Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common musculoskeletal diseases that result in pain and the loss of physical activity. However, the mechanism is unknown. Our study is to understand the mechanism of OA and to develop a novel therapy for treating primary osteoarthritis, based on our recent findings of molecular mechanisms of OA development.

Biography

Dr. Wei got his M.D. from Guiyang Medical Collage in China and Ph.D. from Karolinska Institute in Sweden. He completed his post-doctoral fellowship at Penn State College of Hershy Medical School. Dr. Wei has two grants from the National Institute of Health and one from arthritis research foundation. His research interest includes cartilage molecular biology and osteoarthritis.

Research Description

OA structural changes include cartilage degradation, subchondral bone sclerosis, and formation of osteophytes. Initially believed to be a cartilage disease, evidence points toward subchondral bone involvement. Studies have shown that bone metabolism changes occur before cartilage damage. However, the mechanism of formation of subchondral bone is unknown. OA can be understood only if the relationship between mechanics and biology is fully appreciated. One of my studies is to research the mechanism of subchondral bone formation in OA.

Awards

Visiting Scholarship, China Education Foundation (1994-1995)
Research Fellowship, Shrine Hospital for Children (1999-2001)
New Investigator Recognition Awards, Orthopaedic Research Society (2001)
Young Investigator Award, Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) (2002)
Young Investigator Award, Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) (2005)

Affiliations

1999-current: Orthopaedic Research Society, active member
2001-current: International Chinese Hard Tissue Society (ICHTS)

Funded Research

"Chemokin Regulation of Cartilage Matrix Resorption", National Institutes of Health (NIH) 1R03 AR052479-01A1, Principal Investigator, 04/01/2006-03/31/2009

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