Identification of candidate nsSNPs of the human FNDC5 gene and their structural and functional consequences using in silico analysis.

Fibronectin type-III domain containing protein-5 (FNDC5), predominantly expressed in skeletal muscles, encodes FNDC5 transmembrane-protein. A segment of this protein is cleaved and secreted into blood as irisin, which promotes browning of white adipose tissue, leading to energy expenditure. It functions synergistically with fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF21).

A Review on the Potential Role of Humanin Peptide and its Analogs in the Regulation of Autophagy Pathways for Therapeutic Application in Metabolic Disorders.

Autophagy is a self-eating cellular process in which the cell breaks down worn-out organelles, damaged/defective proteins, and toxins. Impaired autophagy is a significant factor in the development of various metabolic disorders, along with oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum dysfunction. These disorders pose a significant health and economic burden on the global human population, owing to their steadily rising prevalence.

Exploring the role of irisin as a potential biomarker in adolescents and young adults with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Background: Irisin is a myokine potentially linked to insulin sensitivity. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent hormonal condition defined by insulin resistance. Previous studies have reported elevated circulating irisin levels in adult females with PCOS.

Assessing the impact of jigsaw technique for cooperative learning in undergraduate medical education: merits, challenges, and forward prospects.

Background: Jigsaw method is a structured cooperative-learning technique that lays the groundwork towards achieving collective competence, which forms the core of effective clinical practice. It promotes deep learning and effectively enhances team-work among students, hence creating a more inclusive environment.

Objective: Present study was designed to introduce jigsaw model of cooperative learning to early-year undergraduate medical students, measure its effectiveness on their academic performance, and evaluate the perspectives of both students and faculty members regarding the same.

The Effect of Vitamin D3 Intervention on the Association Among Vitamin D3, Adiponectin, and Body Mass Index in Pregnant Women With Gestational Diabetes.

Introduction: Vitamin D3 (VD3) deficiency is a strong predictor of gestational diabetes. Therefore, VD3 supplementation during the antenatal period could prevent the development of gestational diabetes via its effects on insulin secretion, insulin sensitivity, body mass index (BMI), and adiponectin production.

Objectives: To observe the effect of VD3 supplementation on adiponectin and BMI and to explore the effect of VD3 supplementation on the association among VD3, adiponectin, and BMI in pregnant women with gestational diabetes.

Effectiveness of analog of Humanin in ameliorating streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy in Sprague Dawley rats.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with numerous complications, including nephropathy, which principally occur due to hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress and inflammation. Humanin (HN), a novel peptide generated from mitochondria, has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory potential as observed in different disease models. However, role of HN in diabetic nephropathy (DN) has not yet been explored.

The positive impact of introducing modified directed self-learning using pre-small group discussion worksheets as an active learning strategy in undergraduate medical education.

Background: Directed self-learning (DSL) is an active learning approach where the learners are provided with predefined learning objectives and some facilitation through the learning process in the form of guidance and supervision. It can help establish a strong foundation for autonomous and deep learning.

Objective: The aim of this study was to introduce a modified form of DSL to second-year undergraduate medical students using pre-small group discussion (pre-SGD) worksheets.

Effects of Recombinant Irisin on Body Mass Index, Serum Insulin, Luteinizing Hormone and Testosterone Levels in Obese Female BALB/c Mice.

Objective: To determine the effects of recombinant irisin on body mass index (BMI), serum insulin, luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone levels, and to correlate the serum insulin levels with serum luteinizing hormone and testosterone levels and to correlate the body mass index with serum insulin levels in obese female BALB/c mice.

Study Design: Laboratory-based experimental study.

Place And Duration Of Study: Department of Physiology, Shifa College of Medicine, Islamabad in collaboration with Research Laboratory of Shifa College of Medicine, National Institute of Health (NIH) and Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad, from March 2015 to September 2016.