Tag: Taipei Medical University

The “Smart Innovation Platform for Preclinical Drug Development”, developed by Professor Shiow-Lin Pan’s research team at Taipei Medical University (TMU), leverages advanced AI technology to significantly reduce the time and costs for drug development.

The platform provides a faster, more accurate solution for developing inhibitors targeting severe illnesses such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, and integrates AI models to predict chemical compound characteristicsaccurately, enabling rapid identification of effective small molecule inhibitors. To date, the team has successfully developed nearly 30 inhibitors targeting different protein targets, reducing the average development cycle by 3 to 5 years compared to conventional methods.

Core advantages of the platform:

Interdisciplinary AI Model Development: An expert team in chemical synthesis, artificial intelligence, pharmacology, and toxicology collaborated to build and train the AI model. By combining insights from extensive R&D experience, the platform effectively addresses the challenges of designing new drug candidates that are synthesizable, patentable, and biologically active.

1.Novel and Feasible Drug Structures: The smart innovative platform develop a smart synthesis strategy, which ensures AI-designed drug structures have an 80% synthesis probability, 60% cellular efficacy (IC50 < 10 µM), reduced synthesis costs by 90%, and optimized with real-time validation data from the experimental team.

2.The platform’s advantages lie in its ability to rapidly generate novel chemical structures with higher prediction accuracy, which benefits patients worldwide by significantly shortening the time needed for drug development.

Professor Pan highlighted that the Smart Innovation Platform offers high-success-rate, easily synthesizable, rapid, and precise early-stage drug development services and high-potential early-stage drug products for small-molecule development needs. The platform has been adopted by multiple academic research units and biotechnology companies globally, attracting recognition from international pharmaceutical companies.

Looking ahead, TMU’s team aims to enhance the platform’s capabilities and expand collaborations with pharmaceutical industries in Taiwan and globally. By accelerating the drug development process , the team hopes to bring transformative treatments to patients worldwide.

Professor Shih-Min Hsia‘s research team from Taipei Medical University has collaborated with leading uterine leiomyoma experts, Professors Ayman Al-Hendy and Mohamed Ali from the University of Chicago, to investigate the key mechanisms driving uterine leiomyoma formation and propose innovative therapeutic strategies.

The findings, published in the high-impact journal Redox Biology (impact factor 10.7), highlight the importance and academic value of this research.

Uterine leiomyomas, common benign tumors in women of reproductive age, exhibit a high prevalence and significantly affect women’s health and quality of life. These tumors are characterized by excessive cell proliferation, extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation, and stem cell-like properties.

The research team identified that Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD⁺) metabolism and its key enzyme, Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyl transferase (NAMPT), are pivotal in the progression of uterine leiomyomas.

Analysis of uterine leiomyoma tissues revealed that elevated NAMPT expression is positively correlated with increased ECM accumulation and enhanced stem cell-like characteristics. Subsequent experiments using the NAMPT inhibitor FK866 and the vitamin B3 derivative nicotinamide (NAM) demonstrated that these agents significantly reduced uterine leiomyoma cell viability, attenuated stem cell-like properties, and effectively decreased ECM accumulation, highlighting their potential as therapeutic options. Furthermore, the team successfully obtained a patent in Taiwan for the use of nicotinamide as a treatment for uterine leiomyomas, solidifying the translational and clinical impact of their findings.

This study underscores the critical role of NAMPT and NAD⁺ metabolism in uterine leiomyoma development and emphasizes the promise of precision medicine interventions targeting NAMPT as a novel treatment strategy.

This international collaboration with the University of Chicago exemplifies the power of cross-border partnerships in elucidating complex disease mechanisms and developing innovative therapies, paving the way for new advancements in uterine leiomyoma research and treatment.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) stands as the third most common cancer globally, prompting urgent advancements in screening practices to enhance early detection and treatment effectiveness. Conventional population-based screening programs, while effective, often adopt an universal approach, potentially leading to the overuse of medical resources and unnecessary procedures for individuals at lower risk. A study from Taiwan introduces a compelling alternative—tailoring colorectal cancer screening intervals using fecal hemoglobin (f-Hb) concentrations to optimize both efficacy and efficiency.

