Neurology Group

Neurology group specialized in the areas of molecular genetic analysis of neurological metabolic disorders and functional brain analysis. Currently, we are working on three projects: 1) Molecular pathogenesis of aceruloplasminemia which is classified as an inherited neurodegenerative disorder called "neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation" (NBIA) due to genetic defects associated with iron metabolism. 2) Molecular pathogenesis of Wernicke's-like encephalopathy which is an inherited metabolic disorder caused by thiamine (vitamin B1) transport. 3) Functional brain imaging using PET in neurodegenerative diseases.

Research Area

• The development of understanding and treatment of pathogenic mechanism of neurodegenerative diseases
• Genomic analysis of neurologic metabolic disorders

Nephrology Group

Nephrology group specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases such as kidney disease (diabetic nephropathy, nephritis/nephrotic syndrome and others), hypertensive diseases, acute renal failure, and water-electrolyte disorders. Hemodialysis, continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, or continuous hemodiafiltration are frequently performed for renal failure. We are trying to early detect and treat chronic kidney disease (CKD) by hospital and clinic cooperation and close cooperation with other departments. We have a lot of experiences of treatment and basic investigation of glomerulonephritis, acute renal failure, and water-electrolyte disorders.

Research Area

• Pathophysiology of septic acute kidney injury
• Pathophysiology of nephrotoxic drug induced acute kidney injury
• Pathophysiology of disorders of intrarenal renin-angiotensin systems

Gastroenterology Group

Gastroenterology division faculty specializes in a wide range of gastrointestinal diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatic and biliary diseases, colon cancer, esophageal and gastric diseases, and small intestinal disease. Faculty members have expertise in all diagnostic and therapeutic G.I. procedures, including colonoscopy, upper endoscopy, double balloon endoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound, ERCP and capsule endoscopy. We also provide excellent opportunities for laboratory and clinical research focusing on the pathogenesis of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in humans and animals.

Research Area

• Gastrointestinal disease and Helicobacter pylori infection
• Mucosal immunology and inflammatory bowel disease
• The development of early diagnostic methods and multidisciplinary therapy in gastrointestinal cancer