Dr. James Spiers

Dr. James Spiers

Associate Professor, Pharmacology & Therapeutics

Associate Professor

3531896 2146www.tcd.ie/medicine/pharmacology-therapeutic/staff/spiersj/

Publications and Further Research Outputs

  • Kennedy, A., Spiers, J. P., Crowley, V., Williams, E., Lithander, F. E., Postprandial adiponectin and gelatinase response to a high-fat versus an isoenergetic low-fat meal in lean, healthy men, Nutrition, 31, (6), 2015, p863 - 870Journal Article, 2015, DOI , URL
  • Hennessy,M.; Clarke,S.; Spiers,J.P.; Mulcahy,F.; Kelleher,D.; Meadon,E.; Maher,B.; Bergin,C.; Tjia,J.; Hoggard,P.; Back,D.; Barry,M., Intracellular indinavir pharmacokinetics in HIV infected patients: comparison with plasma pharmacokinetics, Antiviral Therapy, 8, 2003, p191 - 198Journal Article, 2003
  • Hennessy,M.; Clarke,S.; Spiers,J.P.; Mulcahy,F.; Kelleher,D.; Meadon,E.; Maher,B.; Bergin,C.; Tjia,J.; Hoggard,P.; Back,D.; Barry,M., Intracellular indinavir pharmacokinetics in HIV infected patients: comparison with plasma pharmacokinetics, Antiviral Therapy, 8, 2003, p191 - 198Journal Article, 2003
  • Hennessy,M.; Clarke,S.; Spiers,J.P.; Kelleher,D.; Mulcahy,F.; Hoggard,P.; Back,D.; Barry,M., Intracellular accumulation of nelfinavir and its relationship to P-glycoprotein expression and function in HIV infected patients, Antiviral Therapy, 9, 2004, p115 - 122Journal Article, 2004
  • Hennessy,M.; Clarke,S.; Spiers,J.P.; Kelleher,D.; Mulcahy,F.; Hoggard,P.; Back,D.; Barry,M., Intracellular accumulation of nelfinavir and its relationship to P-glycoprotein expression and function in HIV infected patients, Antiviral Therapy, 9, 2004, p115 - 122Journal Article, 2004
  • Kelso,E.J.; McDermott,B.J.; Silke,B.; Spiers,J.P., EndothelinA receptor-subtype mediates endothelin-induced contractility in left ventricular cardiomyocytes isolated from rabbit myocardium, Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 294, 2000, p1047 - 1052Journal Article, 2000
  • Kelso,E.J.; McDermott,B.; Silke,B.; Spiers,J.P., Positive effect of bumetanide on contractile activity of ventricular cardiomyocytes, European Journal of Pharmacology, 400, 2000, p43 - 50Journal Article, 2000
  • Meng,X.; Wang,Y.; Zhuang,J.; Yu,Y.; Chen,Y.; Jin,Y.; Wang,Y.; Han,X.; Spiers,J.P.; Song,G., Dynamic changes of myocardial matrix metalloproteinases activities in mice with viral myocarditis, Chinese Medical Journal, 117, 2004, p1195 - 1199Journal Article, 2004
  • Nicholl,S.M.; Bell,D.; Spiers,J.P.; McDermott,B.J., Neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor regulates protein turnover and constitutive gene expression in hypertrophying cardiomyocytes, European Journal of Pharmacology, 441, 2002, p23 - 34Journal Article, 2002
  • Spiers,J.P.; Kelso,E.J.; Allen,J.D.; Silke,B.; McDermott,B.J., Inotropic response to endothelin-1, isoprenaline and calcium in cardiomyocytes isolated from endotoxin treated rats: effects of ethyl-isothiourea and dexamethasone, British Journal of Pharmacology, 130, 2000, p1275 - 1282Journal Article, 2000
  • Spiers,J.P.; Dorman,A.; Allen,J.D.; Kelso,E.J.; Silke,B.; McDermott,B.J., Myocardial expression of the endothelin system in endotoxin-treated rats, Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology, 38, 2001, p259 - 267Journal Article, 2001
  • Song,G.; Hennessy,M.; Zhao,Y.L.; Li,Q.; Han,W.D.; Qi,Y.; Zhao,W.N.; Silke,B.; Barry,M.; Doyle,R.; Spiers,J.P., Adrenoceptor blockade alters plasma gelatinase activity in patients with heart failure and MMP-9 promoter activity in a human cell line (ECV304), Pharmacological Research, 54, 2006, p57 - 64Journal Article, 2006
  • Spiers,J.P.; Kelso,E.J.; Fong,S.; Edge,G.; Song,G.; McDermott,B.J.; Hennessy,M., Alterations in vascular matrix metalloproteinase due to ageing and chronic hypertension: effects of endothelin receptor blockade, Journal of Hypertension, 23, 2005, p1717 - 1724Journal Article, 2005
  • Kelso,E.J.; Spiers,J.P.; McDermott,B.J.; Scholfield,C.N.; Silke,B., Dual effects of endothelin-1 on the L-type Ca2+ current in ventricular cardiomyocytes, European Journal of Pharmacology, 308, 1996, p351 - 355Journal Article, 1996
  • Kelso,E.J.; Spiers,J.P.; McDermott,B.J.; Scholfield,C.N.; Silke,B., Stimulation of L-type Ca2+ current by the endothelin receptor A-selective antagonist, BQ-123 in ventricular cardiomyocytes isolated from the rabbit myocardium, Biochemical Pharmacology, 55, 1998, p897 - 902Journal Article, 1998
