in which
AIS as a complex trait disease. In recent years,
the “physiological hyperoxia” condition might alter
genome-wide association study (GWAS) has been
the intrinsic stem cell properties during culture. Being
used as the state-of-the-art approach in identifying
a newly identified stem cell type, there has been no
predisposition genes in complex traits disease.
report on the behavior of TDSCs at low oxygen
GWAS studies on Caucasian AIS patients have
tension. We hypothesized that culture of TDSCs
revealed 3 novel genes involved in axon guidance
under physiologically relevant low-oxygen-tension
pathway (namely, CHL1, DSCAM and CNTNAP2).
may favor the ex vivo expansion and maintenance of
Taking reference to our previous studies ion
stem cell properties, thus facilitating the application
abnormal
of TDSCs for tendon repair. In this study, we aimed
function in AIS, these 3 novel genes might provide
to study the effect of low oxygen tension (2%) on the
further support along this line of research on the
clonogencity, metabolic rate, DNA incorporation,
etiopathogenesis of AIS.
Tendons
population
regenerate
a
and
sufficient
the
number
tendon
doubling
repair
milieu
time,
slowly
of
is
cells
neuroanatomy
and neurophysiological
immunophenotypes,
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology
We propose to validate whether such associations
lower than those of control by 5-7% but not in
found in Caucasian patients are also present in local
trabecular bone. It is therefore believed that
case-control samples in Hong Kong. In addition to
long-term bisphosphonate may highly suppress both
targeting at a convergent evident based hypothesis
bone resorption and bone formation due to the
across different ethnic groups, the study will also
remodelling coupling of osteoblasts and osteoclasts,
help to provide evidence of the involvement of axon
finally leading to atypical fractures in long bones. In
guidance pathway and subclinical neurological
the present study, we hypothesize that there is
dysfunction in the etiopathogenesis of AIS.
difference in biochemical markers of bone turnover
Patients with different phenotypic expressions would
between long-term bisphosphonate subjects and the
also be correlated with the genetic findings to dissect
controls. Bone mineral density, serum content of
the possible basic mechanism of these new genes in
RANKL, OPG, NTx and ALP will be measured
AIS
fundamental
between long-term bisphosphonate and control
pathogenic mechanism will be the cornerstone for
groups. The findings of this study may help to
future functional and in-vivo therapeutic research.
identify a subject of patients who could be
(MD10915)
predisposed to atypical fractures.
development.
Revealing
the
(MD10432)
Identification of Atypical Diaphyseal Fracture
Subgroup
in
Patients
with
Long-term
Will Low-Magnitude High-Frequency Mechanical
Bisphophonate Treatment – Study of the Changes
Stimulation
in Biochemical Markers in Bone Metabolism
Articular Cartilage? An Interventional Study with
Help
to
Repair
Degenerative
Rat Model
CHEUNG Wing Hoi
LEUNG Kwok Sui
CHEUNG Wing Hoi
QIN Ling
LEE Kwong Man Simon
(Lee Hysan Clinical Research Laboratories)
1 September 2010
Osteosynthesis & Trauma Care Research Grant
LEUNG Kwok Sui QIN Ling ZHENG Yong
Ping*
Bisphosphonates are a class of drugs that inhibit
osteoclast action and the resorption of one. This is
currently
one
of
the
commonest
first-line
1 October 2010
Research Grants Council - General Research
Fund
prescriptions for patients with known or high risk of
osteoporosis. It is therefore generally believed to
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease
reduce osteoporotic fractures with no doubt. However,
characterized
several recent reports challenged that long-term
Hypomineralization of subchondral bone plate is also
bisphosphonate
atypical
recently shown to involve in pathogenesis of OA.
low-energy fractures. The long-term safety of
This seriously affects the quality of life of these
bisphosphonate becomes a crucial issue. In authors’
patients. More than 27 millions people in USA
institute, a pilot study was conducted, which also
suffered from this disease in 2005. In Hong Kong,
demonstrated that the cortical bone density of
3% of the population was OA patients in 2003.
intake
might
cause
with
breakdown
of
cartilage.
long-term bisphosphonate subjects were significiantly
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology
Unfortunately, there is currently no effective clinical
and the changes in subchondral bone plate. To date,
treatment to manage OA.
this is the first study to evaluate the effect of LMHFV
Physical activity is an alternative recommended
on OA and subchondral bone. The findings of this
measures for early OA patients to reduce pain and
study will help to understand the response of OA
improve functions, with evidence-based support from
cartilage to mechanical stimulation and to investigate
a
Passive
whether LMHFV is beneficial to joints with early OA,
continuous motion was also shown to have superior
which may be a potential clinical treatment for OA
outcomes for those patients with deep cartilage
patients.
defects transplanted by autologous periosteum.
(CU10774)
few
randomized
controlled
trials.
Low-magnitude high-frequency vibration (LMHFV)
treatment is a non-invasive biophysical intervention
Low Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Accelerates
to provide whole-body vibration stimulation, which
Osteoporotic Fracture Healiing through Enhanced
can be used as quantifiable physical activities. Its
Stem Cell Recruitment?
reported biological effects include osteogenicity,
blood flow enhancement and muscle gain. Its effects
CHEUNG Wing Hoi
on OA have not been reported yet. Previous studies
Gang QIN Ling
of vibration on chondrocytes showed the increased
proliferation, matrix production and hence resultant
biomechanical properties in 3D culture. This proves
LEUNG Kwok Sui
LI
1 April 2011
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
the direct interaction of vibration on articular
cartilage. Our previous studies using LMHFV on
Osteoporotic fracture usually takes longer recovery
fractured rats confirmed the signal transmission to the
period due to the poor reparative potential in
thigh of rats and the results indicated that LMHFV
osteoporotic bone. Impaired mesenchymal stem cell
enhanced cartilage formation with endochondral
(MSCs) recruitment is one causative factor. Our
ossificationrelated genes upregulated and improved
previous study has proven that some osteoblasts
bone mineral density. The application of vibration at
involved in fracture repair were systemically
35Hz, 0.3g is now being translated to clinical
mobilized and recruited to the fracture from remote
application. To study mechanical stimulation on OA,
bone marrow sites via peripheral circulation. Recent
we had also applied acoustic mechanical stimulus on
findings also show that the recruitment of MSCs for
OA rabbit model, demonstrating that OA cartilage
fracture healing is through a chemokine, stromal
responded with reparative activity by producing
derived factor-1 (SDF-1) that binds to its receptor
hyaline cartilage while control samples were healed
(CXCR4). In vitro, we also demonstrated that
with only fibrocartilage or fibrous tissues.
SDF-1/CXCR4 expression and cell migration of
Based on these related studies, we hypothesize that
rat-isolated MSCs were enhanced by low intensity
mechanical stimulation by LMHFV enhances and
pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS), confirming mechanical
maintains cartilage repair and underlying subchondral
loading can modulate SDF-1/CXCR4 system in
bone density for early OA. With our established
MSCs. Meanwhile, LIPUS shows very promising
techniques, we will make use of OA rats to evaluate
evidences in accelerating fracture healing clinically,
the effect of LMHFV on the repair of OA cartilage
including our randomized controlled trial confirming
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology
its efficacy in promoting complex fracture healing by
hazardous. A myoelectric stimulation device is to be
30%. We are also the first group to prove that LIPUS
developed to deliver electric stimulation to the
accelerated osteoporotic fracture healing in rat
muscles at the lateral shank, through a pair of
models. Based on the above scientific evidences, we
electrodes, when a hazardous motion occurs. The
hypothesize that LIPUS will enhance the systemic
stimulation will initiate an opposite ankle motion that
recruitment of MSCs through SDF-1 to accelerate
resists the hazardous motion and prevent the injury.
osteoporotic fracture healing. The objectives of this
In this project, a prototype version of this sprain-free
study are to investigate the effect of LIPUS on the
sport shoe will be fabricated, with the sensing,
recruitment of intravenously administered MSCs to
identification and correction systems linked up as a
fracture sites in osteoporotic bones and to evaluate
stand-alone device.
the mechanism of MSC recruitment through SDF-1.
(MD10830)
This study will help us understand the mechanism of
LIPUS in MSCs recruitment for osteoporotic fracture
Development of Sprain-free Sport Shoe
healing.
(MD10440)
FONG Tik Pui Daniel
CHAN Kai Ming
YUNG Shu Hang Patrick
Development of Sprain-free Sport Shoe: Prototype
Version
17 March 2011
Seed Fund, Patent Committee, CUHK
FONG Tik Pui Daniel
This study aims to develop an innovative sport shoe
LIAO Wei Hsin
to prevent supination type ankle ligamentous sprain
CHAN Kai Ming
YUNG Shu Hang Patrick*
(Mechanical & Automation Engg)
LEE Tan
injury, which is the most common sport-related
trauma. Results from previous ITF funded projects
(Electronic Engineering)
are adopted to formulate a three-step protection
1 September 2010
International Biomechanics Ltd Sengital Ltd
The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles
mechanism, which consists of sensing, identification
and correction. With such basis, this study focuses on
(1) miniature design of the device; (2) rechargeable
and Apparel Limited
power supply; (3) power management and optimized
Ankle sprain is the most common sports injury.
sensing control; and (4) wireless communication
Repeated
instability,
system. The final device consists of a detachable
proprioceptive and functional impairment, medical
micro motion monitoring unit at the shoe heel counter,
cost and economic loss. We propose to develop an
insert of midsole. It sends out radio frequency signal
innovative intelligent sprain-free sport shoe to
to a myoelectric corrective unit with the signal
prevent ankle sprain during sports. Its mechanism
receiver when an ankle sprain hazard appears. The
consists of three parts: (1) Sensing; (2) Identification;
corrective unit is bandage-like, which wraps the
and (3) Correction. A sensing and identify system is
upper shank and delivers electric signal to the lateral
embedded in the shoe. Through the motion data
shank muscles through a pair of electrode pads. The
collected by a sensor embedded in the shoe, the
electric signal could initiate ankle joint pronation and
system can identify if a supination motion is
resists the sudden explosive ankle joint supination
injury
causes
ankle
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology
torque. The biomechanics effect will be evaluated by
experimental model for OA. The effectiveness of the
a systematic test on 10 healthy subjects in a
mixture to modify knee pain and degenerative
laboratory. Finally, a large scale clinical trial on two
changes in knee joint will be evaluated in a rat animal
professional soccer teams during two seasons will be
model. Instead of oral intake, direct intra-articular
conducted to demonstrate the ultimate effect to
injection, which is a common method for drug
reduce ankle ligamentous sprain injury incidence.
delivery in OA, will be adopted. With the cutting
(MD10548)
edge technologies such as animal gait analysis for
pain assessment we are able to scrutinize the effects
Development of Post-traumatic Osteoarthritis Rat
of the intra-articular injection of antioxidant mixture
Model
in OA, and continue to evaluate other antioxidants or
and
Exploration
Administration
of
of
Antioxidant
Intra-articular
Mixture
as
potential cures of OA in the future.
Potential Treatment
(MD10328)
HUNG Leung Kim CHAN Kai Ming FU Sai
P63 Regulates Cell Cycle Progression Genes and
Chuen Bruma (Lee Hysan Clinical Research
Promotes Neoplastic Stromal Cells Proliferation
Laboratories)
in Human Giant Cell Tumor of Bone
CHEUK Yau Chuk (Lee Hysan
Clinical Research Laboratories)
20 June 2011
KUMTA Shekhar Madhukar
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
29 June 2011
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
Grants)
Osteoarthritis (OA) affects 15% of the world
population with typical symptoms as acute pain
Giant Cell Tumor (GCT) of Bone is a destructive
causing loss of mobility. OA of the knee is
neoplasm of uncertain etiology that affects the
particularly common among Hong Kong Chinese.
epiphyseal ends of long bones in young adults. The
Currently there is no cure for OA. Numerous dietary
tumor causes severe bone destruction in the vicinity
supplement products including antioxidants are
of major skeletal joints necessitating complex
marketed with medical claims to treat OA, based on
reconstructive surgery to eradicate the tumor and
clinical trials with low evidence levels. Scientific
save the joint. Despite aggressive therapy, this tumor
explorations of the pharmacological effects of these
tends to recur locally, eventually requiring surgical
nutraceuticals are necessary for further development
measures of increasing complexity, resulting in
of OA treatment. Vitamin C, a commonly used
significant morbidity and disadvantages to these
antioxidant, is demonstrated with a potential to treat
young patients. The stromal cells of the GCT are the
OA in clinical trials but its effect of dietary
neoplastic cells in this tumor, which recruit and drive
supplement is still debatable. Since OA is known to
osteoclast-mediated bone destruction. Yet it is
involve oxidative stress and inflammation, we
unclear as to what ultimately drives GCT stromal
propose to test the effects of mixture of antioxidant
cells (GCTSC), which are of osteoblastic origin to
(vitamin C), iron chelator (deferoxamine), and
behave in such a manner.
anti-inflammatory
flavone
(quercetin)
in
an
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology
A p53-related gene, p63, shares striking homology
significant portion of AIS girls had osteopenia and
among p53 family members within both their DNA
abnormal anthropometric measurements. We also
binding domain (DBD). There is growing evidence
showed that low bone mass was associated with
that p63 is involved in oncogenesis through several
curve progression in AIS. However, there is still a
mechanisms. In particular, we found that p63 is
lack of knowledge on the possible mechanism
over-expressed in GCTSC when compared with
causing osteopenia in AIS. During skeletal growth,
human normal osteoblasts. Specific inhibition of p63
two main processes will affect bone mineral density:
mRNA in GCTSC leads to down-regulate some cell
1) active bone formation by osteoblasts; and 2) bone
cycle related genes. Moreover, the knockdown of p63
matrix mineralization. Due to the ethical issue on
also greatly decreases cell proliferation, hampers cell
getting bone biopsy samples from AIS patients and
growth, and reduces cell number. We speculate that
age-matched control subjects, it is not feasible to
the over-expression of p63 promotes cell survival of
study osteoblastic activities with a good sample size.
the neoplastic stromal cells in GCT through either
However, with the advancement in technology of
direct
high-resolution peripheral quantitative compared
or
indirect
repression
of
proapoptotic,
which
tomography (HR-pQCT), it is possible to study the
contribute to its tumorigenesis. In this project, we
trabecular bone micro-architectures and volumetric
will investigate how the over-expressed p63 affects
bone mineral density (vBMD) of the trabecular and
cell proliferation, survival, and apoptosis in GCTSC.
cortical bone in vivo separately. Thus, in this study, it
(MD10780)
is hypothesized that bone mineral accrual in AIS girls
cell-cycle
and
anti-proliferative
genes
is different from that of healthy age-matched females.
Abnormal Bone Mineral Accrual in Girls with
The trabecular and cortical vBMD and trabecular
Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis During Skeletal
bone micro-architectures will be assessed with the
Maturation
HR-pQCT longitudinally for AIS and control subjects.
The accrual rate and vBMD between AIS and control
LAM Tsz Ping
YEUNG Hiu Yan
subjects will be compared. The correlation between
LEE Kwong Man Simon
curve severity in AIS and vBMD and trabecular bone
CHENG Chun Yiu Jack
(Lee Hysan Clinical Research Laboratories)
30 June 2011
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
micro-architectures will be studied. Longitudinal
study with in-vivo HR-pQCT on vBMD and bone
micro-architectures for AIS and normal controls has
never been reported in the world literature. This study
will carry significant impact by providing valuable
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a complex
information on the possible mechanism that causes
and disabling three-dimensional spinal deformity of
osteopenia in AIS. This will in turn lead to better
unknown etiology. In Hong Kong, the prevalence is
understanding of the etiopathogenesis of AIS, thus
3.6% in girls and 1.3% in boys. It is important to
paving ways for further studies looking into the
understand the etiopathogenesis of this common
treatment for deranged bone health in AIS and the
spinal condition so that treatment can be devised to
therapeutic measures to control curve progression and
control curve progression or even present AIS from
even prevent AIS from occurrence.
occurrence. In a cross-sectional study, we observed a
(MD10303)
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology
tests. Callus formation and maturation were enhanced
Can Low-Magnitude, High-Frequency Vibration
with
increased
Treatment Accelerate the Healing of Femoral
ossification-related genes (collagen I, II, VEGF and
Shaft Fractures? A Prospective Randomized
BMP-2) were upregulated at different phases of
Controlled Clinical Trial
fracture
healing.
chondrogenesis.
Application
of
Endochondral
LMHFV
on
osteoporotic fracture healing also indicated similar
LEUNG Kwok Sui
GRIFFITH
James
Interventional Radiol)
results that prove its high efficacy in fracture repair.
&
Further justified with our clinical applications of
QIN
LMHFV (35Hz, 0.3g) on normal postmenopausal
CHEUNG Wing Hoi
Francis
(Imaging
KOU Sio Kei*
Ling
1 January 2011
Research Grants Council - General Research
Fund
women which demonstrated an improvement of
muscle functions and balancing ability, we therefore
hypothesize that LMHFV can enhance femoral shaft
fracture healing in humans by enhancing callus
formation
and
maturation,
improving
Diaphyseal long bone fracture is a common injury in
micro-circulation, BMD and muscle functions at
high-energy trauma among young people, where
fracture site.
femoral shaft fracture is the one commonly
In the present study, we propose to study the efficacy
encountered by surgeons. Due to the comminution,
of LMHFV on human femoral shaft fracture healing
displacements and associated severe soft tissue
by conducting a randomized controlled clinical trial
trauma, the nonunion rate is around 2-8% with
and to document the related safety issues on
intramedullary nail fixation. Diaphyseal long bone
post-operative patients. The patients aged 20-40 of
fractures usually take at least 4-6 months to heal and
either gender, after surgical fixation of the fractures,
the functional recovery takes even longer time.
will be treated with LMHFV at 35Hz, 0.3g for
Measures to accelerate diaphyseal long bone fracture
20min/day, 5days/week for 6 months. The results will
healing and rehabilitation are main research goals and
be evaluated by clinical assessments, radiography,
they will give a high medico-economic impact.
densitometry, dynamic MR and functional outcomes
Mechanical stimulation plays a critical role in
at intervals until 12 months postoperatively. Their
fracture healing. Low-magnitude high-frequency
biochemical bone forming markers will also be
vibration (LMHFV) is a systemic biophysical
assessed. The findings will provide scientific
stimulation that is recently reported to enhance bone
evidences to support the clinical application of
mineral density (BMD), circulation and muscular
LMHFV for long bone fracture patients and promote
functions, as proven in animal studies and clinical
this biophysical intervention as a routine adjunctive
trials on normal postmenopausal subjects. Justified
fracture management.
with these characteristic effects on musculoskeletal
(CU10704)
system, we were the first group to investigate the
effect of LMHFV on fracture healing in a rat model.
Skeletal Muscle Stimulation by Low-magnitude
Results showed that LMHFV can accelerate femoral
High-frequency Vibration – Hindlimb Unloading
shaft fracture healing by 30%, as confirmed
Model
radiologically, densitometrically and with mechanical
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology
LEUNG Kwok Sui
CHEUNG Wing Hoi
detailed mechanism of the effects of LMHFV on
sarcopenic
QIN Ling SIU Ming Fai Parco*
(unloaded)
muscle
tissues
from
cellular/biochemical to functional levels.
1 June 2011
(MD10504)
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
Investigation of Novel Small Molecules in Bone
Sarcopenia, or muscle atrophy, is the age-related loss
Repair
of muscle mass, strength and function. This is
characterized with reduced fast-twitch muscle fiber
LI Gang
type II. Sarcopenia is also a major risk factor of
1 December 2010
fall-induced osteoporotic fracture that may lead to
Eli Lilly and Company
increased morbidity and mortality. With increasing
aging population, there is a need to pursue an
This
alternative effective intervention to treat sarcopenia.
pharmatherapeutic agents developed by Eli Lilly
Low-magnitude, high-frequency vibration (LMHFV)
USA on fracture healing and spinal fusion, etc. using
treatment is a non-invasive biophysical modality to
established preclinical orthopaedic animal models in
provide systemic cyclic mechanical stimulation
CUHK ORT department. It is hoped that the test
which induces muscle reactive activities, with
agents discovered by Lilly may have anabolic effects
reported good compliance (80% on average). Our
and promote bone regeneration and repair. The focus
on-going randomized controlled trial with 704
of contract investigation is to determine the
subjects further proves the beneficial effects of
time-dependent changes induced by the test agents in
LMHFV on increasing muscle strength (36.3% vs.
our preclinical animal models such as fracture repair
-4.4%), reducing fall rate (7.9% vs.17.5%) and
or
fracture rate (0.5% vs. 1.6%) significantly, as
micro-computer
compared with control group. These evidences
qualitative
strongly suggest LMHFV is effective to improve
mechanical testing techniques. The project is initially
skeletal muscle functions and hence sarcopenia, yet
for 2 years with a possibility for renewal.
the mechanism is uncertain.
(MD10878)
project
spinal
aims
fusion
to
test
the
effects
of
using
x-ray,
histology,
tomography
(uCT),
peripheral
computer
tomography
(PQCT)
and
Supported by other evidences including the positive
effects of mechanical stimulation on satellite cell
Functional Characterizations of Peripheral Blood
proliferation,
Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
glucose
transporter
4
(GLUT4)
expression, type II muscle fiber area, we therefore
hypothesize
outcomes
that
of
LMHFV
muscles,
improves
through
functional
increasing
the
proliferation of satellite cells, number of type II
muscle fibers and expression of GLUT4. By using
unloaded hindlimb rat model to stimulate sarcopenia,
the effects of LMHFV on muscle tissues will be
evaluated. This will be the first study to elucidate the
LI Gang
CHAN Kai Ming
WAN Chao
(School of Biomedical Sciences)
ZHOU
Guang Qian*
1 January 2011
Research Grants Council - General Research
Fund
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology
Skeletal tissue healing difficulties cause considerable
repair and regeneration, which may reduce the pain
suffering and pain to the patients following fractures,
and suffer of patients.
tendon or cartilage injury, hip replacement, bone
(CU10711)
tumor resection and metabolic bone diseases such as
osteoporosis, which often result in reconstructive
Effect of Sclerostin Antibody on Osteoporotic
surgery. Bone grafting is frequently used, but this
Fracture
procedure has complications and causes further
Mechanisms
Healing
in
Rats
and
Underline
suffering, pain and discomfort to the patients.
Synthetic bone materials, culture expansion of
LI Gang QIN Ling
skeletal tissue cells, and specific recombinant
1 June 2011
proteins have been tried, but their use is hampered by
Amgen Inc
difficulty in harvesting and growing skeletal cells,
lack of vascularization, long duration of treatment
This project is aiming to test the effect of Sclerostin
and the associated high costs. Bone marrow cells
antibody (Scl-Ab) on osteoporotic fracture healing in
seeded with synthetic biomaterials have been
an established rat femoral fracture model with
considered as an alternative to bone, cartilage or
internal fixation. The Scl-Ab discovered by Amgen
tendon grafting, however the requirement of bone
has been showed to have anabolic effects, and
marrow aspiration from the patient may cause further
positive effects on normal fracture healing in mouse
pain and morbidity at the donor sites and there is a
and rat model given by systemic injection. It is
long duration for culture expansion of these cells and
hypothesized that this antibody may also promote
control of their differentiation potentials. Following
osteoporotic
the recent discovery of a blood-borne cell population
systemically. The focus of this investigation is to
that may participate in tissue repair, we have
determine the changes following Scl-Ab systemic
demonstrated that repair cells may be recruited into
administration in osteoporotic rats during fracture
the peripheral circulation and transported to the sites
using x-ray, micro-computer tomography (uCT),
of skeletal injury to participate in healing, which may
histology, and mechanical testing. We will examine
be a novel alternative for skeletal tissue repair and
the changes in vascularisation using mircoCT
regeneration systemically. This project will examine
methods and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)
the methods for isolation, culture, and enrichment of
mobilization
these circulating stem cells and the potential key
flowcytometry analysis.
genes that govern their functions and homing
(MD10786)
fracture
through
healing
peripheral
when
blood
given
using
capacities. This study will broaden our understanding
of how stem cells are mobilized and released into the
The
peripheral circulation and homed to sites where they
Allogeneic Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Rat
are needed to heal damaged tissues. The knowledge
Femoral Fracture Healing
Effect
of
Systemic
Administration
of
gained from this study will help us to develop new
therapeutic protocols to promote skeletal tissue
LI Gang
healing by directing blood-borne stem cells to tissue
15 June 2011
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
TDSCs can be considered as an alternative cell
source for tendon-bone junction regeneration. BMP-2
Grants)
is a potent osteogenic factor with roles in
MSCs (mesenchymal stem cells) have been shown to
migrate to injury and ischemia microenvironments.
Our previous studies showed that there was systemic
recruitment of MSCs via circulating during fracture
healing. In this proposal we will investigate the effect
of systemic administration of allogeneic MSCs on rat
femoral fracture healing. The results will shed light
on mechanisms of systemic MSCs migration and
homing
to
injurious
tissues.
The
further
understanding of the multiple MSC regenerative
abilities in fracture healing will direct us to enhance
the MSCs recruitment and engraftment at the fracture
sites, and design of novel MSC-based therapies for
treating fractures and other related bone healing
conditions.
physiological and pathological bone formation. The
use of BMP-2 to promote the regeneration of
tendon-bone
junction
has
been
well-reported.
Because of the importance of BMP-2 on stem cells in
tendon-bone
junction
engineering,
this
study
therefore aims to compare TDSCs to the “gold
standard” bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem
cells (BMSCs) with respect to their osteogenic
response to BMP-2. The expression of BMP
receptors will also be examined in these two cell
types to explain for any differences that may be
observed. Paired rat TDSCs and BMSCs will be
treated with and without rhBMP-2. The osteogenic
response will be examined by ALP cytochemical
staining and activity assays and Alizarin red S
(MD10856)
staining of calcium nodules formation. The mRNA
and protein expression of BMP receptors IA, IB and
A
study
Comparing
the
BMP-2-induced
Osteogenic Response of TDSCs and BMSCs –
Implication for the Potential of Tendon-Bone
Junction Regeneration
II will be examined by qRT-PCR and Western
blotting, respectively. Results from this study will
suggest whether TDSCs with BMP-2, would be an
alterative
strategy
for
tendon-bone
junction
regeneration.
LUI Po Yee Pauline CHAN Kai Ming
(MD10801)
1 May 2011
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
An
Innovative
Treatment
Approach
for
Steroid-associated Osteonecrosis Lesion Using a
Rapid-prototyped
Surgical reattachment of tendon and bone often fails
due to the failure of regeneration of the specialized
Osteopromotive
Composite
Scaffold Material Incorporating Phytoestrogenic
Icaritin
tendon-bone junction. The use of mesenchymal stem
cells for tendon-bone junction regeneration has been
reported
with
promising
results.
Recently,
tendon-derived stem cells (TDSCs), which have high
proliferative
and
multi-lineage
differentiation
potential, including tendon, cartilage and bone, have
QIN Ling
LEUNG Kwok Sui
WANG Xiaohong*
LI Gang
WANG Xinluan
ZHANG Ge
1 July 2010
been isolated. As stem cells residing in tendons,
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology
bone-formation-promoting Icaritin that has been
Research Grants Council - General Research
proven to be slow-releasable in vitro after our last
Fund
year’s submission.
Steroid-associated osteonecrosis (ON) is associated
with impaired blood supply in bone and subsequent
bone death. Frequent use of steroids is known to
associate with ON development. ON occurs mostly in
large joints such as hip that results in joint collapse
and joint replacement. Core decompression, a
surgical technique to remove dead bone and fill with
bone substitute, is one of the surgical treatments for
preventing joint collapse in early ON stages when the
size of dead bone is small. Bone grafts from the same
patient are frequently used for core decompression.
However, in patients under steroid treatment,
bone-forming capability of their marrow-stem-cells
(MSCs) is inhibited and MSCs tend to differentiate
into fat cells. The treatment strategy is to promote
bone forming ability of the MSCs and provide
The aim of this study is to investigate if the porous
composite scaffold incorporating slow-release Icaritin
is able to promote bone formation by facilitating
proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of host
bone MSCs for its better integration with host bone
after core decompression using an established
steroid-associated ON rabbits model. The findings of
this translational research will be able to develop a
novel bone-forming promotion composite porous
scaffold for potential clinical application for ON
management. From both patients and healthcare
perspective, the potential of this project would help to
preserve the affected joint without replacement
surgery and significant reduction of the financial
burden to both society and patients.
(CU10737)
scaffoldings for structural reinforcement of the
empathy space in core decompression.
An Innovative Approach for Treatment of Bone
The investigators of this proposal have identified a
novel and alternative bone forming promotion factor
Icaritin derived from herbal Epimedium flavonoids.
Defect Using a Rapid-prototyped Composite
Scaffold
Material
Incorporating
an
Osteopromotive Molecule
Our previous findings and those accumulated from
our last year’s ‘Fundable but not Funded’ GRF
application suggest that Icaritin has estrogenic
function and is able to enhance MSCs proliferation
and promote bone formation. We also show that
Icaritin is able to enhance osteoporotic fracture repair
in
the
ovariectomized
mice.
One
of
the
co-investigators of our multidisciplinary team with
background in material sciences has developed
rapidprototyping technology to produce porous
scaffold materials for orthopaedic applications. We
have been collaborating for the past years to produce
a special porous scaffold material for bone defect
repair. Now we have successfully produced a novel
composite
scaffold
material
incorporating
QIN Ling
ZHANG Ge
YAO Xinsheng*
LEUNG Kwok Sui
WANG Xinluan
WANG Xiao-hong*
FUNG Kwok Pui (School
of Biomedical Sciences)
1 November 2010
Guizhou Tongjitang Pharmaceutical Company
Limited Innovation & Technology
Commission-Innovation and Technology
Support Programme Sharpwell Technology
Limited
Bone defect repair is usually found in orthopaedic
surgery due to trauma, fracture and osteonecrosis.
However, failure of bone defect repair in surgical
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology
tunnel after core-decompression for removing dead
Role of Estrogen Receptor Beta in Fracture
bone in steroid-associated osteonecrotic (SAON)
Repair
lesion is still a great challenge, which induces joint
collapse
with
poor
pathophysiology
is
surgical
attributed
prognosis.
to
The
reduction
in
bone-forming-capability of marrow-stem-cells after
steroid treatment and lack of platform for cellular
activities in surgical tunnel. The investigators have
identified an osteopromotive molecule Icaritin that
promote
bone-forming-capability
QIN Ling
ZHANG Ge
HE Yi Xin
PAN
Xiao-hua* KE Hua Zhu* LI Gang LEUNG
Kwok Sui
1 April 2011
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
of
marrow-stem-cells and rapid-prototyping technology
Orthopedic surgeons are challenged by impaired or
for an innovative composite scaffold material
delayed fracture repair in elderly women. The
incorporating Icaritin (PLGA/TCP/Icaritin) has also
investigators have found that both mRNA and protein
been
expression of estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta) were
established
with
well
characterized
physical/chemical features.
significantly higher in the old women compared to
During the ITC-funded study (GHP/001/08) (Phase I
the young women (Unpublished data). It indicated
of our initial grant proposal), the PLGA/TCP/Icaritin
that the dysregulated ER beta expression may
has demonstrated significant reparative osteogenesis
contribute to the impaired or delayed fracture repair
than PLGA/TCP/BMP-2 in vitro and in quadruped
in elderly women. It is of great importance to
rabbits
after
understand the role of ERbeta pathway in fracture
core-decompression. The investigators have also
repair. It has been reported by others’ work that
successfully established SAON lesion with lower
ERbeta
limb dysfunction in bipedal Emu, which is similar to
angiogenesis in breast cancer cells in vitro. On the
typical clinical feature of SAON patients with
other hand, evidence from ERbeta gene knockout
subchondral lesions.
female
Accordingly, investigators would like to perform the
signaling
following
intramembranous
with
established
two
SAON
specific
studies
lesion
on
the
signaling
mouse
participates
has
in
demonstrated
participates
and
in
inhibiting
that
inhibiting
endochondral
ERbeta
both
ossification
PLGA/TCP/Icaritin: 1) to examine the efficacy on
during bone development. As a matter of fact, the
bone defect repair in a bipedal emu model with
investigators’ previous work have revealed that
SAON lesions; 2) to complete related safety tests
ERbeta knockout mice had a better bone healing in a
required
are
drill-hole model compare to the wild type. It
fundamental ones to obtain approval for starting
indicated that blockage of ERbeta pathway may
Phase I and II clinical trials.
promote bone healing (HE et al., 2010). Taken
(BL10873)
together, the investigators have formulated the
by
SFDA.
These
two
studies
following hypothesis that blockade of ERbeta
signaling
pathway
neovascularization,
could
promote
mineralization
and
callus
strength
during fracture repair. In this proposal, blockade of
ERbeta pathway will be implemented through a
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology
genetic approach (a commercialized female ERbeta
scoliosis. Melatonin, hormone produced by pineal
gene knockout mouse) and fracture will be created in
gland, has been suggested to play an important role in
the femoral shaft. Time course study will be designed
scoliosis development. So far only pinealectomized
for
chicken model assembles human AIS. In the present
quantifying
mineralization
and
callus
neovascularization,
mechanical
properties
post
study, we will test the hypothesis that pinealectomy
fracture using our published protocols.
in chicken leads to skeletal overgrowth and low bone
(MD10725)
mineral density leading to scoliosis. In the present
study, we will monitor the change of bone mineral
A Study of Melatonin Effect on Scoliosis
density, bone microarchitecture, and skeletal growth
Development in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis –
rate in pinealectomized chickens with a comparison
A Pinealectomized Chicken Model
to sham operated chickens. Their relationships with
the development of scoliosis will be studied. The data
will provide important link between melatonin and
LEE Kwong Man Simon (Lee Hysan Clinical
bone growth and AIS. This, in turn, suggests the
Research Laboratories)
possible role of melatonin in etiopathogenesis of AIS.
