In conjunction with Glasgow Royal Infirmary, studies are continuing on the role of Il-6 and acute phase proteins in the inflammatory disease rheumatoid arthritis. The possibility of using Il-6 as a disease marker or a means of assessing early surgical intervention is also being investigated. Model cell culture systems are being developed. A group of enzymes, known as aldo-keto reductases, are involved in the reduction of a wide range of aldehydes and ketones. This research involves defining their roles in detoxication pathways in mammalian systems as well as in lower eukaryotes.
Interests extend into other physiological roles of aldo-keto reductases.
Several research projects are ongoing, some of which are collaborative. Language Impairment A multidisciplinary group has been formed to investigate and promote the treatment of children with auditory deficiencies which might lead to language impairment. Dr A O'Hare and Dr J Watson from Edinburgh Sick Children's NHS Trust. The objective is to develop a non-invasive diagnostic method, using electroencephalogram recordings of brain responses to varying speech and music, to determine the suitability of patients with temporal processing deficits to benefit from novel training methods. Research concerned with the Microbiological Safety of Foods has been carried out with funding from MAFF and the Scottish Office Home and Health Department.