  • Kelso,E.J.; Spiers,J.P.; McDermott,B.J.; Scholfield,C.N.; Silke,B., Receptor-mediated effects of endothelin on the L-type Ca2+ current in ventricular cardiomyocytes, Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 286, 1998, p662 - 669Journal Article, 1998
  • Silke,B.; Spiers,J.P.; Herity,N.A.; Drake,M., Seismocardiography during pharmacodynamic intervention in man, Automedica, 16, 1994, p35 - 44Journal Article, 1994
  • Silke,B.; Spiers,J.P.; Boyd,S.; Graham,E.; McParland,G.; Scott,M.E., Evaluation of non-invasive blood pressure measurement by the Finapres method at rest and during dynamic exercise in subjects with cardiovascular insufficiency, Clinical Autonomic Research, 4, 1994, p49 - 56Journal Article, 1994
  • Silke,B.; de la Motte,S.; Spiers,J.P.; Herity,N.A.; Drake,M.; Kelly,J.; Harrison,F.J., Haemodynamic effects of intravenous elgodipine in coronary artery disease during rest and exercise, and basic pharmacokinetic parameters, Cardiovascular Drugs Therapy, 10, 1996, p573 - 580Journal Article, 1996
  • Spiers,J.P.; Harron,D.W.; Wilson,R., Acute and chronic effects of rilmenidine on baroreflex function in conscious dogs, European Journal of Pharmacology, 181, 1990, p235 - 240Journal Article, 1990
  • Spiers,J.P.; Harron,D.W.; Wilson,R., UK-52,046 (a novel a1-adrenoceptor antagonist) and the role of a-adrenoceptor stimulation and blockade on atrioventricular conduction, Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology, 16, 1990, p824 - 830Journal Article, 1990
  • Spiers,J.P.; Harron,D.W.; Wilson,R., Duration of action and effect on baroreflex function of the anti-arrhythmic a1 antagonist UK-52,046, Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 43, 1991, p70 - 72Journal Article, 1991
  • Spiers,J.P.; Silke,B.; McDermott,U.; Shanks,R.G.; Harron,D.W., Time and frequency domain assessment of heart rate variability: a theoretical and clinical appreciation, Clinical Autonomic Reserach, 3, 1993, p145 - 158Journal Article, 1993
  • Spiers,J.P.; Kelso,E.J.; McDermott,B.J.; Scholfield,C.N.; Silke,B., Endothelin-1 mediated inhibition of the acetylcholine-activated potassium current from rabbit isolated atrial cardiomyocytes, British Journal of Pharmacology, 119, 1996, p1427 - 1437Journal Article, 1996
  • Ward M., Spiers J.P., Protein Phosphatase 2A (PP2A) Regulation of Markers of Extracellular Matrix Remodelling in HCC Cells: Functional Consequences for Tumour Invasion, British Journal of Pharmacology, 174, 2017, p1116 - 1130Journal Article, 2017, DOI
  • I.S. Elgenaidi, J.P. Spiers, Hypoxia Modulates the PP2A system in Human Cardiovascular Cell Lines: HIF-1alpha Dependent and Independent Regulation of PP2A in Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells and Ventricular Cardiomyocytes, British Journal of Pharmacology, 176, (11), 2019, p1745 - 1763Journal Article, 2019, DOI
  • I.S. Elgenaidi, J.P. Spiers, Regulation of the Phosphoprotein Phosphatase 2A System and its Modulation during Oxidative Stress: A Potential Therapeutic Target?, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 2019, p68 - 89Journal Article, 2019, DOI
  • Chris Watson, J Paul Spiers, Max Waterstone, Joseph Gallagher, Cristin Ryan, John Gilmer, Kenneth McDonald, Mark T Ledwidge, Investigation of association of genetic variant rs3918242 of matrix metalloproteinase-9 with hypertension, myocardial infarction and progression of ventricular dysfunction in European patients with diabetes: a report from the STOP-HF follow-up programme, BMC Cardiovascular Disorders, 21, 2021, p87Journal Article, 2021
  • Alshareif, O. and Hennessy, M. and Matthew, M. and Keane, J. and Spiers, J.P., Rosiglitazone inhibits MMP-9 protein expression through NF-?B and AP-1 dependent mechanisms in human THP-1 cells, pA2 online, Winter meeting of the British Pharmacological Society, London, British Pharmacological Society, 2009, pp067PMeeting Abstract, 2009, URL
  • Siah, W.E. and Kelso, E. J. and Hennessy, M. and Edge, G. and McDermott, B.J. and Spiers, J.P., Role of endothelin in regulation of matrix metalloproteinase activity in hypertension-induced hypertrophy and transition to failure using spontaneously hypertensive rats, pA2 online, Winter meeting of the British Pharmacological Society, London, British Pharmacology Society, 2004, pp086PGKTMeeting Abstract, 2004, URL
