Abeer Asif

Forced-Swim stress modulates the hepatic gene expression, induces liver damage, and subsequently promotes the progression of type 2 diabetes in mice

Diabetes has pervaded the Pakistani population, bringing it in the top three countries with the most number of diabetics. This is exacerbated by the rapid modernization that has brought with it a drastic increase in external stressors. Research has identified that stress significantly contributes to liver diseases like T2DM (Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus). Our study utilizes forced swim stress to induce emotional stress in C57 black male mice over a period of 14 days, 15 minutes per day, and have found interesting results. Biochemical test reports showed a significant increase in ALP, ALT, hemoglobin, and MCH values in experimental and control mice when compared to control mice showing a possible trend toward liver damage. This is further reinforced with visible data through H & E staining which shows ballooning degeneration, swelling in hepatocytes, and nuclear enlargement in experimentally stressed mice livers. To obtain molecular insight into this, we utilized gene analysis through conventional PCR, densitometry, and real-time PCR. We analyzed the expression of targeted genes and found an up-regulation of Crp, Cyp2e1, and Irs-2.  Irs-2 was revealed to have an initial protective effect against liver damage. 

Future Scope of Project:  Many people in Pakistan live below the poverty line and remain incapable of bearing the costs of treatment that come along with T2DM. This ends up resulting in further problems like kidney and cardiovascular issues along with retinopathy. Moreover, diabetic wounds fester without care resulting in multiple amputations, resulting in excessive pain, and an unnecessary decrease in the quality of life. This can be avoided using identified biomarkers as well as exploring the protective effect that exercise may have on T2DM. With early detection through potential biomarkers like Crp, we can be diagnosed ahead of time and implement the lifestyle conditions needed for the reversal of diabetes.

 Publications

The Comparison of Mutational Progression in SARS-CoV-2: A Short Updated Overview.

Review paper accepted on 2022-10-01 to Journal of Molecular Pathology. (DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/jmp3040018)

Most downloaded with Research Interest Score higher than 88% of research items published in 2022.

Targeting Epigenetics in Inflammatory Lung Diseases: Chapter 10(Epigenetics of Influenza: A Virus Infection) 

[Book Chapter-Submission stage] (ISBN:978-981-99-4779-9 )

Forced-Swim stress modulates the hepatic gene expression, induces liver damage, and subsequently promotes the progression of type 2 diabetes in mice.

Research article submitted on 2023-4-05 to Primary Care Diabetes.

Role of miRNA-135a in regulating p53 in breast cancer metastasis.

Research article submitted on 2023-4-05 to Journal of Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity.

Nutrition Therapy in Esophageal Cancer Care: Diet and Supplements in Preventing Cancer and Enhancing Treatment Efficacy

Research article submitted on 2023-4-05 to Nutrition in Clinical Practice.

Personal Details

Education

MS Biology & Biotechnology

Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA, USA(ongoing)

BS Biotechnology

Forman Christian College (A Chartered University), Lahore, Pakistan

3.831 CGPA (Magna Cum Laude)

A-Levels

Pakturk Girls Campus, Lahore, Pakistan

2A 1B

O-Level

Pakturk Girls Campus, Lahore, Pakistan

5A* 3As

Professional Experience

Research Assistant(2022-2023)

Scientific Content Writer (2022-Ongoing)

Science Communicator and Content Writer at Khwarizmi Science Society (2022-ongoing)

NGO manager at Meherban Foundation Pakistan (2021-ongoing)

Ambassador and Content Writer of Official Social Media Pages Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan (2019-ongoing)

Graphic Designer at Forman Education Society and Forman Biology Society (2019-2021)

Social Media Manager and Graphic Designer at Inspiring Women Pakistan (2020)

Intern and Content Writer at Creative Frontiers (2019)

Home Tutor (2019-2021)

Co-Curricular Activities

Reading (Favorites include The Elephant Whisperer, The Productive Muslim, Digital Minimalism, and The Da Vinci Code)

Cycling (100km Cycling Campaign in Lahore, Aashiyana cycling club)

Learning languages (Korean and German)

Avid Gardner (succulents, propagation, vegetables, ornamental plants)

Former Taekwondo Player

Letter Writing to pen pals

Love participating in social activities

Research Interests

Genetics & Genomics

Epigenetics

Medical Biotechnology

Stem Cell Technology

Nutrition & Role on cancer

Research Skills and Equipment

DNA/RNA extraction (cheek, saliva, tissue, blood)

Microbiological Techniques (Streaking, Spreading, Subculturing, Staining)

Gel doc

Nanodrop

Primer Designing

Animal Handling and Animal Dissection

immunohistochemistry (IHC) techniques on FFPE tissues

Technical research writing, Densitometry

Nanodrop

Primer Designing

Gel electrophoresis

Banana DNA extraction

Bioinformatic Tools

NCBI

UCSC Genome Browser

Ensembl Genome Browser

Primer3

Protein Databank

Restriction Mapper

e-LEA3D

Reverse Complement

Serial Cloner

ImageJ

BLAST

Awards & Achievements

Scholarship winner for A levels Pakturk

Shield for top grades in A Level

Bronze position in HEC Taekwondo intervarsity competition

Best ambassador award in Alkhidmat Youth Gathering

Received merit scholarship for FCCU

Selected for the Vice Rector’s List in 6/8 semesters

Graduated with a Magna Cum Laude Honors from FCCU

First Prize in Model Competition in 6th Annual Inter Universities and Inter Colleges Competition, Government College University, Lahore.

Fulbright Scholarship 2023

Posters

Effect of Chronic Emotional Stress on Irs-2, Crp, Cyp2e1 and its subsequent link to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Giving Back to Community

Khwarizmi Science Society social media writer

Science Demonstrator at Lahore Science Mela 2022. DPS Model Town, Lahore, Pakistan

Flood Relief Campaigns

Ramadan Campaigns for Food Distribution

Ration Distribution Campaign in Economic Crises

Animal Rescue work