Sun Mi Choi
Seoul National University · Medicine
About the Lab
Professor Sun Mi Choi's research lab focuses on interstitial lung diseases, particularly idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), with a strong emphasis on understanding disease mechanisms, identifying risk factors, and exploring novel therapeutic interventions. The lab investigates the interplay between fibrosis, cancer, and metabolic factors such as smoking and diabetes, using large-scale population-based databases and preclinical animal models. Key research directions include the role of mesenchymal stem cells in modulating immune responses—especially macrophages and monocytes—in fibrotic lung injury, as well as the potential repurposing of drugs like metformin for anti-fibrotic therapy. The lab also explores non-pharmacological interventions, such as acupuncture, for symptom management in chronic lung disease.
Research Overview
Research Output Trend
Figures are computed from collected data and may differ slightly.
Selected Papers
15BACKGROUND: Patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) have a high incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) after lung resection, but there is little data about these complications in ILD after other types of surgery. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the characteristics and predictors of PPCs after major surgery in patients with ILD. METHODS: We included 336 patients with ILD who underwent major surgery between January 2005 and December 2010 at two tertiary ho
BACKGROUND: Smoking has been considered an important risk factor for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) incidence. However, there are no population-based large-scale studies demonstrating the effects of smoking on the development of IPF. We aimed to evaluate the effect of smoking on IPF development using a nationwide population-based cohort. METHODS: Using the Korean National Health Information Database, we enrolled individuals who had participated in the health check-up service between 2009 an
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: IPF shares common risk factors and has pathogenic similarities with cancer. However, limited population-based data are available on cancer risk among patients with IPF. Herein, we investigated whether IPF is associated with an increased risk for cancer incidence from a nationwide database in South Korea. METHODS: In this population-based cohort study, patients with IPF were enrolled from 2009 to 2014, and matched controls were randomly selected at a control-to-case rati
Metformin has anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects. We investigated whether metformin has an inhibitory effect on bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in a murine model. A total of 62 mice were divided into 5 groups: control, metformin (100 mg/kg), BLM, and BLM with metformin (50 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg). Metformin was administered to the mice orally once a day from day 1. We sacrificed half of the mice on day 10 and collected the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from their left lungs
Acupuncture seems feasible and safe for symptom management in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Future controlled trials are needed to confirm the benefits of acupuncture.
Abstract Background Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive fibrotic lung disease that has no cure. Although mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been reported to ameliorate lung inflammation and fibrosis in mouse models, their mechanisms of action remain unknown. Therefore, we aimed to determine the changes in various immune cells, especially macrophages and monocytes, involved in the effects of MSC treatment on pulmonary fibrosis. Methods We collected and analyzed explanted lung tis
BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing flexible bronchoscopy usually experience anxiety before and during the procedure. OBJECTIVES: We performed this study to investigate whether verbal empathy and intentional touch from a bronchoscopist could reduce anxiety in patients undergoing flexible bronchoscopy. METHODS: We conducted a prospective randomized trial in a university-affiliated hospital. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: a control group, a verbal empathy group, or
Metformin has anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects. We investigated whether metformin has an inhibitory effect on bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in a murine model. A total of 62 mice were divided into 5 groups: control, metformin (100 mg/ kg), BLM, and BLM with metformin (50 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg). Metformin was administered to the mice orally once a day from day 1. We sacrificed half of the mice on day 10 and collected the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from their left lung
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN) is a common clinical problem usually detected incidentally during screening tests for lung cancer. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is performed for diagnosing SPNs when there are technical difficulties with transthoracic needle aspiration biopsy or bronchoscopic biopsy, inconclusive biopsy results, or when there is a high suspicion of malignancy. This study aimed to identify factors that can reduce unnecessary VATS for the diag
A current smoking status and a history of frequent colds were associated with an increased risk of acquiring H1N1 infection.
Research Areas
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