The need for more personalized screening protocols has become increasingly apparent in recent years, as researchers and clinicians seek to improve patient outcomes while managing healthcare costs effectively. Precision medicine offers a promising path forward, particularly in cancer prevention, where the risk varies significantly from person to person. Utilizing a vast database of over three million participants, this study leads an approach that customizes screening frequency based on biomarkers indicative of an individual’s cancer risk. By aligning screening intervals with personal health data, this method enhances how we approach CRC prevention, making it more targeted and thoughtful in its application.

Conducted using a large-scale dataset from a Taiwanese biennial screening program involving over 3 million participants between 2004 and 2014, this study explores the potential of using fecal hemoglobin concentrations as a marker to personalize the screen-intervals in colorectal cancer screenings. Researchers found that higher f-Hb levels correlate significantly with an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer and higher mortality rates. By leveraging these insights, the study proposes varying the screening intervals based on individual risk levels indicated by f-Hb concentrations.

The research findings include:

• Participants with higher f-Hb levels are at a greater risk for colorectal neoplasia and cancer mortality, suggesting a need for more frequent screenings.
• Conversely, individuals with lower f-Hb levels may require fewer screenings without compromising the screening’s effectiveness.

Implementing this stratified screening approach could reduce the number of fecal immunological tests (FITs) and colonoscopies by 49% and 28%, respectively, compared to traditional biennial screenings. This reduction minimizes patient inconvenience and discomfort as well as significantly cuts down on healthcare spending and resource use.

The implications of such a precision-based screening strategy extend beyond the realm of colorectal cancer:

• Healthcare Efficiency: Streamlining screening processes ensures that resources are allocated where they are most needed, enhancing overall healthcare efficiency.
• Patient-Centric Care: Personalized screening intervals mean that patients receive care tailored to their specific risk, potentially increasing the effectiveness of screenings and patient compliance.
• Reduction in Over-Screening: By reducing unnecessary procedures, this approach minimizes the psychological and physical strain on patients and decreases the risk of complications from excessive interventions.

While the results are promising, the study underscores the necessity for further research, including randomized trials, to validate the practical benefits of personalized screening intervals across diverse populations. Additionally, combining f-Hb measurements with other biomarkers or risk factors could further refine screening accuracy.

This study demonstrates an evidence-based CRC screening example towards personalized medicine, representing a significant shift in cancer prevention and healthcare. It promises a future where medical interventions are reactive and proactively tailored to individual health profiles.

The study offers an innovative solution to the battle against colorectal cancer. By integrating a simple measure of blood in stool into screening protocols, we can make CRC screening more patient-specific, cost-effective, and, ultimately, life-saving. This approach heralds a new era of personalized medicine, where prevention strategies are as unique as the individuals they aim to protect, ensuring that the right patient receives the proper test at the right time.

In 2023, Dr. Ching-Wen Chang, Assistant Professor of Graduate Institute of Metabolism and Obesity Sciences, Taipei Medical University, has collaborated with Professor Xin Wei Wang, a Senior Investigator at the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health, and their team members revealed a genetic basis of mitochondrial DNAJA3 in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis-related hepatocellular carcinoma. Their research, published in Hepatology in October 2023, paves the way for understanding the progression from NASH to HCC.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a prevalent issue globally. The rise in MAFLD cases can be partly attributed to shifts in disease etiologies, such as those linked to dietary habits. For instance, unhealthy diets are known contributors to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Interestingly, only about 20% of individuals with NAFLD advance to the more severe nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and some of these cases may progress to liver cirrhosis. Those suffering from metabolic syndrome-associated NASH are at an increased risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a factor in the escalating global incidence of HCC.

Their findings suggested that the mitochondrial chaperone Hsp40 DNAJA3 could serve as a potential risk marker for NASH, and its associated signaling pathways might offer new therapeutic opportunities for NASH-related HCC. The collaboration between research teams in Taiwan and the United States culminated in a joint publication, showcasing the power of international collaboration in advancing scientific knowledge. This study shows a significant breakthrough in understanding the molecular mechanisms of NASH transitioning to liver cancer, providing a new insight for future directions in liver cancer prevention and treatment.

* Look into the Research Paper: A Genetic Basis of Mitochondrial DNAJA3 in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis-related Hepatocellular Carcinoma

The 2024 Commencement Ceremony for the College of Nursing at Taipei Medical University (TMU) was marked by a special celebration, featuring three esteemed winners of the 2024 College of Nursing Outstanding Alumni awards. These accomplished alumni shared their wisdom and experiences with the Class of 2024, offering valuable advice and inspiration as the graduates embark on their professional journeys.