  • Harkin, K. and Metcalfe, A. and Harbinson, M. and Campbell, M. and Spiers, J.P. and Bell, D., Influence of intermedin/adrenomedullin-2 on nephrotoxic drug-related injury to human renal mesangial and tubular epithelial cells, pA2 online, Pharmacology 2016, London, British Pharmacological Society, 2016, pp222PMeeting Abstract, 2016, URL
  • Spiers, J.P. and Edwoards, C. and Hennessy, M. and Mulcahy, F. and Davies, A., Abacarvir does not havre a direct cardiotoxic effect compared to othe antiretroviral agents: Effects on cell death, mitochondrial membrane potential, intracellular calcium and free radical generation, Winter meeting of the British Pharmacological Society, British Journal of Pharmacology, 2008Meeting Abstract, 2008, URL
  • Ward, M.P. and Spiers, J.P., Modulation of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 expression by Protein Phosphatase in Hep3B and LX-2 cell lines, Pharmacology 13, British Pharmacological Society, 2013Meeting Abstract, 2013, URL
  • Ward, M.P. and Botting, C.H. and Lucitt, M.B. and Spiers, J.P., Identification of Phosphoproteins Regulated by Protein Phosphatase 2A Inhibition in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma , Pharmacology 14, British Pharmacology Society, 2014Meeting Abstract, 2014, URL
  • Ward, M. and Spiers, J.P., Increased Cancerous Inhibitor of PP2A (CIP2A) Expression in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells Following Co-Culture With Anti-Inflammatory Macrophages, Pharmacology 15, British Pharmacological Society, 2015Meeting Abstract, 2015, URL
  • Elgenaidi, I.S. and Spiers, J.P., 5†HIF-1alpha dependent and independent regulation of PP2A in human aortic smooth muscle cells under hypoxia , Heart, Scottish Cardiovascular Forum, Dublin, 104, Heart, 2018Meeting Abstract, 2018, DOI
  • Casey, G. and Ward, M. and Spiers, J.P. , The role of PP2A and related proteins in Human Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells in response to Pro and Anti-Inflammatory Cytokines, pA2 online, Pharmacology 16, London, British Pharmacology Society, 2016, pp176PMeeting Abstract, 2016, URL
  • Casey, G. and Spiers, J.P. , The role of PP2A in brain microvascular permeability, pA2 online, Pharmacology 2017, London, British Pharmacological Society, 2017, pp066PMeeting Abstract, 2017, URL
  • Casey, G. and Spiers, J.P., PP2A: a guardian at the gates?, Heart, Scottish Cardiovascular Forum, Dublin, 104, Heart, 2018, ppA1Oral Presentation, 2018, DOI
  • Casey, G. and Spiers, J.P., The role of PP2A in an inflammatory induced increase in Brain Microvascular Permeability, WCP2018 Kyoto, Japan, 2018, ppOR10-1Oral Presentation, 2018, URL
  • Phillips, M. and Svard, J. and Spiers, J.P. and Mulcahy, F. and Hennessy, M., Efavirenz levels, dizziness and tests of neurocognition in a Dublin HIV cohort, British HIV Association, 2012Meeting Abstract, 2012
  • Spiers, J.P. and Hennessy, M., Development of an interactive web-based revision and continual assessment environment for medical students studying pharmacology using Questionmark, Irish Network of Medical educators, 2008Meeting Abstract, 2008
  • Silke, B. and Spiers, J.P. and Herity, N. A. and Zanetti, J.M., Seismocardiography - a new pharmacodynamic method, International Symposium on Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy, 1993Meeting Abstract, 1993
  • Kelso, E. J. and McDermott, B. and Silke, B. and Spiers, J.P., ETA receptor-subtype mediates the dual effects of endothelin on the L-type Ca2+ current in ventricular cardiomyocytes isolated from rabbit myocardium, International Society for Heart Research, 29, Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology, 1997Meeting Abstract, 1997
  • Kelso, E. J. and McDermott, B. and Silke, B. and Spiers, J.P., Influence of endothelin on the L-type calcium current in ventricular cardiomyocytes isolated from rabbit myocardium, International Society for Heart Research, European Heart Journal, 1998Meeting Abstract, 1998
  • Kelso, E. J. and McDermott, B. and Spiers, J.P. and Silke, B. and Scholfield, C. N., Dual effects of endothelin-1 on the Ca2+ current from rabbit ventricular cardiomyocytes, International Society for Heart Research, Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, 1998Meeting Abstract, 1998
  • Spiers, J.P. and Kelso, E. J. and Allen, J. D. and Silke, B. and McDermott, B., Free radical damage and the effect of α-phenyl n-tert-butyl nitrone in LPS treated rats, Irish Cardiac Society, 1998Meeting Abstract, 1998
