UCSF DIABETES, ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM TRAINING PROGRAM FACULTY RESEARCH SUMMARIES

My current research is aimed at developing fast, high resolution magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and x-ray based techniques, which in conjunction with image analysis and processing methods, may be used to derive quantitative information pertaining to tissue, organ morphology, and function. In the area of musculoskeletal applications, imaging plays a role in diagnosis, surgical planning, and guided surgical applications. However, beyond anatomical and subjective depictions of anatomy, quantitative, morphological and functional musculoskeletal imaging methods are still under-utilized. My laboratory efforts are focused on the following projects.

Characterization of Trabecular Bone in Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is characterized by a loss of bone mineral density and changes in trabecular bone architecture. In this area, my research program has been aimed at developing non-invasive MR, micro computed tomography techniques and image processing methods to quantify trabecular bone density and structure. Collaborative studies and clinical trials have been conducted which indicate that MR techniques may potentially provide additional information relating to bone strength.

Characterizing Tissue Properties of Cartilage and Inter-vertebral Disks

In collaboration with the Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Dr. Jeffrey Lotz, high resolution MR imaging, PET and CT are being used to quantify the structural properties of the intervertebral disk. We have recently installed an infra-red tissue characterizing microscope and also extended our research collaborations with Dr. Kurhanewicz where high resolution magic angle spinning (NMR spectroscopy) is being used to identify markers of disc degeneration.

Osteoarthritis and Kinematics of the Knee Joint

In the area of osteoarthritis, high resolution MR imaging and quantitation of cartilage thickness, fraying, etc., is being conducted in collaboration with Drs. Steinbach and Ries (Orthopedic Surgery). In addition, Drs. Safran and Ma (Orthopedic Surgery) are collaborating in developing kinematic imaging of the knee joint and studying the complex kinematics of the knee in anterior cruciate ligament deficient knees.

Morphological and Functional Musculoskeletal Imaging

Synthesizing the overall focus of the above studies, I am now developing a partnership to study musculo-skeletal morphology and function. This 5 year recently funded partnership sets the infrastructure for collaborations across different departments at UCSF, UC Berkeley, Lawrence Berkeley Labs and 3 industrial partners and aims to advance quantitative imaging to cover the entire musculo-skeletal system. This is a technique-driven development effort (rather than a disease-focused, hypothesis-driven project), but it will enhance many projects focusing on disease states and support the studies described above.

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