YEUNG Hiu Yan
CHENG Chun Yiu Jack
LAM Tsz Ping
NG
Tzi Bun (School of Biomedical Sciences) Aota
(MD10706)
Yoichi*
Blockade of VEGF-Src Signaling as a Novel
1 April 2011
Therapeutic Strategy to Prevent Destructive
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Repair in Steroid-associated Osteonecrotic Lesion
Grants)
Adolescent
idiopathic
scoliosis
(AIS)
is
a
ZHANG Ge
QIN Ling
TANG Tao
three-dimensional spinal deformity with vertebral
(Obstetrics & Gynaecology)
rotation. In Hong Kong, the general prevalence is
(Imaging & Interventional Radiol)
3.6% in girls and 1.3% in boys. The treatment for
Baoting (School of Chinese Medicine)
AIS is not satisfactory because of its unclear
etiopathogenesis. With further understanding on the
etiopathogenic factors of scoliosis development, the
WANG Yixiang
ZHANG
20 June 2011
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
clinician could have a better control of or even
prevent scoliosis beforehand. Among the different
Subchondral collapse in advanced steroid-associated
hypotheses, anterior spinal overgrowth has been
osteonecrosis may end up with total joint replacement
mostly accepted as the crucial factor in development
linked
of AIS. We have documented the presence of taller
subchondral collapse is directly attributed to the
stature, longer vertebral column, higher vertebral
dominant destructive repair in steroid-associated
column length to spinal cord length ratio, and
osteonecrotic
systemic low bone mass in AIS. However, these
pathophysiological mechanism of the destructive
characteristics of AIS were observed after the
repair largely remains unclear. In our previous
development of AIS. It is necessary to investigate
study, we have consistently found that extensive
how these characteristics can lead to development of
edema
to
poor
induced
postsurgical
lesions.
by
prognosis.
However,
persistent
The
the
vascular
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology
hyperpermeability occurs during bone destruction
RNAi-based gene silencing protocol. The current
within steroid-associated osteonecrotic lesions. This
proposal would provide new indight and prove the
dominant bone destructive repair is accompanied
concept that targeting VEGF-Src signaling pathway
with an uncontrolled VEGF expression and highly
may selectively inhibit VEGF-mediated both vascular
activated Src phosphorylation (Zhang G et al.
hyperpermeability and bone resorption, but preserve
Arthritis & Rheumatism 2009; Zhang G Bone
VEGF-mediated neovascularization in osteonecrotic
Supplement
been
lesion experimentally, thereby preventing progress to
demonstrated that continuously VEGF exposure
subchondral collapse and facilitating tissue repair in
enhances both osteoclastic bone resorption in vitro
steroid-associated osteonecrosis clinically.
and vascular permeability in healthy mouse; Src
(MD10715)
2010).
Furthermore,
it
has
participates in mediating both osteoclast-induced
bone resorption in healthy mice and VEGF-induced
Please refer to previous issues of this publication
vascular permeability in myocardial infarction mouse
for more details of the following ongoing research
model. From our in vitro experiments, knockdown of
at the department:
Src using rabbit-specific Src siRNA prevented
VEGF-mediated activation of rabbit osteoclasts and
Edition
Title/Investigators
VEGF-mediated disruption of Flk / cadherin complex
in rabbit endothelial cells, yet without interfering
2000-01 Low
Intensity
Pulsed
Ultrasound
with VEGF-mediated endothelium tube formation in
Retained
vitro (Tang T Bone Supplement 2010A, B, and C).
Content of Complex Tibial Fractures
Therefore, our hypothesis is that blockade of
(MD00354)
uncontrolled VEGF-Src signaling can inhibit both
CHAN Chun Wai*
Change
of
Bone
Mineral
LEUNG Kwok
persistent vascular hyperpermeability and dominant
Sui
bone resorption but preserves VEGF-mediated
Sze (School of Chinese Medicine)
neovascularization
during destructive repair
our
previously
TSUI Hon For#
LEE Wing
in
steroid-associated osteonecrotic lesions. To test the
hypothesis,
established
2009-10 Providing Technical and Administrative
Services to the Sichuan Earthquake
steroid-associated osteonecrotic rabbit model with
Recovery
dominant destructive repair will be employed to
(MD08544)
achieve the following three specific aims: (1) To
CHAN Kai Ming
Projects
to
StandTALL
determine the role of uncontrolled VEGF expression
in vascular and skeletal events through administering
2009-10 Isolation
and
Characterization
VEGF supplement or VEGF antibody; (2) To
Multi-potent
validate bone-specific distribution of Src siRNA with
Patellar Tendon (MD09408)
our established bone-targeting delivery system; (3)
CHAN Kai Ming
To determine the role of Src activation in
Stem
Cells
from
of
Rat
LUI Po Yee
Pauline
VEGF-mediating vascular and skeletal evens through
administering Src siRNA or a combination of VEGF
supplement and Src siRNA using our established
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology
2007-08 Could Clinical Ultrasound Improve the
2008-09 Can Low Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound
Fitting of Spinal Orthosis for Patients
Accelerate
with AIS? (MD07804)
Osteoblastic Cells for Fracture Healing?
CHENG Chun Yiu Jack
WONG
Man Sang* ZHENG Yong Ping*
YING Tin Cheung Michael*
NG
Systemic
Recruitment
of
(MD08727)
CHEUNG Wing Hoi
LI Gang
LEUNG Kwok Sui QIN Ling
Kin Wah Bobby* LAM Tsz Ping
2009-10 Xarelto in the Prophylaxis of Post
2008-09 Diagnostic Tests for Idiopathic Scoliosis
Elective Major Orthopaedic Surgery of
(MD08450)
CHENG Chun Yiu Jack
Alain*
Hiu Yan
Moreau,
TANG Leung Sang Nelson
(Chemical Pathology)
(Lee
Surgical Venous Thromboembolism after
YEUNG
LEE Kwong Man Simon
Hysan
Clinical
Hip or Knee (XAMOS) (MD09621)
CHEUNG Wing Hoi
Hing*
CHIU Kwok
CHEUNG Kin Wing*
TSE Lung Fung*
Research
2009-10 Quantification
Laboratories)
and
Localization
Mechanosensors,
2009-10 Relationship of Bioavailability of Leptin
Receptors-alpha
and
–beta
Osteoporotic Fractures (MD09606)
Idiopathic Scoliosis (MD09670)
CHEUNG Wing Hoi
CHENG Chun Yiu Jack
QIU
NG Kin Wah Bobby*
in
LEUNG
Kwok Sui QIN Ling
LAM Tsz Ping TANG Leung Sang
Nelson (Chemical Pathology)
of
Estrogen
with Curve Progression in Adolescent
Yong*
LEE
2009-10 Analyzing
Accidental
Ankle
Sprain
Cases in International Sports Events by
Kwong Man Simon (Lee Hysan
Video Analysis Method (MD09488)
Clinical Research Laboratories)
FONG Tik Pui Daniel
YEUNG Hiu Yan
Ming
CHAN Kai
YUNG Shu Hang Patrick*
MOK Kam Ming
2008-09 Angiogenesis in Osteoporotic Fracture
Healing - Interventional Study of Low
2008-09 Whole
Development
for
Physical
Magnitude High Frequency Vibration in
Disabled Children – Therapy through
Rat Model (CU08627)
Music and Arts (Services for Children
CHEUNG Wing Hoi
James
Francis
GRIFFITH
(Imaging
&
with Disabilities of Their Limbs and
Children Suffering from Burn Scarring)
Interventional Radiol) LEE Kwong
(SS08733)
Man Simon (Lee Hysan Clinical
HUNG Leung Kim
Research Laboratories)
Kwok Sui QIN Ling
LEUNG
Bobby
NG Kin Wah
HO Pak Cheong
YUE
Sau Chun Judia (Social Work)
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology
LEE Wai Chi Edwin*
WONG
Associated
with
Vitamin-D
Insufficiency? – A Case-control Study
Man Wah Josephine*
(CU09688)
2009-10 Investigation
of
the
Use
of
LAM Tsz Ping
Three-dimensional
to
Monitor
of Life Sciences)
Tendon Healing (MD09718)
HUNG Leung Kim
(Lee
and Primary Care) LEE Tak Keung
CHAN Kai
Clinical
Laboratories)
Warren*
Research
TSE
Hysan
Clinical
Kit
(Medicine
Collaborative
and
Enhancement
of
Research
in
(ED09970)
Application
of
LAM Tsz Ping
Outcome-based
KUMTA Shekhar
Functional Gradient Tumor Bone Repair
Madhukar
Materials Based on Rapid Prototyping
TSANG Pak Leung
Techniques (MD07783)
Chuen
KUMTA Shekhar Madhukar
Ling
CHEUNG Wing Hoi
ZHANG Ren Ji*
XU Ming En*
ZHANG Ting*
(Centre
Intensive Care)
WONG
HUNG Leung Kim
LAM Lai
for
Learning
HO
Ming Hei Anthony (Anaesthesia &
JOYNT Gavin
Matthew (Anaesthesia & Intensive
WANG Xiao Hong*
Enhancement and Research)
QIN
HUANG Lin (Surgery)
Kwok Chuen
&
2009-10 An Innovative SLO Mapping Platform
for
Fabrication
Yee
Research
Laboratories)
2007-08 Joint
NG Kin Wah Bobby*
Therapeutics) YEUNG Hiu Yan
CHEUK Yau Chuk
HO CHAN
Suzanne (School of Primary Health
FU Sai Chuen Bruma (Lee
Hysan
CHENG Chun Yiu
Jack HO Wing Shing John (School
Micro-ultrasonography
Ming
Care)
XIONG Zhuo*
NELSON Edmund Anthony
Severn (Paediatrics)
XU Wei* CUI Tong Kui*
LI Man Chim
Albert Martin (Paediatrics)
LAM
Hugh Simon Hung San (Paediatrics)
2008-09 Improving
Low
Vibration
Bone
Mass
with
for
Girls
with
(School
Therapy
WONG Yeung Shan Samuel
of
Public
Health
and
Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) - A
Primary Care)
Randomized Controlled Trial (CU08678)
(Anatomical & Cellular Pathology)
LAM Tsz Ping
Jack
NG Ho Keung
CHENG Chun Yiu
CHEUNG Wing Hoi
2009-10 Can
Calcium
and
Vitamin
D
NG Kin Wah
Supplementation Improve Bone Mineral
Bobby* TSE Yee Kit (Medicine &
Density and Curve Progression in Girls
Therapeutics) YEUNG Hiu Yan
with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis?
LEUNG Kwok Sui
(MD09604)
2009-10 Is Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis and Its
Accompanying
Low
Bone
Mass
LAM Tsz Ping
Jack
CHENG Chun Yiu
HO CHAN Suzanne (School
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology
of Public Health and Primary Care)
LEUNG Kwok Sui
CHAN Tan
LAU Tak Fai Joseph (Centre for
Jessica (The Nethersole School of
Health
Nursing)
Behaviours
YEUNG Hiu Yan
Research)
Man Simon (Lee Hysan Clinical
Ping
Research Laboratories)
Wan-yiu*
LEE Tak
Keung Warren*
To KKW (School
of Pharmacy)
NG Kin Wah
LAM Tsz
LAU Yui Man#
2009-10 Development
and
SHEN
Manufacturing
of
Semi-active Surgical Robot Arm System
Bobby*
for
2007-08 Establishment of Comprehensive Care
Centre
CHAN Yu Ki Yucca#
CHEUNG Wing Hoi
LEE Kwong
for
Elderly
with
Fragility
Computer
Assisted
Orthopaedic
Surgery (CAOS) (MD09490)
LEUNG Kwok Sui
CHEUNG
Fractures in the Community (MD07450)
Wing Hoi NG Wai Kin# WANG
LEUNG Kwok Sui
Yu*
CHEUNG
Wing Hoi CHAN Tan Jessica (The
Nethersole School of Nursing)
2009-10 A
Multi-center,
Randomized,
Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study
SZE Pan Ching#
of AMG 785 in Skeletally Mature Adults
Low-magnitude,
with a Fresh Unilateral Tibial Diaphyseal
High-frequency Vibration Treatment on
Fracture Status Post Definitive Fracture
Reducing Fracture Risks and Fracture
Fixation with an Intramedullary Nail
Incidences in the Community Elderly - A
(STARTT) (MD09674)
Prospective
LEUNG Kwok Sui TANG Ning*
2008-09 The
efficacy
of
Randomized
Trial
(CU08695)
LEUNG Kwok Sui
CHAN Tan
2009-10 A
Multi-center,
Randomized,
Jessica (The Nethersole School of
Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study
Nursing)
to Determine the Efficacy, Safety, and
GRIFFITH James Francis (Imaging
Tolerability of AMG 785 in Adults with
& Interventional Radiol) QIN Ling
Fresh
CHEUNG Wing Hoi
TSE Yee Kit (Medicine &
Unilateral
Intertrochanteric
Fracture of the Proximal Femur, Status
Post Fixation with a Sliding Hip Screw or
Therapeutics) SZE Pan Ching#
Intramedullary Nail
2009-10 Medico-Social
Comprehensive
Impact
of
a
Multi-disciplinary
Study to Assess FRacTure Healing with
SclerosTin Antibody – Hip
Program for the Care of Fragility
(STARTT-Hip) (MD09329)
Fracture of the Elderly –Implications for
LEUNG Kwok Sui TANG Ning*
Healthcare
(MD09909)
Policy
in
Hong
Kong
2009-10 Evaluation
of
Changes
in
Serum
Biochemical Markers in the Patients with
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology
Long-term
Bisphophonate
Intake
(MD09372)
(MD09966)
LEUNG Kwok Sui
Wing Hoi
Kee
in a Tendon Window Injury Model
QIN Ling
Dicky
CHEUNG
CHOY Tak
(CUHK
JCC
LUI Po Yee Pauline
CHAN Kai
Ming
for
Osteoporosis Care & Control)
2008-09 Epimedium-derived Flavonoids Reduce
Risk of Steroid-associated Osteonecrosis:
HUNG Wing Yin Vivian
A Mechanistic Study from a Viewpoint
2009-10 Test Lilly Production in Orthopaedic
QIN Ling
Preclinical Models (MD09728)
LI Gang
Pauline
QIN Ling
LUI Po Yee
CHEUNG Wing Hoi
of Chemistry Metabolism (MD08767)
SONG Chao# CHAN Kai Ming
ZHANG Ge
LEE
Kwong Man Simon (Lee Hysan
Clinical Research Laboratories)
YAO Xinsheng*
WANG Xinluan
DAI Yi*
2009-10 Development of an Immortalized Human
Mesenchymal
Stem
Cell
Line
2008-09 Towards Reconstruction of Functional
Overexpressing Thymidine Kinase (TK)
Neovasculature
Gene
Steroid-associated Osteonecrosis Lesion:
for
Anti-tumor
Therapy
(MD09645)
Repairing
A Strategy by Implanting Autologous
LI Gang
CHAN
for
CHAN Kai Ming
Chun
Wai
(School
of
Chinese Medicine) LEE Yuk Wai
Marrow-mononuclear-cell Cryopreserved
Prior
to
Pulsed-steroid-administration
(CU08725)
QIN Ling
2009-10 Thymidine Kinase Gene Modified Bone
CHEUNG Wing Hoi
DAI Kerong*
GRIFFITH James
Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells as
Francis (Imaging & Interventional
Vehicles
Radiol)
for
Anti-tumour
Therapy
LEE Kwong Man Simon
(MD09947)
(Lee
LI Gang SONG Chao#
Laboratories) ZHANG Ge
Hysan
Clinical
Research
2008-09 Use of Bisphosphonate to Inhibit Local
2008-09 Treatment of Delayed Bone Tendon
Bone Resorption and Improve Healing of
Junction Healing by Extracorporal Shock
Tendon Graft to Bone Tunnel (CU08708)
Wave Therapy (CU08762)
LUI Po Yee Pauline
QIN Ling ZHANG Ge
Ming
Hysan
CHAN Kai
FU Sai Chuen Bruma (Lee
Clinical
Research
Laboratories) QIN Ling
2008-09 Targeting a Newly Discovered Bone
Formation Inhibitor for Rebuilding Bone:
Therapeutic Effect of CKIP-I siRNA on
2009-10 A Study on the Spatial and Temporal
Changes of Collagens and Proteoglycans
Established
Postmenopausal
Osteoporosis (MD08498)
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology
QIN Ling
ZHANG
ZHANG Ling-qiang*
Ge
(Obstetrics
&
WANG Xinluan
TANG
Tao
Gynaecology)
LEE Kwong Man
Study to Unveil the Possible Differences
in Their Etiopathogenesis (CU08776)
YEUNG Hiu Yan
Yiu Jack
CHENG Chun
LEE Kwong Man Simon
Simon (Lee Hysan Clinical Research
(Lee
Hysan
Laboratories) LEUNG Kwok Sui
Laboratories)
Clinical
Research
TANG Leung Sang
Nelson (Chemical Pathology)
2009-10 Identification of Cross-species siRNA to
Garget a Novel Bone Formation Inhibitor
2009-10 A Knee Rotational Laxity Meter to
CKIP-1 for Potential Bone Anabolic
Evaluate
Therapy (MD09885)
(MD09402)
QIN Ling
ZHANG Ge
TANG
Tao (Obstetrics & Gynaecology)
WANG Xinluan ZHENG Lizhen
Knee
Rotational
YUNG Shu Hang Patrick
Stability
FONG
Tik Pui Daniel
LAM, Mak Ham
LAW Kan Yip
CHAN Wood Yee
(School of Biomedical Sciences)
2009-10 Effects of Combination of Sclerostin
Automation Engg)
Pulsed
Kung CHAN Kai Ming
(LIPUS)
or
LIAO Wei Hsin (Mechanical &
Antibody (Scl-Ab) plus Low Intensity
Ultrasound
CHENG Cheng
Combination of Scl-Ab plus Dickopf1
Antibody (DKK1-Ab) on Bone Healing
in
Rat
Femoral
Osteotomy
Model
(MD09965)
2008-09 Phytoestrogenic Molecule Icaritin: A
Novel
Selective
-
Estrogen-Receptor-Modulator Developed
QIN Ling
ZHANG Ge
Kwok Sui
CHEUNG Wing Hoi
LEUNG
for Treatment of Osteoporosis in Cortical
Bone of Ovariectomized Rat (CU08785)
ZHANG Ge
LI Gang
LEUNG Kwok Sui
QIN Ling YAO Xinsheng*
2007-08 Application
of
Bio-engineered
Chondrocyte Pellet in Osteochondral
2008-09 Promoting Osteoporotic Fracture Repair:
Defect (CU07765)
Role of Estrogen Receptor Beta Pathway
WONG Wan Nar Margaret CHAN
Blockade (MD08851)
Kai Ming QIN Ling LEE Kwong
ZHANG Ge
Man Simon (Lee Hysan Clinical
Yong-ping*
Research Laboratories)
Gang*
(Lee
Hysan
ZHENG
Yong Ping*
QIN Ling
PAN Xiao-hua*
CAO
LI
LEE Kwong Man Simon
Clinical
Research
Laboratories) LEUNG Kwok Sui
2008-09 Are there Differences in Phenotypic
Expressions
between
and
Familial
Curve
and
Progression
2008-09 Does Blockade of Estrogen Receptor
Sporadic
Beta Pathway Promote Osteoporotic
Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis? - A
Fracture Repair? (MD08737)
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology
ZHANG Ge
Yong-ping*
Gang*
(Lee
Hysan
QIN Ling
PAN Xiao-hua*
CAO
LI
LEE Kwong Man Simon
Clinical
Research
Laboratories) LEUNG Kwok Sui
ZHANG Ge
QIN Ling
TANG
Tao (Obstetrics & Gynaecology)
LI Ya Ping*
WANG Xinluan
LI
Gang CHAN Chun Wai (School of
Chinese Medicine)
Webster S S
Jee*
2009-10 Development
Bone-formation-site-selective
of
Delivery
System for Specific Small Interference
RNAs to Target Negative Regulator
Genes of Bone Anabolism (MD09911)
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery
self-assessment 11-point scale evaluating the quality,
RESEARCH PROJECTS
clarity and comfortableness of the sound delivered by
the signal modification system. Objective measures
Clinical
Evaluation
of
a
Computerized
Self-administered Hearing Test and Audio Signal
include speech recognition in quiet and in noise.
(MD10566)
Modification System
An
KAM Chi Shan
Ka Keung John*
WONG Ka Cheong*
SUNG
VAN HASSELT Charles
Integration
Enhancement
Program
for
Students with Social Communication Deficits:
Direct Training and Beyond
Andrew LEE Tan (Electronic Engineering)
LEE Kathy Yuet Sheung
1 April 2011
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
VAN HASSELT
Charles Andrew TONG Chi Fai Michael LUI
Lai Yee#
KAN Pui Kei Peggy
LUKE Kit
Ling*
Pure tone audiometry is typically conducted by
2 July 2010
audiologists or trained health care professionals in a
Quality Education Fund, HKSAR Government
sound booth. However, such audiological services
may not be readily accessible in places where
Mainstreaming
secondary
students
with
high
professional staff and/or audiological equipments are
functioning Autism or Asperger Syndrome is a big
unavailable. Most patients received pure tone
challenge for teachers nowadays. School personnel
audiometry are capable of following instructions and
are expected to be skillful in handling and providing
providing responses in automated procedures. By
immediate support for these students. Nevertheless,
implementing automated self-administered hearing
teachers and school personnel feel incompetent in
test, more patient-contact time could be made
taking up such role as they were not given adequate
available for the professional staff to conduct
training.
sophisticated tests and
manage difficult-to-test
With the gained experience from the Social Thinking
patients. In the present study, a computerized
Training Program and the sets of readily made
automated self-administered hearing test system
materials, we will: 1) provide Social Thinking
which is also capable to modify audio signal output
Training to mainstreamed secondary school students
from the computer will be evaluated.
with Autism and Asperger Syndrome; 2) train
One hundred and twenty Cantonese speaking adults
teachers and frontline school personnel such as social
will be recruited in the study. All subjects will
worker to implement Social Thinking Training at
complete pure tone audiometry and the hearing test
mainstream secondary school for students with
via the automated system. Twenty of the subjects will
Autism and Asperger Syndrome; and 3) further
participant in the phase 2 study, in which the
promote Social Thinking Training to the public.
automated system will apply the hearing test results
Two phases of the project will include: 1) direct
in modifying the speech test material for the speech
service to provide 12 training sessions to 30-40
recognition tests. Subjective measures include a
students in 10 mainstream secondary schools. This
will help school personnel to better understand the
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery
Social Thinking training model; and 2) recruit 10
examination and practical examination. Course
frontline school personnel including teachers and
evaluation and feedback to students will be given.
social workers to be trained to set up and lead Social
(ED10602)
Thinking
training
groups
for
another
30-40
mainstreamed students with Autism or Asperger
A Center-based Speech and Language Training
Syndrome in 10 different schools.
Program for Preschool Children
(ED10499)
LEE Kathy Yuet Sheung
Charles Andrew
Macau School-teachers: Skills-training Course
VAN HASSELT
TONG Chi Fai Michael
WONG Hoi Wa CHENG Kai Chi Wallace*
LEE Kathy Yuet Sheung
12 October 2010
2 July 2010
Taipo Baptist Church Social Services
Government of the Macao SAR
Early identification and early intervention for young
In Macau, many school teachers are not trained to
children with speech and/ or language development
work with communication challenged students. Yet,
problems is receiving more and more attention in
children with communication disorders are frequently
current preschool education, considering the long
part of their responsibilities. We have been invited by
term negative effects they could have on one’s
the Education and Youth Affairs Bureau to conduct
overall development. The goal of the present program
an 86 hours workshop for these teachers.
is to empower preschool teachers and parents in
There are three goals for this project: firstly, we aim
identifying children with delayed or deviant speech
to provide enrolled teachers with the ability to
and/ or language development and maximizing these
identify
children’s
children
with
various
communication
opportunities
for
communication
disorders. Secondly, we will expose enrolled teachers
development in pre-school and home settings.
to various communication and behavioural strategies
In this program, we will provide: 1) screening and
that will help them facilitate communication with
assessment service to children enrolled in the five
school-aged children. Thirdly, we aim to equip
kindergartens under Taipo Baptist Church Social
enrolled
enable
Service; 2) direct individual and/or group training
to
service to 50-75 children with speech and/or
teachers
with
communication-challenged
strategies
to
school-children
improve communication and learning.
language problems; 3) Twenty sessions of parent talk,
The workshop will be divided into 3 main
targeting on enhancing parents’ ability in managing
components:
and
children with communication difficulties; 4) Twenty
examination. Enrolled teachers will learn the basic
sessions of parent workshop, training them to be
principles of communication assessment, goal setting
volunteer speech trainer in the kindergartens; and 5)
as
therapy.
Twenty hours of teacher training, boosting their
Communication difficulties covered will include
ability in maximizing children’s communication
language
development in daily classroom settings.
well
lecture,
as
hands-on
resource
impairment,
practicum,
design
articulation
for
difficulties,
dyslexia and autism spectrum disorder. Finally,
(ED10823)
teachers enrolled are required to pass a written
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery
Empowering Caregivers to Improve Dysphagia
lecture reported to increase dysphagia awareness in
Management
nursing home staff.
In this project, we emphasis on knowledge transfer
LEE Kathy Yuet Sheung
Thomas
LAW Ka Tung
VAN HASSELT Charles Andrew
and propose a 6-phase implementation plan for
improving overall dysphagia management in New
Territories East. Our goal is to empower both nursing
TONG Chi Fai Michael
home staff and family members with dysphagia
1 March 2011
University Grants Committee - Knowledge
know-how through a series of lectures, hands-on
workshops and pre- and post-assessments. At the
Transfer
same
time,
direct
coaching
on
dysphagia
Prevalence of swallowing disorder is as high as 22%
management will be provided to maximize skill
in adults over 50 years old. As of 2010, it is estimated
transfer during bi—monthly on-site speech therapist
that up to 530,486 adults above 50 years old in Hong
consultation. Ultimately, this project will address all
Kong suffer from swallowing disorders, or dysphagia.
five issues we identified to crate lasting reduction in
Individuals with dysphagia frequently experience
dysphagia related medical consequences.
aspiration, meaning food or fluids are misdirected
(MD10586)
into the airway during oral feeding. Consequences of
aspiration include malnutrition, dehydration and chest
The Trigger of Stuttering: An Investigation on the
infection. Amongst them, chest infection is the most
Linguistic Factors
serious complication and highest in nursing homes.
Nursing home residents are hospitalized 28.9 more
LEE Kathy Yuet Sheung
times a year for chest infection than their
Thomas
community-dwelling counterparts.
K.S. Carol*
Chest infection incidences can be reduced through
early identification and management of dysphagia.
However, nursing home residents are deprived of
such due to: (1) poor dysphagia awareness of
Onslow, Mark*
LAW Ka Tung
Packman, A*
TO
VAN HASSELT Charles Andrew
TONG Chi Fai Michael
30 June 2011
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
caregivers, resulting in (2) late identification of
dysphagia and (3) poor compliance of speech
Stuttering is a developmental speech disorder
therapist recommendations. Moreover, (4) outings to
affecting the fluency of speech with a prevalence of
speech therapy clinics are hampered with transport
approximately 1% in all cultures and languages.
issues for such frail patients; and (5) infrequent
Stuttering has a significant effect on the person’s
speech
psychosocial and vocational well-being. There are no
therapy
consultation
yield
outdated
recommendations that reinforces poor compliance.
known causes of stuttering. However, it has
Previous project by the Hospital Authority attempted
suggested an underlying deficit in speech neural
to address some of these issues through direct speech
processing that is influenced by linguistic and
therapy services and lectures. Outcome improved in
environmental
64% of patients and transport savings amounting of
associated with stuttering have generated much
HK$37,720 was reported. Besides, educational
research. However, previous studies have not
factors.
The
linguistic
factors
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery
considered all the linguistic factors collectively and
local school system of a typical Chinese city. A total
also failed to recognize the levels of factors in
of 360 children from 3 randomly selected schools
statistical analysis which results in a bias estimation
(120 children each) will be tested. For each school,
of the effect of the factors. This study aims to
for each of the 12 grades, we will test an equal
investigate the individual contribution and interaction
number of boys and girls. We proposed to implement
of various linguistic factors that are associated with
a new model of screening in this study. The model
stuttering collectively with appropriate statistical
involves 2 stages of testing. In the first stage, the
modeling.
students will fill in a short questionnaire and take an
Twenty-one adults with stuttering will be recruited.
online hearing screening test at schools. Students who
The 600-syllable speech sample provided by each
failed the first stage will proceed onto the second
speaker will be coded according to the following
stage of test which is a diagnostic hearing test done
linguistic factors: linguistic stress at sentence level,
by an Audiologist as well as examination by an
utterance length, speech rate, word class, syllable
Otologist in the Longgang ENT Hospital.
position at word and sentence level, phonetic
Epidemiological data such as general medical
complexity, word frequency. Multilevel logistic
condition, family history of deadness, household size
regression model will be used assess the factors
and income grouping will be collected. Data on
contributing to stuttering.
prevalence of hearing loss, degree and type of
This will be the first ever study that applies a
hearing loss as well as differences in sexes will be
multilevel statistical model to collectively investigate
collected. Follow-up management provided and their
the linguistic factors at both the syllable and sentence
effectiveness will be assessed.
level. The study results will (1) contribute to the
Risk factors for childhood hearing loss will be
understanding of the causal link between various
identified. The impact of hearing loss on academic
linguistic factors; and (2) provide information in
performance and social behavior will also be
determining the most appropriate treatment for
explored with the data collected. Further guidelines
stuttering.
on school screening protocol and public health will
be constructed with the evidence gathered in the
(MD10603)
study.
Hearing Screening for School Age Children in
(MD10456)
Longgang District of Shenzhen
Middle
TONG Chi Fai Michael
KAM Chi Shan
邱
Ear
Implantable
Hearing
Aids
to
Congenital Atresia Children
書奇*
20 August 2010
深圳市龍崗中心醫院
TONG Chi Fai Michael YU Ka Yin TSANG
Sung Shan Willis WONG Ka Cheong Terence
1 September 2010
The project aims to detect, identify, intervene and
S.K. Yee Medical Foundation
rehabilitate hearing loss in school children in a
limited sample to see the effectiveness of online
Aim: To provide an effective mean for hearing
hearing screening. Subjects are children from the
rehabilitation for the congenital aural atresia patient
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery
through the use of implantable hearing aids. The data
treatment, although effective in controlling tumour
collected will be used to solicit future funding.
growth, results in swallowing disorder, or dysphagia.
Methods:
As a result, NPC patients suffer from aspiration,
1.
Recruitment of patients from our clinics;
meaning food or fluids are misdirected into the
2.
Screening
of
indicated
candidate
with
airway on oral feeding. The aspirated materials often
audiological and medical assessment;
lead to devastating consequences of chest infections,
3.
Provide surgery for the indicated patients;
dehydration and malnutrition. The management of
4.
Provide post operative care and device
these complications imply spiralling costs to the
activation for the patients;
healthcare system.
Follow up for the short, intermediate and long
One way to reduce the burden to the healthcare
term results; and
system is to minimise aspiration with swallowing
Evaluation and publication of the results of the
rehabilitation. Existing swallowing rehabilitation
project.
adopted for the NPC patients include traditional
5.
6.
Questionnaire: Chinese Abbreviated Profile of
swallowing therapy and transcutaneous electrical
Hearing Aid Benefit (C-APHAB), International
stimulation.
Outcome Inventory of Hearing Aid (IOI-HA).
approaches are not evidence-based for the NPC
Regrettably,
both
rehabilitation
Tone
patients. Without efficacy studies in this unique NPC
Cantonese
population, it is impossible to justify all the resources
speech perception test, Functional Gain measurement,
and efforts involved with existing swallowing
Chinese Hearing in Noise test.
rehabilitation approaches. Instead of reducing cost to
The data collected will then be analyzed to assess the
the healthcare system, practising without evidence
extent of benefit of middle ear implant device on
could mean imposing unnecessary additional cost, on
children with congenital atresia.
the contrary.
(MD10995)
The aim of this study is to pioneer an evidence-based
Audiological
Assessment
audiometry,
Impedance
include:
Audiometry,
Pure
NPC swallowing rehabilitation approach. We propose
Dysphagia Rehabilitation for Nasopharyngeal
to carry out a single-blinded randomised-controlled
Carcinoma
trial
Patients
Post
Radiotherapy:
A
of
swallowing
rehabilitation
efficacy
on
dysphagic NPC patients post radiotherapy. In this
Randomised-controlled Trial
study, 160 subjects will be randomised into two
TONG Chi Fai Michael
LAW Ka Tung Thomas
Sheung
KU Ka Ming Peter
LEUNG Sing Fai*
LEE Kathy Yuet
NG Kwan Yee
Louisa# VAN HASSELT Charles Andrew
1 January 2011
Research Grants Council - General Research
Fund
treatment
groups:
stimulation;
and
1)
2)
transcutaneous
traditional
electrical
rehabilitation.