  • Rietz, A. and Hennessy, M. and Davies, A. and Volkov, Y. and Spiers, J.P., Beta-Adrenergic stimulation inhibits okadaic acid-induced MMP-9 respnse in fibroblasts: A novel regulatory mechanism, XX World Congress of the International Society for Heart Research, 2010Meeting Abstract, 2010
  • Rietz, A. and Hennessy, M. and Davies, A. and Volkov, Y. and Spiers, J.P., Combined blockade of alpha 1 and beta-adrenoceptors is essential for inhibtion of TNFα-induced MMP-9 expression and activity in NIH3T3 fibroblasts, British Pharmacological Society Winter Meeting, 2009Meeting Abstract, 2009
  • Rietz, A. and Hennessy, M. and Davies, A. and Volkov, Y. and Spiers, J.P., Adrenoceptor agonists do not alter matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) activity and promoter activity in murine fibroblasts (NIH3T3): Lack of involvement of NFκB, Heart Failure Congress, 8, European Journal of Heart Failure, 2009, ppA1270Meeting Abstract, 2009
  • Rietz, A. and Davies, A. and Hennessy, M. and Volkov, Y. and Spiers, J.P., Adrenoceptor modulation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) activity and promoter activity in murine fibroblasts (NIH3T3): Not all that is seems!, British Pharmacological Society Winter Meeting, 2008Oral Presentation, 2008
  • Svard, J. and Spiers, J.P. and Mulcahy, F. and Hennessy, M., Anivirals and nuclear receptor activation of CYP3A4 and 2B6, Infectious Diseases Society of Ireland, 2008Meeting Abstract, 2008
  • Svard, J. and Spiers, J.P. and Mulcahy, F. and Hennessy, M., Antivirals and nuclear receptor activation of CYP3A4 and 2B6, HIV 9, 2008Meeting Abstract, 2008
  • Svard, J. and Spiers, J.P. and Mulcahy, F. and Hennessy, M., Genetic variability in PXR, MDR-1, CYP3A4 and CYP2B6 in HIV infected caucasian and sub-Saharan African patients - benefits from a cohort approach, British Pharmacological Society Winter Meeting, 2008Oral Presentation, 2008
  • Svard, J. and Spiers, J.P. and Mulcahy, F. and Hennessy, M., Activation of liver X receptors (alpha and beta) by HIV protease inhibitors atazanavir and ritonavir and inhibition by non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor efavirenz, World Pharma 2010, 2010Meeting Abstract, 2010
  • Woo, J. and Spiers, J.P. and Svard, J. and Edwards, C. and Davies, A. and Mulcahy, F. and Hennessy, M., HIV antiretroviral drug-induced toxicity in H9C2 cardiomyoblasts: Effects on oxidative stress, mitochondrial membrane potential, intracellular calcium and cell viability, Infectious Diseases Society of Ireland, 2010Meeting Abstract, 2010
  • Woo, J. and Hennessy, M. and Mulcahy, F. and Spiers, J.P., Cardiovascular risk estimation in patients treated with abacavir in the Dublin HIV Cohort, Infesctious Diseases Society of Ireland, 2009Meeting Abstract, 2009
  • Kennedy, A. and Doherty, D. and Hennessy, M. and Spiers, J.P., HIV-1 Tat clade B increases interferon-gamma production by gamma delta T-cells, Annual Scientific Meeting of the Infectious Diseases Society of Ireland, 2011Meeting Abstract, 2011
  • Kennedy, A. and Hennessy, M. and Bergin, C. and Mulcahy, F. and Hopkins, S. and Spiers, J.P., Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is altered by ribavirin and interferon in THP-1 cells and in HIV/HCV co-infected patients, Controversies in the Management of Viral Hepatitis, 2011Meeting Abstract, 2011
  • Kennedy, A. and Hennessy, M. and Bergin, C. and Mulcahy, F. and Hopkins, S. and Spiers, J.P., Interferon and ribavirin alter matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) activity in HIV/HCV co-infected patients and in THP-1 cells, British Pharmacological Society winter meeting, 2009Meeting Abstract, 2009
  • Svard, J. and Spiers, J. P. and Mulcahy, F. and Hennessy, M., Nuclear receptor-mediated expression of CYP3A4 and CYP2B6 by antiretrovirals - implications for prediction of drug interaction potential, British Pharmacological Society, 2008Meeting Abstract, 2008
  • Zhao, P. and Gong, K. and Song, G. and Zhang, Z. and Spiers, J. P., Anti-inflammatory effects of methotrexate improve cardiac function in a rat model of dilated cardiomyopathy, IUPHAR Beijing, 2006Meeting Abstract, 2006
  • Hennessy, M. and Spiers, J. P. and Silke, B. and King, G. and Barry, M., Early alterations in plasma markers of remodeling in heart failure patients treated with carvedilol, Irish Angiology Society, 2002Meeting Abstract, 2002
