Dr Sarah Prior

Research Highlights

1. Churm, R., Caplin, S., Barry, J., Davies, J., Stephens, J., & Prior, S. (2019). Acyl-ghrelin mediated lipid retention and inflammation in obesity-related Type 2 diabetes. Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, 481, 8-13.

   https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mce.2018.11.004, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa45975
2. Stephens, J., Min, T., Dunseath, G., Churm, R., Barry, J., & Prior, S. (2019). Temporal effects of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on adipokines, inflammation, and oxidative stress in patients with impaired glucose homeostasis. Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases, 15(12), 2011-2017.

   https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soard.2019.04.006, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa50380
3. Min, T., Prior, S., Caplin, S., Barry, J., & Stephens, J. (2017). Temporal Effect of Bariatric Surgery on Predicted 10-Year and Lifetime Cardiovascular Risk at 1 Month, 6 Months, and 5 Years Following Surgery: A Pilot Study. Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders, 15(3), 130-136.

   https://doi.org/10.1089/met.2016.0112, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa35033
4. Churm, R., Davies, J., Stephens, J., Prior, S., Prior, S., Stephens, J., Davies, J., & Churm, R. (2017). Ghrelin function in human obesity and type 2 diabetes: a concise review. Obesity Reviews, 18(2), 140-148.

   https://doi.org/10.1111/obr.12474, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa29770
5. Prior, S., Barry, J., Caplin, S., Min, T., Grant, D., & Stephens, J. (2016). Temporal changes in plasma markers of oxidative stress following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in subjects with impaired glucose regulation. Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases

   https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soard.2016.08.501, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa29768
6. Stephens, J. & Prior, S. (2015). Gene-Environment Interaction and Oxidative Stress in Cardiovascular Disease. Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease - Scientific Discoveries and New Therapies (pp. 160-185). Royal Society of Chemistry

   SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa23809
7. Locke, A., Kahali, B., Berndt, S., Justice, A., Pers, T., Day, F., Powell, C., Vedantam, S., Buchkovich, M., Yang, J., Croteau-Chonka, D., Esko, T., Fall, T., Ferreira, T., Gustafsson, S., Kutalik, Z., Luan, J., Mägi, R., Randall, J...., & Prior, S. (2015). Genetic studies of body mass index yield new insights for obesity biology. Nature, 518(7538), 197-206.

   https://doi.org/10.1038/nature14177, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa51165
8. Shungin, D., Winkler, T., Croteau-Chonka, D., Ferreira, T., Locke, A., Mägi, R., Strawbridge, R., Pers, T., Fischer, K., Justice, A., Workalemahu, T., Wu, J., Buchkovich, M., Heard-Costa, N., Roman, T., Drong, A., Song, C., Gustafsson, S., Day, F...., & Prior, S. (2015). New genetic loci link adipose and insulin biology to body fat distribution. Nature, 518(7538), 187-196.

   https://doi.org/10.1038/nature14132, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa51166
9. Mallipedhi, A., Prior, S., Barry, J., Caplin, S., Baxter, J., & Stephens, J. (2014). Temporal changes in glucose homeostasis and incretin hormone response at 1 and 6 months after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases, 10(5), 860-869.

   https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soard.2014.02.038, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa19722
10. Jones, D., Prior, S., Barry, J., Caplin, S., Baxter, J., Stephens, J., Prior, S., Stephens, J., & Jones, D. (2014). Changes in markers of oxidative stress and DNA damage in human visceral adipose tissue from subjects with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 106(3), 627-633.

    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.diabres.2014.09.054, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa19724
11. Prior, S., Clark, A., Jones, D., Bain, S., Hurel, S., Humphries, S., & Stephens, J. (2012). Association of the PGC-1α rs8192678 variant with microalbuminuria in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Disease Markers

    https://doi.org/10.3233/DMA-2012-0894, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa10736
12. Sandholm, N., Salem, R., McKnight, A., Brennan, E., Forsblom, C., Isakova, T., McKay, G., Williams, W., Sadlier, D., Mäkinen, V., Swan, E., Palmer, C., Boright, A., Ahlqvist, E., Deshmukh, H., Keller, B., Huang, H., Ahola, A., Fagerholm, E...., & Maxwell, A. (2012). New susceptibility loci associated with kidney disease in Type 1 diabetes. PLOS Genetics, 8

    https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgen.1002921, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa12818
13. Palmer, F., Prior, S., Mallipedhi, A., Jones, D., Price, D., & Stephens, J. (2012). Treatment choices for managing hyperglycaemia in patients with type 2 diabetes and moderate to severe renal disease. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 97(2)

    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.diabres.2012.06.005, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa12819
14. Prior, S., Jones, D., Gill, G., Bain, S., & Stephens, J. (2011). Association of the adiponectin rs266729 C>G variant and coronary heart disease in the low risk ‘Golden Years’ type 1 diabetes cohort. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 91(3), e71-e74.