This year, the College of Nursing at TMU has honored three outstanding alumni: President Shu-Fang Vivienne Wu, Dr. Cheryl Chia-Hui Chen, and Ms. Li-Yu Tang.

The awardee in the category of Management is President Wu, a 1995 graduate and the current President of National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, has been recognized for her exceptional contributions to the field. Her leadership and innovative approaches have significantly advanced the institution’s stature and operational excellence.

Meanwhile, Dr. Chen, a 1994 graduate and the Director of the School of Nursing at National Taiwan University, has been celebrated for her Academic Achievements. Her prolific research, published in top-tier journals and extensively cited, has made a substantial impact on the academic community and contributed to the advancement of nursing science.

The winner in the category of Social Service is Ms. Tang, a 1982 graduate and a consultant for the Taiwan Alzheimer’s Disease Association, has been acknowledged for her outstanding contributions to dementia care. Her work in advancing dementia care policies and enhancing Taiwan’s international standing in this area has been exemplary, reflecting her dedication and expertise in the field.

In a lively and engaging moderated session, the alumni discussed their personal definitions of success, emphasizing that success is multifaceted and often extends beyond professional achievements. They highlighted the importance of finding a balance between work and personal life, the significance of continuous learning, and the fulfillment that comes from making a positive impact on patients’ lives.

The session also delved into the alumni’s experiences with frustration and failure. They candidly shared stories of obstacles they faced throughout their careers, illustrating how these challenges ultimately shaped their paths and contributed to their growth. Their narratives underscored the importance of resilience, perseverance, and the ability to adapt and learn from setbacks.

As a highlight of the discussion, the alumni offered heartfelt advice to the new graduates. They encouraged the Class of 2024 to stay humble, remain curious, and continue learning.

The presence of these distinguished alumni and their invaluable insights added a meaningful dimension to the commencement ceremony, leaving the graduates inspired and ready to take on the challenges and opportunities of their careers. This event not only celebrated the achievements of the graduates but also highlighted TMU College of Nursing’s commitment to fostering excellence. The performance of its graduates and the recognition they receive from employers are key indicators of the university’s success.

In today’s digital age, there has been a noticeable shift in public awareness towards the importance of maintaining a healthy diet. More individuals are carefully examining the internet for information on the nutritional content of the good. However, this increased awareness possibly poses a challenge to people as the easy access to numerous conflicting nutritional advice and unchecked sources on the internet may steer them away from a healthy lifestyle.

Yen Nhi Hoang, from Taipei Medical University, School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, investigated the health information accuracy of the handy online AI tool “ChatGPT” with her team members, Jung-Su Chang and Dang Khanh Ngan Ho, among others. They compared the reliability of ChatGPT-3.5 and ChatGPT-4 in providing information on calorie and macronutrients, including carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

The research identified minimal differences between nutritionist and AI estimations of energy, carbohydrate, and fat contents. Notably, there was a significant divis ion in protein estimation. Both chatbots accurately provided energy contents for approximately 35% to 48% of the 222 food items within ±10%, with a caffeine variation of less than 10%. It was observed that ChatGPT-4 outperformed in this aspect.

Their research results showed that AI can undoubtedly be a useful and convenient tool for acquiring energy and macronutrient information. However, limitations include the AI having a knowledge cutoff of September 2021. In an interview with Nutrition Insight, Dr. Jung-Su Chang cautioned about the existence of “AI hallucination.” Depending on different chatroom environments, such as types of input language and clarity of the prompt, AI may provide convincing information that is factually incorrect. Chang also pointed out that it’s hard for average people to tell the reliability of the information the chatbot provided.

“Currently, the capability of AI chatbots to provide personalized dietary advice, such as specific nutrition guidelines and exact portion sizes, is limited.” the research team warned.

Despite this current limitation, AI chatbots could be a handy tool for nutritionists to quickly access nutrition information. Nonetheless, it’s remains challenging for AI chatbots to function independently as nutritionists.