  • Edge, G. and Kelso, E. J. and Hennessy, M. and McDermott, B. and Spiers, J. P., Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity in aorta from spontaneously hypertensive heart failed rats: Effect of chronic endothelin receptor antagonism, Irish Angiology Society, Irish Angiology Society, 2002Meeting Abstract, 2002
  • McNulty, M. and Mahmud, A. and Spiers, J. P. and Feely, J., Arterial stiffness and collagen type-1 turnover in normo- and hypertensive subjects, Irish-Belgium Meeting, 2004Meeting Abstract, 2004
  • McNulty, M. and Mahmud, A. and Spiers, J. P. and Feely, J., Arterial stiffness is associated with collagen type-1 degradation in normo- and hypertensive subjects, Journal of Human Hypertension, 18, 2004, pps6Meeting Abstract, 2004
  • Hennessy, M. and Hopkins, S. and Spiers, J. P. and Back, D. and Kewn, S. and Bergin, C. and Mulcahy, F., Haematological toxicity, ribavirin and intracellular triphosphate levels in HIV/HCV infected patients receiving interferon and ribavirin, British Journal of Pharmacology, British Pharmacological Society, 2005Meeting Abstract, 2005
  • Siah, W. F. and Kelso, E. J. and Hennessy, M. and Edge, G. and McDermott, B. J. and Spiers, J. P., Aortic matrix metalloproteinase activity in hypertension-induced hypertrophy and transition to failure using spontaneously hypertensive rats, British Journal of Pharmacology, British Pharmacological Society, 2004Meeting Abstract, 2004
  • Hennessy, M. and Spiers, J. P. and Silke, B. and King, G. and Barry, M., Early alterations in plasma markers of remodelling in heart failure patients treated with carvedilol, British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 55, 2003, pp426-427Meeting Abstract, 2003
  • Edge, G. and Kelso, E. J. and Hennessy, M. and McDermott, B. J. and Spiers, J. P., Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity in aorta from spontaneously hypertensive heart failed rats: Effect of chronic endothelin receptor antagonism, British Journal of Pharmacology, 138, 2003, pp56PMeeting Abstract, 2003
  • Hopkins, S. and Hennessy, M. and Spiers, J. P. and Clarke, S. and Barry, M. and Mulcahy, F. and Bergin, C., The effect of interferon therapy on plasma MMP activity in HIV/HCV co-infected patients, Retroviruses, Chicago, 2002Meeting Abstract, 2002
  • Kelso, E. J. and McDermott, B. J. and Silke, B. and Spiers, J. P., Contractile effects of endothelin-1 and endothelin-3, mediated by ET A and ET B receptor subtypes, in ventricular cardiomyocytes isolated from rabbit myocardium, British Journal of Pharmacology, 118, 1996, pp131PMeeting Abstract, 1996
  • Kelso, E. J. and Spiers, J. P. and McDermott, B. J. and Scholfield, C. N. and Silke, B., Effects of endothelin (ET) receptor selective and non-selective antagonists on ET-1-inhibites L-type Ca2+ currents in ventricuar cardiomyocytes isolated from rabbit myocardium, British Journal of Pharmacology, 118, 1996, pp56PMeeting Abstract, 1996
  • Ward, M.P. and Spiers, J.P., Serine/Threonine Protein Phosphatase regulation of Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma, WCP2014, Capetown South Africa, 2014Oral Presentation, 2014
  • M. Hennessy, D. Kelleher, J. P. Spiers, M. Barry, P. Kavanagh, D. Back, F. Mulcahy and J. Feely, St Johns wort increases expression of P-glycoprotein: implications for drug interactions, British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 53, (1), 2002, p75-82Journal Article, 2002, DOI , TARA - Full Text
  • Sotirakos, S. Wheen, P. Spiers, J. Armstrong, R., New pharmacotherapy for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, Expert Reviews in Cardiovascular Therapy, 18, 2020, p405 - 414Journal Article, 2020
  • Holmes, D. Corr, M. Thomas, G. Harbinson, M. Campbell, M. Spiers, J.P. Bell, D., Protective effects of intermedin/adrenomedullin-2 in a cellular model of human pulmonary arterial hypertension, Peptides, 126, 2020, p170267Journal Article, 2020
  • Mahmud, A Zhou, S Yasmin, Y Spiers, JP Feely, J Silke, B, Haplotype of receptor for advanced glycation end products is associated with arterial stiffness in essential hypertension, European Heart Journal, 41, 2020, ppehaa946. 2705Meeting Abstract, 2020
  • MAHMUD, A., MCNULTY, M., MCGOVERN, E., SPIERS, J., KAVANAGH, P., TOLAN, M., YOUNG, V., FEELY, J. & SILKE, B., Arterial stiffness is associated with elastin fragmentation and medial collagen content in the human aorta, European Heart Journal, 41, 2020, ppehaa946. 2706Meeting Abstract, 2020
