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Lots of evidence suggest that an inflammatory condition provides a microenvironment favorable for tumor growth. One of the main components in the healing wound is the induction of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostaglandins, and many solid tumors have been known to overexpress COX-2. We investigated the relationship between surgical wounds and tumor growth and the roles of COX-2 and inflammatory reaction in this particular microenvironment. Celecoxib had a significantly suppressive effect on tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis in tumor-implanted mice with surgical wounds. This tumor-suppressive action of celecoxib did not show any noticeable side effects on the late wound healing and on the gastrointestinal tracts. Prophylactic use of the drug can be advocated in many clinical situations such as residual tumors or contamination of surgical fields by tumor cells.
From preliminary study, we observed that activation of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) affected the effect of some anti-cancer drugs in cancer cells. Since this suggests the possibility that COX-2 might contribute to anti-cancer effect of some agents, we assumed that COX-2 itself might be used to improve the efficiency of anti-cancer therapy. We are investigating on the utility value of COX-2 activity itself in anti-cancer treatment, instead of COX-2 inhibition.
Hearing loss can cause functional reorganization of the auditory nervous system that could negatively affect the clinical outcome of hearing rehabilitation. We try to provide a better understanding of the mechanism of auditory plasticity after hearing loss. Electrophysiological (multi-unit recording, ABR and EABR), Molecular biological (IHC, etc) methods and Imaging technologies (structural MRI, Manganese-enhanced MRI, Confocal microscopy, Two-photon microscopy) are employed for it.
We pursue from bench to bedside. Currently, we conducting (pre)clinical assessment of the safety and effectiveness of developing and developed hearing rehabilitation devices with several companies to lead a better clinical outcome with strong scientific evidence.
Multi-channel recording system (MAP system, Plexon, US), Equipment for measurement of auditory evoked potentials (SmartEP, IHS, US and TDT, US), Sound level meter (152B, Cirrus, UK), Electrical/sound noise proof box, Ultrasound cleaning machine (LK-U012, LK Labkorea, ROK), Centrifuge (labogene mini, LABOGENE, ROK), Scale (GX-2000, AND, Japan), MR phantom (603a, SRS, US), Stereomicroscope (SZX7, Olympus, Japan)
We are performing neurobiological studies to investigate correlation between auditory dysfunctions (hearing loss and tinnitus) and cognitive impairment (MCI and Alzheimer disease) using various biochemical techniques. Working together about clinical and basic researches with professors and researchers from department of biochemistry, psychiatry, and nuclear medicine, our study is focusing on proving the relationship between tinnitus and cognitive dysfunction. Our aim of this study is to find the pathological mechanisms for prevention and treatment of tinnitus, and eventually, to develop biomarkers of auditory neurodegenerative diseases.
Stereo microscope (Olympus BH-2), Infinite 200 PRO (TECAN, Multimode plate reader), SmartChemi (SAGECREATION, Chemiluminesence imaging system)
The innate immune system of the respiratory mucosa serves as the first line of defense against respiratory viruses by producing interferon, a key molecule in the antiviral response. Thus, we are much interested in interferon-regulated innate immune responses in respiratory mucosa and more effective mucosal therapeutic candidates for control of respiratory virus in susceptible host to viral infection. Our researches are focused on proving the mediators of interferon induction in respiratory mucosa such as microbiome, reactive oxygen species to potentiate antiviral defense mechanism and establishing in vivo model about inhaled delivery of recombinant interferons using nanoparticles.
In vitro model for primary nasal and bronchial epithelial cell culture system, In vivo models for acute respiratory viral infection, In vivo models for allergic rhinitis and asthma, Analytic system of microbial composition, the SCIREQ “InExpose” system, Real-time PCR (Applied biosystem), Immunohistochemistry, Electron microscope.
Our researches are focused on bioinspired regenerative medicine by development of biological substitutes that restore, maintain, or improve function or various organ such as larynx, trachea, salivary glands, and mucosa. In order to develop the biological substitutes for treatment of intractable diseases, we differentiate various stem cells into a desired tissue or organ, using 3 D printing technique. The efficacy of developed biological substitutes are assessed using our various established animal models. In addition, we are developing organoids using various tissue-derived stem cells to apply for development of artificial organ as well as a drug-screening system.