Immediate and sustained outcomes will be compared
using the 1) 8-point Penetration-Aspiration Scale as
observed on Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of
Swallowing; 2) a NPC specific qualityof-life
questionnaire
FACT-NP;
and
3)
Self-rated
swallowing score.
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is one of the most
Results from this study will be the first-ever NPC
common carcinomas in Hong Kong. Radiotherapy
swallowing rehabilitation evidence in the world. The
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery
impact on clinical practice as well as on research
cancer cell proliferation and growth. So far, at least
contribution is exponential. Clinically, it helps
two human ERa isoforms, designated ERa36 and
clinicians to make decisions on appropriate treatment
ERa46, have been identified. ERa46 has been shown
approach to NPC patients. The choice of NPC
to block ERa66-mediated transcription and thus
swallowing rehabilitation approach would no longer
inhibit ERa66-mediated proliferation in breast cancer.
be dependent upon random preference of individual
Therefore, it appears that anti-tumor treatment will
clinician or patient, but based on scientific data. The
benefit from the expression of ERa46. The function
results on immediate versus sustained rehabilitation
of ERa36 is debatable as both inhibitory and
effects also act as guidance on the duration of
promotive
benefits and optimum assessment interval time.
Nevertheless, neither ERa36 nor ERa46 has been
The nature and treatment of NPC has been the study
studied in thyroid cancer despite a close association
interest
radiologists,
between ERa66 and the thyroid tumorigenesis. The
speech-language
aim of this study is to determine the expression of
of
oncologists,
otorhinolaryngologists
pathologists.
Too
and
little
is
known
about
the
functions
have
been
described.
ERa36, ERa46 and ERa66 in human thyroid cancer
swallowing mechanism and rehabilitation of the NPC
tissue
and
to
correlate
their
levels
with
patients. This project will contribute to the emerging
clinopathological markers/indexes. We believe the
evidence bank of diagnosis-specific swallowing
finding of this study will further clarify how ERa66
rehabilitation that will not only benefit the patients,
works to promote the thyroid tumorigenesis and it
but also justifies the healthcare resources allocated to
may also help to define a subgroup of patients who
swallowing rehabilitation.
may sensitive to anti-ERa treatment.
(CU10752)
(MD10431)
Levels of Estrogen Receptor Alpha36 and Alpha46
Please refer to previous issues of this publication
in Human Thyroid Cancer
for more details of the following ongoing research
at the department:
VAN HASSELT Charles Andrew
VLANTIS
Alexander Chris CHEN Gong George (Surgery)
Edition
Title/Investigators
TSE Man Kit Gary (Anatomical & Cellular
Pathology)
2009-10 Neural Activity Underlying Tinnitus
30 June 2011
Generation (MD09342)
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
KAM Chi Shan
Grants)
KAM Chi Kong*
LEUNG Kwok Shun Eric* VAN
HASSELT Charles Andrew
Our previous study has indicated that the function of
ERa and ERb are totally different in term of their
2008-09 The Construction and Validation of the
ability to promote the growth of tumors including
Cantonese
thyroid, with the former being promotive and the
Voice (CanPEV) to Measure the Voice
Perceptual
Evaluation
of
latter being inhibitory. The full length ERa (also
named ERa66) has a role in the promotion of thyroid
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery
Quality
of
Cantonese-speaking
TONG Chi Fai Michael
LEE Kathy Yuet Sheung
Thomas
CHIU
LAW Ka Tung
NG Hoi
Yee Iris YU Kai Man*
Population (CU08687)
Sung Nok*
TONG Chi Fai Michael
VAN HASSELT Charles Andrew
2007-08 The
Importance
Temporal
of
Slow-varying
Information
(Temporal
Envelope) for Speech Recognition in
Tonal Languages – Implications for the
2009-10 The Construction and Validation of the
Design of New Hearing Aid Algorithms
Cantonese Spoken Word Recognition
(EE07664)
Test (SWORT) to Measure the Word
TONG Chi Fai Michael
YUEN
YUAN
Perception Ability of Cantonese-speaking
Chi Pun
Children (CU09465)
Meng (Electronic Engineering)#
LEE Kathy Yuet Sheung
Sung Nok*
KIRK Karen I.*
Hoi Yee Iris
VAN HASSELT Charles
Andrew
YUEN Chi Pun (Surgery)
Sigfrid D.*
TONG Chi Fai
LEE
Tan (Electronic Engineering) SOLI,
NG
Michael
LUK Pui Ki
WONG Ka Cheong Terence
CHIU
VAN HASSELT
Charles Andrew
2008-09 Development of a Chinese Traditional
SOLI, Sigfrid D.*
Patent Medicine Yanhouqing Buccal
2006-07 A Case-Control Study of the Risks
Factors
Associated
with
Sinonasal
Tablet (MD08919)
TONG Chi Fai Michael
Schneiderian Papilloma (MD06567)
SHAM Cheuk Lun
邱書奇*
LEE Lip Yen
Dennis TONG Chi Fai Michael
2009-10 Efficacy of Vibrant Soundbridge Middle
Ear
2006-07 The Relationship of Epstein Barr Virus
Implant
System
on
(MD08457)
p21,
TONG Chi Fai Michael
Schneiderian
Expression
in
Sinonasal
Papilloma
(SNSP)
(MD06598)
Yin
YU Ka
VAN HASSELT Charles
Andrew
SHAM Cheuk Lun
TO Ka Fai
(Anatomical & Cellular Pathology)
CHAN
Chinese
Population with Mixed Hearing Loss
(EBV), Human Pailloma Virus (HPV),
p53
GAO Han
Kay
(Microbiology)
Sheung
Paul
TONG Chi Fai
Michael
2009-10 Validation of Cochlear Integrity Test
System (MD09569)
TONG Chi Fai Michael
WONG
Ka Cheong Terence LUK Pui Ki
2007-08 Cohort Study of a 2-stage Universal
2008-09 Is Estrogen Receptor Beta a Tumor
Neonatal Hearing Screening Program in
Suppressor in Thyroid Carcinogenesis?
Local Hospital (MD07685)
(CU08789)
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery
VAN HASSELT Charles Andrew
CHAN
Anthony
Tak
(Clinical Oncology)
George (Surgery)
Gary
2009-10 Influence of the Estrogen Receptor Alpha
Cheung
Antagonist and Agonist on the Activity
CHEN Gong
TSE Man Kit
(Anatomical
Pathology)
&
Cellular
VLANTIS Alexander
Chris
of
Peroxisome
Proliferator-activated
Receptor Gamma in Thyroid Cancer
Cells (MD09847)
VAN HASSELT Charles Andrew
VLANTIS Alexander Chris CHEN
Gong George (Surgery)
2008-09 Is the Increased Bcl-xl a Compensated
Response to Anti-tumor Agent Ent-11
2009-10 Correlation
between
Peroxisome
α-hydroxy-15-oxo-kaur-16-en-19-oic-aci
Proliferator-activated Receptor Gamma
d in Thyroid Cancer Cells? (MD08527)
and Estrogen Receptor Beta in Human
VAN HASSELT Charles Andrew
CHEN Gong George (Surgery)
Thyroid Cancer (MD09993)
VLANTIS Alexander Chris
VLANTIS Alexander Chris
2009-10 Customized Enhanced Sound (CE Sound),
Sentinel Speech (MD09545)
John
TSE Man
Kit Gary (Anatomical & Cellular
Pathology)
VAN HASSELT Charles Andrew
VAN
HASSELT Charles Andrew CHEN
Gong George (Surgery)
KAM Chi Shan
SUNG Ka Keung
WONG Ka Cheong Terence
LEE Kathy Yuet Sheung
LEE
Tan (Electronic Engineering)
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Paediatrics
RESEARCH PROJECTS
new gloves after washing and drying hands.
Participants are to wear gloves 8 hrs daily, 5 days per
a week over a 4-week period. Throughout this 4 week
A Randomised, Double-blind, Controlled Study to
period, the subject is to observe and record
Evaluate the Effect of Aloe Vera Examination
information about the condition of their hands on a
Gloves, compared to Standard Powder Free
daily basis in the diary card provided to them. A
Nitrite Examination Gloves, On Trans-epidermal
dermatologist will examine test subject’s hands at
Water Loss and Hand Dermatitis among Health
baseline, during, and at the end of study. Participants’
Care Workers
hands will also be documented by close-shot
standardized photography at baseline, during and at
HON Kam Lun CHIU Mona*
18 March 2011
ShenWei USA Inc.
the end of study.
(MD10862)
Parental Attitudes to Major Surgery for Preterm
Glove wearing by health care workers (HCWs) is an
Infants with High Risk of Developing Long-term
important step in preventing the spread of infections
Neurological and Physical Disabilities
and in protecting themselves from occupationally
acquired infections. However, this often leads to
more incidences of dryness, skin irritation and
LAM Hugh Simon Hung San
CHEUNG Hon
Ming NG Pak Cheung
development of hand dermatitis. Use of examination
30 June 2011
gloves containing aloe-vera has been shown, in a
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
small number of controlled studies, to improve skin
Grants)
integrity. It remains unclear whether there are any
substantial effects on skin hydration of on hand
Advanced in neonatal intensive care have led to
dermatitis with the use of aloe vera coated
substantial improvements in morbidity and mortality.
examination gloves. The propose of this study is to
Such benefits, however, have also increased the
examine hand skin conditions with the use of medical
chance of survival of critically ill infants who could
examination gloves coated with aloe-vera compared
subsequently
to standard gloves.
neurodevelopmental outcomes. Whether intensive
Test subjects are asked to wear the gloves while
care support of all preterm infants, especially those
performing their routine work (study glove on one
with clinical and radiologic evidence of severe
hand, standard glove on the other). Before donning
central nervous system complications, is justified is
on new gloves, subjects are required to wash both
highly controversial. Decisions on whether to
hands with standardized gentle liquid hand wash soap
aggressively resuscitate extremely preterm infants
and clean with water. After drying hands each subject
who are likely to survive the neonatal period depends
is to wear the gloves on both hands without any cover
not only on the predicted long-term prognosis, but
or lotion for 45 minuets to two hours. Every 45
also on the prevailing values of society and personal
minutes to 2 hours subjects are required to change to
beliefs of parents as well as healthcare workers
develop
serious
adverse
(HCWs). While there are many studies that provide
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Paediatrics
the neonatologist with an evidence-base upon which
to predict the long-term prognosis of preterm infants,
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
few studies have investigated the attitudes of parents
towards
long-term
adverse
physical
and
neurocognitive health states. Parents’ long-term
attitudes to disability states can be very different from
their preferences in the acute situation. With
increasing parental participation in routine daily care
and,
more
importantly,
major
treatment
decision-making, reliable information on attitudes of
parents faced with severely disabled children is
essential. The first objective of our study was to use
pivotal risk and health state ranking methods to
assess the differences in attitudes between HCWs,
mothers of newborn term infants (MTs) and parents
of preterm infants < 32 weeks gestation and birth
weight < 1500 g (PPs) in decision-making. The
second objective was to study the impact of their
personal characteristics on these decisions, including,
parental education level, religion and severity of
disability. Understanding the values of the different
groups of subjects and how personal characteristics
could influence their decisions made would permit
re-evaluation of the counseling process and assist in
redefining the ideal composition of the counseling
Ambient air pollution is an important trigger of
asthma-related symptoms. However, there is limited
data on the objective effects of pollutant exposures on
respiratory health of preschool children as well as the
mechanisms linking these associations. Exposures to
secondary pollutants formed through photochemical
reactions after emission (e.g., PM2.5, NO2, O3)
induced
global
oxidative
stress.
Genetic
polymorphisms related to oxidative stress modified
the harmful effects of such particulate matter
exposures. In this study, we propose to genotype a
panel of oxidative stress-related genes in Chinese
preschool children who recently completed our
preschool lung function study and assess the extent of
their systemic oxidative stress. Gene-environment
interactions between these variables will be analyzed
for their effects on lung function of local young
children. The findings thus generated would add to
the literature on the mechanisms through which
environmental pollution mediate the deleterious
effects on respiratory health. They will also provide
clinicians with potentially useful genetic predictors to
identify individuals who are susceptible to the
team.
harmful
(MD10746)
consequences
of
ambient
pollutant
exposures.
Relationship
between
Ambient
Pollutant
(MD10525)
Exposures and Lung Function of Preschoolers and
Interactive Effects of Oxidative Stress-related
Apnoea
Genes
LEUNG Ting Fan WONG Tze Wai (School of
Publich Health and Primary Care)
TAM Wai
San Wilson (School of Public Health and
Primary Care) WONG Wing Kin Gary
27 June 2011
Family Studies in Children with Obstructive Sleep
LI Man Chim Albert Martin
CHU Chiu Wing
Winnie (Imaging & Interventional Radiol)
LEE Lip Yen Dennis (Otorhinolaryngology,
Head & Neck Surgery)
TANG Leung Sang
Nelson (Chemical Pathology)
WING Yun
Kwok (Psychiatry)
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Paediatrics
1 November 2010
understanding of ethnic predisposition of childhood
Research Grants Council - General Research
OSA, and how anthropometric, facial-skeletal, upper
airway size and ventilatory response characteristics
Fund
interact in each subtype of childhood OSA. We
The aim of this research project is to elucidate the
intend to show that first-degree relatives of children
causes of childhood obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA),
with OSA have an increased risk of OSA explained
in particular to identify the extent to which the
by Mendelian inheritance, and that risk factors for the
disorder is due to genetic factors in order to better
development of OSA are different for obese and
develop screening and treatment approaches.
non-obese children.
OSA is characterized by repeated episodes of
At present the impact of predisposing risk factors on
complete and or partial upper airway occlusion
the two subtypes of childhood OSA is unclear. Our
during sleep, associated with arousals, distorted sleep
research will clarify the genetic link to inheritance of
patterns and physiological abnormalities. Childhood
the condition and show that differing risk factors are
OSA is common in our locality, and it is associated
involved in obese and non-obese children. This
with an extensive array of important complications
research will lead to better screening mechanisms and
namely neurocognitive dysfunction as well as
appropriate treatment regimens for the different
cardiovascular and metabolic abnormalities. There is
subtypes of childhood OSA which will impact on
accumulating support that OSA has a strong familial
subsequent health care provision.
component, however, its magnitude is unclear.
(CU10712)
Current research suggest the presence of two
subtypes of OSA in children with differing clinical
Normal Reference Values of Twenty-four-hour
characteristics:
Ambulatory
one
associated
with
lymphoid
Blood
Pressure
Monitoring
in
enlargement in the absence of obesity, and the other
Healthy School-aged Children and Adolescents in
“adult-like” entity being primarily associated with
Hong Kong
obesity. Differential analyses of these two subtypes in
childhood
OSA
research
is
crucial
to
the
LI Man Chim Albert Martin SUNG Yn Tz Rita
development of treatment strategies. The majority of
(Faculty of Medicine (Planning Office))
previous family studies were carried out in Caucasian
Wai Kwok Gabriel (Medicine & Therapeutics)#
adults, and limited work with questionable study
SO Hung Kwan
WONG Sik Nin*
factors in the development childhood OSA.
Nai Chung* LI PS Samantha*
In this proposed genetic-epidemiological study, we
will assess the distribution of OSA in families
identified to have confirmed childhood OSA and
YIP
LEUNG CK Lettie*
design has been done to evaluate the role of familial
LEE Kwok Wai*
FONG
1 November 2010
Health and Health Services Research Fund
among families in the same community with children
Objectives: To develop blood pressure reference
without OSA. We aim to determine familial
values based on 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure
aggregation and risk factors for the development of
monitoring (ABPM) in children and adolescents in
OSA in Chinese obese and non-obese children. The
Hong Kong.
information
obtained
will
provide
a
better
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Paediatrics
Background: As in the adults, in children and
Sleep Duration and 24-hour Ambulatory Blood
adolescents with elevated blood pressure (BP), the
Pressure in Adolescents: A Cross Sectional Study
conventional office BP measurements might lead to
incorrect diagnosis. Out-of-office BP measurements
are often needed. Several studies have demonstrated
the value of ABPM in pediatric hypertension. The
clinical use of 24-h ABPM depends on establishing
normal BP ranges as reference values. These have
LI Man Chim Albert Martin WING Yun Kwok
(Psychiatry)
30 June 2011
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
been obtained in some European populations but
have otherwise been lacking for Chinese children. BP
Obesity, obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), sleep
levels
duration and blood pressure (BP) are considered to be
differ
between
different
ethnic
and
geographical populations.
inter-related. Short sleep duration may cause obesity
Design: Prospective cross-sectional cohort study.
and then lead to OSA, which is associated with
Setting: Community-based recruits with ABPM in 5
elevated BP. Obesity itself is also associated with
regional hospitals (Prince of Wales, Prince Margaret,
higher BP. In this current proposal, we would try to
Kwong Wah, Queen Elizabeth, and Tuen Mun
figure out if sleep duration is associated with BP,
hospitals).
while controlling for the confounding effects of
Participants: 2000 consecutive community school
obesity and OSA, in a population-based cohort of
children and adolescents, aged 8-17 years
adolescents.
Main outcome measures: All measurements will be
Adolescents aged 10-17 years will be recruited from
performed in outpatients, including 24-h ABPM
a previous school cohort of the epidemiological study
device. Anthropometric parameters e.g., height,
of childhood OSA. They will be invited to undergo
weight, waist, hip, and arm circumference will be
nocturnal sleep study and 24-hour ambulatory blood
measured, and information on medical history, use of
pressure monitoring (ABPM) on the same day.
drugs, and parental history of hypertension will be
Anthropometric measurements, including weight,
obtained, which will be verified and completed by
height, and waist circumference will also be taken.
direct enquiry or telephone communication with their
Sleep duration will be measured using a sleep diary
parents. Two BP measurements will be taken with a
which records subjects’ bedtime and wake time for 1
1-min interval before mounting and after dismounting
week before their hospital admission. The primary
of ABPM. The two-visit-average BP will be used for
outcomes are the daytime and nighttime systolic
analysis. White-coat hypertension (WCH) is defined
blood pressure (SBP).
as office hypertension but low home BP (<95th
Totally 120 subjects will be recruited in order to
percentile) whereas MH as home hypertension but
detect the expected correlation between sleep
low office BP (<95th percentile).
duration and SBP with 80% power and 5% error. The
(MD10547)
whole study requires a total of 12 months to
complete.
The results from this study will provide evidence
based medicine on whether BP is independently
affected by short sleep duration in adolescents. If the
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Paediatrics
result is positive, physicians and the public should be
Development of MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry
made more aware of the potential long-term
Based Method for Sensitive Quantification of
implications of sleep loss in adolescents.
Citrulline
(MD10950)
POON Chuen Wai
Identification of Circulating Antigens in Patients
with Helicobacter Pylori Infection
LAM Hugh Simon Hung
San NG Pak Cheung
1 April 2011
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
POON Chuen Wai
CHAN Ka Leung Francis
Grants)
(Medicine & Therapeutics)
1 December 2010
Research Fund for the Control of Infectious
Diseases
In human, citrulline is a non-essential amino acid,
which is specifically produced by enterocytes of the
intestinal mucosa. Recent studies have shown that
postabsorptive plasma citrulline concentration is a
Helicobacter pylori infection is a worldwide problem.
marker of enterocyte mass and can reflect the length
It is common in Hong Kong and Mainland China. H.
of the functional absorptive bowel. It allows
pylori infection is one of the major underlying causes
differentiation of transient from permanent intestinal
and/or association factors for gastric cancer and a
failure in short bowel syndrome. Necrotizing
number of non-malignant gastric diseases, including
enterocolitis is common in preterm infants, and is one
dyspepsia, gastritis, peptic ulcer, etc. Unfortunately,
of the common causes of gastrointestinal surgery,
highly sensitive and specific non-invasive diagnostic
which subsequently leads to short bowel syndrome.
test for both adults and children remain not available.
Because only limited amount of blood samples could
Evidence indicates the presence of H pylori soluble
be obtained from preterm infants, especially for serial
antigens in the blood circulation of the infected
monitoring, the currently available routine assay for
patients, however, their identities and positive rates
measuring citrulline is not applicable to the preterm
among the infected patients remain unknown. This
infants suspected with short bowel syndrome.
proposed study is aimed to 1) to identify the
Therefore, there is a strong clinical need to develop a
circulating H. pylori antigens in patients with H.
highly sensitive assay for quantification of plasma
pylori infection; and 2) to examine the diagnostic
citrulline, which only requires not more than 2uL of
values of the common H. pylori antigens. Upon
plasma samples. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry
completion of the study, a list of validated H. pylori
(MS) is a powerful technology which allows
antigens present in the blood circulation of the
quantification of proteins at fetomole sensitivity.
infected patients will be obtained. This provides a
Although it is not intended to be used to analyze
solid foundation for future development of a novel
small biomolecules, recent studies have shown that it
non-invasive blood test for H. pylori. Ultimately, H.
is possible to extend its applications to biomolecule
pylori infection can be easily diagnosed and
analyses after careful choice of matrix chemicals and
monitored with high sensitivity and specificity.
optimization. This proposed study is aimed to
(MD10984)
develop an assay which is based on MALDI-TOF MS
for sensitive measurement of citrulline concentration
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Paediatrics
in plasma specimens. Successfully development of
In the past, we have performed large-scaled
the proposed sensitive assay will allow us to further
epidemiology studies of asthma and allergies using
study clinical values of plasma citrulline in diagnosis
standardized method in Hong Kong and mainland
and monitoring of short gut bowel syndrome in
China. Random samples of school children will be
preterm neonates.
recruited from three locations. We propose to
(MD10932)
determine the prevalence of food allergy in three
populations of Chinese schoolchildren using a
Comparative Study of Food Allergy in Chinese
standardized and internationally accepted protocol.
Children
Reliable data of food allergy will be obtained as
objective markers of IgE mediated food allergy will
WONG Wing Kin Gary
LAM Wai Kei
Christopher (Chemical Pathology)
LEUNG
Ting Fan LI Jing* ZHONG NS*
1 January 2011
Research Grants Council - General Research
Fund
be measured. If supported, this will be the first
population based study to determine the prevalence
of food allergy in Chinese schoolchildren from both
the urban and rural settings and to evaluate the
possible risk and protective factors of food allergy in
Chinese
children.
The
findings
will
provide
directions of future research in the determination of
The aim of this project is to determine the prevalence
the aetiology of food allergy.
of food allergy and the possible associated risk
(CU10771)
factors in children from urban and rural areas of
China.
Please refer to previous issues of this publication
There have been increasing concerns about the
for more details of the following ongoing research
problems of IgE mediated food allergies in many
at the department:
developed countries, especially among patients and
their families, schools, food producers, government
Edition
Title/Investigators
officials, and policy makers. Food allergy is a disease
affecting all age groups and the only preventive
2008-09 Serum Levels of Heavy Metals in
treatment is still avoidance of the offending food.
Childhood Eczema (MD08977)
Because of the constant fear and anxiety of a severe
HON Kam Lun
or even fatal reaction especially when the patients are
HUNG Chi Wan,
Emily (Chemical Pathology)#
eating outside of their home, their quality of life is
significantly affected. The understanding of the
2008-09 Medium and Long-term Follow up of
epidemiology and risk factors of food allergy is
Children with History of Melamine
important in order to develop possible preventive
Exposure in Hong Kong: A Multicentre
strategies to help sufferers with this condition. Such
Study (MD08381)
information is important for clinicians, allergic
LAM Hugh Simon Hung San
consumers, policy makers, together with the food
Wai Ming*
industry to effectively manage the problem of food
CHIU Man Chun*
LAI
WONG Sik Nin*
CHU Chiu
allergies.
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Paediatrics
&
2009-10 A Randomized, Double-blind, Controlled
NG Pak
Study of Omegaven for Prophylaxis
Cheung CHAN Ho Ming Michael*
against Parenteral Nutrition-associated
Wing
Winnie
(Imaging
Interventional Radiol)
TSE Kei Chiu Niko*
MAK
Wing Lai Tony* WONG William*
LAM
Wai
Kei
Christopher
(Chemical Pathology)
KWONG
Cholestasis (PNAC) in Infants Requiring
Prolonged
Parenteral
Nutrition
(MD09541)
LAM Hugh Simon Hung San
Ngai Shan*
2008-09 Genome-wide Association Study for
2008-09 A Randomised, Double-blind, Controlled
Study
of
Omegaven
Treatment
for
of
Rescue
Parenteral
Childhood Atopic Dermatitis (CU08699)
LEUNG Ting Fan
LAM
Wai
HON Kam Lun
Kei
Christopher
Nutrition-associated Cholestasis (PNAC)
(Chemical
in Preterm Infants Requriing Long-term
Leung
Parenteral Nutrition (MD08609)
Pathology) WONG Wing Kin Gary
LAM Hugh Simon Hung San
Pathology)
Sang
Nelson
TANG
(Chemical
NG
Pak Cheung CHEUNG Hon Ming*
2008-09 Establish
Spirometric
Reference
Standards for Preschool Children in
2009-10 Comparative
Necrotizing
on
Hong Kong (MD08697)
and
LEUNG Ting Fan
Investigation
Enterocolitis
LI Man Chim
Spontaneous Intestinal Perforation in
Albert Martin
Preterm Infants: Differential Cellular
Gary
RNA Expression in Bowel Tissues, and
(Statistics)#
Regulation of the FOXA1 and ARG1
Christopher (Chemical Pathology)
Signals (CU09729)
NG Pak Cheung
LAM Hugh Simon Hung San
CHAN Yuen Yee
LI Kwai Har Karen
Him
(Surgery)
TAM Yuk
TO
Ka
Fai
(Anatomical & Cellular Pathology)
Mercury
Childhood
Exposure
Cardiopulmonary
WONG
Po
LAM
Shing
Wai
Kei
2009-10 Identification of Whole-genome Targets
for Asthma Susceptibility (CU09709)
LEUNG Ting Fan
and
Health
HUNG Chi
Wan, Emily (Chemical Pathology)#
2009-10 Prenatal
WONG Wing Kin
NG Pak Cheung
KONG Pik Shan (Medicine &
Therapeutics)
LAM Wai Kei
Christopher (Chemical Pathology)
Outcomes (CU09685)
WAYE Mary Miu Yee (School of
LAM Hugh Simon Hung San FOK
Biomedical Sciences)
Tai Fai
LAM Wai Kei Christopher
(Chemical Pathology)
Chim Albert Martin
WONG
Wing Kin Gary
LI Man
2009-10 Effect of a New Growing-up Milk on
Growth
and
Nutrient
Adequacy
in
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Paediatrics
Children with Picky-eating Behaviors
Salvage
(MD09871)
Candidiasis,
LEUNG Ting Fan
CHOW Chung
Treatment
of
Invasive
Candidemia,
and
Esophageal Candidiasis in Paediatric
Subjects (MD09665)
Mo*
LI Chi Kong
2009-10 Characterisation
Variations
in
of
the
Copy-number
Chinese
Genome
SHING Ming Kong*
LEE Vincent* CHENG Wai Tsoi
Frankie*
(MD09904)
LEUNG Ting Fan
TANG Leung
2007-08 Makorin-2
Gene
Expression
and
Sang Nelson (Chemical Pathology)
Regulation of Mammalian Hematopoiesis
WAYE Mary Miu Yee (School of
in Models of Embryonic Stem Cells,
Biomedical Sciences)
Cord Blood CD34+ Cells and Human
Wan
Ronald
Therapeutics)
MA Ching
(Medicine
&
TSUI Kwok Wing
(School of Biomedical Sciences)
CHAN
Chung
Ngor
Juliana
(Medicine & Therapeutics)
Primary Leukemic Cells (CU07705)
LI Kwai Har Karen KUNG Hsiang
Fu (Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging
Infectious Diseases)
CHAN Yuen
Yee
2009-10 Bone Mineral Density and Dietary
2008-09 Prospective Study of the Association
Assessment in Young Allergic Children
between Childhood Obstructive Sleep
(MD09707)
Apnoea and Hypertension (CU08701)
LEUNG Ting Fan HON Kam Lun
LI Man Chim Albert Martin
LAU
Tak Fai Joseph (Centre for Health
2005-06 Genetic
Modulation
of
HbF
in
Behaviours Research)
Beta-thalassemia (MD05760)
Tz
LI Chi Kong CHIK Ki Wai#
(Planning Office))
Rita
(Faculty
SUNG Yn
of
Medicine
WING Yun
Kwok (Psychiatry)
2009-10 A
Cross-sectional,
Multi-center,
Epidemiological Study in Western and
Asian
Countries
in
Children
and
2008-09 An Epidemiological Study of Sleep
Ecology in Hong Kong Chinese Children
Adolescents with Chronic Hepatitis B
Aged 2 to 7 Years (MD08798)
(MD09766)
LI Man Chim Albert Martin
LI Chi Kong
CHOW Chung Mo*
Hugh Simon Hung San
LAM
WING
Yun Kwok (Psychiatry)
CHENG Wai Tsoi Frankie*
Open-label,
2009-10 Endothelial Function in Children with
Non-comparative Study to Assess the
Primary Snoring (PS): A Case – Control
Safety, Tolerability and Efficacy of
Study (MD09403)
2009-10 A
Prospective,
Variconazole
for
the
Primary
and
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Paediatrics
LI Man Chim Albert Martin
Human
Cord
Blood
(MD09510)
WING Yun Kwok (Psychiatry)
NG Pak Cheung
2007-08 Daily Measurement of Neutrophil CD64
for
Early
Diagnosis
of
Neutrophils
LI Kwai Har
Karen CHAN Yuen Yee
Late-onset
Bacterial Infection in Preterm Infants
(MD07833)
2004-05 Characterization of Serum Proteomic
Signatures of Hepatocellular Carcinomas
NG Pak Cheung
LI Kwai Har
(MD04724)
POON Chuen Wai
Karen
PANG Ting
Kai Ronald (Stanley Ho Centre for
2008-09 A Prospective Clinical Study to Validate
a
Diagnostic
Biomarkers,
Model
Prior
on
Serum
Identified
by
Quantitative Proteomic Profiling, for
Emerging Infectious Diseases)#
MOK Shu Kam Tony (Clinical
Oncology)
CHAN Anthony Tak
Cheung (Clinical Oncology)
Early Diagnosis of Late-onset Systemic
Infection in Preterm Infants (CU08719)
NG Pak Cheung
CHIU Wai Kwun
Rossa (Chemical Pathology)
LI
2009-10 Development of a Glycan-based Blood
Test for Diagnosis of Hepatitis B
Virus-associated
Liver
Cancer
(MD09560)
Kwai Har Karen
POON Chuen Wai
2009-10 Study of Human Primary Neonatal
Paul (Surgery)
LAI Bo San
CHAN Anthony
Natural Killer Cells in Response to
Tak Cheung (Clinical Oncology)
Challenge with Lipoteichoic Acid, A
SUNG Joseph Jao Yiu (Medicine &
Major
Therapeutics)
Constituent
of
Gram-positive
Bacteria (MD09695)
NG Pak Cheung Porgador Angei*
2009-10 Role of Two Novel microRNAs in
Bacterial Peptidoglycan (PGN) Activated
Faculty of Medicine
School of Pharmacy
area±S.D.), a reduction of 41%, p=0.12. We propose
RESEARCH PROJECTS
to complete the study of the brains of mice we have
already treated. This examination will reveal whether
Transgenic Mouse Study of Deferasirox for
deferasirox reduces tangles. We will also examine
Treating Alzheimer’s Disease and Tauopathies
effects on Aβ. Positive results might lead to human
trials of deferasirox to treat AD and other
tauopathies.
BAUM Lawrence William
(MD10770)
1 April 2011
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
Appointment of Evaluation Agency “Pilot Scheme:
Provision of Visiting Pharmacist Services for
Iron accumulates in Alzheimer’s disease (AD)
Residential Care Homes for the Elderly”
plaques and tangles. Fe3+ induces aggregation of
hyperphosphorylated tau protein, and reducing agents
LEE Chui Ping
released Fe2+ and soluble tau from aggregated AD
1 June 2010
brain tau. Small aggregates of Aβ and other proteins
Hong Kong Pharmaceutical Care Foundation
harm neurons. Treating AD patients for 2 years with
an iron chelator, desferrioxamine, slowed disease
The objectives of the pilot scheme on Visiting
progression, but desferrioxamine must be injected
Pharmacist Services for Residential Care Homes for
frequently, making compliance difficult. Therefore,
the Elderly (RCHE) are to improve the quality of care
we examined whether an iron chelator that can be
and medication management process at the RCHEs,
swallowed, deferasirox, may treat AD or tauopathies.
assist RCHEs to resolve medication related problems,
We treated transgenic mouse models of AD and
ease the stress of staff at RCHEs; and reduce
tauopathy either with or without deferasirox mixed in
medication-related incident at RCHEs. To assess
peanut butter. Thrice weekly treatment with 1.6 mg
whether the pilot scheme can achieve its stated
deferasirox began at age 8 months and continued for
objectives, the Hong Kong Pharmaceutical Care
approximately 6 months. Change in memory as
Foundation has commissioned an independent local
measured by the contextual fear conditioning test at
tertiary institution, the School of Pharmacy of the
the beginning and end of treatment gave a tendency
Chinese University of Hong Kong to carry out an
toward association of deferasirox with memory
evaluation on the effectiveness of its services. The
preservation (p=0.067 for audio context and p=0.28
outcomes
for place context) in all mice expressing the tau
Reconciliation, general interventions, hotline service,
transgene (tau/APP and tau/tau mice combined).
etc will be reported.