  • KONIECZNA, S., OHLMEYER, M. & SPIERS, J. P., Role of protein phosphatase 2a inhibition in modulation of claudin-5 and ve-cadherin in human brain microvascular endothelial cells., Heart, 2020Meeting Abstract, 2020
  • MAHMUD, A., ROUF, A., SPIERS, J. P., ALJIZEERI, A., FEELY, J. & JERRARD-DUNNE,, Relationship between smoking and smoking cessation with vasculature inflammation and arterial stiffness, ournal of the American College of Cardiology, 71, 2018, ppA2114-A211Meeting Abstract, 2018
  • ELGENAIDI, I. & SPIERS, J. P., HIF-1α dependent and independent regulation of PP2A in human aortic smooth muscle cells under hypoxia, Heart, 2018, ppP5Meeting Abstract, 2018
  • MAHMUD, A., ZHOU, S., SPIERS, J., GHAMDI, M., FEELY, J. & SILKE, B., COL3A1 polymorphism is associated with higher central aortic pressures and arterial stiffness in patients with untreated essential hypertension, European Heart Journal, 38, 2017Meeting Abstract, 2017
  • MAHMUD, A., ZHOU, S., SPIERS, J., FEELY, J., GHAMDI, M. & SILKE, B, The role of elastin polymorphism 549G> A in modulating central aortic pulsatile haemodynamics in untreated essential hypertension, European Heart Journal, 2017Meeting Abstract, 2017
  • ELGENAIDI, I. & SPIERS, J., Effect of hypoxia on expression of the PP2A system in primary human cardiovascular cells: post-translation modification and involvement of hif1α, Heart, 2017Meeting Abstract, 2017
  • SVARD, J., SPIERS, J., MULCAHY, F. & HENNESSY, M, NUCLEAR RECEPTOR TARGETS FOR TREATMENT OF DISEASES ACTIVATION OF LIVER X RECEPTORS (A AND B) BY HIV PROTEASE INHIBITORS ATAZANAVIR AND RITONAVIR AND INHIBITION BY NON-NUCLEOSIDE REVERSE TRANSCRIPTASE INHIBITOR EFAVIRENZ, asic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, 2010, ppPaper No.: 3419Meeting Abstract, 2010
  • SVARD, J., SPIERS, J., MULCAHY, F. & HENNESSY, M, Antivirals and nuclear receptor activation of CYP3A4 and 2B6, ournal of the International AIDS Society, 2008Meeting Abstract, 2008
  • SPIERS, J., EDWARDS, C., RIETZ, A., JAN, E., MULCAHY, F., HENNESSY, M., VOLKOV, Y. & DAVIES, A., Protease inhibitor-induced cardiotoxicity: direct effects oProtease inhibitor-induced cardiotoxicity: direct effects on cell viability and intracellular calcium levels, ournal of the International AIDS Society, 11, 2008, pp1-1Meeting Abstract, 2008
  • ZHOU, S., FEELY, J., SPIERS, J. & MAHMUD, A, Adiponectin gene polymorphism (G276T) contributes to blood pressure and arterial stiffness in essential hypertension, British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 63, 2007, pp790 - 791Meeting Abstract, 2007
  • ZHOU, S., FEELY, J., JERRARD-DUNNE, P., SPIERS, J. & MAHMUD, A., ADIPONECTIN GENE POLYMORPHISM-276G> T CONTRIBUTES TO ARTERIAL STIFFNESS IN ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION, Artery Research, 1, 2007, pp67-Meeting Abstract, 2007
  • ZHOU, S., FEELY, J., JERRARD-DUNNE, P., SPIERS, J. & MAHMUD, A, A haplotype at the MMP-9 locus is associated with higher blood pressure and greater arterial stiffness in patients with essential hypertension, British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 2007, pp63Meeting Abstract, 2007
  • MAHMUD, A., ZHOU, S., JERRARD-DUNNE, P., SPIERS, J. & FEELY, J., A HAPLOTYPE AT THE MMP-9 LOCUS IS ASSOCIATED WITH HIGHER BLOOD PRESSURE AND GREATER ARTERIAL STIFFNESS IN PATIENTS WITH ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION., Artery Research, 1, 2007, pp67Meeting Abstract, 2007
  • McNulty,M.; Spiers,J.P.; McGovern,E.; Feely,J., Ageing is associated with increased matrix metalloproteinase-2 activity in the human aorta., American Journal of Hypertension , 18, 2005, p504 - 509Journal Article, 2005
  • M. McNulty, J.P. Spiers, E. McGovern, J. Feely, Selective increase in matrix metalloproteinase-2 activity in the ageing human aorta, Proceedings of the Fourth Meeting of European Association for Research on Arterial Structure and Physiology, 2004, PA21Meeting Abstract, 2004
  • M. McNulty, P. Spiers, E. McGovern, J. Feely, Differential expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 in the aorta and internal mammary artery of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafts, British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 55, 2003, pp435 - 436Meeting Abstract, 2003
  • McNulty,M.; Mahmud,A.; Spiers,J.P.; Feely,J., Collagen type-I degradation is related to arterial stiffness in hypertensive and normotensive subjects, Journal of Human Hypertension, 20, 2006, p867 - 873Journal Article, 2006
