Summary
Professor Daqing Ma, MD, PhD, FRCA, MAE, is a Full Professor of Anaesthesia, Macintosh Professor of Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCoA) (2014-16), BOC Chair and Head of Anaesthesia of the Division of Anaesthetics, Pain Medicine & Intensive Care, Department of Surgery & Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, and Chelsea and Westminster Hospital (an Adjunct Professor at Imperial from 1st August 2023).
Research contributions and impact
1) Anaesthetics and neuroprotection
Together with Prof. Nick Franks, FRS, and Prof Mervyn Maze, FMedSci, we are first to discover its neuroprotective efficacy, and utilising a novel neonatal asphyxia model in rats, they yielded valuable insight into the neuroprotective mechanisms of xenon, and discovered the great clinical potential of xenon in perinatal asphyxia/hypoxic-ischaemia encephalopathy, affecting approx. 5/1000 termed birth with high mortality and devastating morbidities (Ma et al., Anesthesiology 2003; Ann Neurol 2005; J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2006). Their key findings facilitated the clinical trial on xenon combined mild hypothermia in hypoxic-ischaemia encephalopathy (HIE) infants (https://www.npeu.ox.ac.uk/toby-xe). My current group has been investigating the organoprotective effects of another noble gas Argon.
2) Anaesthetics and kidney protection
While continuing research in neuroprotection, he started to investigate the protective effects of anaesthetics on other organs such as the kidneys. My group found that xenon protects the kidney from ischemia-reperfusion injury, significantly improved short-term graft function and long-term graft survival, by up-regulating the expression of hypoxic inducible factor (HIF) (J Am Soc Nephrol 2009). This research prompted the Medical Research Council, London, to consider the role of this novel strategy in kidney transplantation (Zhao et al, Am J Physiol Renal Physiol. 2014; Zhao et al, Am J Transplant. 2013; Zhao et al, FASEB J. 2013 x 2) and the work is now entering into the clinical study phase subjected to a funding application. Moreover, their findings on xenon’s stimulatory effect on HIF and its downstream protein erythropoietin (EPO) had constituted the key evidences to prompt the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to include xenon and argon into the WADA Prohibition List (http://www.ukad.org.uk/news/article/xenon-and-argon-added-to-the-2014-prohi).
3) Postoperative cognitive dysfunction
He also pioneered research into the molecular mechanisms of cognitive deterioration following surgery and anaesthesia in the elderly. We were the first group to report that neuroinflammation, specifically pathological hallmarks characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease, contributed to this post-surgical complication. This work has yielded publications in several high impact factor journals (Wan, et al., Anesthesiology 2007; Cibelli, et al., Ann Neurol 2010; Terrando, et al., Proc Nat Acad Sci USA. 2010; Wan, et al., Crit Care Med 2010; Ann Surgery 2014; Lancet 2016), and were reported in mainstream media (http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/news_article.php?newsID=1828, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/science-news/7969549/Alzheimers-risk-could-be-increased-by-surgery.html), as well as being granted a patent (US Patent No. 61/305500). With an aging population and a surge in the number of operations being performed on the elderly, our knowledge in POCD pathologies and mechanisms would hopefully enable the development of more efficacies treatment.
4) Anaesthetics and cancer cell biology
The prominent effects of anaesthetics on hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) have inspired our group to investigate whether anaesthetics could influence cancer behaviour and recurrence, given that HIF is a powerful molecular regulator of cancer proliferation, metastasis and chemotherapy resistance. We found the routinely used inhalational anaesthetic isoflurane increased cancer cell growth and migration in vitro, coinciding with upregulated expressions of HIF proteins. Collectively, our timely research provided convincing evidences at biochemical level have encouraged us explore deeper into the mechanisms underlying the cancer-and-anaesthetics phenomenon (Luo et al, Br J Anaesth, 2015; Xuan et al, Int J Cancer, 2015; Unwith et al, Int J Cancer, 2015; Zhao et al, Acta Anaesthsiol Taiwan, 2014; Benzonana et al, Anesthesiology 2013;Tavare et al, Int J Cancer, 2012), and prompted clinical investigation.Future research into the differential actions of anaesthetics on different cancer cells has great potential to influence the clinical practice of anaesthetics, depending on the type/malignancy of cancer, different anaesthetics, techniques and perioperative strategies will be employed to minimise recurrence following tumour resection.
(http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/newsandeventspggrp/imperialcollege/newssummary/news_28-6-2013-14-41-11)
In summary, he has been studying science in a dedicated manner through his research career from a trainee doctor to senior post as a personal chair. The research output is indeed very productive with more than 360 papers (H index: Web of Science 64; Google scholar 76; Citation: more than 20,000) published in peer reviewed journals as well as awards, patents and success in translation to the clinical arena.