Using
(MD09772)
the
antibody
AT8,
which
stains
of
tasks
including
Medication
hyperphosphorylated tau in tangles, we observed a
tendency toward less area occupied by tangles in
male tau/tau mice treated with deferasirox compared
to untreated mice: 3.3±2.4% vs. 5.6±3.4% (mean
Faculty of Medicine
School of Pharmacy
Analytical
Service
–
Chemical
Testing
on
Pharmaceutical Products for Hospital Authority
Novel
Strategies
(SQ10-007)
Cassette
to
Drug
Overcome
Efflux
ATP-binding
Transporters-mediated
Multidrug Resistance in Cancer Cells
LEE Vincent Hon Leung
CHOW Hee Lum
To KKW
Albert
LIN Ge (School of Biomedical
Sciences) FU Liwu*
13 August 2010
1 January 2011
Hospital Authority
NSFC/RGC Joint Research Scheme
The
project
involved
chemical
analysis
of
pharmaceutical products from Hospital Authority
Multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer cells, usually
Chief Pharmacist Office for quality assurance
mediated by overexpression of ATP-binding cassette
purpose. The chemical analysis mainly involved
(ABC) transporters, remains a major hurdle to
identification test and quantitative analysis of
successful chemotherapy. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors
pharmaceutical active ingredients. Testing protocols
(TKIs)
are usually reference to national pharmacopeia such
molecularly-targeted cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
as
Recent findings by us and others about the potent
British
Pharmaceutical
and
United
State
are
an
important
new
class
of
Pharmacopeia.
inhibition of MDR transporters by various TKIs have
(MD10871)
renewed the research interest in developing drug
transporter inhibitors to circumvent MDR. The
Analytical
Service
–
Chemical
Testing
on
proposed
study
will
systematically
investigate
Pharmaceutical Products for Hospital Authority
selected TKIs, currently clinical trials in China, for
(SQ10-038)
inhibition of ABC transporters and MDR reversal.
The potential mechanisms for MDR reversal will be
LEE Vincent Hon Leung
CHOW Hee Lum
studied in detail in resistant cell lines with defined
overexpression of the three major MDR transporters
Albert
(P-gp,
13 February 2011
MRP1
or
ABCG2),
which
will
be
subsequently confirmed in appropriate animal models.
Hospital Authority
Cancer stem-like cells (CSCs), usually overexpress
of
MDR transporters including ABCG2 and P-gp,
pharmaceutical products from Hospital Authority
represent a small population of cells within a tumor
Chief Pharmacist Office for quality assurance
widely believed to be the ultimate cause of drug
purpose. The chemical analysis mainly involved
resistance and tumor recurrence. The potential
identification test and quantitative analysis of
targeting of CSCs by TKIs and the enhancement in
pharmaceutical active ingredients. Testing protocols
the sensitivity of CSCs to other chemotherapeutic
are usually reference to national pharmacopeia such
drugs will be investigated. Unfavorable drug-drug
as
interaction due to inhibition of drug metabolizing
The
project
British
involved
chemical
Pharmacopeia
and
analysis
United
State
Pharmacopeia.
enzymes has hindered development of the 1st and 2nd
(MD10997)
generation of MDR reversing agents. Therefore, the
Faculty of Medicine
School of Pharmacy
TKIs will also be evaluated for their possible
nuclear
interaction with metabolic enzymes and their
suggested to affect transporter activity and thereby
interference
of
statin disposition. Understanding ABCG2 regulation
co-administered anticancer drugs. Collectively, the
by these phenotypic factors could guide the
study will provide the basis for the rational use of
appropriate
TKIs in conjunction with conventional anticancer
anti-hyperlipidemic therapy.
drugs for the reversal of MDR.
We intend to measure the ABCG2 expression and
(MD10933)
transport activity in easily accessible patient samples,
with
pharmacokinetics
receptor
expressions
choice
of
have
statins
also
and
been
dose
for
the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), for
Exploiting Regulation of the Drug Transporter
predicting the lipid-lowering response to statins. The
ABCG2 for Personalized Treatment with the
molecular mechanism for nuclear receptors-mediated
HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors (Statins)
regulation of ABCG2 by statins will also be studied
using normal colon epithelial and hepatocyte-derived
To KKW
TOMLINSON Brian (Medicine &
cell lines, and ex vivo in PBMCs. We will also
perform transcellular transport assay using cell line
Therapeutics)
transfected with the ABCG2 421C>A variant to
1 April 2011
investigate the impact of this common polymorphism
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
on
Grants)
drug-drug
interactions
involving
statins.
Successful completion of the studies will provide
The proposed study seeks to investigate the
useful insights for the personalized treatment with
significance of ABCG2 regulation by serum or
statins.
membrane cholesterol and/or nuclear receptors in the
(MD10329)
inter-individual variable lipid-lowering response to
A Bio-activity Guided in Vitro Pharmacokinetic
statin therapy.
The
anti-hyperlipidemic
3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl
drugs,
Method to Improve the Quality Control of
A
Chinese Medicines – Part 2 (Achieving Greater
coenzyme
(HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (or statins), are
Relevance)
known substrates for a number of membrane drug
transporters. Some genetic polymorphisms in these
transporters have been shown to affect transport
activity and to influence the pharmacokinetic, safety
and lipid-lowering effect of certain substrate statins.
The ABCG2 efflux transporter is widely expressed in
many tissues and plays an important role in the
ZUO Zhong
CHOW S S Moses*
SHI
Leming* HUANG Ying*
1 October 2010
Innovation & Technology
Commission-Innovation and Technology
Support Programme
disposition of statins. While the nonsynonymous
421C>A genetic polymorphism in ABCG2 was
In part 1 of this proposal, 3 bio-active chemical
found to be associated with increased systemic
components with good permeability and stability
exposure
other
have been identified for a widely used TCM,
phenotypic factors such as cholesterol levels and
Si-Wu-Tang (SWT) manufactured according to the
to
various
substrate
statins,
Faculty of Medicine
School of Pharmacy
Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Thus these 3 components
first marketed paclitaxel chemotherapeutical agent
may potentially serve as relevant markers for general
sold
stability testing of SWT products. These markers
Cremophor/ethanol (polyoxyethylated caster oil) as
however are unlikely to represent the overall
vehicle/excipent that poses adverse side effects (e.g.,
bio-marker of a specific branded SWT product since
hypersensitivity reactions). Another formulation,
there are many unknown components unique to the
Abraxane®, an
product which could be absorbed and produce other
paclitaxel with a mean particle size of approximately
pharmacologic effects. Thus the availability of
130 nm, is a Cremophor/ethanol free of formulation.
certain biological activity marker unique to a specific
The current study aims to evaluate the cell uptake
SWT product will be most useful to serve as identity
kinetics of Nanoxel into various cancer cell lines in
marker/fingerprint for the product. The purpose of the
comparison with that of Intaxel (the cremophor based
present proposal is to investigate the applicability of a
paclitaxel formulation) and Abraxane (albumin
panel of special differentially expressed genes (DEGs)
bound paclitaxel formulation).
developed from microarray processing and analysis,
(MD10462)
by
Bristol-Myers
Squibb,
albumin-bound
contains
nanoparticle
of
to serve as unique fingerprint for each specific SWT
product. Such fingerprint not only will be meaningful
Herb-drug
Interactions
(representing composite in vivo bioactivity) but also
Scutellariae
and
useful for quality control during the manufacturing
Pharmacokinetics
process as well as serving as a diagnostic feature for
Impacts
between
Radix
Anti-inflammatory
Drugs:
and
Pharmacodynamics
the product in distinguishing it from counterfeit
products. The results of this proposed project will
ZUO Zhong
demonstrate the specificity/consistency and cost
Sciences)
effectiveness of such gene panel in its application to
1 January 2011
SWT product and its single herb components. The
proposed approach, if proved to be feasible, can
LIN Ge (School of Biomedical
Research Grants Council - General Research
Fund
potentially be applied to other TCM products for
quality control and “identity testing”.
With the increased accessibility of different treatment
(MD10308)
modalities to the lay public in recent decades, it has
become very difficult to predict whether various
Cancer Cell Uptake Kinetics of Paclitaxel in
combinations of all of these medications will lead to
Nanoxel
unwanted side effects or interactions. Compared with
western drugs, there are relatively few studies on
ZUO Zhong
herbal components. With a better understanding of
9 December 2010
the absorption and metabolic pathways of herbal
components one can recognize or even predict
Fresenius Kabi Asia Pacific Ltd
potential herb-drug interactions and take proper
Paclitaxel is a natural product extracted from the bark
actions
of the Pacific yew tree. It is a complex diterpene and
Scutellariae (RS) is a frequently utilized plant
Taxol®,
ingredient in both traditional prescriptions and
taxane derivative, and is very hydrophobic.
to
prevent
their
occurrence.
Radix
Faculty of Medicine
School of Pharmacy
modern herbal medications. It has been used for
provide a basis for further prediction of potential
centuries
and
herb-drug interactions between herbal components
respiratory and gastrointestinal tract infections.
such as flavonoids and western drugs in clinical
Flavonoids are the most abundant ingredients in RS.
practice.
The six flavones, namely baicalein (B), baicalin
(CU10800)
to
treat
inflammation,
(baicalein-7-glucuronide,
BG),
cancer,
wogonin
(W),
wogonoside (wogonin-7-glucuronide, WG), oroxylin
Provision of Further Research on Human Study
A (OA) and oroxylin A-7-glucuronide (OAG) are the
on Interactions of Oseltamivir and Chinese
major bioactive components in RS. Herb-herb and
Medicine Formulae
Herb-drug interactions of RS have been reported,
however, with emphasis on either its impact on the in
ZUO Zhong
LEE Vincent Hon Leung
vivo pharmacokinetics or in vitro pharmacodynamics
TOMLINSON Brian (Medicine & Therapeutics)
of western drugs.
During the past nine years, with the continuous
CHAN Yan Keung Thomas (Medicine &
support of two Earmarked Grants, two ITF Grants
Therapeutics)
and four Direct Grants for both PI and Co-I, we were
Chinese Medicine) CHOW S S Moses*
able to identify the mechanisms of absorption and
disposition for a series of active ingredients from
CHAN Kay Sheung Paul (Microbiology)
LIANG Zhiying (School of
1 April 2011
Hospital Authority
herbal medicines including B, BG, W, WG, OA and
OAG. In order to translate this basic information on
Combination of oseltamivir with 2 specific Chinese
flavonoids to clinical practice, we now propose the
medicine formulae (CM), Yin qiao san + Sang ju yin
current animal-based herb-drug interaction studies
(CMF1) or Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang and Qian Jin Wei
between
drugs.
Jin Tang (CMF2), have been advocated for the
Anti-inflammatory drugs are the e most commonly
treatment of avian influenza in Hong Kong. Based on
co-administered western drugs, and they share the
our preliminary animal and human experimental data,
same metabolic pathway and possess similar COX-2
the current study is proposed aiming to: 1) determine
inhibition activity with RS components. We plan to 1)
the magnitude of change in the pharmacokinetics and
in vitro screen for the potential anti-inflammatory
antiviral effect (H3N2 and H1N1) of O and OC when
agents that may inhibit the metabolism of RS
O is administered at higher dose (150mg, twice daily)
components; and 2) further investigate the potential
with Yin qiao san + Sang ju yin (CMF1) or Ma Xing
pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic interactions
Shi Gan Tang and Qian Jin Wei Jin Tang (CMF2) in
between RS and selected anti-inflammatory agent in
human subjects; 2) investigate the antiviral effect
rats. The current study will not only serve as a pilot
(H3N2 and H1N1) of CMFs alone in the mean time;
study on the potential interactions between a
and 3) provide further information on the mechanism
standardized RS extract and
its most likely
of potential herb-drug interactions in healthy human
co-administered anti-inflammatory drugs with the
subjects. The ultimate goal is to provide relevant
simultaneous assessment of the overall impact of
clinical guidance on the safety, specificity and
pharmacokinetics (on both herbal components and
potential herb-drug interactions at higher dosage of O
western drug) and pharmacodynamics, but also
in combination with CMFs.
RS
and
anti-inflammatory
Faculty of Medicine
School of Pharmacy
LAM
(MD10343)
Wai
Kei
Christopher
(Chemical Pathology)
(Chemical
CHAN Ho
Please refer to previous issues of this publication
Ming
Pathology)
for more details of the following ongoing research
TANG Wai Kwong (Psychiatry)
at the department:
TANG Ka Lam Alan (Psychiatry)
CHUNG Wai Sau Dicky (Psychiatry)
Edition
Title/Investigators
2009-10 Nanoparticle and Cocrystal Formulations
LEE Wing Yan Vivian
2009-10 The Safety and Short-term Efficacy of
of Curcumin for Treating Alzheimer’s
Aliskiren
in
the
Treatment
of
Disease (MD09680)
Immunoglobin
Nephropathy
–
BAUM Lawrence William CHOW
Randomized
Cross-over
Study”
A
(MD09634)
Hee Lum Albert
LEE Kwing Chin Kenneth
2009-10 A
Model
of
Epileptogenesis
in
2008-09 Joint
Alzheimer’s Disease (MD09958)
BAUM Lawrence William
RUDD
Nursing-pharmacy
Health
Promotion Programme for Hidden Elders
John Anthony (School of Biomedical
in the Community (MD09418)
Sciences)
LEE Wing Yan Vivian
KWAN Kwok Leung
LEE Tze
Fan Diana (The Nethersole School of
Patrick (Medicine & Therapeutics)
Nursing)
2009-10 Nanoparticle Formulation for Improved
YU Sau Fung Doris (The
Nethersole School of Nursing)
Drug Delivery across the Blood Brain
Barrier: Potential
for
Treatment
of
2009-10 Clinical
Relevance
of
microRNA
Alzheimer’s and Other Brain Diseases
Dysregulation and DNA Methylation in
(MD09661)
Mediating Overexpression of ABCG2 in
CHOW Hee Lum Albert
BAUM
Chemo-resistant
To KKW
Method
Cancer
(MD09562)
Lawrence William
2009-10 Waterbath
Colorectal
Validation
NG Siu Man Simon
(Surgery)
(MD09863)
2008-09 Provision
CHOW Hee Lum Albert
Conducting
2007-08 Socioeconomic and Health Impacts of
of
Clinical
a
Human
Research
of
Study
on
Interaction of Oseltamivir and Chinese
Substance Abuse in Hong Kong – A
Medicine Formulae (MD08467)
Longitudinal Study (MD07369)
ZUO Zhong
LEE
Kwing
Chin
Kenneth
CHEUNG Yuet Wah (Sociology)
CHAN Yan Keung
Thomas (Medicine & Therapeutics)
TOMLINSON Brian (Medicine &
Therapeutics)
CHAN Kay Sheung
Faculty of Medicine
School of Pharmacy
Paul (Microbiology)
CHE Chun
2009-10 Provision of Conducting a Systematic
Review of Interaction of CHM with
LEE Vincent Hon Leung CHOW S
Drugs Acting upon the Central Nervous
S Moses*
System (MD09489)
Tao (School of Chinese Medicine)
ZUO Zhong LEE Chui Ping LEE
2009-10 Establishment of a Biopharmaceutics and
Pharmacokinetics
Characterization
Vincent Hon Leung
Kwok (Psychiatry)
Platform for a Series of Novel Dimeric
J.*
AChE Inhibitors (CU09808)
Medicine)
ZUO Zhong
HAN Yifan*
YE
WING Yun
PERRY Paul
LIN Zhixiu (School of Chinese
ZHANG
Hongwei
(School of Chinese Medicine)
Tao*
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Psychiatry
Background: Mental Disorders are highly prevalent
RESEARCH PROJECTS
condition. The World Health Organization estimated
that the life time prevalence of mental disorders
Multi-professional Case-Management Program
ranged from 18.1-36.1%. In Hong Kong, the demand
for Case Managers
for mental health care has substantially increased
over the last decade, raising a pressing need for the
CHIU Fung Kum Helen
provision of basic epidemiological data of prevalence
12 July 2010
for the most significant and common disorders, in
order to facilitate strategic planning for future
St Vincent's Mental Health, University of
prevention, early detection and intervention.
Melbourne
Aims: The present study presented the framework for
The Hospital Authority of Hong Kong (HAHO)
the Hong Kong Mental Morbidity Survey 2010
would employ case managers to look after patients
(HKMMS10). The HKMMS10 aims to collect data
with severe mental illness. Case managers are
among community adults aged 16 to 75 in Hong
expected to do individual service plans for clients.
Kong. The whole survey will cover common mental
This training course of case management is a
disorders (CMD), psychoses, substance misuse and
collaboration between the Asian Australia Mental
suicidal behaviors.
Health, St. Vincent’s Mental Health of University of
Methods: The survey will be conducted with a
Melbourne and the Department of Psychiatry of the
two-phase design. The first phase interviews will
Chinese University of Hong Kong and will train
include approximately 5,700 subjects with structured
multi-displinary staff of HAHO in providing
assessments for CMD, screening instruments for
case-management services to clients.
psychotic disorders, substance misuse and suicidal
(MD10493)
behaviors, and important psychosocial risk factors for
mental disorders. The second phase comprises of
clinician interviews for psychotic disorders and
The Hong Kong Mental Morbidity Survey 2010
suicidal behaviors.
LAM Chiu Wa LEE Edwin CHIU Fung Kum
Helen
LAU Tak Fai Joseph (Centre for Health
Behaviours Research)
Analysis: Prevalence for each significant mental
condition will be estimated. Comorbidity will be
SHAM Pak Chung*
estimated using Latent Class Analysis (LCA).
CHEN Yu Hai Eric*
LAM Mei Ling May*
Logistic regression will be used to identify significant
HUNG Se Fong*
CHAN Wai Chi*
factors associated with mental disorders.
CHEUNG Fu Chi Eric*
Man Kin Roger*
LAM Ming*
CHIANG Tin Po*
NG
Discussion: This proposal outlines a pragmatic,
Glyn
relatively low cost approach to provide territory wide
Lewis* Jim Van Os* Paul E Bebbington*
1 September 2010
Food and Health Bureau - Commissioned
Studies on Health and Health Services Research
Fund
data on the prevalence of the most important mental
health problems, their at risk states, as well as
associated risk factors in the Hong Kong population.
This would have direct impact on health service
planning, early intervention and community support.
(MD10484)
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Psychiatry
Evidence of Brain Damage in Chronic Ketamine
Poststroke Aggression among Hong Kong Stroke
Users – A Brain Imaging Study
Survivors
TANG Wai Kwong
TANG Wai Kwong WONG Ka Sing Lawrence
(Medicine & Therapeutics)
MOK Chung Tong
Vincent (Medicine & Therapeutics) CHU Chiu
AHUJA
Anil
Tejbhan
(Imaging
CHU Chiu Wing Winnie
(Imaging & Interventional Radiol)
30 June 2011
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Wing Winnie (Imaging & Interventional Radiol)
Grants)
&
Ketamine is the most commonly abused psychotropic
Interventional Radiol) LEE Edwin
drug in Hong Kong. The long-term abuse of ketamine
1 February 2011
Health and Health Services Research Fund
causes cognitive deficits. The mechanism by which
these cognitive deficits are induced by such
Objective: The present proposal aims to evaluate the
long-term abuse is yet to be defined. No imaging
frequency, clinical and brain imaging correlates of
evidence of the brain abnormalities associated with
poststroke anger in a cohort of Hong Kong stroke
ketamine abuse has yet been published.
survivors. The 12 month clinical course of poststroke
We propose a study that will examine the evidence of
anger will be examined as well.
brain damage in a group of chronic ketamine users in
Design: A prospective longitudinal study.
Hong Kong. The objectives of the proposed study are
Setting: The Acute Stroke Unit of the Prince of
as follows.
Wales Hospital.
1.
To ascertain the pattern of gray matter and
Participants: We propose to recruit 355 consecutive
white matter volume reduction in chronic
Hong Kong patients with acute ischemic stroke.
ketamine users.
Main Outcome Measure: The Magnetic Resonance
2.
To evaluate the correlations between the
Imaging examination will be performed within the
aforementioned structural abnormalities in the
first 7 days after the onset of stroke to evaluate the
brain and cognitive impairment in chronic
number, volume and location of brain infarcts. At 3, 9
ketamine users.
stroke,
Seventy-two ketamine users and 36 healthy subjects
participants will be assessed for poststroke anger,
will be recruited. All of the subjects will receive a
depression, cognitive function and physical function.
detailed
The proposed study will determine the frequency,
examination. Comparison will be made between the
clinical and radiological correlates of poststroke
imaging data of the ketamine users and the healthy
anger. The odds ratios of the putative risk factors will
subjects. The imaging data of the ketamine users will
be calculated using logistic regression. The presence
be examined for correlations with cognitive task
and severity of poststroke anger at 3, 9 and 15
performance.
months poststroke will be described.
(MD10916)
and
15
months
following
the
index
cognitive
assessment
and
imagining
(MD10944)
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Psychiatry
Evidence of Brain Damage in Chronic Ketamine
REM Sleep Behavioral Disorder - A Prospective
Users – A Brain Imaging Study
Follow-up, Neurocognitive and Neuroimaging
Study - A Search of Early Neurobiological
TANG Wai Kwong
CHU Chiu Wing Winnie
(Imaging & Interventional Radiol)
WANG
Defeng (Imaging & Interventional Radiol) SHI
Lin (Imaging & Interventional Radiol)
YEUNG
Ka
Wai
Daivd
Markers of Neurodegenerative Disorders
(Imaging
&
Interventional Radiol)
3 October 2011
Beat Drugs Fund
WING Yun Kwok
CHOI Frankie*
CHU
Chiu Wing Winnie (Imaging & Interventional
Radiol)
LAM Siu Ping
LEUNG Yim Lung
Eric* LI Man Chim Albert Martin (Paediatrics)
MOK Chung Tong Vincent (Medicine &
Therapeutics) TSOH Mei Yuek Joshua
4 October 2010
Ketamine is the most commonly abused psychotropic
drug in Hong Kong. The long-term abuse of ketamine
Research Grants Council - General Research
Fund
causes cognitive deficits. The mechanism by which
these cognitive deficits are induced by such
REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is a sleep
long-term abuse is yet to be defined. No imaging
disorder characterized by enactment of vivid dreams
evidence of the brain abnormalities associated with
with consequent sleep-related injury. Typical RBD
ketamine abuse has yet been published.
predominantly affects male elderly and is suggested
We propose a large-scale study that will examine the
to predate and predict the subsequent development of
evidence of brain damage in a group of chronic
synucleinopathy-related neurodegenerative disorders
ketamine users in Hong Kong. The objectives of the
such as Parkinson’s disease and dementia of Lewy
proposed study are as follows.
bodies. Some early neurobiological markers were
1.
To ascertain in the pattern of gray matter and
reported among patients with RBD even without
white matter volume reduction and regional
clinical neurodegenerative diseases (idiopathic RBD).
metabolic and activation abnormalities in
Over the past few years, a new variant of RBD was
chronic ketamine users; and
reported in psychiatric population (atypical RBD),
To evaluate the correlations between the
which highly resembled the clinical features of RBD
aforementioned structural, metabolite and
but appeared among younger female subjects with
functional abnormalities in the brain and
depression and usage of antidepressants. Currently,
cognitive impairment in chronic ketamine
the understanding of this atypical RBD and its
users.
relationship with typical RBD or neurodegeneration
(MD11375)
process is very limited. Our preliminary data
2.
suggested
that
it
antidepressant-related
was
more
condition.
than
a
simply
Coupling
with
increasing evidences that depression could be a
precursor
of
neurodegenerative
diseases,
we
postulated that atypical RBD could potentially be an
early form of typical RBD by sharing a similar
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Psychiatry
underlying neurodegenerative process, but the onset
Familial Aggregation of Insomnia in Hong Kong
of illness was advanced and precipitated by
Chinese: A Prospective, Case Control Study
antidepressants or mental illness.
In this cohort study, we aim to conduct a follow up
WING Yun Kwok LI Man Chim Albert Martin
study of both typical RBD and atypical RBD. It will
(Paediatrics)
give insights on long-term outcomes and incidence of
1 November 2010
neurodegenerative diseases of both groups. For
Health and Health Services Research Fund
atypical RBD, as evidence for the association with
neurodegeneration is lacking, this study will provide
Background: Insomnia is a common sleep problem
the first follow-up data regarding its course, treatment
with significant health burden to individuals, families
outcome, and its comparison with typical RBD.
and society. While some medium term of follow-up
Apart from looking into the longitudinal course of the
studies (1-3 years) suggested a relative chronic
illnesses, we also aim at identifying and comparing
course of insomnia in both children and adults
different early neurodegenerative markers for typical
separately, there is a dearth of data on the relatively
RBD and atypical RBD. They include a battery of
longer term (over 5 years) outcome of insomnia,
psychometric
neurocognitive
tests,
olfactory
especially among children and their parents. Our
dysfunction
measurement,
cardiac
MIBG
preliminary epidemiological study in 2003 suggested
scintigraphy for sympathetic denervation and PET
a familial aggregation of insomnia among the
brain
transmission
children and their family members, the lack of detail
abnormalities. In typical RBD, these investigations
clinical, sleep and physiological measurements
will shed light on the course and development of
precluded further insight towards understanding of
neurodegeneration and in atypical RBD, this study
the vulnerability
will
aggregation phenomenon.
imaging
for
provide
the
dopaminergic
first
result
on
early
mechanism for this familial
neurodegenerative markers, which may help in
Objective: Firstly, we hypothesized that there would
delineating its associations with typical RBD and
be a chronic cause of insomnia among children and
other neurodegenerative diseases. By identifying and
their family. Secondly, we aim to employ a
integrating a series of early neurobiological markers
family-based case-control design in the second phase
of underlying neurodegeneration, it may help to
of
unravel
a
better
study
to
investigate
detail
of
the
clinical-sleep-biophysiological delineation for the
these
early
familial aggregation phenomenon of insomnia. We
markers be proven to be predictive of subsequent
postulate that there will be familial aggregation in the
neurodegeneration,
underlying vulnerability trait and pathophysiological
neurodegenerative
understanding
the
process.
they
Should
should,
theoretically,
provide a therapeutic window and guidance for future
hyperarousal
clinical trial of neuro-protective measures in halting
endophenotype markers of insomnia.
the progress of neurodegeneration.
Design: This is a prospective follow up family-based
(CU10766)
study with a two-phase design.
state,
which
may
serve
as
Setting: Sleep Assessment Unit, Shatin Hospital
Participants: All the eligible subjects in the previous
study in 2003 with a contactable means for follow-up
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Psychiatry
will be recruited. Among 5698 children with at least
Design: Follow-up cohort study.
one parent in our 2003 survey. We would randomly
Setting: Third wave out-patient clinic, Prince of
approach
Wales hospital.
3000
adolescent
who
would
have
contactable means for follow up study.
Participants: Psychiatric outpatients with major
Main outcome measures: Data on subjective and
depressive disorder.
objective sleep variables as well as presence of
Main outcome measures: Clinical variables including
co-morbid psychiatric disorders will be collected. In
comobidity of psychiatric diagnosis, prescription of
the case-control study, 24-hour urine catecholamine
antidepressants, psychosocial variables including the
and salivary cortisol, plays a critical role in the
scores on HADS, BDI, MEQ, etc; and biochemical
familial aggregation of insomnia.
measures including the levels of dim light melatonin.
(MD10351)
Implications: To our knowledge, this study will be
the first to provide clinical and laboratory data
Sleep Disturbance and Chronotypes in Major
relating
to
the
pathophysiological
mechanism
Depressive Disorder
underlying the chronotype in depressive patients. In
addition, the outcome of the study may have
WING Yun Kwok
CHAN Wing Yan Joey*
important clinical and therapeutic implications for
future management of this sleep disturbance in the
LAM Siu Ping* LIN XIN
context of depression.
27 June 2011
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
(MD10954)
Grants)
Please refer to previous issues of this publication
Background: Depression is a common mental illness
for more details of the following ongoing research
with significant personal and socioeconomic health
at the department:
costs. There is growing evidence of circadian
disturbance in depression. The repetitive pattern of
Edition
Title/Investigators
diurnal mood fluctuation represents one of the
cardinal
symptoms
in
DSM-IV
melancholic
2009-10 Assessment of Mental Capacity for
depression. A diurnal pattern with worsening of
Everyday
cognitive performance in the morning and an
Chinese Older Population (MD09527)
improvement in the evening based on objective
LAM Chiu Wa
Decision-making
for
the
CHIU Fung Kum
neuropsychological tests was also observed.
Helen LUI Wing Cheong Victor*
Objectives: Our study aims to survey for the local
LEUNG Kwok Fai*
prevalence of chronotype by Morningness and
Appelbaum* Jason Karlawish*
Paul Stuart
Eveningness Questionnaire and to validate its use
against an objective circadian marker. We would also
2009-10 A Multicentre, Open-label, Prospective
try to identify its clinical correlates in Chinese
Long-term Study Evaluating the Clinical
depressive patient and to assess the stability of
Benefit and Effectiveness of Quetiapine
chronotype by comparing the successive follow up
Fumarate
Extended-release
Tablets
data in our study subjects.
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Psychiatry
(SEROQUEL XR®) in subjects with
2009-10 A Study on the Syndrome Differentiation
Schizophrenia (MD09495)
of Chinese Medicine for Psychotropic
LEE Edwin
Drug Abusers (MD09916)
Dicky*
CHUNG Wai Sau
CHAN Sau Fan Teresa*
TANG Wai Kwong
LEE Edwin
KAM Wai Kwok Irene* LUI Wing
SUN Waizhu (School of Chinese
Cheong Victor*
Medicine) LAM Ming*
Sandra
CHAN Sau Man
WONG Yip Chau*
TUNG Fu Yin*
CHANG Wing
Chung* LEUNG Tak Yue Grace*
2008-09 A
Multicenter,
Double-blind
Placebo-controlled,
Investigative
Extension
Trial of the Safety and Efficacy of
to
Aripiprazole in the Treatment of Patients
Paliperidone ER in Obese Patients with
with Bipolar Disorder Experiencing a
Schizophrenia
Manic or Mixed Episode (MD08412)
2009-10 Switching
from
Antipsychotics
or
Schizoaffective
Disorder: The Effect on BMI and
Metabolic Indices (MD09549)
LEE Edwin
WING Yun Kwok LAM Siu Ping*
CHUNG Wai Sau
2008-09 A Multicenter, Investigative Trial of the
Dicky*
Safety
2009-10 Psychiatric Comorbidity and Cognitive
Dysfunction
LAM Ho Bun*
in
Primarily
Ketamine
and
Administration
Efficacy
of
of
Extended
Aripiprazole
in
Combination with Mood Stabilizer for
Users – A Closer Look (MD09505)
the Treatment of Patients with Bipolar
TANG Wai Kwong
Disorder Experiencing a Manic or Mixed
LEE Kwing
Chin Kenneth (School of Pharmacy)
WONG Adrian (Medicine &
Therapeutics) TANG Alan* LEE
Episode (MD08553)
WING Yun Kwok LAM Siu Ping*
LAM Ho Bun*
Edwin TANG Kwok Hei Hezon*
LEUNG Yuk Kin*
NG Suet Kam
2008-09 A Multicenter, Randomized, Double
Blind,
Carol*
Placebo-controlled,
Parallel
Group-comparison Trial of Aripiprazole
2009-10 Poststroke
Aggression
among
Hong
in the Treatment of Patients with Bipolar
Kong Stoke Survirors (MD09926)
Disorder Experienceing a Manic Episode
TANG Wai Kwong
or Mixed Episode (MD08618)
Sing
Lawrence
Therapeutics)
WONG Ka
(Medicine
&
MOK Chung Tong
WING Yun Kwok LAM Siu Ping*
LAM Ho Bun*
Vincent (Medicine & Therapeutics)
LAM Wai Man Wynnie (Imaging
& Interventional Radiol)#
2009-10 REM Sleep Behavioral Disorder and
Psychiatry: A Hidden but Potential
Serious Condition. A Case-Control Study
(MD09554)
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Psychiatry
WING Yun Kwok LAM Siu Ping*
TSOH Mei Yuek Joshua*
MOK
Chung Tong Vincent (Medicine &
Therapeutics)
Faculty of Medicine
School of Public Health and Primary Care
RESEARCH PROJECTS
daily
hospital
admissions.
Results:
Socio-demographic variables including age, gender,
marital status, area of residence, chronic diseases,
The Impact of Elevated Ambient Temperature in
patient profile, household income and history of
Injury and Disease Morbidity Patterns in Hong
chronic diseases will be examined to identify
Kong
high-risk groups. Conclusion: Findings will help
promote evidence-based public health awareness
CHAN Ying Yang Emily
GOGGINS III
William Bernard
1 January 2011
Health and Health Services Research Fund
Background: According to the International Panel on
strategies for reducing heat-related illnesses in future
health campaigns and programs.
(MD10988)
Health
in
Remote,
Disaster
Prone,
Ethnic
Minority Communities in China
Climate Change (IPCC), global climate change has a
wide range of risks and threats to human health.
