Thushara Thulaseedharan L

Project Title: In vivo exploration of refined wheat flour induced diabetes and anti-diabetic potential of spicy saalna (curry) on diabetic rat.

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the risk of diabetes associated with consuming food products made from refined wheat flour, specifically in relation to the presence of alloxan. Normoglycemic SD rats were fed food products made from refined wheat flour for a period of 30 days, and significant changes were observed in their blood glucose and lipid profiles. Throughout the observation period, the physiological and behavioral patterns of the rats that developed diabetes from consuming the food products were similar to those induced by alloxan. Histopathological analyses of the diabetic rats exposed to alloxan and the food products showed structural variations in the cardiac tissues, as well as significant necrosis and degeneration in the liver and pancreas. Further studies investigating the mechanism of apoptosis revealed that the presence of alloxan in the food products increased markers of the mitochondrial-dependent apoptotic pathway, which may have been caused by its detrimental impact on pancreatic beta cells.

Roles:

• Tracked expenses to keep project operations within allocated budget
• Wrote reports to summarize data and implications of results.
• Conducted statistical analyses of data sets to identify patterns.
• Maintained quality standards to preserve integrity of data findings.
• Set up, calibrated and maintained field or laboratory equipment as per study requirements.
• Carried out experiments and research following protocols laid out
• Prepared graphs and spreadsheets to present findings.
• Created presentation slides and posters
• Mentored groups of students annually, providing academic and pastoral support as appropriate.
• Presented at industry-leading conferences and seminars to share research.
• Wrote scholarly articles, papers and books related to field of expertise.
• Supervised work undertaken on key projects related to students' advanced degrees.
• Taught online classes to large groups using [Type] to upload learning materials and assess students' work.
• Coordinated laboratory experiments for students to test in-class theories.

Does Cyclophilin A, an Immunophilin under High Glucose conditions regulate Efferocytosis in Atherosclerotic Lesion?

Cyclophilin A plays an important role in increasing monocyte migration and foam cell formation in oxLDL primed macrophages. Thus cyclophilin A in both extra cellular and intracellular forms promotes atherogenesis in hyperglycemic conditions. We studied the role of cyclophilin A in regulating atherosclerotic lesion size and plaque vulnerability in the vessel wall in New Zealand white rabbits. Cyclophilin A-primed macrophages showed an increase in expression of the don't-eat-me signal CD 47 and a decrease in the expression of the eat-me signal, calreticulin. Following a high-fat diet, lesions in the aortas of New Zealand white rabbits were examined histologically for signs of atherosclerosis and the expression of Cyp A, CD 47, and calreticulin, the ligand receptor involved in efferocytosis. Real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to examine the expression of genes and proteins in macrophages and aortae. By altering the expression of CD 47 and calreticulin, cyclophilin A reduces the ability of apoptotic macrophages to carry out efferocytosis. These effects can increase other ways that Cyp A works to hasten the development of atherosclerosis, such as its effect on cholesterol efflux from macrophages.

Roles:

• Presented research findings with clear communication and data visualization skills.
• Analyzed data to spot patterns, trends and outliers and formulated solid conclusions.
• Planned research activities to generate useful findings and comply with project brief.
• Formulated project goals to guide research activities.
• Interpreted data to offer potential explanations for trends, patterns and causal links.
• Conducted experiments to gather high-quality research data.
• Designed experiments to produce scientifically sound results while working with limited infrastructure and resources.
• Followed established methodologies and reporting processes in line with scientific method.
• Identified knowledge gaps and arranged plans to collect missing information.
• Proposed further research activities to improve depth of investigation.
• Generated accurate reports detailing research process, results and conclusions.
• Identified research inefficiencies and implemented or recommended improvements to enhance integrity of research studies.
• Used different tools and techniques to perform robust primary and secondary research.
• Selected research methodologies and test parameters best suited to different projects.
• Developed and improved courses to better serve students' needs and meet standards.
• Helped students explore concepts through challenging assignments and stimulating class discussions.
• Applied research to develop new operational methods and industry-specific applications.