Supported by the National Research Council provided through integrated project funding, Professor Shih-Min Hsia’s research team at the School of Nutrition and Health Sciences of Taipei Medical University has found a potential relationship between long-term exposure to the non-nutritive sweetener acesulfame potassium and uterine hypercontraction, particularly those induced by oxytocin, and reported the discovery in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research. In the study, it was demonstrated that an excessive intake of non-nutritive sweeteners containing acesulfame potassium may cause uterine hypercontraction and increase preterm risk, suggesting that pregnant women should avoid long-term consumption of processed foods containing artificial sweeteners.

Along with the development of the food industry, the demand for sugar has been gradually increasing. Due to their high level of sweetness and low cost, non-nutritive sweeteners are often used in the food industry as food additives. Previous studies have shown the consumption of non-nutritive sweeteners to be associated with a 1.2-fold increase in preterm births and a reduction in the gestational period by 0.11 weeks, but the effect of acesulfame potassium exposure on uterine contraction in pregnant women has not yet been studied.

Uterine hypercontraction is significantly triggered by the influx of calcium ions or oxytocin signaling pathway, which causes the contraction of uterine muscle bundles. The medical conditions caused by uterine hypercontraction include preterm labor risk, endometriosis, and menstrual pain, and consequent inflammatory responses can result in the secretion of cytokines and the aggravation of oxidative stress, which may lead to menstrual discomfort and a deterioration in life quality for women.

In the study, it was revealed that exposure to acesulfame potassium caused an upsurge in the concentration of calcium ions in uterine smooth muscle cells and calcium ion influx, which resulted in an increase in uterine contractions. In a long-term exposure experiment, the subjects were fed daily with an amount of acesulfame potassium equivalent to that contained in two cans of Coca-Cola Zero, as well as a tolerable daily intake via oral gavage for 8 weeks. The results showed that acesulfame potassium increased intrauterine pressure and oxytocin-induced contractions. In a further clinical collaboration, it was found in a cohort study that pregnant women with higher exposure to acesulfame potassium had a higher risk of preterm birth.

This study was the first to investigate the influence of non-nutritive sweeteners on pregnant women and confirm their effect on uterine hypercontraction with scientific evidence, alerting people with their life quality affected by uterine hypercontraction, such as those with menstrual pain, endometriosis, and pregnancy to the risk of long- term consumption of non-nutritive sweeteners.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the vast majority of hepatitis patients worldwide do not have access to timely hepatitis detection and treatment. Sadly, the condition of millions of hepatitis patients is at risk of worsening into cirrhosis, liver cancer, and death. Hepatitis also strongly impacts us, as it is the leading cause of death among Taiwanese. Furthermore, liver cancer has been ranked among the top 2 causes of death for the last 40 years.

Reluctantly tacking these problems, Chair Prof. Oliver Hu (Hu Yao-pu), alongside his research this research team from the Taipei Medical University, Academia Sinica, and National Defense Medical Center, in collaboration with international biomedical companies Avalon HepaPOC Limited and Jaco Biotech, successfully developed the “GSP (Galactose Single Point) Rapid Measurement System.” This system facilitates instant and quantitative measurement of the blood flow and enzymes of the liver using a single-point blood test to determine actual liver function.

To save us time and alleviate pain, the GSP Rapid Measurement System was created to use the GSP (Galactose Single Point). We are proud to announce, this method invented by Prof. Hu can be employed immediately in a clinical setting. The Method has been recommended in the guidelines promulgated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) and Taiwan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare. Apart from that, GSP is also included in widely used medical textbooks in the U.K. and the U.S. In May 2022, it was also published in “Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry.” a world-leading biomedical analytical journal that’s existed for over 100 years.
(https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00216-022-04051-1)

This measurement system allows rapid quantification of the degree of liver impairment in patients. It can be applied to a wide range of patients with liver insufficiency by adjusting the dose of medications such as phenytoin, statins, and cefoperazone. Moreover, GSP also facilitates the screening for congenital galactosemia for the timely and cost-effective clinical management of patients.

Prof. Hu highlighted that the GSP Rapid Measurement System can be used in hospitals, clinics, and even pharmacies to test liver functioning. The actual liver function results are available within an hour. The simple measurement method is similar to blood glucose testing: patients just have to draw a little blood an hour after drinking or injecting galactose, and their liver function can be tested within 75 seconds. Currently, the System is patented in Taiwan, the U.S., China, and other countries, and was granted an In Vitro Diagnostic Device (IVD) license by the Ministry of Health and Welfare of Taiwan. It is expected to serve and benefit a large number of patients diagnosed with liver disease as well as those taking physical examinations.

