AAGBI/Anaesthesia Departmental Grant
The successful applicants for the AAGBI/Anaesthesia Departmental Grant were:
Principal Applicant
Professor H Galley
Senior Lecturer in Anaesthesia & Intensive Care, School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Aberdeen
Title
Investigating the mechanisms of neuropathic pain induced by paclitaxel: role of oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial damage and protection by targeted antioxidants.
Amount
£23,497
Abstract
Chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathic pain is an unpleasant side effect of chemotherapeutic agents such as paclitaxel and limits the doses which can be used. Mitochondria produce energy from oxygen via oxidative phosphorylation but during this process oxygen derived reactive species are released, which are toxic and can damage mitochondria. There is some evidence that paclitaxel induced neuropathy is caused by mitochondrial damage. One of our collaborators has developed novel antioxidant molecules which deliver antioxidants to mitochondria and we have shown that these protect against oxidative stress better than non-targeted antioxidants. We propose to determine the extent of oxidative stress induced mitochondrial damage in paclitaxel treated dorsal root ganglion neuronal cell line, developed by another collaborator. We will also determine the protective effect of mitochondria targeted antioxidants on mitochondrial function compared to nontargeted antioxidants. Antioxidants targeted at mitochondria may have a more beneficial effect than untargeted antioxidants in reducing paclitaxel mediated mitochondrial dysfunction but may also modulate cancer cell cytotoxicity. We will also therefore investigate any inhibition or augmentation of chemotherapeutic activity on cancer cells in the presence of antioxidants. The results from this study will identify mechanistic pathways of paclitaxel induced neuropathy and the potential utility of adjuvant antioxidant therapy.
First Year Progress Report from Prof H Galley (149 KB)
Final Report from Prof H Galley.pdf (415 KB)
Principal Applicant
Dr I Moppett
Associate Professor / Honorary Consultant, Division of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, University of Nottingham
Title
The effect of intravenous iron on postoperative transfusion requirements in hip fracture patients - a pilot study
Amount
£17,371
Abstract
Anaemia following hip fracture is common both on admission and postoperatively. It is associated with poor mobility, length of stay and postoperative mortality. Blood transfusion is effective but is expensive and may increase infection risk. Intravenous iron may bypass some aspects of the absolute and functional iron deficiency seen following trauma and surgery. Cohort studies from a single centre in Spain have suggested relative risks following intravenous (i.v.) iron loading for transfusion of 0.46 (0.32-0.66), infection of 0.41 (0.22-0.75), and 30-day mortality of 0.16 (0.05-0.49), accompanied by improvement in haematopoietic indices. The potential clinical and financial benefits of avoiding transfusions in this population are therefore significant. Given the difference in clinical management between the UK and Spain and the non-randomised nature of the studies, we believe it is appropriate to undertake a well conducted randomised trial within the UK of i.v. iron compared to standard care following hip fracture. Such a trial is likely to need around 400 patients to be appropriately powered. We propose a 60 participant pilot study assessing three linked questions: can i.v. iron be shown to stimulate erythropoiesis in this cohort; likely effect size for reduction in transfusion rates; feasibility of such a trial?
Interim report from Dr I Moppett (74 KB)