    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.diabres.2010.12.007, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa10731

    http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168822710005978
15. Stephens, J., Bodvarsdottir, T., Wareham, K., Prior, S., Bracken, R., Lowe, G., Rumley, A., Dunseath, G., Luzio, S., Deacon, C., Holst, J., Bain, S., Bracken, R., Dunseath, G., & Luzio, S. (2011). Effects of short-term therapy with glibenclamide and repaglinide on incretin hormones and oxidative damage associated with postprandial hyperglycaemia in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 94(2), 199-206.

    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.diabres.2011.07.014, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa10733

    http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168822711003640
16. Stephens, J., Carman, J., Prior, S., Jones, D., Price, D., Prior, S., Stephens, J., & Jones, D. (2011). Glycaemic control and other cardiovascular risk factors should be targeted independently in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Atherosclerosis, 217(1), 297-298.

    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2011.03.040, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa10653
17. Brophy, S., Davies, H., Stephens, J., Prior, S., Atkinson, M., Bain, S., Williams, R., Davies, H., Brophy, S., & Atkinson, M. (2010). Adiponectin levels in people with Latent Autoimmune Diabetes-a case control study. BMC Research Notes, 3, 317

    https://doi.org/10.1186/1756-0500-3-317, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa10727

    http://www.biomedcentral.com/1756-0500/3/317/abstract
18. Jones, D., Prior, S., Tang, T., Bain, S., Hurel, S., Humphries, S., & Stephens, J. (2010). Association between the rs4880 superoxide dismutase 2 (C>T) gene variant and coronary heart disease in diabetes mellitus. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 90(2), 196-201.

    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.diabres.2010.07.009, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa10728

    http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168822710003864
19. Prior, S. & Stephens, J. (2010). Relationship between proteolytic enzyme activity and oxidative stress. International Journal of Endocrinology & Metabolism, 8(4), 218-219.

    SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa10729

    http://endometabol.com/?page=article&article_id=1895
20. Tang, T., Prior, S., Li, K., Ireland, H., Bain, S., Hurel, S., Cooper, J., Humphries, S., & Stephens, J. (2010). Association between the rs1050450 glutathione peroxidase-1 (C > T) gene variant and peripheral neuropathy in two independent samples of subjects with diabetes mellitus. Nutrition, Metabolism & Cardiovascular Diseases, 22(5), 417-425.

    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.numecd.2010.08.001, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa10734

    http://www.nmcd-journal.com/article/S0939-4753(10)00188-2/abstract
21. Brooks, C., Stephens, J., Price, D., Ford, D., Lyons, R., Prior, S., Bain, S., Brooks, C., & Lyons, R. (2009). Use of a patient linked data warehouse to facilitate diabetes trial recruitment from primary care. Primary Care Diabetes, 3(4), 245-248.

    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcd.2009.06.004, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa10726

    http://www.primary-care-diabetes.com/article/S1751-9918(09)00048-5/abstract
22. Prior, S., Javid, J., Gill, G., Bain, S., & Stephens, J. (2008). The adiponectin rs17300539 G>A variant and nephropathy risk. Kidney International, 74(10), 1361-1361.

    https://doi.org/10.1038/ki.2008.474, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa10651
23. Prior, S., Griffiths, P., Baxter, J., Baxter, P., Hodder, S., Silvester, K., & Lewis, P. (2006). Miochondrial DNA mutations in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Carcinogenesis, 27(5), 945-950.

    https://doi.org/10.1093/carcin/bgi326, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa10724

    http://carcin.oxfordjournals.org/content/27/5/945.abstract
24. Prior, S., Bain, S., Stephens, J., Alam, I., & Baxter, J. (2009). Total antioxidant status before and after bariatric surgery for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Metabolism, 58(9), 1366

    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.metabol.2009.05.016, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa9802
25. Prior, S., Tang, T., Gill, G., Bain, S., & Stephens, J. (2011). Adiponectin, total antioxidant status, and urine albumin excretion in the low-risk “Golden Years” type 1 diabetes mellitus cohort. Metabolism, 60(2), 173-179.