EVOS M7000 Automated Fluorescence Microscope with live cell imaging module (AMF7000, Thermofisher Scientific Invitrogen™, USA)
Microscope (CKX41, Olympus, Japan) BX43 Upright Microscope (BX43, Olympus, Japan)
Fluorescence Light
Source (U-HGLGPS, Olympus, Japan)
Micro Refrigerated Centrifuge (Smart R17, Hanil Science Industrial, South Korea)
Digital Heat Block (Dry bath, BSH1001-E, Benchmark Scientific, Edison, NJ, USA)
Veriti 96-Well Thermal Cycler (#9902, Applied Biosystems, Life technologies, Waltham, MA, USA)
StepOnePlus Real-time PCR system (Applied Biosystems, Life technologies, Waltham, MA, USA)
Microtome (RM2235, Leica, Germany)
Water bath for paraffin sections (HI1210, Leica, Germany)
Flattening table for clinical histopathology (HI1220, Leica, Germany)
Tube roller mixer (MX-T6-Pro, SCI LOGEC, South Korea)
Heraeus CO2 incubator (BB15, Thermo Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA)
Digital Stirring Hotplates (SP131320-33Q, Thermo Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA)
Electrospinning system: Roller collector, high voltage supplier (NHV30P1807009A), drum-type collector (ESN-DC90L) (NanoNC, South Korea)
Single syringe infusion pump (KDS 100 Legacy syringe pump, KD Scientific Inc., Holliston, MA, USA)
Spot Type UV LED Curing System (UV-SC v1.0, HEAAN, South Korea)
Video Laryngobronchoscope system (Visera Elite, KS-LAPA350, OEV262H, CLV-S190, OTV-S190, Olympus, Japan)
Auditory system has a close connection between periphery and central nervous system. So peripheral change induces many changes of central auditory system, including molecular, electrophysiological, functional, and structural changes and it can be transient or permanent according to the amount of hearing loss.
The purpose of this lab is to expect the central changes after peripheral hearing loss. We mainly use animal models, and several techniques including electrophysiological, behavioral, molecular, and PET or MR imaging. We have several collaborates at other institute for animal imaging and behavioral test. We focus on the simultaneous changes of hearing (functional), histological (cochlea and auditory area of CNS), and imaging (PET of MR).
Equipment for measurement of auditory evoked potentials (SmartEP, IHS, FL, USA), Electrical/sound noise proof box, Equipment for molecular works (Immunohistochemistry, western blot, RT-PCR), animal PET and MR (Siemens inveon, at collaborate institute), central animal laboratory (Boramae medical center)
Systematic sampling of nasal tissue in patients CRS, paranasal sinus tumor, other rhinologic disease
Systematic sampling of nasal secretion in patient’s allergic rhinitis
Phenotype and endotype of CRS with nasal polyp
In vivo experiments using animal models: allergic rhinitis models, porcine models for tonsil and tongue base, wound healing models
Measurement of cytokines from sample homogenates using ELISA
Measurement of messenger RNA using real time qRT-PCR
Main goal of our research is to phenotype and endotype chronic rhinosinusitis of Korean population and to determine customized therapeutic strategy in terms of the disease mechanisms
Systematic sampling of CRS patients
In vitro model for primary nasal and bronchial epithelial cell culture system
In vitro experiments using LAD2 cells (Mast cell line), EOL-1 (Eosinophilic cell line), THP-1 (Macrophage cell line) and A549 (epithelial cell lines)
In vivo experiments using animal models: allergic rhinitis models, CRS with polyps models, anosmia models, and wound healing models
Measurement of cytokines from sample homogenates using ELISA (Bio-Rad)
Measurement of messenger RNA using real time qRT-PCR (Bio-Rad)
Immunofluorescent staining using CELENA (Logos biosystem)
Slide repository system using slide scanner (Motic)
We are undergoing various biological studies to recover tissue defects of the upper gastrointestinal tract using biomaterials and tissue engineering techniques. In addition, from the viewpoint of regenerative medicine, we are trying to identify the mechanisms of vascular infiltration around tissue damage and to accelerate neovascularization through surgical techniques including various biological factors. Separately, we investigate possible mechanisms of submucous fibrosis caused by radiation therapy of upper gastrointestinal cancer and to explore the possibility of stem cell therapy.