Research Interests
- Organoprotection (Stroke, neonatal asphyxia and kidney transplant)
- Postoperative delirium/cognitive dysfunction and Alzheimer’s disease
- Cancer growth and metastasis
His research has being supported with the grants from MRC, NIHR, Alzheimer's Society-Bupa Foundation, BOC, BJA/RCoA, AAGBI, Westminster Medical School Research Trust, Action Medical Research and SPARKS, UK and European Society of Anesthesiology, Brussels.
Fellowships
Elected Fellow of the Royal College of Anaesthetists (FRCA), Royal College of Anaesthetists, 2013.
Elected Member of The Academia Europaea (MAE), 2021.
National/International Committees/Editorial Boards
- Board member of British Journal of Anaesthesia (since 2012)
- Council member of Anaesthetic Research Society/BJA Forum (UK) (2012-2018)
- Academic Editor of PLoS One (since 2013)
- Editorial board member of Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology (since 2012)
- Board member of International Chinese Academy of Anaesthesiology (since 2012)
- President of Chinese Life Scientists Society (since 2014-2016)
- Overseas consulelor of Chinese Society of Anesthesiology (since 2011)
- Editorial board member of Clinical Journal of Anesthesiology (since 2010)
- EU COST Action (CA15204) Basic Science Chairman (Since 2017-2021)
- Vice President and General Secretary of the Association of British Chinese Professors (ABCP) (since 2018-2021)
- Academic Editor of Scientific Reports (since 2017)
- Executive Vice President of the Association of British Chinese Professors (ABCP) (since 2021-)
Selected Publications
Journal Articles
Ma, DQ, Williamson, et al., 2007, Xenon mitigates isoflurane-induced neuronal apoptosis in the developing rodent brain, Anesthesiology, Vol:106, ISSN:0003-3022, Pages:746-753
Wan, YJ, Xu, et al., 2007, Postoperative impairment of cognitive function in rats: a possible role for cytokine-mediated inflammation in the hippocampus, Anesthesiology, Vol:106, ISSN:0003-3022, Pages:436-443
Ma DQ, Hossain M, Pettet GKJ, et al., 2006, Xenon preconditioning reduces brain damage from neonatal asphyxia in rats, Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism, Vol:26, ISSN:0271-678X, Pages:199-208
Sanders RD, Patel N, Hossain M, et al., 2005, Isoflurane exerts antinociceptive and hypnotic properties at all ages in Fischer rats, British Journal of Anaesthesia, Vol:95, ISSN:0007-0912, Pages:393-399
Ma DQ, Hossain M, Chow A, et al., 2005, Xenon and hypothermia combine to provide neuroprotection from neonatal asphyxia, Annals of Neurology, Vol:58, ISSN:0364-5134, Pages:182-193
Clark JA, Ma DQ, Homi HM, et al., 2005, Xenon and the inflammatory response to cardiopulmonary bypass in the rat, Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia, Vol:19, ISSN:1053-0770, Pages:488-493
Sanders RD, Giombini M, Ma DQ, et al., 2005, Dexmedetomidine exerts dose-dependent age-independent antinociception but age-dependent hypnosis in Fischer rats, Anesthesia and Analgesia, Vol:100, ISSN:0003-2999, Pages:1295-1302
Ma DQ, Hossain M, Rajakumaraswamy N, et al., 2004, Dexmedetomidine produces its neuroprotective effect via the alpha(2A)-adrenoceptor subtype, European Journal of Pharmacology, Vol:502, ISSN:0014-2999, Pages:87-97
Ma DQ, Sanders RD, Halder S, et al., 2004, Xenon exerts age-independent antinociception in Fischer rats, Anesthesiology, Vol:100, ISSN:0003-3022, Pages:1313-1318
Dawson C, Ma DQ, Chow A, et al., 2004, Dexmedetomidine enbances analgesic action of nitrous oxide - Mechanisms of action, Anesthesiology, Vol:100, ISSN:0003-3022, Pages:894-904
Ma DQ, Rajakumaraswamy N, Maze M, 2004, alpha(2)-Adrenoceptor agonists: shedding light on neuroprotection?, British Medical Bulletin, Vol:71, ISSN:0007-1420, Pages:77-92