In addition to prolonging lifespan, scientists also have long been in pursuit of maintaining human healthspan. For the elderly, as their declined muscle mass and strength cause physical inconvenience, maintaining the health of skeletal muscle is therefore of vital importance so as to keep the ideal quality of life.

Professor Yi-Fan Chen and Professor Yun Yen from Taipei Medical University, in collaboration with researchers from Japan and Taiwan, have recently published their work in npj regenerative medicine. The research article examines how Ribonucleotide reductase M2B (Rrm2b) modulates the fate of stem cells in skeletal muscle in response to injury. The homeostasis of skeletal muscle relies on the interplay between the muscle stem cells (MuSCs) and their microenvironment (niche). By genetically modified mouse models, Chen unveiled that specific knockout of Rrm2b in the myofibers (a part of niche), but not in MuSCs, led to the weakness of muscles, including loss of muscle mass and strength. These Rrm2b myofiber-specific knockout mice displayed compromised regenerative capacity of muscle with thinner fiber sizes and weaker functioning. Moreover, the lack of Rrm2b in the myofibers resulted in mitochondrial defects, showing a part of the typical characteristics of mitochondrial myopathy.

Furthermore, Chen’s team collaborated with Dr. I-Hsuan Lin, her fellow TMU researcher, for RNA-sequencing to identify several myokines released from Rrm2b-deleted myofibers. These myokines, including FGF-21, GDF-15, and Mthfd2, triggered MuSCs differentiation rather than reentry of quiescence to repopulate the stem cell pool. The decreased MuSC pool due to the imbalance between differentiation and self-renewal of MuSCs thus contributed to muscle weakness and impaired regenerative capacity.

In conclusion, Chen’s study identified a novel role of Rrm2b in muscle homeostasis. Rrm2b in the myofibers plays a critical role in modulating the stem cell fate of MuSCs by an alternation of the microenvironment (niche), and it provides an opportunity for strategy development to treat muscle disorders. Animals with defective Rrm2b expression can probably serve as a disease model for investigating mitochondrial myopathy in mammals. It is expected that such promising research findings will lead to clinical use in promoting muscle health in the coming years.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41536-022-00231-w

 

Dr. Lin-Yi Tseng is currently an associate professor from the Center for General Education at Taipei Medical University. Her work on “the Development of Western Medicine in Dadaocheng(大稻埕) in Modern Taiwan” recently won the 8th Professor Shutsung Liao Research Award by North America Taiwanese Professors’ Association (NATPA).

According to Dr. Tseng, Dadaocheng played a very important role in the modernization of Taiwan’s medical care, and was the location of many firsts, such as Taiwan’s first general hospital, “Hongji Hospital”; Taiwan’s first female physician, A-Hsin Tsai (蔡阿信); Taiwan’s first dentist, Dr. Tseng-Chyuan Chen (陳增全) (Tseng-Chyuan Dentistry); and the first Indigenous Taiwanese physician (from the Puyuma tribe) to complete a Western-style medical education path, Dr. Tang-Shan Hsieh (謝唐山). In addition, from the Japanese Colonial Period to the early Post-War Period, Dadaocheng had a large number of western hospitals and pharmacies, such as Watsons Pharmacy and Taihetang Pharmacy, etc., which influenced the medical development of not just Taipei, but arguably even all of Taiwan. Unfortunately, Dadaocheng’s medical history and contributions are rarely covered in our history textbooks, and there is a dearth of complete and comprehensive professional research, which is a pity.

Dr. Tseng’s research depicts the evolvement of medical care over decades. The Japanese colonial period brought modern medical care to Taiwan. Through the establishment of new medical schools and hospitals, as well as various medical experiments, the medical foundation of modern Taiwan was laid. Among them, Dadaocheng is an important area for the attainment and practice of medical knowledge.

Dr. Tseng indicated that “humanities” are also of great significance to medical research. With the passage of time, many important medical materials in Taiwan may gradually disappear. As a historian, one has the responsibility of getting Taiwanese people understand the medical history of modern Taiwan through interviews, studies, writing and publications. Furthermore, as a lecturer at a medical university, it is one’s responsibility to get students to understand the medical development of modern Taiwan. The research results should also be published as a historical publication so that more people can understand the deep relationship between Dadaocheng and Western medicine.