    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.metabol.2009.12.008, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa10099
26. Prior, S., Griffiths, A., Lewis, P., Lewis, P., & Prior, S. (2009). A study of mitochondrial DNA D-loop mutations and p53 status in nonmelanoma skin cancer. British Journal of Dermatology, 161, 1067-1071.

    SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa10108
27. Mallipedhi, A., Prior, S., Barry, J., Caplin, S., Baxter, J., & Stephens, J. (2014). Changes in inflammatory markers after sleeve gastrectomy in patients with impaired glucose homeostasis and type 2 diabetes. Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases, 10(6), 1123-1128.

    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soard.2014.04.019, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa19813
28. Mallipedhi, A., Prior, S., Dunseath, G., Bracken, R., Barry, J., Caplin, S., Eyre, N., Morgan, J., Baxter, J., O’Sullivan, S., Sarmad, S., Barrett, D., Bain, S., Luzio, S., Stephens, J., & Luzio, S. (2015). Changes in Plasma Levels of N-Arachidonoyl Ethanolamine and N-Palmitoylethanolamine following Bariatric Surgery in Morbidly Obese Females with Impaired Glucose Homeostasis. Journal of Diabetes Research, 2015, 1-8.

    https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/680867, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa20528
29. Mallipedhi, A., Min, T., Prior, S., MacIver, C., Luzio, S., Dunseath, G., Bracken, R., Islam, S., Barry, J., Caplin, S., Stephens, J., & Luzio, S. (2015). Association between the preoperative fasting and postprandial C-peptide AUC with resolution of type 2 diabetes 6 months following bariatric surgery. Metabolism

    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.metabol.2015.08.009, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa22971
30. Thomas, R., Prior, S., Barry, J., Luzio, S., Eyre, N., Caplin, S., Stephens, J., Owens, D., & Thomas, B. (2014). Does bariatric surgery adversely impact on diabetic retinopathy in persons with morbid obesity and type 2 diabetes? A pilot study. Journal of Diabetes and its Complications, 28(2), 191-195.

    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdiacomp.2013.10.006, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa26728
31. Witczak, J., Min, T., Prior, S., Stephens, J., James, P., & Rees, A. (2017). Bariatric Surgery Is Accompanied by Changes in Extracellular Vesicle-Associated and Plasma Fatty Acid Binding Protein 4. Obesity Surgery

    https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-017-2879-z, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa34993
32. Churm, R., Oliver, T., Hurel, S., Humphries, S., Stephens, J., Prior, S., & Prior, S. (2016). The -765G>C Cyclooxygenase-2 Promoter Polymorphism is associated with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Low High-density Lipoprotein and Manifest Angina. Journal of Diabetes & Metabolism, 7(7)

    https://doi.org/10.4172/2155-6156.1000686, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa50671
33. Churm, R., Dunseath, G., Prior, S., Thomas, F., Banerjee, S., & Owens, D. (2019). Development and characterization of an in vitro system of the human retina using cultured cell lines. Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology, 47(8), 1055-1062.

    https://doi.org/10.1111/ceo.13578, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa50970
34. Min, T., Prior, S., Churm, R., Dunseath, G., Barry, J., & Stephens, J. (2020). Effect of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy on Static and Dynamic Measures of Glucose Homeostasis and Incretin Hormone Response 4-Years Post-Operatively. Obesity Surgery, 30(1), 46-55.

    https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-019-04116-8, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa51487

    http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11695-019-04116-8
35. Churm, R., Barry, J., Caplin, S., Davies, J., Stephens, J., & Prior, S. (2017). Effect of increased endogenous glucose levels within Type 2 diabetes on cellular lipid profiles. Endocrine Abstracts, 48(2)

    https://doi.org/10.1530/endoabs.48.p2, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa51491
36. Min, T., Prior, S., Dunseath, G., Churm, R., Barry, J., & Stephens, J. (2020). Temporal Effects of Bariatric Surgery on Adipokines, Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Subjects with Impaired Glucose Homeostasis at 4 Years of Follow-up. Obesity Surgery, 30(5), 1712-1718.

