Dr. Ya-Fan LiaoDepartment of Applied Chemistry, Chaoyang University of Technology, Taiwan
Biography
National Chung Hsing University
2003-2007, PhD in Department of Life Science.
Dissertation: Study the Role of Ornithine Decarboxylase in Apoptosis and Differentiation.
Chung Shan Medical University
2001-2003, MS in Insititute of Immunology.
Thesis: Human Ornithine Decarboxylase Prevents Apoptosis by Rottlerin in Human Leukemia HL60 Cells
Chung Hwa College of Medical Technology
1995-1999, Associate Bachelor in Department of Medical Technology.
Research Interest
My research interests are in the areas of cancer biology and mycotoxin. Cancer is a concern for human health around the world. It is possibly the most aggravating and destructive of all diseases, and bears the threat of mortality. The majority of malignant solid tumors, including breast cancer, proceed to metastases, which is the most frequent cause of cancer-associated mortality. Recently, much attention has been focused on identifying naturally occurring chemopreventive compounds which can inhibit, retard, or reverse of multistage carcinogenesis. In recent years, my laboratory has focused on the mechanisms of constituents derived from herbs such as Anisomeles indica and Glycyrrhiza inflata in cancer metastasis and apoptosis. The Food and Agriculture Organization has estimated that 25% of the world's crop harvests are contaminated with mycotoxins each year. 300 to 400 mycotoxins are recognized today. When ingested by animals or humans above a certain level, mycotoxins will elicit a toxic response referred to as mycotoxicosis. Clinical symptoms of mycotoxin intoxication contain diarrhoea, vomiting, liver and kidney damage, pulmonary oedema, haemorrhaging and tumors. The symptoms include the reduction of productivity and immune suppression, resulting in augmented susceptibility to diseases and parasites to overt disease and death in animals. The identification of mycotoxin detoxification agents is believed to be the best approach for decontamination. Currently, my laboratory is selecting some candidates for mycotoxin removal. The ultimate goal is to improve cancer prevention and mycotoxin intoxication by natural products.