Periods of elevated temperature, in particular, are
CHAN Ying Yang Emily
LEE Po Yi
Lee Yung#
expected to contribute to a greater burden on public
30 June 2011
health mortality and morbidity in both high and low
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
income settings. While there is extensive evidence of
LIN
Grants)
the health impact of heat worldwide, limited study
has been conducted in Hong Kong and none has
Background:
focused on injury and morbidity patterns. Objective:
Chinese constitutes to 8.4% of China’s population
The purpose of this project is to understand the
and generally fare worse in economic status and they
pattern of heat-related morbidity in Hong Kong and
are disproportionally concentrate in disaster prone
identify high-risk groups to reduce the negative
areas or terrains with extreme climate conditions in
health impact. The primary objectives are to 1)
rural China. Public health research review indicated
examine the relationship between temperature and
that there is a limited understanding of health status
hospital admissions in Hong Kong; and 2) identify
and outcomes of these ethnic minority populations in
injury and disease morbidity patterns and high-risk
China. The aim of this project is to examine the
demographic subgroups. Methods: A retrospective
impact
ecological study based on routine hospital admissions
urbanization and climate change) might have on
data, temperature, and pollution data will be
health outcomes in various ethnic minority groups in
conducted. Hospital admission data of injury and
remote areas in China.
specific diseases morbidity information will be
Methodology: The project intends to recruit ten
solicited from the Hong Kong Hospital Authority
non-Han
(HA) from 1998-2008. A generalized additive
communities and examine various health outcomes
(Poisson) models (GAMS) will construct to examine
associated with disaster and urbanization impact for a
the association between daily mean temperature and
5 year Cohort follow up study. Cross- sectional,
of
According
to
literature,
macro-determinants
ethnic
minorities
in
non-Han
(e.g.,
disaster
disaster,
prone
face-to-face household survey will be conducted in
Faculty of Medicine
School of Public Health and Primary Care
each of the selected site during the study period
capacity in addressing lifestyle and mental health
2010-2014. Demographic information, self-reported
needs of patients.
health status, disaster preparedness nutritional issues,
Aim: The first aim of our study is to evaluate the
environmental
and
quality of publically funded TCM clinics in Hong
related
Kong by using Primary Care Assessment Tool
behavior will be collected. In addition, for every
(PCAT), and the second aim of our study is to assess
study communities, at least two focus group studies
the lifestyle and mental health needs of TCM services
will be conducted. Each group will be conducted by
users by Case-finding and Health Assessment Tool
trained researchers and the process will be supported
(CHAT).
by language translators. All discussion will be
Methods: 500 Chinese patients aged 18 and above
recorded on site and detailed transcription will be
will be sampled systematically from 6 publically
conducted at SPHPC for further content analysis.
funded TCM clinics under the administration of
Projection implication: Project results will be
Chinese University of Hong Kong Chinese Medicine
submitted to regional and international academic
Training and Research Centre.
conferences to enhance better understanding of how
Data Analysis: Multiple linear regression analysis
China rural ethnic minority areas might be affected
will be conducted to examine the association between
by disasters, climate change and urbanized lifestyle.
socio-demographic status with each domain of
In addition, findings will be translated to evidence
primary care score and the primary care total score.
based
And patients’ lifestyle and mental health risk factors
living
related
knowledge/attitude/practices
solution
and
health
of
programs
health
for
risk
potential
implementation by field based project partners.
will be examined with description analysis. Statistical
(MD10402)
significance for all characteristics will be set a p
< .05.
Assessing Quality of Public Traditional Chinese
Potential Implications: Results from PCAT will
Medicine Outpatient Services from Primary Care
allow policy makers to understand the strength and
Perspectives
weaknesses of the publicly funded TCM sector from
a primary care system perspective. In addition, results
CHUNG Chi Ho
LEUNG Wing Nang (School
of Chinese Medicine)
WONG Yeung Shan
Samuel MA Haixia GRIFFITHS Sian Meryl
30 June 2011
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
from CHAT will reveal potential service gap in
public TCM clinics. These findings will inform the
formulation of corresponding strategies that help to
improve service quality.
(MD10624)
Grants)
Provision for Statistical Service on Surgical
Background: Improving primary care quality is the
Mortality and Morbidity
central theme of Hong Kong’s healthcare reform.
Despite formal recognition of TCM, there is a lack of
GOGGINS III William Bernard
research in assessing the quality of TCM care from a
1 September 2010
primary care perspective, as well as TCM sectors’
Hospital Authority
Faculty of Medicine
School of Public Health and Primary Care
The Hospital Authority has collected data on
hospitalizations for AMI in Hong Kong will be
outcomes for all major and ultra-major surgeries
obtained from the Hong Kong Hospital Authority
undertaken in HA hospitals from Jul 2009 - June
(HA) for the years 2000-2008. This HA data will
2010 with variables having been collected on
cover approximately 90% of total AMI admissions in
pre-operative risk factors, operative factors and
Hong Kong. Poisson Generalized Additive Models
complications including death, within 30 days after
(GAMS) will be used to study the trend in AMI
the operation. This project is to use this dataset to
hospitalizations over the study period both overall
construct and validate statistical models for both
and separately by gender. Potential confounding
30-days
30-day
variables including seasonality, climatic and pollution
post-operative complications. The statistical models
variables will also be controlled. Similar data will
would adjust for risk factors for mortality and
also be obtained from two Taiwanese ‘control’ cities,
morbidity.
Taipei and Kaohsiung, which did not implement
(MD10672)
smoking bans until Jan 1, 2009. The results of this
post-operative
mortality
and
study will provide information as to whether phase 1
Effect of Hong Kong’s Ban on Smoking in Public
of the Hong Kong smoking ban has had a rapid effect
Places
on AMI incidence rates.
on
Incidence
of
Acute
Myocardial
(MD10569)
Infarction
GOGGINS III William Bernard
CHAN Ying
Yang Emily YANG Chunyuh*
Special Programme for Research and Training in
Tropical Diseases (TDR)
1 December 2010
Health and Health Services Research Fund
GRIFFITHS Sian Meryl
1 September 2010
Smoking is a well-established risk factor for coronary
World Health Organization
heart disease. There is also evidence that exposure to
second hand cigarette (SHS) has short-term effects
A)
Report for Infectious Diseases of Poverty; and
which can increase the risk of acute myocardial
infarction (AMI). Hong Kong introduced a law
prohibiting smoking in workplaces, restaurants,
schools, parks, museums, beaches, and swimming
Technical support in writing the Global
B)
Meetings
Rapporteur
and
writing
for
TropIKA website.
(MD10376)
pools on January 1, 2007. Notably smoking was not
banned in most bars, saunas and karaoke clubs until
Training Program on “High Level Forum on
July 1, 2009. Previous studies from the United States
Community Health & Primary Care Management
and Italy have found that hospitalization rates for
for Mainland China Health Leader”
AMI have fallen suddenly following implementation
of public smoking bans. Not all studies have agreed
GRIFFITHS Sian Meryl TANG Jinling
with this conclusion however, and the sample size for
13 September 2010
many of these studies was quite small and the
Hospital Authority
methodology has often been quite simple. Data on
Faculty of Medicine
School of Public Health and Primary Care
To introduce Hong Kong’s primary health care
drink driving, the government legislated to increase
services and the development to the Mainland China
penalties
healthcare leaders, and let them have a thorough
Research elsewhere has shown the public health
understanding of Hong Kong’s health care systems
impacts of lower alcohol price include increases in :
and policies.
(1) alcohol misuse; (2) alcohol related mortality,
(MD10918)
morbidity and healthcare utilization; and (3) drink
and
strengthened
law
enforcement.
driving, domestic violence and other crime rates.
The Public Health Impacts of the Policy Decision
Legislation to reduce drink driving has, however,
to Reduce Alcohol Tax in Hong Kong
reduced harm.
Our study will use the unique opportunity to assess
GRIFFITHS Sian Meryl
KIM Jean Hee
CHUNG Chi Ho
LAU Chun Hong
LAU Tak
the impact of a reduction of tax on alcohol, taking
into
account
other
policy
changes
such
as
Fai Joseph (Centre for Health Behaviours
introduction of drink driving legislation and the
Research)
indirect effect of smoke free legislation applied to
LEE Sing (Psychiatry)
Chi Ming Michael#
LEUNG
WONG Chi Sang
bars in 2009 .To do this we will: (1) Use telephone
survey methodology to investigate changes in
WONG Yeung Shan Samuel
knowledge of, behaviour and attitude towards alcohol
1 October 2010
Public Policy Research Funding Scheme
use in the general population subsequent to recent
legislation, using our previous research in 2006 as a
Our aim is to evaluate the health impact of recent
baseline. This will allow us to assess changes in
policy decisions, notably reduction of tax on alcohol
binge drinking and alcohol misuse rates; (2) Use
and implementation of drink driving legislation on
routine data from the Hospital Authority, to evaluate
alcohol related harm to health in Hong Kong.
changes in mortality, morbidity, public healthcare
Background:
alcohol-use
service utilization associated with alcohol-related
disorders are problematic in most societies. The
conditions; and (3) Working with the Hong Kong
World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that
Police Force and Social Welfare Department, we will
“harmful use of alcohol” causes around 2.3 million
utilize data from routine and special sources,
premature deaths per year worldwide, causing 3.7%
supplemented by qualitative methods including
of global mortality. Furthermore, alcohol misuse
in-depth interviews, to assess the impacts of
accounts for 4.4% of the burden of disease. Given
legislative change on alcohol related traffic accidents,
this scenario, the non communicable disease (NCD)
crime, domestic violence and other social disharmony.
strategy introduced by the Hong Kong Food and
This will provide information for policy makers
Health Bureau prioritizes reduction of alcohol related
planning public health intervention programs to
harm. International research experience has shown
reduce alcohol related harm, a key objective of the
that alcohol drinking patterns are sensitive to tax
NCD strategy.
policy changes at a national level. In 2008, the SAR
(MD10427)
Alcohol
misuse
and
government eliminated the 40% duty on alcohol
(except spirits) in order to boost economic growth.
Concomitantly, in the face of increasing incidence of
Faculty of Medicine
School of Public Health and Primary Care
Simplification of the Alcohol Use Disorder
by using validated time line follow back method; and
Identification Test (AUDIT) for Screening Male
(2) alcohol use disorders by the Alcohol Use
Patients with Hazardous Use of Alcohol and
Disorders and Associated Disabilities Interview
Alcohol Use Disorder in Primary Care Settings: A
Schedule – DSM-IV Version.
Pilot Study
Statistical analysis: Standard metrics for diagnostic
accuracy will be calculated for each version of
GRIFFITHS Sian Meryl
TAM Wai San Wilson
CHUNG Chi Ho
WONG Yeung Shan
Samuel KIM Jean Hee
30 June 2011
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
AUDIT. Further reclassification and predictiveness
curve analyses will also be performed.
Significance: Results will indicate whether it would
be
acceptable
to
further
develop
shorter
questionnaires more appropriate for use in Hong
Kong’s busy primary care settings thereby facilitating
the uptake of screening for alcohol related problems
Background: Prevalence of hazardous alcohol use
by primary care professionals at a time when alcohol
and alcohol use disorders (including alcohol abuse
consumption is increasing.
and dependence) is increasing amongst urban male
(MD10478)
Chinese population but are underrecognized in
primary care settings. Evidence in other countries
Prospective Study of Soy Intake and Breast
shows screening and brief intervention by primary
Cancer Prognosis in Chinese Breast Cancer
care professionals can be effective in lowering
Survivors
alcohol use amongst problematic drinkers. There is a
recognized need for implementing these strategies in
HO CHAN Suzanne
YEO Winnie (Clinical
Hong Kong particularity since as alcohol sales are
Oncology)
increasing rapidly, 76% since the tax cut in 2008.
Promotion of Women's Health)
Objective: To pilot the validatation of a Hong Kong
King* ZHANG Xin-Hua# CHOR Sin Yee
Chinese version of a screening questionnaire for risky
alcohol use as recommended by the World Health
ZHANG Caixia (Ctr of Res &
CHENG Chi
1 January 2011
World Cancer Research Fund International Grant
Organization (Alcohol Use Disorder Identification
Test, AUDIT, 10 items), and its three abbreviated
Background: Soy is a major source of isoflavones
versions (AUDIT-4, AUDIT-C and AUDIT-3, four,
which have structural and functional similarities to
three and one item respectively) to assess the
human estrogens. Although human studies have not
increment of diagnostic accuracy generated by the
revealed any adverse effects of soy intake on the risk
lengthening of the instrument.
for breast cancer, some in vitro and animal studies
Methods: A cross sectional study of audit male
have shown that isoflavones promote the proliferation
patients with experience of lifetime alcohol use will
of breast cancer cells. So far, limited data on soy food
be recruited from clinics. Respondents will fill in the
intake prior to breast cancer diagnosis have either
AUDIT questionnaire and provide basic health and
beneficial or no adverse effect on breast cancer
demographic information. As reference standards,
survival. Two recent publications have shown a
patients will be assesses for (1) hazardous drinking
suggested reduction of breast cancer recurrence and
Faculty of Medicine
School of Public Health and Primary Care
total mortality among breast cancer survivors with
the defined outcomes with adjustments for known
higher postdiagnose soy intake. There is still a lack of
important prognostic predictors and other diet and
data on whether continued or increased soy food
lifestyle factors.
intake after breast cancer diagnosis affects breast
Potential impact: There is much concern among
cancer prognsis. Thus whether breast survivors
breast cancer survivors on whether continued habitual
should continue with habitual or reduce soy intake is
or additional intake of soy food will have an adverse
of great concern and studies in this area are urgently
effect on breast cancer recurrence of survival. Data
required.
on safety of food consumption for breast cancer
Aims and goals: This study aims to investigate the
survivors are urgently required. Our study will add to
effects of habitual soy food intake before and after
the limited available data on the association between
breast cancer diagnosis on breast cancer prognosis
soy food intake before and after breast cancer
and survival among breast cancer survivors.
diagnosis and breast cancer prognosis. The results of
How it will be done: The study will be conducted in
the study will help clinicians to provide breast cancer
Hong Kong Chinese women aged 25 to 70 years
survivors
diagnosed with primary breast cancer. The patients
recommendations. The results will also contribute to
will be recruited from two Regional Cancer
guiding soy food consumption for breast cancer
Treatment Centres (N.T. East and Kowloon West) of
survivors.
Hong Kong and then prospectively followed up for 3
(MD10598)
with
evidence-based
dietary
years. Face-to face interviews based on the
standardized
structured
questionnaire
will
be
Adverse
Events
and
Poisonings
from
conducted to collect information on soy food intake
Over-the-counter Traditional Chinese Medicine:
and general diet during the year prior to diagnosis.
A
Information on socio-demographic factors, medial
Consumer Safety
Population-based
Survey
for
Improving
and reproductive history, use of complementary and
alternative therapy, menopausal status, active and
KIM Jean Hee
CHUNG Chi Ho
LAU Chun
passive smoking, drinking and physical activity will
Hong
also be collected. The interviews will be repeated at
Tak Fai Joseph (Centre for Health Behaviours
18-month and 36-month. Assessment of soy and
Research) GRIFFITHS Sian Meryl
overall dietary intake postdiagnosis will be included
in the follow-up interviews. The clinical predictors of
GOGGINS III William Bernard
LAU
15 January 2011
Health and Health Services Research Fund
breast cancer prognosis with be extracted from the
medical records, pathology reports and computerized
Background: Thematic Household Survey data
Clinical Management System (CMS). Information on
revealed that approximately one-third of Hong Kong
breast cancer outcomes including recurrence, breast
residents
cancer-specific mortality and all-cause mortality will
approximately
be obtained from active follow-up, medical records,
over-the-counter traditional Chinese medicines or
CMS and Department of Health. Analyses will be
proprietary Chinese medicines (PCM) without TCM
carried out to evaluate the associations of soy food
consultation. There have also been increasing reports
intake assessed both before and after diagnosis and
of Chinese herbal medicine poisoning cases with
had
past-year
two-third
TCM
of
users,
use
had
while
used
Faculty of Medicine
School of Public Health and Primary Care
37.7% of cases being cause by overdosing during
Saxagliptin Assessment of Vascular Outcomes
self-medication.
Recorded in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus: A
Objectives: 1) To examine data on the PCM-related
Multicentre,
knowledge, attitudes, and self-medicating practices
Placebo-controlled Phase IV Trial to Evaluate the
by sociodemographic and health-related factors that
Effect
contribute to misuse and adverse events such as
Cardiovascular Death, Myocardial Infarction or
poisoning; 2) explore the primary sources of
Ischaemic Stroke in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
of
Randomised,
Saxagliptin
on
Double-blind,
the
Incidence
of
information of proper PCM use, contra-indications
and examine knowledge of possible risks of improper
PCM use in relation to adverse events; 3) examine
the prevalence and correlates of PCM health
information seeking behavior (label use, medical
KUNG Kenny
WONG Yeung Shan Samuel
WONG Carmen
1 December 2010
AstraZeneca
consultation); 4) determine what aspects of PCM
labeling and packaging instructions are perceived to
Objectives: To determine whether treatment with
be unclear; and 5) understand the major barriers to
saxagliption compared with placebo when added to
access of understandable drug information
current background therapy will result in a reduction
Sampling
Methods
and
Data
Collection:
An
in the composite endpoint of cardiovascular death,
anonymous, random digit telephone survey will be
non-fatal
conducted of 1100 Hong Kong residents over the age
ischaemic stroke, in patients with type 2 diabetes
of 18. A structured questionnaire will be used to ask
mellitus. The primary efficacy outcome variable of
respondents about their PCM-related knowledge,
the study is defined as the composite endpoint of
attitudes and practices.
cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction
Data
Analysis:
Descriptive
statistics
such
as
myocardial
infarction
or
non-fatal
or non-fatal ischaemic stroke (time to first event).
percentage and their respective 95% confidence
Study Design: Multicentre, randomized, double-blind,
intervals will be reported for the prevalence data.
placebo-controlled Phase IV study.
Multivariate logistic and linear regression will be
Target patient population: Approximately 12000
conducted to examine the predictors of respondent’s
patients with documented type 2 diabetes mellitus
PCM-related knowledge, attitude and practices.
and with either a history of previous cardiovascular
Implications: It is necessary to assess consumer’s
events or multiple risk factors for vascular disease
rational use of PCM drugs manner for reviewing
including patients with renal failure will be enrolled
regulations of over-the-counter drugs and to prevent
from sites throughout the world. To reflect a scenario
poisonings and other adverse events from misuse.
as close to real life as possible, both patients who are
The findings will be instrumental in developing drug
treated with glucose-lowering medication (with the
labeling policies and informing consumer-oriented
exception
drug safety education initiatives.
treatment-naive patients will be enrolled.
(MD10726)
(MD10833)
of
incretin-based
therapy)
and
Faculty of Medicine
School of Public Health and Primary Care
Development of Tool Kit for Schools to Respond
substance
abuse,
to New Health Challenges of Young Generation
infectious
disease,
Using the Healthy School Model
behaviours; and
•
LEE Albert
obesity,
and
outbreaks
impulsive
of
social
Tool kit will guide the school to evolve a
model of care based on HPS framework for
KEUNG Mei Wan (Centre for
impeding health challenges in near future so
Health Ed. & Health Promotion)
one does not need to re-invent the wheel from
1 July 2010
time to time.
Quality Education Fund, HKSAR Government
(MD10659)
Recently students in Hong Kong are facing the health
challenges of substance abuse, obesity, influenza
Southern
pandemic,
Community Diagnosis
emotional
problems,
and
social
District
Health
&
Safety
City
behavioural problems. It has been shown that schools
successfully employing the Health Promoting School
LEE Albert
LO Siu Chee Amelia (School of
(HPS) or otherwise known as Healthy School
Public Health)
approach improve the development of student’s
Health Ed. & Health Promotion)#
resilience, building important protective factors for
students’ health and well being and create an overall
social environment in the school which is supportive
CHENG Tai Fong (Centre for
20 July 2010
Southern District Healthy & Safe Association
Limited
in achieving these outcomes (Stewart et al, 2004;
Patton et al, 2006; Stewart-Brown, 2006). Locally, a
Safe and Healthy Cities address a wide range of
study has shown that students in schools that had
issues related to safety and health. Those information
adopted the HPS framework had a more positive
can be collected from wider sectors and agencies
health behaviour profile than those in non-HPS
including local residents. Appropriate indicators are
schools (Lee et al, 2008). HPS schools were also
needed to provide evidence on various issues
reported to have better school health policies, higher
concerned with safety and health so accurate
degrees of community participation, and a better
information
hygienic environment. The HPS model has the
stakeholders and decisions can be made to create a
potential to become a generic model to manage
safe and healthy environment for living. The
emerging health challenges in school. The main goal
indicators form the basis of community diagnosis
of this project is to develop HPS tool kit based on
which can give a clear objective image of the
decade of experience and research so the schools
community on safety and health by reporting the
would learn how to apply in school setting. The
needs.
specific objectives are:
The Centre for Health Education and Health
•
•
Tool
kit
describes
how
the
can
be
shared
amongst
different
different
Promotion of School of Public Health and Primary
components of HPS would be applied to
Care of Faculty of Medicine has conducted
manage various health issues in school setting;
community diagnosis for many districts in Hong
Tool kit consists of HPS model of care for
Kong and is responsible to develop indicators for
recent health crises of young generation, i.e.,
Healthy City Award for Alliance for Healthy Cities.
Faculty of Medicine
School of Public Health and Primary Care
The Southern District Council together with the
foundation
for
sustainable
Southern District Healthy & Safe Association
environment through network building, school-based
Limited commissioned the Centre to conduct
needs assessment, system of monitoring and outcome
diagnosis for Southern District to create a city health
measure to evolve the Quality Circle of Healthy
profile which will provide information for health and
Promoting
safety improvement for residents in the district and
implementation.
also as the reference information for the WHO
(MD10338)
Schools
in
Healthy
the
first
School
year
of
Awards for Healthy Cities.
(ED10850)
Developing a Model for Training School Health
Professional in Macao
QEF Thematic Network of Healthy Schools
LEE Albert
LEE Albert
CHEUNG Man Biu (Educational
Administration & Policy)
KEUNG Mei Wan
1 November 2010
Macau University of Science and Technology
(Centre for Health Ed. & Health Promotion)
There is a paradigm shift for school health services as
1 September 2010
Quality Education Fund, HKSAR Government
part of school system to address the diverse and the
complex health needs of students in the 21st century.
The ultimate goal of the QEF Thematic Network on
The Health Promoting School (HPS) movement has
Healthy Schools is to sustain the Healthy Schools
been promulgated globally and has been found to be
movement that supports quality education and
effective improving the health and well being of
promotes the well-being of students and staff of the
students.
entire school community. Specific objective of the
comprehensive school health programme should exist
project are to: (1) establish a school network for
moving
sustaining the Healthy School movement territory
preventive procedures towards a holistic approach in
wide; (2) empower and support experienced schools
addressing physical, mental, emotional and social
to help other school network to become Health
health of students as well as staff and families. The
Promoting Schools; (3) provide learning platforms
role of school health professional needs to move
for effective and sustainable practices of Health
towards new services for health promotion rather
Promoting School; and (4) conduct research on
than conventional types of school health services.
Healthy School effectiveness for promoting all-round
Macao SAR Government provides resources to have
well-being and learning in students. It is planned that
school health professionals on site. Although the
55 primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong
roles of school doctors, school nurses and other
(including
35-40
health professionals would differ, they would be
Participating Schools) will join the Network forming
regarded as school health professionals working on
a Quality Circle of Health Promoting Schools,
site with certain functions and roles to be delineated.
directly affecting over 60,000 student and 2,000
The school health professional has a critical role in
school staff estimated. It is a 5-year project from
school health programme and provides acute, chronic,
2010/11 to 2014/15, and is planning to build the
episodic, and emergency health care as well as
15-20
Core
Schools
and
Under
beyond
the
framework
routine health
of
HPS,
screening
a
and
Faculty of Medicine
School of Public Health and Primary Care
providing health education, health counseling, and
HPV vaccination knowledge and attitudes toward
advocates for students with disabilities. This project
HPV vaccination and also uptake rate of vaccination.
is to develop and evaluate a training model for school
(MD10837)
health professionals in meeting the needs of school
health services.
Medical Stakeholders Survey and Interviews on
(MD10436)
Health Protection Scheme
Prevention of Cervical Cancer
LIU Su
Kiong
LEE Albert
(Microbiology)
Louisa#
GRIFFITHS Sian Meryl
CHAN Wan Kin
CHAN Kay Sheung Paul
LAU Chun Hong
LAU LEUNG Choi Har
1 December 2010
CHAN Tak Ngar (Centre for Health
YEOH Eng
CHUNG Chi Ho
Food and Health Bureau, HKSAR
Ed. & Health Promotion)
1 March 2011
GlaxoSmithKline Limited
The aim of this study is to collect and analyse the
views of stakeholders from the medical sector
(mainly the western medical practitioners) on the
Cervical cancer has always been one of the leading
proposed Health Protection Scheme (HPS) as set out
cancer in Hong Kong. From many previous studies, it
in the Healthcare Reform Second Stage Consultation
was revealed that early vaccination, (as early as from
Document (FHB 2010).
age 10 onwards) will bring about higher functional
This study will yield systematic and comprehensive
antibody titres to protect females against HPV
information about one of the most important
infection.
stakeholders of the healthcare reform – medical
The recent development of HPV vaccine was
professionals. Policymakers and managers can use
designed to prevent cervical cancer and has been
this study to assess their knowledge, interest and
attracting attention of healthcare professionals and
positions related to the HPS. Results can be used to
the general public. However, there are still queries &
provide input for other analyses, to develop action
myths in the midst of our community, doctors or even
plans to improve the scheme design and increase
parents of female students if they are to be vaccinated
support for the reform, and to guide a participatory,
in their early adolescent period.
consensus-building process.
In the light of its health, psychological & social
(MD10714)
impact on our society, the communication targets of
the study will be P.5 & P.6 students of primary
Consultancy Services for the Pok Oi Hospital
schools and secondary schools students in Shatin.
Comprehensive Organisational Review
Education about cervical cancer will be conveyed
through a series of video on an online platform.
LIU Su
Sahtin Doctors Network will arrange school based
1 May 2011
vaccination services for students if they request. The
Tricor Consulting Limited
study will analyze any changes of an initiation for
Faculty of Medicine
School of Public Health and Primary Care
The project provides research on future overall
of voucher scheme on their choices; and (iii) The
services development of the Pok Oi Hospital (POH)
factors associated with healthcare services utilization
in the area of medical and health. More specifically,
in Hong Kong.
internal and external needs assessment and gap
(MD10958)
analysis will be performed, strategic options for POH
to develop its future services will be generated and
Knowledge, Attitude and Commitment Towards
discussed with the POH board though workshops,
Organ Donation among Studying Health-related
presentations
Degrees in a University in Hong Kong
and
meetings,
before
final
recommendations are made. Since POH also provides
education and social services, the project will also
consolidate findings and recommendations from
other consultants on POH’s future overall services
development in report format.
(MD10513)
TAM Wai San Wilson SUEN Kwai Ping Lorna
(The Nethersole School of Nursing)#
1 March 2011
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
Public or Private: Choice of Providers among
Organ donation can save lives and organ transplant
Local Population and its Influential Factors
has become the only hope for some patients with
organ failure in order to live on. Like other countries,
LIU Su GRIFFITHS Sian Meryl
Hong Kong faces a perennial problem of organ
1 May 2011
shortage but the donation rate is still low.
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
To improve the rate, it would be useful to know the
attitudes, knowledge and commitment (KAC) of
health-related university students towards organ
Objective:
donation because they, being our future health care
The purpose study aims to:
professionals, will take up the role for promoting
1.
Use the Thematic Household surveys data to
organ donation. The aim of the project is to examine
describe the pattern of primary healthcare
the KAB of the students towards organ donation so as
services utilization of people aged 15 or above
to provide recommendations for conducting effective
in both public and private sectors in Hong
program or campaign to promote organ donation to
Kong from 2005-2009, and the related factors.
students.
Design: Secondary data analysis of Thematic
(MD10752)
Household Surveys data.
Setting: Data was derived from Household survey.
A Study Comparing Primary Care Services
Participants: People aged 15 or above in Hong Kong.
among Six Cities in the Pearl River Delta
Main outcome measures: (i) Time trends of choosing
sites of care between public and private practitioners;
TANG Jinling
WANG Jiaji*
(ii) Understanding of the decision-making process
GRIFFITHS Sian Meryl
that the older people go through in making the choice
CHUNG Chi Ho
among different healthcare providers and the impact
LI Donald*
WEI Xiaolin
WONG Yeung Shan Samuel
WONG Chi Sang GAO Yang
Faculty of Medicine
School of Public Health and Primary Care
1 December 2010
airborne nickel is found to be particularly harmful in
Bauhinia Foundation Research Centre Ltd
PM2.5. A better understanding of what components in
the PM2.5 mixture are most harmful would aid
The primary aim of the study is to compare primary
decision makers in developing the most effective
care services in the cities of the Pearl River Delta
policies to protect human health. In Hong Kong, the
(PRD), to assess cross-city use of medical services,
recently available PM2.5 component data from the
and to explore wider and deeper collaboration
EPD allows us to examine at a population level the
opportunities in primary care in the region. The
heterogeneity in toxicity of PM2.5 components. For
specific objectives to achieve include:
the present study, we plan to use time-series
1.
To use Donabedian’s framework to assess and
approaches to estimate the association between the
compare the structures, process and outcome
levels
of primary care in six cities in PRD;
cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortalities in Hong
To assess cross-border use of medical services
Kong. Preliminary analyses of a small dataset
in particular by those from Hong Kong who
revealed the link between nickel and vanadium in
are living (in particular the retired elderly),
PM2.5 and the cardiovascular mortalities in Hong
working or visiting Shenzhen; and
Kong. These preliminary findings point to the
To further understand the current policies,
potential adverse effect of bunker fuel emissions on
regulations, and practices in China regarding
human health in Hong Kong. Although understanding
primary care services under the framework of
the precise biological mechanism of injury from
Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement
PM2.5 remains challenging, opportunities are already
(CEPA) so as to explore possible wider and
apparent for developing targeted interventions for
deeper
reducing PM2.5 air pollution. Our preliminary results
2.
3.
opportunities
for
economic
collaborations in primary care area.
of
PM2.5
chemical
components
and
for Ni and V suggest that the control strategies
(MD10606)
targeting their sources could be effective at reducing
cardiovascular mortalities in Hong Kong. This study,
Evaluating the Health Effects of Distinct PM2.5
along with the related work of others, will provide a
Components for More Targeted Air Quality
substantial evidence base for more refined air quality
Control Measures in Hong Kong
control strategies.
(MD11950)
TIAN Linwei
YU Tak Sun Ignatius
QIU
Hong
Etiological Study of Esophageal Cancer in Chinese
1 July 2011
Population – With Special Reference to Dietary
Environment and Conservation Fund
Factors and Genetic Polymorphisms
Not all the PM2.5 are the same. Depending on the
WANG Xiaorong YU Tak Sun Ignatius TSE
chemical composition, some PM2.5 may be more
Lap Ah
dangerous than others. There is evidence that the
Chen Yu*
toxicity and composition of airborne PM2.5 vary from
CHRISTIANI David C.*
HUANG
1 March 2011
one city to another. In New York, for example,
Faculty of Medicine
School of Public Health and Primary Care
World Cancer Research Fund International Grant
mesothelioma. There has been a claim that only
amphibole
This study aims at identifying etiological factors
involving both genetic and environment factors,
particular in dietary habits and nutritional patterns as
well as personal behaviors (smoking and alcohol
drinking). Furthermore, it will examine the joint and
interactive effects of genetic and environmental
factors on esophageal cancer susceptibility, and to
understand,
using
a
holistic
approach,
how
modifiable dietary factors augment or counter the
pathways by which genetic variants increase the
cancer risk.
The results from this study may help answer the two
critical questions: first, if genetic predisposition to
esophageal cancer can be identified before overt
symptoms arise, what should be the course of action
for those at high risk? Second, can be identify
particular environmental factors such as food groups
or dietary patterns that augment or counter the
pathways by which genetic variants increase risk of
cancer?
(MD10518)
but
not
chrysotile
causes
cancer
(Amphibole Hypothesis), though some studies have
reported
a
higher
incidence
of
lung
cancer/mesothelioma in chrysotile workers. The
“amphibole Hypothesis’’ has become a pretext for
asbestos industry against an increasingly strong voice
of global ban of asbestos. Apparently, more
convincing evidence is needed for carcinogencity of
chrysotile.
Using the information from the TEM analysis, we
will estimate past fibre-size specific exposures for
each workshop based on the PCM airborne fibre
concentrations determined for the same year, 2006, as
well as 2002 and 1999. The exposure levels will then
be estimated back to development of the cohort in
1972 with gravimetric total dust data. An asbestos
fibre
size-specific
job-exposure
matrix
was
developed similarly, from TEM samples from one
point in time, and PCM fibre concentrations where
data before the mid-1960s was estimated from
correlations between PCM concentrations and total
dust collected by an impinger. This study will
provide a much more detailed exposure profile for
Environmental Study in an Asbestos Plant in
Chongqing China (Project I)
each worker using a relatively novel method that will
shed new light on asbestos-related diseases in general,
while allowing a better understanding of the types of
WANG Xiaorong
exposures being experienced by workers in this
1 April 2011
factory.