  • McDermott, B. J. McWilliams, S. Smyth, K. Kelso, E. J. Spiers, J. P. Zhao, Y. Y. Bell, D. Murakhur, R. J., Protection of cardiomyocyte function by propofol during stimulated ischaemia is associated with a direct action to reduce pro-oxidant activity, Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology, 42, 2007, p600 - 608Journal Article, 2007
  • Hennessy, M.; Spiers, J.P., A primer on the mechanics of P-glycoprotein the multi drug transporter, Pharmacological Research, 55, 2007, p1 - 15Journal Article, 2007
  • Gong,K.; Song,G.; Spiers,J.P.; Kelso,E.J.; Zhang,Z., Activation of immune and inflammatory systems in chronic heart failure: novel therapeutic approaches, International Journal of Clinical Practice, 61, 2007, p611 - 621Journal Article, 2007
  • S. Zhou, J. Feely, J.P. Spiers, A. Mahmud, Matrix metalloproteinase-9 polymorphism contributes to blood pressure and arterial stiffness in essential hypertension, Journal of Human Hypertension, 21, (11), 2007, p861 - 867Journal Article, 2007
  • Davies A.M., Volkov Y., Spiers J.P., Development of cardiac cell based assays for study of cardiac disease - in with the new by automating the old., European Pharmaceutical Review, 6, 2008, p18 - 20Journal Article, 2008, URL
  • Svard,J.; Spiers,J.P.; Mulcahy,F.; Hennessy,M., Nuclear receptor-mediated induction of CYP450 by antiretrovirals: Functional consequences of NR1I2 (PXR)polymorphisms and differential prevalence in whites and Sub-Saharan Africans, Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, 55, 2010, p536 - 549Journal Article, 2010
  • Davies,A.M.; Volkov,Y.; Spiers,J.P., Automated drug discovery. Development of cardiac cell based assays to study drug efficacy and toxicity, Screening, 3, 2008, p2 - 5Journal Article, 2008
  • Kennedy,A.; Hennessy,M.; Bergin,C.; Mulcahy,F.; Hopkins,S.; Spiers,J.P., Ribavirin and interferon alter MMP-9 abundance in vitro and in HIV/HCV co-infected patients, Antiviral Therapy, 16, 2011, p1237 - 1247Journal Article, 2011
  • Rietz, A. Volkov, Y. Davies, A. Hennessy, M. Spiers, J., Okadaic acid induces MMP-9 expression in fibroblast: Crosstalk between protein phosphatase inhibition and β-adrenoceptor signalling, British Journal of Pharmacology, 165, 2012, p274 - 288Journal Article, 2012
  • Abulhul E, McDonald K, Martos R, Phelan D, Spiers JP, Hennessy M, Baugh J, Watson C, O'Loughlin C, Ledwidge M, Long-Term Statin Therapy in Patients With Systolic Heart Failure and Normal Cholesterol: Effects on Elevated Serum Markers of Collagen Turnover, Inflammation, and B-Type Natriuretic Peptide., Clinical Therapeutics, 34, (1), 2012, p91 - 100Journal Article, 2012
  • Rietz A, Spiers JP, The relationship between the matrix metalloproteinase system, adrenoceptors and phosphoprotein phosphatases , British Journal of Pharmacology, 166, 2012, p1225 - 1243Journal Article, 2012, DOI
  • Kennedy, A. Doherty , D.G Petrasca, A. Hennessy, M. Spiers, J.P., HIV-1 Tat clade-specific cytokine induction in monocytes/macrophages is not evidenced in total or Vγ9Vδ2 T lymphocytes, AIDS, 28, 2014, p131 - 133Journal Article, 2014, DOI
  • J Svärd, F Blanco, D Nevin, D Fayne, F Mulcahy, M Hennessy and JP Spiers, DIFFERENTIAL INTERACTIONS OF ANTIRETROVIRAL AGENTS WITH LXR, ER AND GR NUCLEAR RECEPTORS - POTENTIAL CONTRIBUTING FACTORS OF ADVERSE EVENTS, British Journal of Pharmacology, 171, 2014, p480 - 497Journal Article, 2014, DOI , TARA - Full Text
  • Benito MJ, Patterson A, Spiers JP, , First Experience Introducing Research Projects in Medicine: Students' Feedback on a New Approach to Research. I, INMED Conference 2011, Flexner 100 years on - a return to core principles, Trinity College Dublin, 18-20 May, 2011, 2011Meeting Abstract, 2011

Research Expertise

Pathophysiological mechanisms of cardiovascular disease processes: activation of compensatory/ decompensatory mechanisms. Cellular and molecular investigations of cardioactive substances in normal and diseased myocardium: changes in myocyte function in response to overexpression of neurohormones and peptides; long-term cellular changes, including hypertrophy and altered gene expression; extracellular and cytoskeleton changes - ventricular remodelling. Roles of endothelin, nitric oxide, cytokines and heat shock proteins in heart failure and septic shock: factors implicated in altered myocardial responses, including receptor and post-receptor mechanisms of action; mechanical, biochemical, molecular and electrophysiological effects.