    https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-019-04377-3, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa53162

All Research

• Investigating the Cardiovascular Effects of 12-months Home Based Nocturnal Haemodialysis versus. Conventional Haemodialysis Treatment: a Non-randomised Controlled Pilot Study. (current)

  MD

  Other supervisor: Dr Daniel Obaid

  Other supervisor: Prof Jeffrey Stephens

• Investigating the effects of hyperglycaemia and environmental chemical exposure on mitochondrial DNA (current)

  MSc

  Other supervisor: Dr Katherine Chapman

• PM-340 Being a Medical Scientist

  Much of a scientist¿s career is spent writing and speaking about science. The aim of this module is to give students a higher level experience of what being a lead researcher is like, away from the lab bench. Drawing on core knowledge from other modules, students will refine their oral and written communication and learn what leadership skills are needed to succeed in modern science. They will also be challenged to consider ethical aspects of research, including new technologies and the use of animal and human subjects. The module will be highly interactive, taught using informal lectures interspersed with students working in groups. Assessments will include an ethics application, a group Journal Club presentation on a published, peer-reviewed research article, and a mock grant proposal.

• PM-344 Capstone Project

  The aim of this module is to provide a capstone experience to students¿ learning, through participating in their own enquiry-based research project. The project may be laboratory or non-laboratory based, but it will always involve a research question that is drawn from the literature, and focused on a topic relevant to the life sciences. It will ask a novel research question and involve the critical analysis of research findings. Students will refine their oral and written communication skills to a graduate level through creating an introductory presentation on the project background, and a written dissertation and oral presentation on their research conclusions.

• PM-356 The Sweet Sickness: Advances in Diabetes and Related Disorders

  7% of the population suffers from diabetes. This prevalence is set to rise with an ageing population and increasing rates of obesity. The problem is especially acute in Wales, where over half the adult population is obese. According to Diabetes Wales, there are 177,000 people in the country living with diabetes, and estimates suggest a further 70,000 people have diabetes but are either unaware or have no confirmed diagnosis. If current trends continue, by 2025, it is estimated that 300,000 people in Wales will have diabetes. This module will provide an overview of diabetes and the public health challenges it presents. The world-leading research of the Diabetes Research Group, located here at Swansea University Medical School, will be a particular focus with basic, clinical, epidemiological, social care and health services research discussed.

• PM-366 Teaching Science

  This module is for students with an interest in teaching, science communication and Medicine, and involves projects based in local schools/colleges, community groups , science outreach programmes (e.g. Oriel Science) or within Higher Education. The student will engage both in observation and in various teaching activities. The module will be assessed through various methods including a written report and the supervisor¿s report.

• PMCB01 Clinical Biochemistry for Biomedical Scientists

• PMDM01 Diabetes Basics

  This module aims to introduce the basics of diabetes, a condition where there are an estimated 4.5 million people living with the disease in the UK alone, and a further 1.1 million that are undiagnosed. It will detail prevalence and pathophysiology, nutrition and self-care, and a basic understanding of associated complications. It aims to develop the students¿ knowledge of the many key factors that contribute to this enormous healthcare issue. The module will be delivered online via distance learning, with online assessments.

• PMDM02 Diabetes Management I

  This module is delivered primarily as a 5-day residential that aims to develop the students¿ knowledge of the available pharmaceutical treatments for diabetes. It will explore all aspects of current pharmaceutical regimes from oral medications through injectables to basic pump technologies. This will enable the students to not only have the opportunity to see and handle these pharmaceuticals, but also appreciate the wider context of medication planning and progression of the disease. The module will be delivered primarily on campus (5-day residential) with extra online content, and both in situ and online assessments.

• PMDM03 Diabetes Events

  This module will aim to explore and give a basic underpinning knowledge of events that can result from or affect diabetes care. This will include hypo- and hyperglycemia, illness and pregnancy, demonstrating causes of disruption and the courses of action required to ensure continuous diabetes management throughout. The module will be delivered online via distance learning, with online assessments.