Teikyo University
(MD10315)
Asbestos is an occupational and environment hazard,
which has been responsible for millions of deaths. In
Retrospective Cohort Study of Asbestos Miners
and Lung Cancer (Project II)
addition to causing asbestosis, asbestos is a known
human carcinogen. Although use of amphibole
asbestos has been banned decades ago, chrysotile
asbestos has continued to be mined, manufactured,
and used in many countries. It has been long debated
WANG Xiaorong
1 April 2011
Teikyo University
on whether chrysotile can cause lung cancer and
Faculty of Medicine
School of Public Health and Primary Care
It has been long debated on whether chrysotile can
‧
for research purposes;
cause lung cancer and mesothelioma. There has been
a claim that only amphibole but not chrysotile causes
‧
cancer (Amphibole Hypothesis), though some studies
have
reported
a
higher
incidence
of
lung
development and management of collaborations
proposal development with other research
collaborators in China;
‧
optimal use of China COMDIS-HSD resources
cancer/mesothelioma in chrysotile workers. The
and responsibility for ensuring the activity
“amphibole Hypothesis’’ has become a pretext for
remains within budget;
asbestos industry against an increasingly strong voice
‧
of global ban of asbestos. Another issue to be
strategies for research uptake activities, capacity
development and monitoring and evaluation;
clarified is so-called “asbestos mine myth’’. Many
‧
management of China COMDIS-HSD team; and
previous studies reported rather lower mortality of
‧
representative for China COMDIS-HSD on the
lung cancer in asbestos miners compared to asbestos
consortium steering group and technical review
manufacturing workers. In this study, we have
panel.
established
a
25-year
historical
cohort
(Jan.
(MD10740)
1981-Dec.2006) in Qinghai asbestos mine, which is
the largest chrysotile asbestos mine in China. We will
Using a Systematic Approach to Evaluate Primary
follow and compare lung cancer/mesothelioma
Care Development in Hong Kong, Shenzhen,
mortality between the exposed and the control
Shanghai
workers, while considering other confounding factors
including smoking, to determine the relationship
WEI Xiaolin
between asbestos exposure and the mortality of
Sian Meryl
interest.
Tung Donald
This
study
will
provide
additional
CHUNG Chi Ho
JIANG Runsheng*
LO Su Vui*
GRIFFITHS
LI Kwok
MENG Qingyue*
information and evidence to answer the question
WONG Yeung Shan Samuel XU Jianguang*
regarding whether asbestos miners would have a
YEOH Eng Kiong
lower
Tsan Augustine*
risk
for
lung
cancer
than
asbestos
manufacturing workers.
(MD10809)
ZHANG Dan*
TANG Jinling
LAM
WONG Chi
Sang
15 June 2011
Strategic Public Policy Research (SPPR)
Communicable Diseases: Health Services Delivery
(“COMDIS-HSD”)
Primary care is the fundamental component of the
healthcare system to achieve person focused care,
WEI Xiaolin J Walley* J Newell*
prevention and a fair distribution of health. The
1 January 2011
urgency of enhancing primary care is reaffirmed by
University of Leeds' Nuffield Centre for
International Health & Development,Leeds
Institute of Health Sciences
the WHO Health Report 2008: ‘Primary Care, Now
More Than Ever”. China and Hong Kong have put
primary care at the top of their agenda for health care
reforms. Our selected cities illustrate different models
COMDIS-HSD research and related activity on the
of primary care development: Hong Kong presents a
following:
combination of private
and public providers;
Faculty of Medicine
School of Public Health and Primary Care
Shenzhen’s primary care is provided by community
-
Better understanding of Hong Kong’s primary
health centres (CHC) owned by hospitals; Shanghai
care system relative to mainland China,
is the pioneer of incorporating preventative care and
identifying common challenges to be faced
capitation payment in CHCs which are government
and possible solutions across the country.
owned. Kunming is a city in west China with CHCs
-
Evidence based policy recommendations for
primary care reform in Hong Kong and
owned both by hospitals and governments.
The
study
will
compare
the
primary
mainland China.
care
development in the four cities using a systematic
-
Suggestions
-
Kong’s
possible
A basis for further training and research on
primary care.
Care Assessment Tools (PCAT) developed by the
John Hopkins University. The overall aims of the
Hong
contribution to China’s primary care reform.
approach combining the Control Knobs theory
developed by the Harvard University and the Primary
on
(MD10455)
research are obtaining lessons from the different
models to support primary care development, and
Pilot Study of a Systematic and Multi-dimensional
providing policy recommendations for healthcare
Approach to Reduce Cardiovascular Risk at
systems reforms in Hong Kong and mainland China.
Primary Care Setting in Hong Kong
This work will build on the recent reviews conducted
by the SPHPC, CUHK on primary care in Hong
WEI Xiaolin WONG Chi Sang
Kong.
30 June 2011
Objectives:
-
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
To describe the structure of primary care in
Grants)
the three cities in terms of service delivery,
-
-
financing, payment and incentives, regulation
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of
and training of providers.
death
To compare the intermediate outcomes of
multi-dimensional approaches have been widely
primary care in terms of first contact, person
regarded as an effective way to manage CVD at the
focused
care,
primary care settings. We propose a pilot study to
comprehensiveness and coordination using
develop a randomized controlled trial to implement
the international tool of PCAT ,measuring
and evaluate the effectiveness of a systematic CVD
perspectives both patients and providers.
risk reduction intervention in both public government
To conduct secondary analysis to generate
outpatient clinics (GOPC) and private clinics in Hong
indicators on final system goals, including
Kong. The pilot study is to design the interventions
health status (both general and clinical tracer
into a guideline, then pilot and test its feasibility and
indicators), costs of the system and patients.
acceptability in both GOPC and private clinics.
care,
continuity
of
in
Hong
Kong.
Systematic
and
Deliverables of the research are:
Specific interventions will include: 1) screening
-
Description of primary care development and
people at high risk of CVD during their attendance; 2)
strategic outcomes framework for Hong Kong
prescribing highly effective and low cost drugs
and China primary and secondary data
(aspirin, strain, anti-hypertensives and folic acid) at
analysis.
Faculty of Medicine
School of Public Health and Primary Care
individual basis; and 3) providing individualized
approximately 10-15% of the adult population
consultation on healthy lifestyles and drug adherence.
received
Detailed guideline of interventions will be designed
approximately 1-2% used benzodiazepines daily for
based on a previous work and revised for Hong Kong
periods of more than year. Long term benzodiazepine
use. A GOPC setting and private clinic setting will be
prescriptions are common in women and elderly
chosen. Workshops with family doctors and nurses
patients and those with multiple chronic physical
will be conducted to revise the guideline and action
disorders. There are as yet no studies to explore the
plans. Patients will be randomly selected from each
prevalence of long term benzodiazepine use, the
setting to participate in the pilot intervention of 6
pattern of benzodiazepines and the exploration of
months. In-depth interviews with family doctors,
long term benzodiazepine users’ attitudes in Chinese
nurses and patients will be conducted at the end of
adults in primary care.
the pilot to study its acceptability and feasibility.
Method & Objectives: This study is of a quantitative
Patient indicators will be collected to study its
and qualitative arm:
feasibility for future RCT. This pilot will help in
1.
benzodiazepine
prescriptions
and
Retrospective analysis of benzodiazepine use
designing a RCT to inform clinical decision making
of public sector primary care patients across
and improve CVD risk reduction using best evidence.
the whole territory over a 3 year period to
(MD10737)
looking at the prevalence of benzodiazepine
use, prescription patterns and health care
Long
Term
Benzodiazepine
Prescribing
utilization.
in
Chinese Adults in Primary Care: A Quantitative
2.
Focus group discussions of Chinese long term
benzodiazepine users and their attitudes to
and Qualitative Study
reduction
WONG Carmen KUNG Kenny MOK Chung
and
cessation,
medical
and
psychosocial support.
Implications: This study will give a good foundation
WONG Kwok Tin Martin (Faculty of Medicine
to further psychosocial and clinical interventional
(Planning Office))#
studies to Chinese long term benzodiazepine users in
Tong Vincent (Medicine & Therapeutics)
WONG Yeung Shan
Samuel GRIFFITHS Sian Meryl
30 June 2011
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
the community and yield valuable information as
there are to date no studies of benzodiazepine usage
in the Chinese population.
(MD10381)
Background: Long term benzodiazepine usage is a
Provision of Administrative Support Services for
common problem and widely recognized in primary
Registration of Public Private Interface Electronic
care. Prescribing benzodiazepines can be effective
Patient Record Sharing Pilot Project (PPI-ePR)
when used in the short term, however prolonged
consumption can result to dependence and difficulties
in stopping. Adverse effects include cognitive
impairment, psychomotor slowing, delirium, falls and
WONG Chi Sang
GRIFFITHS Sian Meryl
HO Chung Ping* WONG Yeung Shan Samuel
19 July 2010
higher suicide rates. It is estimated that an average of
Faculty of Medicine
School of Public Health and Primary Care
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Hospital Authority
Grants)
The Public Private Interface-Electronic Patient
Record (PPI-ePR) pilot was introduced by the
Background: Hypertension is the most common
Hospital Authority since April 2006 to enhance the
chronic condition seen in public, primary care clinics.
interface between the public and private sectors. The
The efficacy of antihypertensive agents must be
PPI-ePR allows sharing of patient records and thus
matched by their persistent use, but the level of
facilitates free flow of information between the two
medication compliance remained to be low. Newer
sectors, empower timely access of patients’ clinical
primary care initiatives like drug counseling services
information. This would improve continuity of care,
in the community have been implemented, but their
the quality of consultations and clinical outcomes. In
effectiveness to enhance medication compliance has
addition, healthcare costs and medical errors could be
not yet been studied.
reduced by minimizing repetition of investigations
Objectives: to evaluate the effectiveness of a
and obtaining up-to-date patient information.
first-ever,
A sharing pilot project was initiated to invite selected
adherence-enhancing
groups of patients, doctors and private hospitals to
multidisciplinary team by the St James’ Settlement in
participate. Through this project, clinical information
the community.
gathered during clinical consultations in the HA
Design: A randomized controlled trial.
could be viewed by registered healthcare providers
Subjects: Chinese subjects attending one general
through web access. The pilot project has already
out-patient clinic who (1) Are aged 18 or older; (2)
enrolled more than 94,300 patients and 1,600 private
Take long-term antihypertensive medication & ≥ 5
healthcare professionals. The present project is to
other chronic medications; (3) Rated by Morisky
substantiate this initiative by extending the PPI-ePR
surveys as having suboptimal medication compliance;
to more private or non-governmental organization,
(4) Not previously received any community-based
including residential care facilities and community
intervention programmes; and (5) Agreed to adhere
centres.
to the group of intervention allocated. Subjects who
(MD10976)
are not able to communicate using Cantonese or
community-based
programme
medication
offered
by
a
mentally incapable to participate will be excluded.
Effectiveness of a Medication Counselling Service
They will be randomized into usual care group or
on Enhancing Drug Compliance among Patients
usual care plus pharmacists’ intervention from St
Prescribed
James’ Settlement.
Antihypertensive
Agents:
A
Outcomes: (1) The change in systolic and diastolic
Randomized Controlled Trial
blood pressure; and (2) The change in Morisky
WONG Chi Sang
Wah Ewan*
WANG Haoxiang
SHAM Chi Wing Gary*
SO Yiu
LEE
Vincent Hon Leung (School of Pharmacy)
GRIFFITHS Sian Meryl
1 May 2011
survey scores. They will be measured 3- and
6-months after the first visit.
Statistical Analysis: Intention-to-treat analysis will be
used. The changes in outcomes were compared
between the two groups by ANCOVA with
adjustment of inter-physician effect. Bonferroni
Faculty of Medicine
School of Public Health and Primary Care
be
This study is comprised of two parts: cross-sectional
performed based on the number of comparisons
survey and semi-structured in-depth individual
made.
interviews.
(MD10352)
structured questionnaire explores the severity of
corrections
for
multiple
comparisons
will
A
cross-sectional
survey
using
a
menopause, quality of life, mood status, and sexuality
How Menopause Symptoms Affect the Marriage
among women > 40. A semi-structured in-depth
Life, Particularly the Sexual Life Among Hong
individual interview will be used to further explore
Kong Women?
the distress on marriage life, particularly the sexual
life brought from menopause symptoms among
WONG Lai Yi
WONG Yeung Shan Samuel
WONG Carmen CHEUNG Wai Ling
29 June 2011
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
women and their partners/husbands. The Family
Planning Association of Hong Kong will design
education programs based on the findings of this
study so as to help menopausal women and their
partners/husband to overcome the distress related to
menopause and improve the family health/marriage
Menopause is a physiological milestone in women’s
crisis.
life. Besides increasing the risks of developing
(MD10388)
osteoporosis, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases
as a result of estrogen deficiency, the menopausal
Air Quality Improvement for the 16th Asian Game
women also experience in various physiological
and Beyond
changes including hot flushes, palpitation, excessive
sweating, headache, dizziness, fatigue, insomnia,
vaginal dryness, and sleeplessness. Many studies
showed that the mood and quality of life menopausal
women would be adversely affected due to these
physiological changes. A few studies mention the
WONG Tze Wai
Christopher Frey*
William
Barron* LAU Kai Hon Alexis* Song Hong*
1 July 2010
The Hong Kong University of Science and
Technology
physiological changes and depressive symptoms
might also affect the sex life of couple. However little
This study aims to review and study the impact of air
information exists on how menopause symptoms
pollution on the health of the community in the Pearl
affect the marriage life particularly the sexual life in
River Delta, in relation to the implementation of air
Hong Kong. Sexuality is a sensitive topic to be
pollution control measures during the 16th Asia
discussed among middle age women and elderly in
Games that will be held in October 2010. Health
Asia. Through educational programs, women can
statistics will be collected. Based on air pollution
increase their understanding of menopausal changes
modeling results available from co-investigators at
and so be psychologically well prepared, which
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
resulted in continuously improved menopausal
and health risk estimates attributable to air pollution
symptoms, marriage life and quality of life. Thus, this
obtained from local and regional studies, impact of
study aims to explore how the menopause symptoms
air pollution control measures that are implemented
affect the marriage life, particularly the sexual life.
during this event on health will be estimated. A
Faculty of Medicine
School of Public Health and Primary Care
community-based study will also be conducted in
Advanced
Guangzhou. This study will be jointly planned and
Doctors in Shenzhen
Training
Programme
on
Family
managed by the PI and Prof. Song Hong of Zhong
Shan University. The health of a vulnerable group
WONG Yeung Shan Samuel
will be studied before and after the implementation of
1 December 2010
the air pollution control measures to look for
Shenzhen Medical Continuing Education Centre
differences in health outcomes, manifested as
respiratory symptoms prevalence, lung function
The objective of the Primary Care Training Course is
changes, and other proxy indicators of health impact.
to introduce and train family doctors the concept of
Comparisons of health outcomes of this group will be
primary care and public health in Shenzhen. The
made in this ‘before-after’ study, and associations
training program includes clinical attachment, case
made with changes in air pollutant concentrations
discussion, didactic lectures and various primary care
estimated from the modeling study led by Prof.
clinics
Alexis Lau, and later verified by monitoring data in
practitioner and family doctor’s clinic.
air monitoring stations in Guangzhou. The quality
(MD10327)
including
public
and
private
general
and scientific validity of this health impact study will
be independently assessed by Prof. Christopher Frey
四川成都醫療社會服務體驗考察團
and Prof. William Barron.
Sichuan Chengdu Healthcare Service Study Tour
(MD10961)
黃仰山 WONG Yeung Shan Samuel
Training Programme on Public Health and
Primary Care
7 April 2011
Home Affairs Bureau
WONG Yeung Shan Samuel TANG Jinling
本學院希望透過是次「四川成都醫療社會服務體驗
2 August 2010
考察團」，讓 20 名香港中文大學的學生參觀四川
Tianjin Hexi District Public Health Bureau 天津
市河西區衛生局
省成都市各衛生部門、醫院及福康機構，從而令學
生瞭解內地的醫療體系及醫療服務，將來畢業後可
投身本地或內地的公共衛生機構，推動全港、全
The objective of the Primary Care Training Course is
國，甚至全球人民的健康水準。透過是次考察團的
to introduce the concept of public health and primary
社會服務活動，學生可把書本上的知識傳遞給當地
care in Hong Kong. The training program includes
的人民，推廣健康訊息，使人民瞭解公共衛生的重
case discussion, didactic lectures and visits to various
要性、培育學生的社會責任感和愛國熱誠，令學生
primary care clinics including public and private
的知識得以學以致用。學生亦有機會與四川大學的
general practitioner and family doctor’s clinic and
師生進行面對面的交流，分享彼此在日常生活及學
other public health organizations.
習上的經驗和趣聞，建立友誼。是次考察團將會為
(MD10909)
一眾參與的 20 名學生帶來一次既難忘又能影響深
遠的體驗旅程。
(MD10387)
Faculty of Medicine
School of Public Health and Primary Care
Evaluation of Self Anal Sample Collection for
The proposed study may contribute to improving the
Chlamydia
control of CT and NG infections in high risk
Trachomatis
and
Neisseria
population MSM, and serving as the evidence
Gonorrhoeae Detection in MSM
reference of clinical sampling methods.
WONG Yeung Shan Samuel
CHAN Pui
(MD10348)
Chung Denise (Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging
Infectious Diseases) FONG Francois Yeung
To Wear or Not to Wear: The Psychosocial
Impact of Mask Wearing on Patients’ Reported
1 June 2011
Satisfaction, Enablement and Empathy on Doctors.
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
A Randomized Controlled Trial
Grants)
Anal sex is a high risk factor associated with STI
WONG Yeung Shan Samuel Mercer, Steward*
including Chlamydia, gonorrhea and HIV especially
in men who have sex with men (MSM). However,
Carmen
most clinics do not offer anal Chlamydia or
William Bernard GRIFFITHS Sian Meryl
gonorrhea testing in MSM. Also the stigma prevents
MSM from seeking the CT/NG anal test. To increase
screening coverage and overcome possible reticence
KUNG Kenny
CHOR Sin Yee
WONG Chi Sang
WONG
GOGGINS III
30 June 2011
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
among MSM reluctant to undergo anal STI
examination, self anal sample collection is proposed.
Introduction:
We would like to recruit 250 men who ever had
recommends the used of standard and droplet
receptive anal sex and is aged above 16 to participant
precautions for the protection of healthcare workers
in our study. Each participant will collect self and
against pandemic influenza during most patient
clinician-obtained
respectively.
interactions. However, one concern over the use of
Participants are also invited to complete our
face masks or respirators in healthcare settings is its
questionnaires
potential
on
anal
the
samples
attitude
of
self
and
World
negative
Health
psychosocial
Organization
impact
on
clinician-obtained anal sample collection; their
doctor/healthcare provider-patient interactions.
profile and their risky sexual behaviors. For the
Nonverbal communication is a critical element of
diagnostic lab testing of CT/NG, we plan to apply
patient-centered care and it is important for the
nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), which is
therapeutic relationship with effects on important
recommended by most western countries testing
outcomes that included adherence to medical advice
guidelines.
and medication compliance, patient satisfaction and
We would like to compare the acceptability of
clinical outcomes.
self-collected and clinician-obtained anal samples.
Objective:
The association between risk behaviors and CT (or
psychosocial effects of mask wearing among primary
NG) anal infection will also be calculated using
care doctors in public general outpatient clinics.
statistical software SPSS. Further, the prevalence of
Design: A randomized controlled trial will be
anal CT and NG infections among MSM in Hong
conducted in primary care clinics in Hong Kong.
Kong can be estimated.
Doctors who work in outpatient clinics will be
The
study
aim
at
exploring
the
Faculty of Medicine
School of Public Health and Primary Care
recruited and randomized to wear masks. In order to
Lee's Pharmaceutical (HK) Limited
control for differences in individual doctor effects on
patient satisfaction and empathy score, the same
doctors will be randomized to wear masks on
different
days.
Consecutive
patients
of
the
participating primary care doctors will be invited to
Centre for Clinical Trial will be responsible for the
protocol
development
Outcome Measures: Patient’s empathy will be
measured by the Consultation and Relational
for
a
study
“Double-blind Randomized Placebo Controlled Trial
Comparing Aloxi versus Placebo for Patients
Receiving
complete a questionnaire.
services
Moderate
or
Severe
Emetogenic
Chemotherapy”.
(MD10339)
Empathy (CARE). In addition, patient Satisfaction,
the impact of patient doctor encounter in the patients’
ability to cope with and understand their illness will
be measured by Patient Enablement Instrument as
well as Psychological distress will be measured by
Statistical Analysis with a Stratification Analysis
Set to the Clinical Study Entitled “A Pilot Study to
Investigate the Efficacy and Safety of IMD-1041 in
Patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus”
the validated Chinese General Health Questionnaire.
ZEE Chung Ying Benny
(MD10896)
10 February 2011
An Efficacy Study: Canine Induced Acute Severe
IMMD Inc.
Hemorrhagic Shock in Dogs with OC99 Oxapex
Center for Clinical Trials will be responsible for the
Treatment
statistical analysis with a stratification analysis set to
the clinical study entitled “A Pilot Study to
ZEE Chung Ying Benny
Investigate the Efficacy and Safety of IMD-1041 in
22 December 2010
Patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus”.
New A Innovation Limited
(MD10717)
Centre for Clinical Trial will be responsible for the
statistical analysis services for a study “an Efficacy
Please refer to previous issues of this publication
Study: Canine Induced Acute Severe Hemorrhagic
for more details of the following ongoing research
Shock in Dogs with OC99 Oxapex Treatment”.
at the department:
(MD10979)
Edition
Protocol
Development
for
Double-blind
Randomized Placebo Controlled Trial Comparing
Aloxi versus Placebo for Patients Receiving
Moderate or Severe Emetogenic Chemotherapy
ZEE Chung Ying Benny
1 January 2011
Title/Investigators
2007-08 People and Patient Centered Healthcare
Initiative (MD07904)
CHAN Wan Kin
2006-07 Heat Wave Impact in China (MD06761)
CHAN Ying Yang Emily
Liping*
LI
GRIFFITHS Sian Meryl
Faculty of Medicine
School of Public Health and Primary Care
JAFFE Harold*
William Bernard
GOGGINS III
SUEN Ying Pui#
KIM Jacqueline Jakyoung (Gender
Studies Programme)#
Vaccine among Healthcare Workers in
the Time of Pandemics (MD09701)
CHOR Sin Yee
Shan Samuel
WONG Yeung
GOGGINS III
William Bernard GRIFFITHS Sian
2009-10 Effectiveness of Psychological First Aid
(PFA) in Improving Mental Health
Meryl
CHAN Kay Sheung Paul
(Microbiology)
Outcomes for Emergency Responders: A
Randomized
Controlled
Trial
(MD09536)
CHAN
2009-10 Food Labeling and Self Management in
Primary Care Patients with Hypertension
Ying
Yang
Emily
(MD09952)
CHOR Sin Yee YUNG Ka Chun
CHEUNG, YEE LAI
FUNG Siu Cheung Colman#
2009-10 Informed Decision of Women in Breast
GRIFFITHS Sian Meryl
WOO
Cancer Screening – A Qualitative Study
Jean (Medicine & Therapeutics)
(MD09689)
SEA Man Mei
CHOR Sin Yee
SUNG Joseph Jao
Yiu (Medicine & Therapeutics)
HO CHAN Suzanne
Yi
CHEUNG Polly*
TSOI Kam
Fai SU Xuefen GRIFFITHS Sian
Meryl
CHAN Suk Mei
(Medicine & Therapeutics)
2008-09 Public Health Training Support for
Department of Health (MD08305)
GRIFFITHS Sian Meryl
LEE Shiu
Hung YEOH Eng Kiong YU Tak
Sun Ignatius
2009-10 The
WONG Lai
Association
Papillomavirus
of
(HPV)
Human
Infection
in
WONG Tze Wai
LEE Shui Shan (Stanley Ho Centre
for Emerging Infectious Diseases)
Occurrence and Prognosis of Head and
Neck Cancer – A Case Control and
Cohort Study (MD09801)
CHOR Sin Yee
Sheung
Paul
Satisfaction (MD08645)
CHAN Kay
(Microbiology)
WONG Chi Sang
Lin*
CHOW Tam
CHAN Kin Chun*
Siu Fung*
2008-09 Provision of Survey Service on Patient
FUNG
VLANTIS Alexander
GRIFFITHS Sian Meryl
Eng Kiong
WONG Lai Yi
YEOH
LAU
Tak Fai Joseph (Centre for Health
Behaviours Research)
YAM Ho
Kwan SIU Yuen Man Judy (Centre
Chris (Otorhinolaryngology, Head &
for Health Behaviours Research)
Neck Surgery)
LAM Kwok Man#
2009-10 Decisions across Cultures and Health
2009-10 A Survey of Knowledge, Attitude &
Policies on the Acceptance of H1N1
Practice (KAP) in Response to the
Melamine in Milk Crises amongst Clients
Faculty of Medicine
School of Public Health and Primary Care
Attending the Material & Child Health
Centres
(MCHCs)
in
Hong
Kong
(MD08792)
Health Care Voucher Scheme in Hong
GRIFFITHS Sian Meryl
Ying Yang Emily
Joseph
2009-10 Evaluation of the Impact of Elderly
(Centre
CHAN
Kong
and
its
Potential
LAU Tak Fai
(MD09956)
for
GRIFFITHS Sian Meryl
Health
Behaviours Research)
Fai
Joseph
(Centre
Extension
LAU Tak
for
Health
Behaviours Research) LEUNG Chi
2009-10 RFCID Commissioned Study: 2009-2014
(MD09881)
Donald
GRIFFITHS Sian Meryl
Cheong
Ming Michael#
David
Therapeutics)
HUI Shu
(Medicine
&
LI Kwok Tung
YAM Ho Kwan
Eng Kiong
YEOH
ZEE Chung Ying
Benny
KUNG Hsiang Fu
(Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging
2009-10 Evaluation
Study
on
Stakeholder
Infectious Diseases) HE Mingliang
Satisfaction of Healthcare Programmes
(Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging
(MD09817)
Infectious Diseases)
GRIFFITHS Sian Meryl
SUNG Joseph
YEOH
Jao Yiu (Medicine & Therapeutics)
Eng Kiong
LEE Chi Kei (Stanley Ho Centre for
Samuel
WONG Chi Sang
Emerging Infectious Diseases)
GOGGINS III William Bernard
LEE Shui Shan (Stanley Ho Centre
LEUNG Chi Ming Michael#
for Emerging Infectious Diseases)
KUNG Kenny
WONG Yeung Shan
SU Xuefen
LEE Lai Shun Nelson (Medicine &
LEUNG Choi Har Louisa#
Therapeutics)
Donald*
TO Kin Wang
(Medicine & Therapeutics)
LAU
LI
CHAN
Kay Sheung Paul (Microbiology)
2009-10 Interim Evaluation on Health Care
IP
Voucher Scheme – Willingness-to-pay
Raphael
Study on Elders Aged 60 or Above
Margaret
CHAN
(Microbiology)
Chiu
Yeung
CHAN Chi Wai
(SS09579)
TSOI Kam Fai
GRIFFITHS Sian Meryl
(Microbiology)
(Microbiology)
TSUI
Wing
Kwok
Biomedical Sciences)
(School
of
CHAN Ting
Xiaolin
CHAN Wan Kin
WEI
YAM
Ho Kwan HUANG Hoi Yee Olivia
Fung Philos (School of Life Sciences)
LEUNG Ting Fan (Paediatrics)
2009-10 Provision
of
Economic
Input
into
YU Tak Sun Ignatius LAU Tak Fai
Research Studies Undertaken by the
Joseph
Research Office of the Food and Health
(Centre
for
Behaviours Research)
Yeung Shan Samuel
Yi YUNG Ka Chun
Health
WONG
WONG Lai
Bureau (MD09436)
GRIFFITHS Sian Meryl
LEUNG
Chi Ming Michael#
Faculty of Medicine
School of Public Health and Primary Care
Medicine on Coronary Artery Disease
2009-10 A Cohort Study on Pathological Internet
Use
and
Associated
Psycho-social
(MD09380)
TANG Jinling CHUNG Chi Ho
Factors among University Students in
Hong Kong and Shanghai (MD09437)
KIM Jean Hee
2008-09 Nanoquartz in Late Permian C1 Coal and
GRIFFITHS Sian
the High Incidence of Female Lung
Cancer in the Pearl River Origin Area: A
Meryl LAU Chun Hong
Retrospective Cohort Study (PS08516)
2009-10 Development of a Generic Job Exposure
TIAN Linwei
Matrix in Hong Kong (MD09908)
(Physics)
LAO Xiangqian
DAI Shifeng*
YU Tak Sun
Ignatius TSE Lap Ah
2008-09 Building on the Concept of Health
Promoting
Schools
to
Develop
an
WANG Jianfang
HO CHAN Suzanne
HUANG Yunchao*
ZHOU Yiping*
2009-10 Improvement
in
Roadside
PM2.5
Pollution after Vehicle Emission Control
Effective and Sustainable Model of
Measures in Hong Kong (PS09987)
‘Healthy Campus’ (MD08895)
TIAN Linwei
LEE Albert
WONG Tze Wai
2009-10 Electron Microscope Analysis of Quartz
in Women Lung Cancer Tissues from the
LO Siu Chee Amelia (School of
Pearl River Origin Area (MD09352)
Public Health)
TIAN Linwei
KEUNG Mei Wan (Centre for
Health Ed. & Health Promotion)
LEE Shun-cheng* HO Kin-fai*
HO Man (Centre for
Health Ed. & Health Promotion)
WONG Kwok
Keung*
WANG Jianfang
(Physics)
2009-10 To Develop a Model of Community
2009-10 Evaluation of the Test Performance and
Based Adolescent Health Programme:
Cost-effectiveness
Pilot Programme in Macao (MD09348)
Surveillance
LEE Albert
Exposed to Silica Dusts (MD09830)
KEUNG Mei Wan
(Centre for Health Ed. & Health
Programs
TSE Lap Ah
Promotion)
2009-10 Evidence-Based Framework for Clinical
of
Medical
for
CHEN Wei Hong*
LEUNG Chi Chui*
Cai*
Tze
Workers
WONG
XING Jing
Wai
GOGGINS III William Bernard
Effects of Chinese Medicine (MD09948)
TANG Jinling KIM Jean Hee
2009-10 Assessment of Sensitivity, Specificity
and
2009-10 Systematic Review on the Efficacy and
Effectiveness
of
Chinese
Herbal
Positive
Predictive
Asbestos-related
Benign
Value
of
Pleural
Abnormalities for Lung Cancer and
Mesothelioma:
A
29-year
Historical
Faculty of Medicine
School of Public Health and Primary Care
Cohort of Asbestosis Workers in Hong
WONG
Kong (MD09501)
Pathology)
TSE Lap Ah
LEUNG Chi Chiu*
YU Tak Sun Ignatius AU Siu Kie*
QIU Hong
WANG Xiaorong
Chun
Kwok
(Chemical
CHAN Kay Sheung
Paul (Microbiology)
Wah Helen*
MA Shuk
Hung Tak Fung
Anchor*
LAO Xiangqian
2009-10 Prevention of Anxiety and Depression in
2008-09 Epidemiological Study on Exposure to
Chinese: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Chrysotile Asbestos and Lung Cancer
Testing the Feasbility and Effectiveness
Mortality (MD08824)
of a Generic Stepped Care Programme in
WANG Xiaorong QIU Hong
Primary Care (MD09602)
WONG Yeung Shan Samuel
2009-10 Training Services for CDTP 09/10
TANG Wai Kwong (Psychiatry)
(Misc8) – Allied Health and Nursing
MAK Wing Sze Winnie (Psychology)
Professions (MD09662)
WONG Yeung Shan Samuel
(Psychology)
CHEUNG Fanny Mui Ching
Mercer, Steward*
GRIFFITHS Sian Meryl
2009-10 A Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial:
The
Effects
Cognitive
of
Therapy
Mindfulness-based
on
Generalized
Anxiety Disorder and Health Service
WOO
Jean (Medicine & Therapeutics)
LEE Tze Fan Diana (The Nethersole
School of Nursing)
KUNG Kenny
LAM Tsan Augustine*
Utilization among Chinese Patients in
Primary Care (MD09998)
2007-08 Tender for the Study on Flagship
WONG Yeung Shan Samuel
TANG Wai Kwong (Psychiatry)
Program
Hospitalization (MD07548)
Mercer, Steward* KUNG Kenny
MAK Wing Sze Winnie (Psychology)
GRIFFITHS Sian Meryl
LEE
Tatia Mei Chun*
on
Reducing
YEOH Eng Kiong
Sian Meryl
GRIFFITHS
CHAN Wan Kin
WONG Lai Yi
Michael#
Avoidable
LEUNG Chi Ming
YAM Ho Kwan
WONG Yan Yan Fiona JIANG Yu
2009-10 The Effect of a Mindfulness Based
Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) Programme
2009-10 Wheeze during the First 18 Months of
on Immune Status in Caregivers with
Life: A Prospective Cohort Study to
Chronic Psychosocial Stress in Hong
Explore the Associations with Indoor
Kong: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Nitrogen Dioxide, Formaldehyde and
(MD09406)
Family History of Asthma (MD09762)
WONG Yeung Shan Samuel
Mercer, Steward*
LAM Wai Kei
Christopher (Chemical Pathology)
YU Tak Sun Ignatius
LI Man
Chim Albert Martin (Paediatrics)
GOGGINS III William Bernard
Faculty of Medicine
School of Public Health and Primary Care
CHAN
Pharmacokinetic Study of Intravenous
CHAN Chak
FIXFc in Previously Treated Hemophilia
LEUNG Oi Shan Joanna*
Yuk Sing Gilbert*
B Patients” (MD09941)
Keung* LAU P.S. Arthur*
ZEE Chung Ying Benny
2009-10 Occupational, Non-viral Environmental,
the
2009-10 Randomization and Support for the Study
Nasopharyngeal
Entitled “鹽酸丙哌維林緩釋胶囊治療
Carcinoma – A Case-control Study
膀胱過度活動症的有效性和安全性的
among Hong Kong Chinese (MD09523)
多中心、隨機、雙盲雙模擬、以酒石酸
YU Tak Sun Ignatius AU Siu Kie*
托特羅定緩釋片為陽性對照的臨牀研
and
Genetic
Risk
Causation
Factors
of
TSE Lap Ah
in
YIP Tak Chun
Timothy (Anatomical & Cellular
Pathology)#
GOGGINS
William Bernard
ZEE Chung Ying Benny
III
LAU Sze Man
June (Clinical Oncology)#
究” (MD09485)
WONG
2009-10 A Randomized, Open-label, Controlled,
Exploratory Trial to Characterize the
Results of Daily Oral Administration of
Tze Wai
Telbivudine
2004-05 Data
Management
Services
for
Disproxil
600mg
and
Fumarate
Tenofovir
300mg
in
to
combination or Telbivudine 600mg or
Investigate the Effects of Recombinant
Tenofovir Disproxil Fumarate 300mg
Intestinal Trefoil Factor (ITF) on Oral
Monotherapy Given over 12 Weeks on
Mucositis
the Kinetics of Hepatitis B Virus DNA in
"Randomized
Phase
in
II
Study
Patients
Receiving
Radiation Therapy for Nasopharyngeal
Adults
Cancer
Compensated CHB (MD09396)
with
Protocol
Number
with
HBeAg
Positive
ZEE Chung Ying Benny
2004-ITF-004" (MD04927)
ZEE Chung Ying Benny
2009-10 Recombinant Human Arginase I (rhArgI)
2008-09 Project Management, Monitoring and
for
Patients
with
Advanced
Training Related to the Clinical Study
Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): An
Entitled “Insulin Resistance Intervention
Adaptive Design Dose Escalation Trial
after Stroke (IRIS) Study (“Study”)
with Addition of Standard Doxorubicin
(MD08811)
Treatment (MD09848)
ZEE Chung Ying Benny LAI Ming
ZEE Chung Ying Benny
Po (Centre for Clinical Trials)
KWOK
Kei
Ming
(Centre
for
Clinical Trials)
2009-10 Project Management and Site Monitoring
for Project Study 998HA101 Entitled “A
Phase
I/IIa,
Open-label,
Crossover,
2009-10 Project Management and Site Monitoring
Dose-escalation, and Multi-center Study
for Project “A Phase I/IIa Safety and
to Determine the Safety, Tolerability, and
Faculty of Medicine
School of Public Health and Primary Care
Pharmacokinetics of a Single Intravenous
Injection of rFVIIIFc in Previously
2009-10 Quantitative
Analysis
of
Diabetic
Treated Patients with Severe Hemophilia
Retinopathy as a Tool to Predict Stroke
A” (“Service”) (MD09652)
in Diabetes Patients (MD09524)
ZEE Chung Ying Benny
ZEE Chung Ying Benny
(School of Public Health)
2009-10 A Phase 2, Double-blind, Randomized,
LI, Qing
LEE
Jock Wai
Placebo-controlled Study of FG-3019 in
Subjects with Liver Fibrosis due to
Chronic
Hepatitis
B
Infection
2009-10 左卡尼汀注射液治療心力衰竭的有效
性和安全性臨床研究﹕一項前瞻性、多中
(MD09773)
心、隨機、雙盲、安慰劑平行對照臨床
ZEE Chung Ying Benny
研究
(MD09559)
2009-10 An
Exploratory
Efficacy
Study
by
ZEE Chung Ying Benny
Repeated Intravenous Infusions of OC99
in
Experimental
Immune-medicated
Hemolytic Anemia in Beagle Dogs
(MD09391)
ZEE Chung Ying Benny
Faculty of Medicine
Centre for Health Behaviours Research
RESEARCH PROJECTS
Behavioural Surveillance Surveys of the Male
Clients of Female Sex Workers Population in
Hong Kong
HPV Vaccine Acceptability among Men Who
Have Sex with Men in Hong Kong
LAU Tak Fai Joseph
YI Huso (School of
Public Health and Primary Care)
LAU Tak Fai Joseph
1 May 2011
1 December 2010
Council for the AIDS Trust Fund
Merck Sharp & Dohme (Asia) Ltd. Investigator-Initiated Grant
Objectives: The proposed project aims to document
population-based
HIV
behavioral
surveillance
Human papillomavirus (HPV), the causative agent in
surveys (BSS) data for the male clients of female sex
genital warts and cervical carcinoma, is one of the
workers (MCFSW) population in Hong Kong. Such
most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
represents continual efforts of keeping track of
worldwide. Studies have demonstrated a high
relevant behaviors among this HIV vulnerable group
prevalence of HPV infection among MSM, which is
in the territory for monitoring the HIV epidemic.