  • Title
    Cardiovascular Remodeling in Heart Failure
    Summary
    Assessment of cardiovascular remodelling due to physiological ageing in contrast to pathophysiological disease, particularly heart failure. This recent work has resulted in the identification of accelerated ageing processes in disease and further identified specific signalling pathways associated with hypertension and failure. Key findings reported from this work include: . endothelin receptors are responsible for altered matrix metalloproteinase activity in chronic hypertension but not acute hypertension. Br J Pharmacol 2003, 138, Suppl S, 56P . â-adrenoceptor blockade exhibits a novel anti-remodelling effect in patients with heart failure through attenuation of matrix metalloproteinase activity. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2003, 55, 426-427 . raised MMP levels prior to reduced cardiac function in viral myocarditis, may provide a useful marker of deteriorating function and have a role in the pathogenesis of myocardial lesion. Chin Med J. 2004; 117, 1195-1199 These findings have been examined in an animal model of hypertension and heart failure, and also in patients. I have set up all the methodologies necessary for these investigations in the department including zymography and investigations of specific target protein expression. The later study was set up as an international collaboration in order to avail of expertise and ready access to an animal model of viral myocarditis. Successful outcome is noted in publication of work.
    Funding Agency
    Royal City of Dublin Hospital Trust
    Date From
    2002
    Date To
    2004
  • Title
    Immunomodulatory-matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibition with tetracyclines in obesity, diabetes and asymptomatic left ventricular diastolic dysfunction: impact on MMP-9 levels and cardiovascular structure and function
    Summary
    Funding Agency
    Health Research Board
  • Title
    Novel Mechanism Associated with the Development of Heart Failure
    Summary
    Questions relating to molecular mechanisms associated with the development of heart failure are currently being addressed through 3 collaborative programmes: (i) Professor Zhao, China; (ii) Professor Wang, China, and (ii) Professor Krainias, U.S.A. We are utilising already established cell systems set up by these teams, in addition to valuable resources, including constructs, to address: . the promoter region of MMP-9 and the responsiveness to adrenergic stimulation through specific subtypes, temporal dynamics and location of involvement . HSP20 polymorphisms: we have successfully sequenced the gene and are currently looking at polymorphisms in exon 1 of the gene in heart failure patients. Results from this work have identified eight polymorphisms to date. . functional responsiveness of HSP20, through introduction of the gene into viral vectors which are then used to transfect adult cardiomyocytes. It is early to identify the significance of this work, but from results to date it would appear that we have identified a cardioprotective role of HSP20, and it is likely that the presence of polymorphisms will reflect poor outcome. This work is particularly exciting and will lead to a number of publications, in addition to forming the basis of future grant applications and investigations.
    Funding Agency
    HEA Cycle III
    Date From
    2003
    Date To
    2005

Recognition

  • Samuel Haslett Brown Scholarship 1990
  • Provost's Teaching Award 2008
  • MA from Trinity College Dublin 2003
  • Fellow of the British Pharmacological Society 1st November 2021
  • Wellcome Trust Travelling Fellowship 2002
  • Harold McCauley Scholarship for Cardiovascular Research 1995
  • Scottish Cardiovascular Society present
  • European Society for Cardiology 2014
  • International Society for Heart Research 2014
  • British Society for Cardiovascular Research 2014
  • American Heart Association 2012
  • Irish Association of Pharmacologists present
  • British Pharmacological Society present