Growth Hormone and Metabolic Spectrum in Severely Obese Children from Pakistan

Severe obesity, particularly when associated with genetic defects in the leptin signaling pathway, can significantly influence growth and metabolic health in children. Our study investigated growth-related hormonal and molecular changes in children with severe obesity carrying biallelic loss-of-function mutations in LEP and LEPR, along with children with severe obesity of unknown genetic etiology and normal-weight controls. Serum levels of growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), leptin, and insulin were assessed using ELISA, while LEP, LEPR, and IGF-1 gene expression was evaluated through qRT-PCR. The results showed significantly reduced GH levels in children with LEP/LEPR mutations and severe obesity compared with controls. Despite reduced GH, linear growth was preserved, potentially due to compensatory effects of IGF-1 and insulin. Hyperleptinemia and hyperinsulinemia were particularly pronounced in children with LEPR deficiency. Gene expression analysis further demonstrated altered expression of LEP, LEPR, and IGF-1 across obesity groups, providing insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying growth preservation in severe obesity. 

Publications

Asif A, Batool R, Arhum S, Ashraf A, Iqbal M.Z, Mehmood A, Klar A.S, and Mustafa M. "Repeated Forced-Swim Stress Modulates Neural Structure and Hepatic Gene Expression in the Stressed Mice Model." Neuropsychobiology, 2026 (DOI: 10.1159/000550173). 

Ashraf A, Amir S.Z, Jahangir L, Daniel E, and Mustafa M. "Revolutionizing Early Detection of TNBC: The Rise of Non-Invasive Biomarkers and Next-Gen Diagnostic Strategies." Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology, 2026. (DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2025.105107).

Arhum S, John A, Ashraf A, and Mustafa M. "Force Swim Stress Induces Takotsubo Syndrome-like Cardiomyopathy by Modulating Cardiac Expression of Ankrd1 and Fhl1 in Stressed Male Mice." Journal of Stress, accepted 2026-08-07 (DOI:10.1080/10253890.2026.2718135).

Khanam R, Janjua Q.M, Saeed S, Ashraf A, Manzoor J, Bonnefond A, Arslan M, and Froguel P. "Proinflammatory response and oxidative stress are higher in obese children with leptin signaling deficiency than with MC4R deficiency." Submitted to Clinical Obesity, 2026. Manuscript ID is: 2365888.   

Work Experience 

Teacher Assistant (Fall 2024 Semester)

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

Responsibilities:

• Assisted in the preparation, implementation, and evaluation of daily lesson plans for Molecular Immunology and Medical Biotechnology courses.

• Supported students on class assignments and presentations, addressing individual learning needs.

• Handled clerical duties including collecting and grading student assignments, developing class tests, and maintaining grade sheets and attendance records.

Sub-Editor of Science Vision (August 2022 - July 2023)

Kinnaird College Magazine, Lahore, Pakistan

Responsibilities:

• Reviewed and edited science-related articles for clarity and accuracy.

• Coordinated content between student writers and the editorial team.

• Contributed to shaping the magazine's science section for publication.

Intern, Biopharmaceutical Laboratory (July 2021 - August 2021)
Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), Lahore, Pakistan 

Responsibilities:

• Gained hands-on exposure to laboratory-based biomedical research within a regulated biopharmaceutical environment.

• Developed an understanding of experimental workflow design.

• Maintained biosafety compliance and supported quality control and data reproducibility in molecular and microbial research settings.

Conference Presentation 

• Presented a Research poster titled “Repeated Forced-swim stress modulates neural structure and hepatic gene expression in the stress mice model” at the 10th Invention to Innovation Summit at the University of Punjab, 23 April 2025

Workshop

1. Teaching Assistant — "The Phenomenon Lab" (Jan 2026)

   • Designed interactive activities connecting Neuropsychobiology to practical classroom learning at the Chughtai Institute of Leadership & Learning, Lahore, 23–25 January 2026. 

2. Facilitator — "The Phenomenon Lab" (Aug 2026)

   • Assisted in surveying to understand the psychology of learning in the classroom for teachers at Saint Francis Schools and Colleges, Sarai Alamgir, 07–09 August 2026. 

Science Communication & Outreach

• Science Demonstrator — Islamabad Science Mela (13 June 2026)
  Engaged approximately 100 students through live microscopy demonstrations and interactive experiments. 

• Science Communicator & Volunteer — Khwarizmi Scientific Society (KSS) (25-26 October 2025)
  Mentored and coordinated over 30 life science demonstrators for Lahore Science Mela 2025, supporting the delivery of interactive biology exhibits to the public.

• Science Demonstrator — Islamabad Science Mela (17 May 2025)
  Engaged approximately 250 students from both privileged and underprivileged schools through live microscopy demonstrations and interactive experiments. 

• KSS Volunteer — Chughtai Public Library  (9 May 2025)
  Conducted hands-on science activities for children from underserved communities, promoting curiosity-driven learning and scientific engagement.