associated with an increased risk for cancer. The
Participants: A total of 3 surveys will be conducted
Merck’s multivalent HPV vaccine that prevents
annually from year 2011 to 2013. In each round of
acquisition of subtypes 6, 11, 16, and 18, which
the 3 surveys, about 2000 Hong Kong Chinese males
together cause approximately 90% of genital warts,
aged 18-60 will be randomly sampled from the
was approved by Food and Drug Administration in
up-to-date phone directories.
2006. MSD has recently released the data on the
Design: Three rounds of cross-sectional anonymous
efficacy of HPV vaccine on men sex with men. This
telephone surveys will be conducted using a specially
study will be conducted in Hong Kong, with the aim
designed telephone survey system. A structured
to understand the attitudes of MSM to the HPV
questionnaire comparable to those used in previous
vaccine and factors influencing the acceptability of
BSS surveys will be adapted.
HPV vaccine. A cross-sectional survey will be
Main outcome measures: The interview will take
conducted among MSM recruited from the gay
about 10-15 minutes to complete. The interview
venues. The willingness to be vaccinated and the
consists of two parts. Part I of the questionnaire
factors associated with the acceptability of HPV
queries about less sensitive questions including
vaccine will be assessed. The findings of the study
socio-demographic
will have both marketing and public health
HIV-related
implications.
condom use etc. After completing Part I, the
(MD10959)
respondents will be transferred to a pre-recorded in a
background
knowledge,
perceived
information,
efficacy
of
computerized phone system for the second part of the
interview, which asks about sexual practices (e.g.,
number of female sex partners, patronage of FSW,
condom use), self-reported STD, HIV antibody
testing and self-perceived chance of contracting HIV
Faculty of Medicine
Centre for Health Behaviours Research
in the future. Time trend and factors associated with
on cognitive theories while the second one added an
risky sexual behavior among MCFSW will also be
affective component (fear appeal) onto the first
identified.
intervention. A third control intervention delivers
(MD10445)
facts about HIV via an email.
Main outcome: The primary outcome measures
A Randomized Controlled Trial to Investigate the
whether UAI occurred with MSM in the last month.
Relative
Secondary outcomes include behavioral intention for
Efficacy
of
Three
Internet-based
Promotion
condom use, STD-related knowledge, perceived
Targeting Men Who Have Sex with Men in Hong
norms about condom use, self- reported STD in the
Kong
last 3 months (only at Month 3).
Interventions
for
Condom
Use
Data analysis: Relevant between-group differences
LAU Tak Fai Joseph
Linda*
TSUI Hi Yi
Cameron
in the outcome and potential confounders will be
compared at the baseline. Between-group differences
LEE LAI Annisa (School of
will be measured at Month 1 and 3, adjusting for any
Sheer Vivan*
LIN Chunqing#
FONG Francois*
Journalism and Communication)
25 May 2011
Research Fund for the Control of Infectious
potential confounders with significant baseline
between-group differences.
(MD10972)
Diseases
Illness Perception of Influenza and Related
Purpose: To develop evidence-based HIV prevention
Coping Behaviors in Hong Kong General Public
interventions targeting local men who have sex with
men (MSM)
MAK Kwok Kei LAU Tak Fai Joseph MAK
Objectives: To design two interventions preventing
unprotected anal sex (UAI) targeting MSM, to
compare their relative efficacy and to compare their
Wing Sze Winnie (Psychology)
1 June 2011
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
relative efficacies against a control intervention.
Grants)
Study design: A3-arm randomized controlled trial
(RCT) method will be conducted (N=399). An online
Promoting good preventive and avoidance behaviors
questionnaire will be administered at the baseline, at
is important to prepare the general public for
Month 1 and 3.
pandemics of infectious diseases. Although yearly
Inclusion/exclusion criteria: Hong Kong Chinese
updates of vaccination are effective preventive
MSM with anal sex with men in the last 6 months,
measures of seasonable influenza, the prevalence of
visiting gay websites in the last month (>1 per week
influenza vaccination (IV) is consistently low and
and would do in the future 6 months), willing to
information about repeated vaccination is not
receive intervention materials via the internet and to
available. Understanding illness coherence and
be followed-up for 3 months, never been explored to
cognitive-emotional
interactive internet-based STD/HIV interventions.
pre-requisites for effective behavioral modifications
Interventions: Two new internet-based, STD-based
and
imagery interventions- the first intervention is based
Leventhal’s Common Sense Model (CSM) (a.k.a.
improvement
representations
of
health
are
outcomes.
the
The
Faculty of Medicine
Centre for Health Behaviours Research
Self-Regulation Model, SRM) is a social cognition
(FSW)
Population
in
Hong
Kong
model in health psychology widely used for assessing
(MD06353)
psychological predictors (identity, cause, timeline,
LAU Tak Fai Joseph TSUI Hi Yi
consequences, control, coherence, and emotional
representation) of illness. No study has used the CSM
2007-08 Behavioral Health Informatics Capacity –
to examine illness perceptions of influenza and
Building in China (MD07889)
related coping behaviors. This project aims to
LAU Tak Fai Joseph
investigate the associations of CSM-based cognitive
FRIEDMAN
Robert H.* Peng, Ji*
representation of influenza with coping behaviors in
the Hong Kong public. A cross-sectional telephone
2008-09 HIV Sexual Behavioral Research in
survey among > 500 adults will be conducted
China (SS08978)
between August 2011 and September 2011 before the
LAU Tak Fai Joseph
next seasonal peak of influenza, as an assessment of
preparedness for the next influenza pandemics of the
2009-10 Flagship
Collaboration
Project:
Hong Kong general public. CSM dimensions will be
Surveillance
assessed
Population-based Responses to Human
by
the
revised
illness
perception
Surveys
questionnaire (IPQ-R). Other questionnaire items will
Swine
be demographic information, and preventive and
(SS09410)
avoidance coping behaviors including vaccination
LAU Tak Fai Joseph
Influenza
in
on
Hong
Kong
GRIFFITHS
(initial and repeated). Logistic regression and
Sian Meryl (School of Public Health
generalizes linear models will be used to determine
and Primary Care)
the associations between CSM dimensions and the
influenza-related coping behaviors. This study will
provide
up-to-date
information
regarding
the
2009-10 The Dietary Intake and Body Weight
Status
of
Adolescent
Psychotropic
prediction of coping behaviors of pandemics with
Substance Abusers in Hong Kong – An
psychosocial factors for local and international
Explorative Study for Improving Drugs
references.
Rehabilitation Programme (SS09631)
(MD10720)
LAU Tak Fai Joseph
YUNG Ka
Chun (School of Public Health and
Please refer to previous issues of this publication
Primary Care)
for more details of the following ongoing research
at the department:
2009-10 A Pilot Social Network-based HIV Peer
Education Program for MSM in Hong
Edition
Title/Investigators
Kong (SS09894)
LAU Tak Fai Joseph
2006-07 Behavioural Surveillance Surveys of the
Male Clients of Female Sex Workers
2009-10 A Longitudinal Study of the Prevalence,
Incidence and Predictors of Seasonal
Influenza Vaccination among Children
Faculty of Medicine
Centre for Health Behaviours Research
Aged from 6 Months to 5 Years Old in
GU Jing*
TSUI Hi Yi
Hong Kong (SS09919)
LAU Tak Fai Joseph
LAU Tak Fai Joseph
MAK Wing
Sze Winnie (Psychology)
CHAN
Kay Sheung Paul (Microbiology)
2009-10 Study on Drug Abuse Situation and
Service Needs of Non-engaged Youths in
Hong Kong (SS09604)
2009-10 Event-specific Risk Factors Predicting
LAU Tak Fai Joseph
Unprotected Anal Intercourse among
Hong Kong Men Who have Sex with
Men
(MSM)
Case-crossover
Using
Study
a
Special
Design
(MD09636)
Faculty of Medicine
Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases
RESEARCH PROJECTS
Objectives:
1.
To construct a DC-specific lentiviral vector to
express 32S-peptide;
Characterization of HBV Vial Protein Induced
2.
To generate lentivectors in 293T cells;
Innate Immune Responses
3.
To check whether lentivectors could stimulate
32S-specific CD8+ T cell maturation;
HE Mingliang
4.
lentivector; and
20 June 2011
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
To check the antibody titers raised by
5.
To check whether the protection effect after
mice are challenged with lethal dose of EV71.
Research Plan: Enterovirus 71(EV71) is a viral
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major concern
pathogen within the Picornaviriadae family that
for public health since 370 million people are
causes
inflected worldwide. More than one million deaths
manifestations such as herpangina, aseptic meningitis,
were reported related to HBV-associated liver failure,
encephalitics, pulmonary edema and hand, foot and
cirrhosis and HCC annually. Our recent studies
mouth disease (HFMD). EV71-infected children can
have been demonstrated for the first time that
develop severe neurological complications that lead
HBV replication would stimulate innate immune
to rapid clinical deteriorations and even death. A
response in HepG2 cells via GRP78-mediated
significant increase in EV71 epidemics with high
stress responses. However, the detailed mechanism
mortalities has been observed throughout the
of this process is still not well understood.
Asia-Pacific region since 1997. This year, an
In this study, we propose to further identify the HBV
epidemic of EV71 infection affected more than
viral protein(s) that stimulate(s) the innate immune
10,000 young children in China and caused over 30
response in hepatocyte. Furthermore, we will dissect
children death. However, neither vaccine nor
the key motif(s) responsible for this process. Results
therapeutic treatment is available.
obtained from this study could potentially lay a
In this study, (1) we will construct a DC-specific
foundation for the development of host-target-based
lentivector to 32S-peptide in DC cells in vitro and
antiviral drugs.
check the effects of induction of dendritic cell
(MD10841)
maturation; (2) we will also measure and compare the
clinical
diseases
in
humans
with
numbers of 32S-specific CD8+ T cells and antibody
A New Vaccine Against EV71: Dendric Cell
titers against 32S peptide after immunization of mice
Specific Vaccination (Sub-project of MD09881)
using
vector
and
3S
peptide-keyhole
limpet
hemocyanin (32S-KLH); (3) we will test the
KUNG Hsiang Fu HE Mingliang
1 July 2010
Research Fund for the Control of Infectious
efficiency for protection of mice after challenged
with dead dose of EV71.
(MD10802)
Diseases Commissioned Grant
Faculty of Medicine
Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases
Preliminary Testing of HPV therapeutic Vaccine
has been applied for over ten years and get significant
by Combination of Superantigen and Traditional
results by killing tumor cells and enhancing
E6 & E7 Protein for Treating Cervical Cancer
immunity.
So, in this project, considering the mild effects of E6
KUNG Hsiang Fu
ZHANG Jinfang
WANG
and E7 we wonder the effect of combination of Sags
and E6 or E7 to cervical cancer.
Hua
(BL10462)
10 November 2010
HealthBaby Biotech (Hong Kong) Co Ltd
A Novel Vaccine System Consisted of HPV E7
Cervical
cancer
is
the
second
leading
fetal
Fusion Proteins that Works Synergistically with
malignancy among women worldwide and is a
Staphylococcal Enterotoxin C2 in HPV-associated
pressing health issue in the female community.
Tumor-bearing Mice
Although radical surgery and radiotherapy represent
effective treating modalities for invaseive cervical
KUNG Hsiang Fu ZHANG Jinfang
cancer, the treatment outcome is still unsatisfactory
30 June 2011
for 35% of the overall patients will develop recurrent
or metastatic disease. Therefore, effective therapy in
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
reducing the risk of recurrence or metastatic disease
is desperately needed.
Cervical
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is regarded
malignancy among women worldwide and is a
as the prime risk factor in the development of
pressing health issue in the female community.
cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer. Two HPV
Although radical surgery and radiotherapy represent
oncoproteins, E6 and E7, are constantly expressed in
effective treating modalities for invasive cervical
cervical cancer and represent ideal tumor-specific
cancer, the treatment outcome is still unsatisfactory
target antigens for immunotherapy. Last year, our
for 35% of the overall patients will develop recurrent
group has demonstrated that E6 and E7 and generated
or metastatic disease. Therefore, effective therapy in
potent antitumor effect in preclinical HPV-16
reducing the risk of recurrence or metastatic disease
expressing tumor mice model. However, the theraptic
is desperately needed.
effects were moderate and not get to the standard of
Out team has generated E6 (PE-E6-K3) and E7
the
protein.
(PE-E7-K3) fusion protein therapeutic vaccines and
Superantigens (SAgs) are a class of antigens which
our previous data has demonstrated that E6 and E7
cause non-specific activation of T-cells resulting in
proteins
polyclonal T cell activation and massive cytokine
preclinical HPV-16 expressing tumor mice model.
release. SAgs can be produced by pathogenic
However, the therapeutic effects of these proteins
microbes (including viruses,
were moderate and not get to the standard of the
clinical
usage,
especially
E6
mycoplasma,
and
cancer
is
generated
the
potent
second
leading
antitumor
effect
fetal
in
bacteria) as a defense mechanism against the immune
clinical usage, especially E7 protein.
system. The Sags is recombination staphylococcal
In this proposal, we are going to study the anti-tumor
enterotoxin and were centificated by State Food and
effect of immunotherapy (induced by SEC2) and E7
Drug Administration, P.R. China (SFDA). The Sags
fusion protein. We will investigate the therapeutic
Faculty of Medicine
Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases
potentials of combing superantigen SEC2 with E7
reducing social inequality in Hong Kong. We will
fusion protein vaccine and the underlying mechanism
adopt a case study approach to obtain a detailed and
will be clarified. Therefore, the outcome of this study
contextualized understanding and allow comparisons
will
and
across 5 contrasting sites (Hong Kong, mainland
immunotherapeutic basis for treating cervical cancer
China, Taiwan, United Kingdom and Canada). Both
patient via vaccine-combined with immunotherapy.
qualitative and quantitative study methods will be
(MD10888)
used.
be
well
presented
as
preclinical
The study will bear significant information useful for
Legal Recognition of Same Sex Partnerships in a
consideration by policy makers and service providers
Chinese Context: A Public Health Perspective
in formulating policies and planning programmes
related to same-sex partnership in Hong Kong.
LEE Chi Kei
LEE Sing (Psychiatry)
(MD10377)
GRIFFITHS Sian Meryl (School of Public
Health and Primary Care) LEE Shui Shan
1 July 2010
Shaw College, CUHK
Marriage is constructed as a key social institution for
the welfare of our society. In the past decade, a major
shift in this ideology is the gradual recognition of
same-sex partnership in the form of marriage or its
variants such as civil unions or domestic partnerships.
Exploration of HIV Transmission Risk in Men
Having Sex with Men (MSM) Using a Two-mode
Network Approach
LEE Shui Shan
LEE Chi Kei
YAN Houmin
(Systems Engineering & Engin. Management)#
1 January 2011
Research Grants Council - General Research
Fund
As of November 2007, around 30 countries or its
states have given some form of legal recognition and
The rising number of men having sex with men
protection to same-sex partnerships.
(MSM) reported with HIV infection in Asia and the
Strong and consistent evidence shows that marriage
Pacific is a cause for concern. It is hypothesized that
is associated with various remarkable improved
the phenomenon might have arisen from changes in
health-related outcomes, including lower death rates,
network
decreased mental illness rates, higher life satisfaction
behaviours. The study is founded on the 2-mode
and improved social well-being. In accessibility to
principle of the duality of place and people, with
marriage between partners of the same sex is
MSMs seeking sex partners at specific venues being
considered a form of structural discrimination to non
considered to be closer to one another. The objectives
- heterosexuals. In Hong Kong, same-sex marriage
of the study are, using a 2-mode approach, to
has been a controversial topic that has attracted
describe the network configuration of MSM, track
intense media attention. Polarized views were
changes longitudinally, and differentiate the risk
noticeable during public debates.
between different venues of sex partnership. The
The present study aims to generate evidence on the
study is planned to be rolled out in 4 phases. Phase I
health implications of same -sex marriage and its
involves MSM sampling and the establishment of a
relevance towards modifying the society norms and
relational database on sex networking. Through a
configuration
instead
of
individual
Faculty of Medicine
Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases
field survey administered through gay saunas and the
IL28B encodes interferon-λ-3, the genetic variation
internet, the sex-partnership pattern of 200 Chinese
of which has recently been demonstrated to be
MSM in Hong Kong would be assessed. An
associated with treatment outcome in hepatitis C
affiliation matrix is constructed to record the
virus (HCV) infected patients. Ethnic variation of the
frequency of sex partnership in different venues,
C>T at rs12979860 has likewise been reported, the
alongside behavioural and demographic data. Phase
implications of which would be far-reaching in view
II centres on the mapping of MSM networks, their
of the availability of the battery of antiviral agents for
visualization,
network
HCV treatment. To face the challenge of the
measures in terms of density and centrality.
paradigm change, a cohort of HCV infected injection
Longitudinal data would be collected over a one year
drug users (IDU) in Hong Kong would be tested for
period to model the changes of configuration. The
the allelic frequency and genotype of IL28B, taking
influences of regular partnership, alongside the
reference from genomic studies reported in the
partner-seeking practice at different venues, will be
literature. Archived samples from a cohort of about
assessed. At Phase III simulation modeling would be
300 IDU recruited in 2006 would form the study
conducted to explore differences in infection risk
population in this project. An in-house pilot system
between MSM using different sex partnership venues.
using RT-PCR would be designed for the genotypic
Simulation would be pursued on the foundation of the
and allelic studies. An assessment would then be
co-evolution model. Results collected from the three
made to explore the implications of the new
phases would then be integrated for the development
knowledge in the prevention, treatment and control of
of analysis, on the advice of people in the community
HCV infection in IDU in the Hong Kong setting. This
and venue operators, during the final Phase IV.
would involve an integration of virus and host factors,
Feedback from MSM and public health authorities
the latter incorporating demographic information as
would be collected for improving the output
well as the profile of injection behaviour.
generation process. The analysis so obtained would
(MD10677)
and
the
calculation
of
be useful for assessing the HIV risk of MSM in the
coming years, and would provide the rationale for
Assessing HIV Risk in Donated Blood and Blood
appropriate intervention to be designed for preventing
Products in Hong Kong
HIV transmission in a Chinese community.
(CU10701)
LEE Shui Shan
LEE Chi Kei
LEE Cheuk
Kwong*
Genetic Variation in IL28B in a Cohort of HCV
Infected Injection Drug Users in Hong Kong
LEE Shui Shan
CHAN Pui Chung Denise
1 May 2011
Council for the AIDS Trust Fund
Objective: The objectives are to examine the risk
LEE Chi Kei
behaviour of blood donors and to examine the
1 April 2011
health-seeking behaviour of men who have sex with
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
men (MSM).
Grants)
Faculty of Medicine
Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases
Design: Two cross-sectional electronic-based survey
geographically and temporally with the application of
studies of risk behaviour of blood donors and
Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies,
health-seeking behaviour of MSM.
and to evaluate the surveillance mechanisms of
Setting: Seven blood donation centers and interest
infectious
website.
spatial/temporal analysis would be incorporated to
Project Layout: Two surveys will be conducted. The
examine the profile of institutions and residents, the
first one invites post-donation blood donors to fill in
implementation of infection control practice and the
a questionnaire for studying the situation of blood
current
donors with risk behaviour. Risk behaviour includes
microorganisms colonization among residents in
drug injection, prostitution and men who have had
RCHE. Qualitative analyses would also be conducted
sex with men (MSM) for blood donation. Another
to assess the feasibility of implementing a space-time
survey will be conducted at the same time.
surveillance system in RCHE and to evaluate its
Recruitment notice will be posted on websites
effectiveness in enhancing infection control practices.
frequently browsed by MSM. Participants are
The results of this project would be expected to
required to fill in a detailed questionnaire to study
provide up-to-date information of infection control
their risk behaviour, health-seeking intention, and
practice in RCHE, to enable further understanding on
reasons for having such behaviour.
infection control programme, and to enhance the
Anticipated outcome: The study may provide updated
current surveillance system of infectious disease in
information of the situation of risk behaviour of
RCHE.
blood donors in Hong Kong and for understanding
(MD10882)
diseases
situation
in
of
RCHE.
Descriptive
multi-drug
resistant
reasons for test-seeking behaviour of MSM. This
evidence-based information may provide reference
Please refer to previous issues of this publication
and insight for revision of blood donation policy and
for more details of the following ongoing research
HIV-health service.
at the department:
(MD10627)
Edition
Title/Investigators
Examination of Surveillance of Infectious Diseases
and Infection Control in Residential Care Homes
for Elderly
2008-09 Therapeutic
TBX2/TBX3
Antagonist
Peptide for the Treatment of Multiple
Cancers (BL08755)
LEE Shui Shan PANG Tak Ting
HE Mingliang KUNG Hsiang Fu
DONG Qi WU Wing Yi#
1 May 2011
Centre for Health Protection, Department of
2009-10 Differential Gene Expression Profiles of
Health, HKSAR Government
CD4+/CD8+T
Cells
in
HIV, HCV
This is a two-year research project the objective of
Monoinfected and HIV/HCV Confected
which is to describe the infection control practice and
Patients (MD09796)
infectious disease occurrence in Residential Care
Homes
for
Elderly
(RCHE)
in
Hong
Kong
Faculty of Medicine
Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases
HE Mingliang
ZHAO Jin*
2009-10 腫瘤非編碼 RNA 轉錄加工相關蛋白的
功能研究 Research on the Functions of
KUNG Hsiang Fu
Proteins Related to Post-transcriptional
2007-08 Function
and
Regulation
of
Processing of Tumour Non-coding RNAs
ADP-ribosylation Factor 6 (ARF6) in
(MD09829)
EGF
孔祥復 KUNG Hsiang Fu
Mediated
Glioblastoma
Cell
Proliferation (CU07675)
KUNG
Hsiang
Fu
CHEN
2008-09 Legal
Recognition
of
Same
Sex
Yangchao (School of Biomedical
Partnerships in a Chinese Context: A
Sciences) LIN Chia Mi Marie*
Public Health Perspective (MD08972)
LEE Chi Kei
2009-10 Functional
microRNAs
characterization
associated
with
of
glioma
carcinogenesis (CU09671)
KUNG
Hsiang
TAM Siu Mi Maria
(Anthropology)
(Psychiatry)
LEE
Sing
GRIFFITHS Sian
Meryl (School of Public Health and
Fu
CHEN
Primary Care) LEE Shui Shan
Yangchao (School of Biomedical
Sciences) HE Mingliang
2008-09 (PPE
581
Project
3)
–
Sexually
Transmitted Diseased (STD) Testing for
2009-10 The Gene Expression Profiles of CD4
Male Sex Workers in Hong Kong
and CD8 Cells in Influenza Infected
Medical
Patients
(MD08379)
(Sub-project
of
MD09881)
Support
and
Research
LEE Chi Kei LI Chun Wai*
(MD09543)
KUNG Hsiang Fu HE Mingliang
HUI Shu Cheong David (Medicine
& Therapeutics)
LEE Lai Shun
2009-10 Evaluation of the Men who have Sex
with Men (MSM) Syphilis Prevention
Campaign (MD09809)
Nelson (Medicine & Therapeutics)
LEE Chi Kei
2009-10 Evaluation
of
Novel
Non-immunosuppressive
Cyclosporines
as Potential Antiviral Agents Against
Enterovirus
EV71
(Sub-project
of
KWOK Lai Yi
LEE Shui Shan
2009-10 Social
Network
Contexts
of
Configuration
Influenza
and
Infection
MD09881) (MD09566)
(Sub-project of MD09881) (MD09544)
KUNG Hsiang Fu HE Mingliang
LEE Chi Kei
LEE Shui Shan
CHOI Kin Wing* TO Kin Wang*
2009-10 (Sub-project of MD09881) Identification
of Super Interferon Against EV71 Virus
2009-10 Quantitative Study on “Understanding
(MD09820)
the Perception of Risk in Gay Men
KUNG Hsiang Fu HE Mingliang
Attending Private Group Sex Parties”
(MD09373)
Faculty of Medicine
Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases
LEE Chi Kei
PUI Wing Tai*
2009-10 Training
Programme
on
Syndormic
Surveillance in Clinical and Public
KWOK Lai Yi
Health Practice (MD09422)
2009-10 A
Community-based
Sexual
Health
LEE Shui Shan
Clinic for Female Sex Workers in Hong
2009-10 Exploratory Study on the Diffusion
Kong (MD09934)
LEE Chi Kei
LEE Shui Shan
Pattern of Human Swine Flu in Hong
FONG Francois Yeung (School of
Kong (MD09350)
Public Health and Primary Care)
LEE Shui Shan
2006-07 Early
Access
Combination
Background
of
in
2009-10 Socio-spatial Contexts of Sex Partnership
Optimized
in Sauna-associated MSM Community
MK-0518
with
an
Antiretroviral
Therapy
(OBT) in Highly Treatment Experienced
(MD09506)
LEE Shui Shan LEE Chi Kei
HIV-1 Infected Patients with Limited to
No Treatment Options (MD06428)
LEE Shui Shan
2009-10 Therapeutic
WU Che Yuen
Justin (Medicine & Therapeutics)
Drug
Monitoring
for
Optimizing HIV Treatment (MD09733)
LEE Shui Shan CHEUNG Siu Wai
LEE Lai Shun Nelson (Medicine &
(Microbiology)
Therapeutics) CHOI Kin Wing*
Yeung Raphael (Microbiology)
CHAN
Chiu
CHAN Pui Chung Denise
2008-09 The
Pharmacologic
Correlates
of
Neurologic Toxicity of Efavirenz in
2009-10 Profiling
Host
Genetic
Factor
for
Chinese HIV Patients (MD08891)
Evaluating Hyperlipidaemia Associated
LEE Shui Shan
with HIV Treatment (MD09748)
CHAN Pui Chung
Denise TO Kin Wang* LI Chung
Ki Patrick*
LEE Man Po*
CHEUNG Siu Wai*
CHAN Chiu
LEE Shui Shan
CHAN Pui Chung
Denise TO Kin Wang* LEE Man
Po* LI Chung Ki Patrick*
Yeung Raphael (Microbiology)
Faculty of Medicine
Centre of Research and Promotion of Women's Health
(>40%) in soy is a precursor of equol. Equol
RESEARCH PROJECTS
production is hypothesized to be the key to the
clinical effectiveness of isoflavones. The role of
A Double-blind Randomized Controlled Trial on
whole soy or daidzein on BP is yet unclear.
Whole Soy and Daidzein Supplementation on
We hypothesize that whole soy (soy flour) or purified
Reduction of Blood Pressure in Prehypertensive
daidzein alone could reduce BP, improve EF, and
Postmenopausal Chinese Women
decrease CVD risks in equol-producing menopausal
women with prehypertension or initial untreated
LIU Zhaomin
CHEN Yuming (School of
Public Health and Primary Care)
HO Sin Yee
hypertension. We propose to perform a 24-week
double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in
HO
postmenopausal women with prehypertension or
CHAN Suzanne (School of Public Health and
stage 1 hypertension. The primary objective is to
Primary Care)
verify if whole soy (soy flour) or purified daidzein
Stella (Imaging & Interventional Radiol)
TANG Leung Sang Nelson
(Chemical Pathology)
Pharmacy)
Therapeutics)
WOO
To KKW (School of
alone has anti-hypertensive effects at a dosage of
Jean
habitual high soy intake (top quartile in Hong Kong
(Medicine
&
TOMLINSON Brian (Medicine
women)
in
prehypertensive
equolproducing
postmenopausal women; and the secondary objective
& Therapeutics)
is to test and compare their effects on endothelial
1 October 2010
Research Grants Council - General Research
Fund
function and other cardiovascular risk factors (lipid
profile,
glycemic
control
and
inflammatory
biomarkers).
Hypertension is an important risk factor for
This study will be performed in community subjects.
cardiovascular diseases. Substantial evidence has also
If the hypotensive effect of whole soy (soy flour)
shown that prehypertension [systolic blood pressure
and/or daidzein is proven, the provision of whole soy
(BP) 120-139 mm Hg or diastolic BP 80-89 mm Hg]
foods or daidzein extracts alone will be an important
is the strongest predictor of incident hypertension and
strategy for the primary and secondary prevention of
is associated with elevated risk of cardiovascular
hypertension and cardiovascular diseases on a
diseases. Thus, prehypertension and its progression to
population
hypertension
prehypertension or early hypertension has enormous
have
enormous
public
health
basis.
The
population
control
of
implications.
public health significance. These research efforts will
Soybean contains many beneficial components,
also have significant implications in the industrial
among which isoflavones have received most
segment in the provision of suitable soy products or
research attention. The prominent soy isoflavone
food fortification for the prevention of hypertension
components are genistein and daidzein. Recently
and its related complications.
researchers have investigated their influences on
(CU10658)
vascular functions but only a handful of studies have
focused on BP reduction as the primary outcome.
