Southampton medical student wins top prize

An intercalated MMedSc student at the University of Southampton has won a prestigious prize for a research project.

Radhika Shah won the Medical Student Prize at the 2023 Dr Falk-Pharma/Guts UK Charity national awards for her lab-based project, investigating the mechanisms which may affect the development of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) from metabolic symptoms.

Radhika conducted the research, entitled ‘The role of matrix metalloproteinases in metabolic syndrome and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease’, while intercalating for a MMedSc degree.

She was presented with her award and £1,500 prize at the recent annual meeting of the British Gastroenterology Society (BSG) by the President of the BSG, Professor Andy Veitch.

Radhika said: “Globally and in the UK, NAFLD affects approximately 32% of adults. Worryingly, these numbers are continuing to rise, bringing with it a potentially huge burden to healthcare systems.

“We know that NAFLD is a major consequence of metabolic syndrome. This was a lab-based project looking at how matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) might interact with each other in the development of (NAFLD), as a consequence of metabolic syndrome.

“My project looked at how matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) might interact with each other in the development of NAFLD, as a consequence of metabolic syndrome. It successfully managed to identify NAFLD in mice with metabolic syndrome related MMPs and show that changes in these MMPs may be impacting the development of NAFLD and metabolic syndrome. With further research into these mechanisms, hopefully some day they may be used as therapeutic targets for drugs against metabolic syndrome and NAFLD.

“This was my first experience of lab work and opened up my eyes to the almost endless diversity of medical research and has encouraged me to pursue a career with a combination of clinical and research responsibilities in internal medicine, with a focus on preventative medicine. I am grateful to GUTS UK and Dr Falk Pharma for recognising the potential of my work; this prize has encouraged me to keep seeking out new opportunities in research alongside clinical medicine.”

Sylvia Pender, Associate Professor (Reader) In Mucosal Immunology, Felino Cagampang, Associate Professor in Integrative Physiology and Radhika’s project supervisors, said:

“Radhika is conscientious and meticulous in her molecular biology skills. She is highly motivated, independent, and eager to learn new skills.”

The Dr Falk Pharma/Guts UK Charity Awards are dedicated to encouraging research and promoting patient care in the field of gastroenterology and hepatology. Since 2007 they have rewarded over 140 dedicated young healthcare professionals, including medical students, junior doctors, nurses and dietitians. This year for the first time, pharmacists have also been recognised.