Microtome (Leica RM2235), Stereo microscope (Leica ApoE), Fluorescence microscopy (Olympus IX53), Micro centrifuge (Purispin 17R), Water bath, LN2 tank (Cryosystem 750)
Intratympanic (IT) drug delivery is one of the mainstream treatment for hearing loss (HL). But since the drug is usually injected in a fluid form, it is easily drained through the Eustachian tube. If the drugs can be delivered through a vehicle that lasts longer in the middle ear, more drug may be delivered into the inner ear. Sustained drug-delivery vehicles have been studied for effective intra-tympanic steroid injection. We test biosafety and effect of vehicles with Auditory Brainstem Response, endoscopy and CT scans. This study plans clinical trials on humans after Ministry of Food and Drug Safety approval. For technical cooperation of this experiment, we had a good technology transfer contract with several companies. Also, pharmacokinetics analysis was conducted with HPLC and MRI scans. In MRI scans, we tested the amount of perilymphatic enhancement with gadolinium delivered via different vehicles for better image quality of the inner ear MRI. We investigated perilymph fluid proteome and identify proteins in guinea pig. We observed whether there is any different expression of proteins, when the proteome groups are divided into their collection side base and their collection order base, firstly and secondly collected samples. Proteomics study is currently researching in human perilymph fluid for broaden the base.
Our EEG Lab is fully equipped to perform standard electroencephalography (EEG) and auditory-Event Related Potentials (a-ERPs) studies in hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo patients. EEG is the recording of intrinsic electrical activity in the brain, based on the propagation of electric impulses when the cortical neurons fire. We use these electrophysiological features to elucidate the changes in the brain when patients develop hearing problem, or when the hearing loss is treated by cochlear implantation (CI). The prognosis of CI is also being studied by recording the 64 channel EEG before and after CI. As for tinnitus, we are trying to objectively detect tinnitus by brain recording. The usefulness and prognostic factor of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in the treatment of tinnitus is also being studied. Our next plan is to differentiate vestibular disorders by means of objective EEG recording.
Compumedics Neuroscan, SynAmp 64ch amplifier, 3D digitizer, Sound localization system, Electromagnetic shield booth
Curry 8 X (data acquisition), Curry 8 X SBA (neuroimaging analysis), BESA Research 7.0
Simulation offers the otolaryngologist the potential to learn surgical skills in a safe and controlled environment. Simulations comprise a spectrum of modalities, ranging from manikins to team training to procedural trainers and immersive rehearsal platforms. Each can be tailored to address specific aspects required to improve results. Our lab involves research using virtual reality and augmented reality to help plan surgical procedures.
Recent advances in endoscopic endonasal approaches (EEAs) have revolutionized surgical options for approaching lesions of the ventral skull base. Understanding the complex sinus and skull base anatomy and translating operating room (OR) are among the primary challenges of endoscopic skull-base surgery. Beginning rhinologists are faced with a steep learning curve, and even experienced surgeons can face challenges in forming mental constructs of complex 3-dimensional (3D) anatomy despite years of training. With contemporary computer technology it is possible to create a virtual surgical environment that can render complex structures in 3D, allowing surgeons to appreciate the anatomy in a more intuitive way than is available through traditional multiplanar reconstructions. The inclusion of interactive interfaces results in a virtual simulator that can be used for surgical training of novice surgeons. Further incorporation of patient-specific datasets can allow surgical rehearsal that can help even the most experienced surgeons. Surgical rehearsal using patient-specific datasets has numerous advantages over traditional methods such as cadaver dissections. It can allow surgeons to familiarize themselves with anatomic variations that are unique to the patient, localize pathology, foresee pitfalls that may be encountered during the actual surgery, and adjust operative plans accordingly. Thus, virtual reality (VR) surgical simulation has the potential to shorten learning curves and ultimately improve surgical care by representing specific anatomic configuration as well as avoiding the considerable resources that are needed in cadaver dissections.
