Research Projects
Arthritis and joint replacement, basic science and clinical trials oarthritis and joint replacement, basic science and clinical trialsn associated relationship with metabolic diseases, musculoskeletal health

Aim and Significance

Aim: 
The primary aim of this project is to investigate the relationship between arthritis, joint replacement, metabolic diseases, and overall musculoskeletal health through a combination of basic science research and clinical trials. Specifically, the project seeks to:

• understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms linking metabolic diseases (such as diabetes and obesity) with arthritis and joint degeneration;
• assess how metabolic diseases influence the outcomes of joint replacement surgeries; and
• evaluate the impact of metabolic health on long-term musculoskeletal health and recovery post joint replacement.

Significance: 
Understanding the interplay between metabolic diseases and musculoskeletal health is crucial for:

• Developing targeted prevention and treatment strategies for patients with arthritis and metabolic conditions.
• Improving surgical outcomes and long-term quality of life for patients undergoing joint replacement.
• Informing clinical guidelines and personalized care plans to manage patients with both metabolic and musculoskeletal issues.

Research Plan and Methodology

Research Plan:
Phase 1: Basic Science Research

Molecular and Cellular Studies:

• Investigate the inflammatory pathways and metabolic disturbances that link metabolic diseases to arthritis.
• Study the impact of metabolic conditions on cartilage degradation, bone health, and joint inflammation in animal models and cell cultures.

Biomarker Identification:

• Identify biomarkers that indicate the presence and severity of arthritis in patients with metabolic diseases.
• Develop assays to measure these biomarkers in blood, synovial fluid, and tissue samples.

Phase 2: Clinical Trials

Observational Studies:

• Conduct cohort studies to assess the prevalence and progression of arthritis in patients with various metabolic diseases.
• Analyze the impact of metabolic health on the outcomes of joint replacement surgeries.

Intervention Trials:

• Design randomized controlled trials to evaluate interventions (e.g., weight management, glucose control) aimed at improving surgical outcomes and musculoskeletal health in patients with metabolic disorders.

Phase 3: Long-Term Follow-Up

Patient Monitoring:

• Implement long-term follow-up studies to monitor post-surgery recovery and musculoskeletal health in patients with metabolic conditions.
• Use wearable devices and digital health tools to collect continuous data on physical activity, pain levels, and joint function.

Methodology:
Basic Science Research:

• Utilize in vitro and in vivo models to study the effects of metabolic diseases on joint tissues.
• Employ techniques such as gene expression analysis, proteomics, and histological examination to investigate cellular mechanisms.

Clinical Trials:

• Recruit a diverse cohort of patients with varying degrees of metabolic diseases and arthritis severity.
• Use imaging techniques (e.g., MRI, X-rays) and clinical assessments to evaluate joint health and surgical outcomes.
• Implement statistical methods to analyze data and identify correlations between metabolic health and musculoskeletal outcomes.

Data Analysis:

• Apply bioinformatics tools to analyze molecular data and identify potential therapeutic targets.
• Use advanced statistical models to correlate clinical trial data with patient outcomes and identify predictors of success.

Ethics and Compliance:

• Ensure all studies comply with ethical guidelines and obtain necessary approvals from institutional review boards.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and informed consent throughout the research process.

Professor LCM Lau, Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

Dr. Lawrence Lau graduated from the Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2014. He has undergone further postgraduate research study with special interest in arthritis and joint replacement and was awarded Doctor of Philosophy (PhD in Orthopaedics and Traumatology) in 2022. He completed the Joint Specialty Fellowship Examination in year 2021 by the Hong Kong College of Orthopaedic Surgeons and Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. And he obtained his fellowship from Hong Kong College of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and Hong Kong Academy of Medicine. He subsequently joined the University of Hong Kong in 2023 as Clinical Assistant Professor. An active surgeon and researcher, he has been invited to be Hong Kong Orthopaedics Association Ambassador to discuss his arthroplasty research in Singapore Orthopaedics Association and Japanese Orthopaedics Association.

He has won The David Fang Trophy as first author for the Best Adult Joint Reconstruction Specialist paper and Dr. Yeung Sai Hung Award as co-author in the Adult Joint Reconstruction Chapter of Hong Kong Orthopaedics Association. And his research on adult joint reconstruction has won a Gold Medal with Congratulation of the Jury, and a Bronze Medal in the 48th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva. He is interested in developing cross-disciplinary collaboration with other medical, science and engineering experts to tackle problems on aging, osteoporosis, sarcopenia, arthritis, and joint replacement. He is regularly involved in undergraduate and postgraduate medical education, and experienced in nurturing medical students, juniors, and students from other disciplines to conduct independent research to develop their careers. He is also interested in promoting health knowledge to the public and serving in low resource areas.

Biography
HKU Scholars Hub
Lab
ORCID
laucml@hku.hk

For more information or to express interest for this project, please email the supervisor or the specified contact point in the project description.  Interested candidates are advised to enclose with your email:

1. your CV,
2. a brief description of your research interest and experience, and
3. two reference letters (not required for HKUMed UG students seeking MRes[Med]/URIS projects).

Information on the research programme, funding support and admission documentations could be referenced online at the Research Postgraduate Admissions website. General admission enquiries should be directed to rpgmed@hku.hk.

HKUMed MBBS students interested in the Master of Research in Medicine (MRes[Med]) programme may visit the programme website for more information.  

HKUMed UG students interested in the Undergraduate Research Internship Scheme (URIS) may visit the scheme’s website for more information.