Homi HM, Yokoo N, Ma DQ, et al., 2003, The neuroprotective effect of xenon administration during transient middle cerebral artery occlusion in mice, Anesthesiology, Vol:99, ISSN:0003-3022, Pages:876-881
Ma DQ, Hossain M, Rajakumaraswamy N, et al., 2003, Combination of xenon and isoflurane produces a synergistic protective effect against oxygen-glucose deprivation injury in a neuronal-glial co-culture model, Anesthesiology, Vol:99, ISSN:0003-3022, Pages:748-751
Ma DQ, Yang H, Lynch J, et al., 2003, Xenon attenuates cardiopulmonary bypass-induced neurologic and neurocognitive dysfunction in the rat, Anesthesiology, Vol:98, ISSN:0003-3022, Pages:690-698
Ma D, Wilhelm S, Maze M, et al., 2002, Neuroprotective and neurotoxic properties of the 'inert' gas, xenon, British Journal of Anaesthesia, Vol:89, ISSN:0007-0912, Pages:739-746
Wilhelm S, Ma DQ, Maze M, et al., 2002, Effects of xenon on in vitro and in vivo models of neuronal injury, Anesthesiology, Vol:96, ISSN:0003-3022, Pages:1485-1491
Pac-Soo CK, Wang C, Ma D, et al., 2000, Vagally mediated sympathoexcitation and central depression by desflurane in rabbits, British Journal of Anaesthesia, Vol:84, ISSN:0007-0912, Pages:777-782
Whitwam JG, Galletly DC, Ma D, et al., 2000, The effects of propofol on heart rate, arterial pressure and A delta and C somatosympathetic reflexes in anaesthetized dogs, European Journal of Anaesthesiology, Vol:17, ISSN:0265-0215, Pages:57-63
Ma DQ, Chakrabarti MK, Whitwam JG, 1999, Effects of propofol and remifentanil on phrenic nerve activity and nociceptive cardiovascular responses in rabbits, Anesthesiology, Vol:91, ISSN:0003-3022, Pages:1470-1480
Ma DQ, Chakrabarti MK, Whitwam JG, 1999, The combined effects of sevoflurane and remifentanil on central respiratory activity and nociceptive cardiovascular responses in anesthetized rabbits, Anesthesia and Analgesia, Vol:89, ISSN:0003-2999, Pages:453-461
Pac-Soo CK, Ma DQ, Wang C, et al., 1999, Specific actions of halothane, isoflurane, and desflurane on sympathetic activity and A delta and C somatosympathetic reflexes recorded in renal nerves in dogs, Anesthesiology, Vol:91, ISSN:0003-3022, Pages:470-478
Ma D, Chakrabarti MK, Whitwam JG, 1999, Propofol, bradycardia and the Bezold-Jarisch reflex in rabbits, British Journal of Anaesthesia, Vol:82, ISSN:0007-0912, Pages:412-417
Ma D, Sapsed-Byrne SM, Chakrabarti MK, et al., 1998, Synergistic interaction between the effects of propofol and midazolam with fentanyl on phrenic nerve activity in rabbits, Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica, Vol:42, ISSN:0001-5172, Pages:670-677
Ma D, Sapsed-Byrne SM, Chakrabarti MK, et al., 1998, Synergistic antinociceptive interaction between sevoflurane and intrathecal fentanyl in dogs, British Journal of Anaesthesia, Vol:80, ISSN:0007-0912, Pages:800-806
Ma DQ, Wang C, Soo CKP, et al., 1998, The effect of sevoflurane on spontaneous sympathetic activity, A gamma and C somatosympathetic reflexes, and associated hemodynamic changes in dogs, Anesthesia and Analgesia, Vol:86, ISSN:0003-2999, Pages:1079-1083
Ma D, Sapsed-Byrne SM, Chakrabarti MK, et al., 1998, Effect of sevoflurane on spontaneous sympathetic activity and baroreflexes in rabbits, British Journal of Anaesthesia, Vol:80, ISSN:0007-0912, Pages:68-72
Ma D, Wang C, PacSoo CK, et al., 1997, Dissociation between the effect of nitrous oxide on spontaneous and reflexivly evoked sympathetic activity in dogs, British Journal of Anaesthesia, Vol:79, ISSN:0007-0912, Pages:525-529
Sapsed-Byrne S, Ma D, Ridout D, et al., 1996, Estrous cycle phase variations in visceromotor and cardiovascular responses to colonic distension in the anesthetized rat., Brain Research, Vol:742, ISSN:0006-8993, Pages:10-16
Chapters
Januszewski AP, Zhou Z, Maze M, et al., 2013, Mechanisms and consequences of anesthetic-induced neuroapoptosis in the developing brain, Anesthesia and the Fetus, Blackwell Publishing Ltd, Oxford