Mikhail Berezin, PhD
Associate Professor, WashU Radiology
- Phone: 314-747-0701
- Email: berezinm@nospam.wustl.edu
Design and application of optical contrast agents and imaging spectroscopy for medical diagnostics and clinical treatments
Dr. Berezin’s lab focuses on the development of novel optically active probes in the near-infrared (NIR) and shortwave-infrared (SWIR) spectral range for understanding the inflammation and peripheral nerve diseases. The lab also develops hyperspectral optical instrumentation and new algorithms for image analysis. Our current research is looking at the mechanism of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN); a devastating, painful side effect of cancer therapy that occurs in almost 40% of patients. Our approach is based on studying the effect of chemotherapy drugs on animal models and investigating reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are implicated in the nerve inflammation. Although neurons have endogenous mechanisms that normally repair oxidative damage, their systems can become overwhelmed when an excess of ROS accumulates, resulting in oxidative stress in the nerves, their deterioration and chronic pain.