In the field of forensic toxicology, cannabinoids are the most commonly used drug in the UK. Despite the risks and widespread use of cannabinoids it's long term effects on organs such as the heart and liver is still unclear. Common drugs of abuse such as alcohol (ethanol) have been extensively researched and shown to induce morphological changes in the architecture of hepatic and cardiac tissue leading to fibrosis and organ failure. By contrast research on the effects of cannabinoids in these cells has shown that this drug may contribute to the pathogenesis of fibrosis but as yet there has been no definitive cell signalling mechanism implicated.
I am currently studying a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Forensic Toxicology at Kingston University. I am seeking to commit myself as a researcher in the field of biological research and academia. During my bachelor's and master's degree, I have acquired key laboratory skills through the participation of many practical sessions and through an independent library-based study I have gained critical analysis skills to which I have been able to implement during my PhD and contribute as an author of an accepted review article.
1. Verma, A, Bennet, J, Orme, A.M, Polycarpou, E and Rooney, BV (2019) Cocaine addicted to a Fibrotic high. Cytoskeleton. DOI:doi.org/10.1002/cm.21510
Accepted: 19 December 2018
2. Verma A, Orme Merve A, Remeškevicius V, Sobiecka P, Taylor L, Lawton S, Jones BP, Polycarpou E, Bennett J, Rooney B. Cocaine Induces Cytoskeletal Changes in Cardiac Myocytes: Implications for Cardiac Morphology. Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Feb 24;22(5):2263. doi: 10.3390/ijms22052263.
PMID: 33668403; PMCID: PMC7956613.