• PMDM04 Diabetes Complications

  This module will detail and further enhance the students¿ knowledge of the micro- and macrovascular complications that can arise as a result of diabetes, including retinopathy, kidney damage, cardiovascular disease and stroke. It will highlight the associated risk, symptoms, progression and possible treatments with regard to these conditions. The module will be delivered online via distance learning, with online assessments.

• PMDM05 Diabetes Management II

  This module is delivered primarily as a 5-day residential that aims to enhance the students¿ knowledge of the advanced treatments for diabetes. It will explore continuous/flash glucose monitoring and all aspects of pump technologies and pregnancy usage. This will enable the students to see and handle these new technologies that are not necessarily common place in clinics, and appreciate the concept of treatment planning and progression using these devices. The module will be delivered primarily on campus (5-day residential) with extra online content, and both in situ and online assessments.

• PMDM06 Diabetes Situations

  This module will investigate the situations in which there are a need for specialised diabetes planning, treatment and care. It will highlight the areas of care that require specific and considered practice such as inpatient care, elderly/infirm patients and care in the community. The module will be delivered online via distance learning, with online assessments.

• PMDM07 Dissertation (Research/Audit)

  This module will comprise of a written dissertation of either a research project or audit. The piece will need to demonstrate independent learning and critical thinking to explore and add to the evidence base for a topic of relevance to their area of interest within the field of diabetes.

• PMDM08 Work Based Portfolio

  This module will allow students to review, appraise and evaluate the application of the knowledge gained throughout the programme within their own professional work environment by providing a portfolio of evidence that is supported by a reflective commentary.

• Investigation of an exercise-induced alteration of the ghrelin axis and its implications in prediabetes 2020 - 2021

  St David’s Medical Foundation Seed Corn Grant Collaboration with A-STEM, Swansea University , with Dr Rachel Churm , £6,000

• Investigating the effects of hyperglycaemia and environmental chemical exposure on mitochondrial DNA 2019 - 2020

  Diabetes UK Small Grant Award, with Dr Kate Chapman , £15,000

• Evaluation of fibric acid derivative dosing on key human retinal cell types and the implications this may have in diabetic retinopathy 2018 - 2019

  St David’s Medical Foundation Project Grant , with Dr Rachel Churm; Dr Rebecca Thomas , £54,000

• Development of a novel 3D retinal model 2017 - 2018

  St David’s Medical Foundation Project Grant , with Dr Rachel Churm; Dr Rebecca Thomas , £55,000

• The anti-inflammatory effects of dairy colostrum NeoviteTM as a dietary supplement for humans 2015 - 2016

  KESS II MRes Studentship , with Dr Richard Bracken , £16,000

• Ghrelin mediated lipid retention and insulin resistance in human visceral adipose tissue 2014 - 2017

  Welsh Assembly Government Studentship (NISCHR) , with Prof Jeffrey Stephens; Dr Jeff Davies , £66,000

• Adipose tissue as a mediator of inflammation and oxidative cellular damage in obesity and type 2 diabetes 2009 - 2012

  Welsh Assembly Government Studentship (WORD) , with Prof Jeffrey Stephens , £60,000

• Senior Lecturer Diabetes Research Group Co-programme Director , Swansea University Medical School

  2014 - Present

• Lecturer Diabetes Research Group , Swansea University Medical School

  2013 - 2014

• Senior Research Officer Diabetes Research Group , Swansea University Medical School

  2007 - 2013

• Tutor Biochemistry , University of Wales Swansea

  2007 - 2007

• Associated Editor , Diabetic Medicine

  2018 - Present

• Committee member - Obesity , NNEdPro Global Centre for Nutrition & Health

  2019 - Present

• MediWales Annual Conference

  2019

  Swansea, UK

• Welsh Endocrine & Diabetes Society

  2019

  Cardiff, UK

• Welsh Academy for Nursing in Diabetes Annual conference

  2018

  Cardiff, UK

• Obesity Research Meeting Wales

  2018

  Swansea UK

• Diabetes UK

  2017

  Manchester, UK

• Welsh Endocrine & Diabetes Society

  2016

  Cardiff UK

• Diabetes UK

  2016

  Glasgow, UK

• British Obesity & Metabolic Surgery Society

  2016

  Cardiff Uk

• European Association for the Study of Diabetes

  2015

  Stockholm, Sweden

• Diabetes UK

  2015

  London, UK