Daidzein, the second most abundant isoflavone
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Surgery
having malignant ureteric obstruction by
RESEARCH PROJECTS
relieving the obstruction without the need of
frequent and repetitive changes as in the cases
The Use of Metallic Stent (Memokath 051) to
of the conventional double J stents or external
Relieve Cancerous Ureteric Obstruction
percutaneous nephrostomy drainage tubes and
hence multiple hospital admissions (4-5
CHAN Chi Kwok
YIP Kam Hung
admissions per patient per year). What is
NG Siu
more important, the quality of life of these
Man Simon YIM So Fan*
unfortunate patients will be greatly improved
1 August 2010
and preserved; and
S.K. Yee Medical Foundation
2.
To reduce number of intervention and hospital
The main aim of the project is to provide a simple,
admission so that patients have more time
efficacious, durable and better tolerated alternative
with their families of higher quality.
(Memokath 051) to our patients having ureteric
(MD10626)
obstruction due to advanced cancer. Persistent
untreated ureteral obstruction leads to permanent
Association
between
ZBP-89
kidney damage followed by renal failure and even
Deacetylase/Histone
death. Untreated ureteral obstruction also leads
Hepatocellular Carcinoma
and
Histone
Acetyltransferase
in
severe loin pain and severe kidney infection, which is
often intolerable and endangering the lives of the
CHEN Gong George LAI Bo San Paul
patients.
30 June 2011
The ureteral obstruction is conventionally relieved by
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
insertion of an internal plastic double J stent (a tube)
Grants)
into the ureter or by drainage of the obstructed kidney
with the use of an external tube (percutaneous
ZBP-89, a transcription factor, has been shown to
nephrostomy).
an
regulate a number of genes that are related to cell
endoscopic procedure every 2 – 3 months for revision,
proliferation, growth, differentiation, and apoptosis
and ultimately most fail necessiting the use of
(1). Functionally, ZBP-89 is able to inhibit the
external drainage via percutaneous drainage. On the
development and growth of certain cancers including
other hand, percutaneous drainage is disfiguring to
hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The molecular
most people and often greatly corrupts their quality of
mechanism responsible for the tumor-inhibitory
life with its external drainage bag. They also require
effect of ZBP-89 is largely unknown, but ZBP-89 is
scheduled drainage at every 3-month time but urgent
known to bind to GC-rich elements in the promoter
revisions are often seen as they are prone to
region of target genes, suggesting a possible
dislodgement and infection.
mechanism involved in DNA methylation. The
Memokath 051 will revolutionize the treatment
degree of acetylation is mediated by histone
option currently available, being able
acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases
1.
(HDACs). Among the HDACs, HDAC1 and HDAC3
The double
J
stents need
To improve those poor and sick patients
appear to participate in hepatocarcinogenesis or HCC
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Surgery
growth and HDAC inhibitors have emerged as a new
been shown to inhibit bovine aortic endothelial cell
class of anti-cancer agents for HCC. Since ZBP-89
proliferation, revealing its potential antiangiogenic
has been shown to associate with HDAC1 and
activity. We first investigated the in vivo efficacy of
HDAC3 in cervical cancer and lung cancer cells
recombinant adeno-associated virus carrying human
respectively, we thus wonder if ZBP-89 can associate
vastatin (rAAV-vastatin) for treating hepatocellular
with HDAC1/HDAC3 in HCC. In addition, the
carcinoma (HCC) in a rat orthotopic model. Recently,
function of ZBP-89 may require p300, and ZBP-89
we evaluated its effect for treating glioblastoma in a
can form a complex with p300. Interestingly, the
human glioblatoma U87 cell nude mouse xenograft
activity of HAT is regulated by p300. Therefore, it is
model, and compared its efficacy with other
possible that ZBP-89 may regulate the activity of
anti-angiogenic genes. Our results showed that
HAT via interacting with p300. We therefore
rAAV-vastatin significantly prolongs median survival
hypothesize that ZBP-89 can regulate the levels of
time and inhibits tumor growth in both HCC-bearing
HDAC1/3 and HAT which can in turn enhance the
rats and U87 glioblastoma-bearing mice. No toxicity
anti-tumor effects of chemotherapy of HCC. The
was
purpose of this study is to determine the effect of
rAAV-vastatin was administered. Importantly, we
ZBP-89 on the levels of HDAC1/2 and HAT and to
discovered that vastatin is particularly effective for
analyze whether such an influence will increase the
the treatment of glioblastoma. As the molecular
sensitivity of HCC cells to chemotherapy.
mechanisms and the therapeutic benefits associated
(MD10575)
with
observed,
even
when
vastatin-mediated
a
therapy
high
are
dose
not
of
fully
understood, we propose here to further evaluate the
A Novel Antiangiogenic Molecule, the NC1
therapeutic efficacy of vastatin in a clinically relevant
Domain of Type VIII Collagen: Therapeutic
intracranial glioblastoma animal model, and examine
Effect,
the
Mechanism
of
Action,
and
Signal
Transduction Pathway
mechanisms
by
which
vastatin
inhibits
angiogenesis and glioblastoma proliferation. We will
identify the downstream targets and signaling
LIN Marie Chia-mi NG Sai Ming Samuel*
pathways for vastatin-mediated anti-angiogenic and
1 November 2010
anti-glioblastoma therapies. Understanding these
Research Grants Council - General Research
Fund
mechanisms should lead to future advances in the
clinical use of vastatin and in the development of
novel, promising treatments for glioblastoma, HCC
Angiogenesis plays an important role in many
and other cancers.
diseases including cancer. Although antiangiogenic
(CU10729)
agents targeting vascular endothelial growth factor
are already in clinical use and can effectively treat
The Role of microRNA in Glioblastoma Invasion
various cancers, there is a continued need for the
and
development of new angiogenesis inhibitors to
Transitions
Proneural
Mesenchymal
Stem-like
circumvent resistance or reduce toxicity.
A recombinant polypeptide, NC1 domain of the α
LIN Marie Chia-mi
chain of type VIII collagen (vastatin), has previously
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Surgery
1 April 2011
further determine and compare the molecular
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
mechanisms by which miR-124a regulates cell
proliferation, invasion, PMT, and MST. Knowledge
Grants)
gained will provide new insights regarding the
A hallmark feature of the most common and lethal
potential roles of miR-124a in glioma / glioblastoma
primary brain tumor, glioblastoma (GBM), is its
carcinogenesis and may lead to the discovery of
highly invasive potential, immature differentiation
novel carcinogenic pathways, therapeutic targets, as
state and a subpopulation of tumor-initiating Cancer
well as prognostic biomarkers.
Stem Cell (CSC) type. Novel insights into the
(MD10765)
molecular mechanisms that drive GBM and CSC
formations are urgently needed in order to develop
Functions
new strategies for improved patient outcome. The
Dopaminergic
emerging
Mesenchymal Stem Cells
concept
of
generating
CSCs
from
of
NRSF-targeted
MicroRNAs
Differentiation
of
in
Human
Epithelial-Mesenchymal cells has attracted great
interests. We have recently reported that miR-200a
LU Gang
POON Wai Sang
KUNG Hsiang
could regulate Epithelial-Mesenchymal and Stem-like
Fu (Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging Infectious
Transitions (EMST) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Diseases)
cells. However, the expression level of miR-200 is
very low in both normal brain and glioma samples
and members of miR-200 family are not effective in
controlling MST in GBM. Instead, the brain enriched
30 June 2011
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
miR-124a has previously been shown to be
MicroRNAs are short non-coding RNAs involved in
down-regulated
tissues.
post-transcription regulation of gene expression and
Over-expression of miRNA-124a could promote the
diverse biological activities. They are crucial for
differentiation of brain tumor stem cells. We
self-renewal and behavior of embryonic stem cells,
hypothesize that miR-124a may exert this effect by
but their role in mesenchymal stem cells is poorly
shifting the brain tumor stem cells through a reversed
understood. Recently emerging evidence suggests
Proneural Mesenchymal and Stem-like Transitions
that miRNAs are closely involved in controlling key
(PMST), a process reminiscent to that of EMST.
steps of mesenchymal stem cell differentiation into
Consistent with this hypothesis, our preliminary data
certain cell lineages. NRSF (Neural Restrictive
showed
in
Silencing Factor) regulates neuronal gene expression
the
through interacting with a group of corepressor
several
proteins. In this study, we propose to investigate the
Stem-like traits including CD133+ side population,
functional relationship between primate specific
neurosphere formation, and stem cell marker
microRNA and Dopamine neural differentiation in
expressions. In this application, we aim to extend our
MSCs. We plan to employ a bioinformatic analysis to
observations and investigate the potential functions of
select candidate microRNAs targeting the NRSF
miR-124a in GBM invasion and PMST by both gain
corepressors to identify several specific microRNAs.
of function and loss of function studies. We will
Using both bone marrow derived and umbilical cord
that
in
glioma/GBM
over-expression
Mesenchymal-like
GBM
migration/invasion
and
of
cells
also
miR-124a
inhibited
reduced
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Surgery
derived MSCs to further demonstrated the functions
primary and metastatic GIST demonstrated that
and underlying mechanisms of each microRNA as
imatinib is feasible as a neoadjuvant treatment for
well as the expression of downstream response
GIST (Eisenberg 2008).
factors of NRSF complex. Information gained from
In concordant with neoadjuvant imatinib therapy,
this study will provide new insights regarding the
nilotinib, a second generation tyrosine kinase
mechanisms of MSC neural differentiation, which
inhibitor, has shown clinical activity in GIST
may lead to new approaches to include MSC neural
progressing on imatinib and sunitinib ( Montemurro
differentiation
2009).
for
clinical
treatment
such
as
At
physiologically
concentrations,
the
Parkinson’s diseases.
intracellular levels of nilotinib are much higher (7-10
(MD10617)
fold) than those of imatinib as demonstrated in two
GIST cell lines (Prenen 2006). However, no study
in
has been done to investigate the role of nilotinib in
Unresectable or Marginally Unresectable Patients
neoadjuvant setting. We postulate that nilotinib may
with Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST)
be more clinically beneficial to responsive GIST as a
The
Efficacy
of
Neoadjuvant
Nilotinib
neoadjuvant therapy in comparison to imatinib, in
NG Enders Kwok-wai CHIU Wai Yan Philip
TO Ka Fai (Anatomical & Cellular Pathology)
1 August 2010
Novartis Pharmaceuticals (HK) Ltd
which there might be more effective in reducing
tumor size to allow organ-preserving surgery. In this
study, patients diagnosed with unresectable or
marginally unresectable GIST will be treated with
nilotinib for maximun 6 months before resection
The role of imatinib neoadjuvant therapy in GIST has
(Joensuu 2008). The computed tomography (CT)
recently been discussed and explored in clinical trials.
scan,
In a case report, a 72-year-old man with irregular and
emission tomography (18FDG-PET) scan, blood test
low-density GIST of 7cm x 6cm in the rectum was
and biomakers will be done to monitor the tumor
treated with imatinib 400 mg daily for 1.5 months
response.
before surgery. The tumor showed cystic changes
(MD10541)
fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose
positron
with sharp demarcation in the resected specimen, and
the size was reduced to 4cm x 3.5cm x 3cm. This
The Role of CEACAM6 Overexpression in
patient responded well with a disease free survival of
Peritoneal Metastases of Gastric Cancer
57 months at the time of report (Hou 2009). In
another successful case, a 69-year-old man with a
huge tumor (23 x 14 x 12cm) adjacent to the greater
curvature of the stomach, the pancreatic tail and the
descending colon was treated with imatinib 400mg
daily for 4 months. The tumor size shrink to 7cm x
NG Enders Kwok-wai
LUNG Kar Wing
Lydia# CHIU Wai Yan Philip
1 June 2011
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
6cm x 6cm before operation, and the patient
performed well after tumor excision with a DFS of
Gastric
3.5 years (Tanaka 2008). Recently, a larger scale
malignancy-related
phase II prospective trial of neoadjuvant imatinib for
According to Globocan Database 2008 published by
cancer
is
the
cause
second
of
most
death
common
worldwide.
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Surgery
the World Health Organization, over 65% of gastric
about changes in tumor cells migration and
cancers are indeed diagnosed within Asia, of which
implantation will be investigated.
China, Japan, and Korea are countries bearing the
(MD10819)
highest incidence. Though recent advancement in
surgical and medical oncological treatment has led to
The Impact of Fast-track Perioperative Program
improved survival outcomes among patients with
on the Clinical and Immunological Outcomes after
locally advanced gastric cancer, prognosis of those
Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery in Hong Kong
with peritoneal and distant metastases remains
Chinese Patients: A Propective Randomized Trial
pessimistic.
Novel
therapeutic
agent
targeting
metastatic mechanism of gastric carcinoma is
therefore of urgent needs.
Carcinoembryonic
molecule
6
NG Siu Man Simon CHAN Simon Kin Cheong
(Anaesthesia & Intensive Care)
antigen-related
(CEACAM6)
cell
is
glycosylphosphatidylinositol-linked
adhesion
a
90kDa
(GPI-linked)
macromolecule that belongs to the carcinoembryonic
antigene (CEA) family. It is known to play an
Ling
Margaret
(Anatomical
NG Heung
&
Cellular
Pathology) LEE Fung Yee Janet LAI Bo San
Paul
1 October 2010
Health and Health Services Research Fund
influential role in cell-cell interaction and tumor
migratory ability. Moreover, CEACAM6 expression
Background: Laparoscopic colorectal surgery has
has
with
been shown by randomized trials to be associated
anoikis-resistance, and it is thought to be mediated by
with better short-term clinical outcomes when
CEACAM6
Akt
compared with open surgery. However, in a
phosphorylation and upregulation of insulin-like
traditional perioperative care setting, the reduction in
growth factor I (IGF-I). All these biomolecular
hospital stay following laparoscopic surgery in these
features of CEACAM6 in pancreatic adenocarcinoma
trials was modest. Fast-track perioperative programs
have been well reported, but whether the same
have been introduced in the West to optimize
happens to gastric cancer remains undetermined.
perioperative
In our previous experiments, we observed that
physiological/psychological stress of open colorectal
CEACAM6 upregulation can be induced in gastric
surgery. However, few studies have evaluated the
cancer cells by exposure to peritoneal mesothelial
impact of fast-track programs on the outcomes after
cells. In addition, we also confirmed that native
laparoscopic colorectal surgery.
overexpression of CEACAM6 in MKN45, a gastric
Objective:
cancer cell line, is associated with increased cellular
immunological outcomes of Hong Kong Chinese
invasiveness. In this proposal, we aim to determine
patients
whether CEACAM6 upregulation is playing a
colorectal
genuine role in peritoneal metastases of gastric
“fast-track” perioperative program.
cancer in vivo. In addition, we want to investigate the
Design: Prospective randomized trial.
downstream
CEACAM6
Subject: One hundred and twenty-eight consecutive
overexpression in gastric cancer and how it brings
patients undergoing elective laparoscopic resection of
been
reported
induced
to
be
associated
suppression
mechanism
of
of
factors
To
to
compare
undergoing
the
laparoscopic
cancer with
a
reduce
the
clinical
and
surgery
“traditional’’
for
vs. a
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Surgery
non-metastatic colonic and upper rectal cancer will
should be considered for patients who are at high-risk
be recruited.
of recurrence. At present, no surrogate markers are
Interventions: Patients will be randomized to a
validated for predicting rectal cancer recurrence at
“traditional” or a “fast-track” perioperative program.
the time of surgery, and therefore there is a pressing
Outcome
total
need to discover new prognostic markers to guide
postoperative hospital stay, including hospital stay of
individualized postoperative therapy. In this study,
patients who are readmitted within 30 days after
we propose to evaluate the feasibility of using
surgery.
immunological
microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles in tumor
parameters (including systemic cytokine response
tissues as prognostic biomarkers for prediction of
and cell-mediated immune function), morbidity and
rectal cancer recurrence after curative surgery.
mortality, quality of life, and medical costs.
TaqMan® Human MicroRNA Array will be used to
Conclusion: This study may confirm whether the
generate differentially expressed miRNA profiles
introduction of fast-track perioperative program will
from tumor and paired nontumorous tissues of 4
further improve postoperative recovery and shorten
selected rectal cancer patients (2 with recurrence and
hospital stay after laparoscopic colorectal surgery.
2 without recurrence after surgery). Dysregulated
This may help reduce the financial burden to the
miRNAs (change >2-fold as a cut-off value) will be
hospital/health care system. Furthermore, this study
identified
may improve our understanding of the impact of
expressions will be validated in an independent
fast-track program on the immunological outcomes
cohort of 54 rectal cancer patients (24 with
after laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer.
recurrence), using quantitive reverse transcription
(MD10341)
polymerase chain reaction assays. The correlation
measure:
Secondary
Primary
outcomes:
outcomes:
as
candidate
biomarkers,
and
their
between these candidate miRNA expressions and
Prognostic
recurrence/survival will be evaluated with univariate
Biomarkers for Prediction of Rectal Cancer
and mulrivariate analyses. It is hoped that our results
Recurrence after Curative Surgery
can help establish a panel of miRNA markers in
Evaluation
of
microRNAs
as
tumor tissues that outperforms existing test for
NG Siu Man Simon
YU Jun (Medicine &
Therapeutics)
prediction of rectal cancer recurrence.
(MD10336)
1 May 2011
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
Combined Therapy of TRAIL-secreting Umbilical
Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell and Lovastain for
Glioblastoma
Rectal cancer constitutes approximately 1/3 of all
colorectal cancer cases. Despite major improvements
in surgical techniques and postoperative care, up to
25% of rectal cancer patients will still experience a
recurrence within 5 years after curative surgery;
recurrence is often the ultimate cause of death in
POON Wai Sang
KUNG Hsiang Fu (Stanley
Ho Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases)
30 June 2011
CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct
Grants)
rectal cancer patients. Aggressive adjuvant therapy
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Surgery
Factor-Related
which in turn reduces chances of major complications
Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand, TRAIL, is regarded as
including cardiovascular, cerebral vascular events
an ideal anti-tumor drug because of its cytotoxic
and mortality.
effect to the tumor cells without harming normal cells.
The project reduces risks of such surgery to otherwise
However, most of the glioblastoma cells are resistant
high risks patients, namely, those aged >70, and/or
to TRAIL in varying degree, limiting is efficacy. Our
patients with ASA status class II or above, at no
previous work found lovastatin, a cholesterol-lowing
additional costs to patients, and with added benefit of
drug, can sensitize TRAIL-induced apoptosis by
reduced hospital stay.
death receptor 5 (DR5) upregulation. The short
We aim to offer prostate surgery using available and
half-life in vivo is another difficulty that needs to be
affordable technology with proven safety profile at
addressed. In this study, we will utilize mesenchymal
no additional cost to patients who are high risk
stem cells derived from umbilical cord as a carrier to
surgical / elderly patients. They are in retention of
target-deliver and continuously secrete TRAIL. This
urine, and we shall render them free of indwelling
system
urinary catheter and enjoy good quality of life with
The
Tumor
can
Necrosis
provide
a
stable
concentration
surrounding the tumor and targeting attack. This
minimal urinary disturbances.
project can provide a new insight into the treatment
(MD10488)
of glioblastoma.
(MD10568)
Clinical Profile of Lower Urinary Tract Changes
and Urinary Marker Measurements in Young
Hybrid Bipolar Transurethral Vaporization and
Adults Using Ketamine
Resection of Prostate for at Risk/Elderly Patients
YIP Kam Hung NG Chi Fai CHAN Shu Yin
in Urinary Retention
Eddie*
YIP Kam Hung
NG Chi Fai
HOU See Ming Simon*
CHUI Ka Lun*
CHEUNG Ho
Yuen* TAM Po Chor*
CHU Chiu Wing Winnie (Imaging &
Interventional Radiol)
HOU See Ming Simon*
CHEUNG Ho Yuen*
MAK Siu King*
LAM Nga Yee
1 August 2010
1 December 2010
S.K. Yee Medical Foundation
Beat Drugs Fund
Elderly patients with underlying medical conditions
Objectives: Ketamine use adversely affects the lower
are at risk of surgical intervention even when their
urinary tract (LUT). We aim to determine the relative
urinary retention warrants surgery by means of
risk of dosage, frequency of ingestion and duration of
transurethral resection of prostate, which was
ketamine use for changes in LUT function, the utility
standard therapy. The risks include bleeding, need for
of urinary markers to correlate with the degree of
transfusion,
bladder changes is evaluated
clot
retention,
cardiovascular
and
cerebral vascular events. Technology including
Key activities and methodology: Subjects presenting
bipolar resection of prostate in normal saline media
to the service for cystitis symptoms, who have history
has been proven to reduce blood loss, transfusion rate,
of ketamine use are invited to participate in the
incidence of transurethral resection syndrome, all of
assessment. The dose frequency, duration and onset
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Surgery
of symptoms are surveyed. LUT function is evaluated
Umbilical
using the Pelvic Pain Urgency and Frequency
(MD09894)
questionnaire (PUF), uroflowmetry and portable
BURD
Cord
and
David
RDEB
Andrew
Skin
Ross
ultrasonography. Urine samples are collected and
HUANG Lin LEUNG Tak Yeung*
tested for nerve growth (NGF), prostaglandin E2
HON Kam Lun (Paediatrics)
(PGE2). The relationship between frequency, related
dosing, duration of exposure, PUF scores, functional
2007-08 A
Multicenter,
Double-blind,
bladder volume and urinary marker levels will be
Randomized,
determined. The reference ranges of the marker levels
Parallel-group Study of the Safety and
will be formulated. A severity scale incorporating the
Efficacy of a Single Treatment with Two
above measurements will be constructed to reflect the
Dose Levels of BOTOX® (Botulinum
severity of the condition.
toxin
Impact: The most common presentation of subjects to
Complex Followed by A Treatment with
clinical service is LUT symptoms including pelvic
BOTOX® in Patients with Urinary
pain / cystitis symptoms. At first presentation,
Incomtinence
irreversible upper or lower tract structural changes
Detrusor Overactivity (MD07895)
may not have developed; the urinary marker
CHAN Chi Kwok NG Chi Fai LI
elevation serves as an objective measurement of
ongoing
bladder
damage
before
changes
type
Placebo-controlled,
A)
Purified
due
to
Neurotoxin
Neurogenic
Miu LIng*
in
conventional parameters can be detected. This may
2008-09 The Significance of Alpha-Fetoprotein
represent an important window for intervention to
Gene Promoter Mutants in Hepatocellular
help prevent the undesirable late outcomes.
Carcinoma (MD08692)
(MD10794)
CHEN Gong George
LAI Bo San
Paul
Please refer to previous issues of this publication
for more details of the following ongoing research
2009-10 Molecular Mechanisms Responsible for
ZBP-89-mediated Increase of Bak in
at the department:
Hepatocellular Carcinoma (CU09620)
Edition
CHEN Gong George
Title/Investigators
LAI Bo San
Paul
2009-10 Fat
Harvesting
by
Liposuction
(MD09458)
BURD David Andrew Ross
2009-10 The Relationship between ZBP-89 and
p21waf/cip-1 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
(MD09693)
2009-10 Targeting a Normal DEJ: In Vitro Study
of the Combinations of Epidermal and
CHEN Gong George
LAI Bo San
Paul
Mesenchymal Cells Derived from Human
2009-10 Correlation
Environment
of
Laryngeal
with
Symptoms
pH
of
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Surgery
Laryngopharyngeal
Reflux
among
2008-09 Hydrogen
Sulfide
in
Non-steroidal
Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux
Anti-inflammatory
Disease (MD09867)
Bleeding Peptic Ulcers (MD08849)
CHIU Wai Yan Philip
Yuen
Justin
Therapeutics)
WU Che
(Medicine
Related
LAU JY
&
TONG Chi Fai
Drugs
2009-10 Early
Selective
Angiographic
Michael (Otorhinolaryngology, Head
Embolization to Severely Bleeding Peptic
& Neck Surgery)
Ulcers after Their Initial Endoscopic
Hemostasis
2009-10 The Potential Role of Decoy Receptor 3
in the Pathogenesis of Keloid Scarring
A
–
Randomized
Controlled Trial (CU09693)
LAU JY
(MD09658)
HUANG
Lin
BURD
David
2008-09 A Randomized, Open Label, Multi-center
Phase II Study to Compare Bevacizumab
Andrew Ross
plus RAD001 versus Interferon Alfa-2a
1997-98 Prospective Study on the Relationship of
plus
Bevacizumab
for
First-line
Central Venous Pressure and Blood Loss
Treatment of Patients with Metastatic
During Hepatectomy
(MD96217)
Clear Cell Carcinoma of the Kidney
LAI Bo San Paul
CHUI Po Tong
(Anaesthesia & Intensive Care)
LEOW Chon Kar
Joseph
LAU Wan Yee
(Faculty
of
(MD08912)
NG Chi Fai
HOU See Ming
Simon* YEE Chi Hang*
Medicine
(Planning Office))
2008-09 A Prospective Study to Investigate the
Effects of Different Shockwave Delivery
2009-10 Correlation between Alpha-fetoprotein
Rates
in
Extracorporeal
Shockwave
and Forkhead Box P3 in Hepatocellular
Lithotripsy in Patients Suffer from Renal
Carcinoma (MD09985)
Calculi (CU08715)
LAI Bo San Paul
CHEN Gong
George
NG Chi Fai
CHUNG Wai Yee*
GOHEL Mayur Danny Indulal*
WONG Ka Tak*
2009-10 Molecular
Transduction
Mechanisms
Network
and
Novel
2008-09 Measuring Melamine and Its Effects on
Anti-Angiogenesis Molecule, the Kringle
Urine Crystallization Kinetics and Cell
1 Domain of Human Hepatocyte Growth
Responses (MD08452)
Factor (HGFK1) (MD07673)
NG Chi Fai
LIN Marie Chia-mi
of
a
Signal
YIU Siu
Ming* NG Sai Ming Samuel*
(Paediatrics)
HON Kam Lun
GOHEL
Mayur
Danny Indulal*
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Surgery
2009-10 A Phase 2b, Randomized, Double-blind,
2007-08 Randomised Evaluation of Surgery with
Placebo-controlled, Dose Ranging Study
Craniectomy for Uncontrolled Elevation
Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of
of Intra-cranial Pressure-the RESCUEicp
Tanezumab
Study (MD05787)
for
the
Treatment
of
Moderate to Severe Pain Associated with
Interstitial
Cystitis/Painful
POON Wai Sang
Bladder
CHAN Matthew
Tak Vai (Anaesthesia & Intensive
Syndrome (IC/PBS) (MD09467)
Care)
NG Chi Fai
Wai Man Wynnie (Imaging &
CHAN Shu Yin
WONG Kwok Chu
Interventional
Eddie* CHIU Ka Fung Peter*
Radiol)#
LAM
NG
Stephanie*
2009-10 Role of Urine microRNAs in the
Diagnosis of Urinary Bladder Cancer
(MD09393)
2007-08 A
Multi-Center,
Prospective,
Randomised Controlled Trial Comparing
NG Chi Fai
SZETO Cheuk Chun
CHAN
Implant to Anterior Cervical Discectomy
WANG Gang
and Fusion (ACDF) Surgery, in the
(Medicine & Therapeutics)
Shu Yin Eddie*
the Efficacy and Safety of PRODISC-C®
(Medicine & Therapeutics)
Treatment of Symptomatic Cervical Disc
Disease (SCDD) (MD07630)
2008-09 Electroacupuncture
Ileus
after
for
Postoperative
Iaparoscopic
POON Wai Sang
Colorectal
SUN Tin-fung
David* NG Wing-kit Daniel*
Surgery: A Randomized Sham-controlled
Study (MD08314)
NG Siu Man Simon LEUNG Wing
Wa LEE Fung Yee Janet
2008-09 Relationship between DTI Fibre Tracking
Evaluation and Molecular Variations in
an
Experimental
Haemorrhage
2009-10 A Phase III Placebo-controlled Trial of
Celecoxib in Genotype Positive Subjects
(ICH)
Intracerebral
Induced
Axon
Degeneration Model (MD08828)
POON Wai Sang
CHEN Gong
with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis
George
(MD09668)
& Interventional Radiol)
WANG Yixiang (Imaging
NG Siu Man Simon LEE Fung Yee
Janet LI Chak Man Jimmy
2009-10 神經系統疾病治療研究
(MD09439)
2009-10 The Use of Self-expandable Metal Stent
潘偉生 POON Wai Sang
(SEMS) as a “Bridge to Surgery” or
Palliative Treatment for Malignant Large
2009-10 A
Prospective,
Multi-center,
Bowel Obstruction (MD10309)
Double-blind,
NG Siu Man Simon LEE Fung Yee
Placebo-controlled, Parallel-group Study
Janet
Randomized,
to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of
Clazosentan
in
Reducing
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Surgery
Vasospasm-Related
Morbidity
and
All-Cause Mortality in Adult Patients
with
Aneurysmal
(Anatomical & Cellular Pathology)
2005-06 Evaluation of Sustained Efficacy of
Venous Bypass Graft Gene Therapy
Coiling (MD09685)
POON Wai Sang
LUI Chi Wai
Subarachnoid
Hemorrhage Treated by Endovascular
Chu
Gong George
WONG Kwok
YU Chun Ho (Imaging &
Interventional Radiol)
SIU Yung
(MD05940)
WAN Song
YIM Ping Chuen
Anthony CHEN Ge*
Woon*
2009-10 A Randomized Study to Evaluate the
2009-10 Fibre Regeneration after Mesenchymal
Stem
Cell
Transplantation
in
Efficacy
and
Laparoscopic
Acceptability
Placement
of
of
Gastric
Experimental Intracerebral Haemorrhage
Modulator
[ICH]; How Does it Work? (CU09737)
versus Insulin Treatment in Obese Type 2
POON Wai Sang
CHEN Gong
Diabetic
Parents
Ho
Controlled
with
George
NG
Keung
(TANTALUS®
System)
Sub-optimally
Oral
Anti-diabetic
(Anatomical & Cellular Pathology)
Agents (MD09811)
TSANG Kam Sze Kent
WONG Kin Hung Simon
WANG
KONG
Yixiang (Imaging & Interventional
Pik Shan (Medicine & Therapeutics)
Radiol)
MA Ching Wan Ronald (Medicine
& Therapeutics)
2009-10 Characterization of NF-kB and MAPK
S*
NG Vanessa W
SO Wing Yee*
TONG Peter
Pathway in Lovastatin Induced TRAIL
Chun Yip (Medicine & Therapeutics)
Resistant Glioblastoma Cell Sensitization
(MD09754)
(Medicine & Therapeutics) CHOW
POON Wai Sang
LI Jun
CHEN
Gong George LU Gang
CHAN
Chung
Ngor
Chun Chung Francis*
Kwok-wai
Juliana
NG Enders
CHU Chiu Wing
Winnie (Imaging & Interventional
2009-10 Fibrin Matrix-supported Mesenchymal
Radiol)
OZAKI Risa*
Stem Cell Treatment for Traumatic Brain
Wing Yan*
Injury (MD09938)
TING Zhao Wei*
POON Wai Sang
LAU
LUK Andrea O Y*
LAM Ping Kuen
WANG KW Kevin*
Stan
2009-10 High-dose Simvastatin for Aneurysmal
Subarachnoid Haemorrhage: Is It Better?
Svetlov*
(MD09307)
2008-09 Expression of Thromboxane Receptors in
Lung Cancer (MD08709)
UNDERWOOD Malcolm John
HSIN Michael Kuan Yew
CHEN
WONG Kwok Chu
Sang
Wai
Kei
POON Wai
SIU Ying Woon*
Pathology)
Christopher
LAM
(Chemical
CHAN Matthew Tak
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Surgery
Vai (Anaesthesia & Intensive Care)
GIN
&
2009-10 Nursing Workshop on Comprehensive
ZEE Chung Ying
Management of Bladder Dysfunction
Tony
Intensive Care)
(Anaesthesia
Benny (School of Public Health and
(MD09466)
Primary Care)
YIP Kam Hung
LEUNG Chi Ming
NG Chi Fai
Michael (School of Public Health
CHAN Shu Yin Eddie*
and Primary Care)#
Ling#
LI Miu
2009-10 Prevalence of Intracranial Aneurysm in
2009-10 A Prospective Randomized Controlled
Hong Kong Chinese with a Family
Trial comparing Efficacy of Hybrid
History of Subarachnoid Haemorrhage
Bipolar Transurethral Vaporization and
(MD09731)
Resection
WONG Kwok Chu
Sang
AHUJA
POON Wai
Anil
Tejbhan
(Imaging & Interventional Radiol)
SIU Yung Woon*
CHEUNG Chi
of
Transurethral
Prostate with
Bipolar
Resection
Prostate
of
(MD09565)
YIP Kam Hung
NG Chi Fai
CHIU Ka Fung Peter*
CHUI Ka
Yan TOM* YU Chun Ho (Imaging
Lun* CHEUNG Ho Yuen* HOU
& Interventional Radiol)
Sze Ming*
LEUNG
Chi Ming Michael (School of Public
Health and Primary Care)#
Faculty of Medicine
Laboratory Animal Services Centre
RESEARCH PROJECTS
The purpose of this study is to perform an
exploratory study to evaluate the potential acute
toxicity of YQ23, a novel oxygen carrying Biologic
A Pilot Study of YQ23 Intravenous Infusion in
in Sprague-Dawley rats when administered via
Rats
intravenous infusion. Possible toxicity will be
assessed according to blood chemistry, hematology
ROWLANDS Dewi Kenneth JAMES Anthony
Edward
and histological analysis of tissues.
(BL10692)
1 May 2011
New Sagaxia Limited
Faculty of Medicine
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