Publications by authors named "Simon M McHugh"
Article Synopsis
- RORγt, an isoform of RORC, plays a key role in regulating type 3 immunity and is seen as a potential therapeutic target for autoimmune diseases due to significant findings from murine models.
- Human genetic research links the RORC variant rs4845604 to inflammatory bowel disease, indicating its relevance in disease development.
- A study involving healthy subjects showed that the rs4845604 genotype influenced transcriptional profiles in CD4+ T cells, possibly affecting immune function and metabolic pathways, with implications for detoxification responses in individuals at risk for IBD.
Article Synopsis
- Synaptic dysfunction is a key feature of neurodegenerative disorders, and targeting BDNF signaling may help develop new therapies for synaptic repair.
- Researchers studied the BDNF Val66Met genetic polymorphism to assess its impact on EEG markers of synaptic activity and brain structure in a group of 60 healthy adults.
- Met allele carriers displayed altered brain activity—specifically reduced oscillatory activity during error-processing tasks and diminished grey matter volume in certain brain areas—highlighting how BDNF-related changes could serve as biomarkers for future drug efficacy studies.
Aims: To investigate the effects of two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the human P2X₇ receptor gene (P2RX7)--1068G>A (A348T) and 1513A>C (E496A)--on P2X₇ receptor function, using a specific receptor antagonist (GSK1370319A) and prospective genetic stratification.
Methods: Lipopolysaccharide- and ATP-stimulated interleukin-1β production was determined in the presence or absence of GSK1370319A in blood culture from 32 prospectively genotyped subjects.
Results: There was approximately 6.
Aim: To evaluate the non-invasive collection of bile from healthy human subjects for the qualitative characterization of the biliary disposition of a drug, using spectrometric techniques.
Methods: Twenty subjects underwent non-invasive bile capture using a peroral string test (Entero-Test) device prior to and following a single oral dose of simvastatin (80 mg). The device, consisting of a weighted gelatin capsule containing a highly absorbent nylon string, was swallowed by each subject with the proximal end of the string taped to the face.
Background: Repeated computed tomography (CT) assessment of the adrenal glands is associated with a significant radiation burden. The increasing capabilities of magnetic resonance (MR) volumetric analysis of the adrenals make this a potentially alternative technique in man.
Purpose: To determine whether MR imaging could be used to measure adrenal volume, and to determine the intra- and interobserver variation and repeatability of MR volume imaging of adrenals in healthy human subjects.