Chemical Pathology
Metabolic Bone Diseases Research Group
FOCUS
The aim of the group is to perform research through multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches on the following areas relevant to metabolic bone diseases with the objectives to identify a group of individuals with special interest in this area and support their activities (clinical/educational/research). Emphasize the need and promote research in bone and mineral disorders in Pakistan through partnership with funding bodies.
Prevalence and epidemiology of the diseases
Population surveillance and cohorts for studying life style, vitamin D and osteoporosis risk at consolidated field sites (rural and urban)
Pathophysiology: determinants of diseases including genetic determinants
Tool development for risk assessment
Molecular Characterization
Novel, prognostic & predictive markers of bone turnover/remodelling
Effectiveness trials (usually RCTs) for health system interventions
Clinical Audit and Evidence-based Cost-effective practice promotion
Systematic Reviews and Evidence synthesis for policy
Registries for specialized diseased areas
RESEARCHERS
Dr Aysha Habib Khan
Dr Romaina Iqbal
Dr Lena Jafri
Dr Tariq Moatter
Dr Farooq Ghani
Dr Imran Siddiqui
CURRENT PROJECTS
Evaluation of bone health in Pakistani children with beta Thalasemia major.
Funded by URC (2013-2015)
Efficacy of 25 (OH) vitamin D supplementation and physical activity in improving musculoskeletal health in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Funded by URC (2012-2014).
Determination of effective vitamin D replacement and monitoring strategies in vitamin D deficient state (EVIREST).
Funded by URC ( 2012-2014).
FUTURE PROJECTS
OVERSEAS COLLABORATORS/PARTNERS
Professor Howard Morris, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia.
Dr. Naveed Zafar Janjua, Assistant Professor, British Columbia Centre for Disease Control and at School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
INTERNAL COLLABORATORS/PARTNERS
Dr Bushra Moiz, Associate Professor & Section head, Section of Chemical Pathology, Department of Pathology & Microbiology
Dr Qamar Masood, Assistant professor, Section of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Department of Medicine
Dr Waqar Kashif, Associate professor & Section Head, Section of Nephrology, Department of Medicine
Dr Riffat Hussain and Dr Masseh uz Zaman, Associate Professors, Section of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiology
FOR FUNDING, COLLABORATION AND QUERIES, CONTACT:
Dr Aysha Habib Khan
Head, Chemical Pathology
Consultant Chemical Pathologist
PREVIOUSLY FUNDED PROJECTS
Determination of calcium absorption from intestine at various Vitamin D levels using strontium as the surrogate marker.
Funded by Higher Education Commission (2009-2010).
Genotype phenotype correlation and characterization of mutation in 21-hydroxylase gene in patients with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia.
Funded by URC (2003-2007).
Fibroblast growth factor 23 levels in healthy volunteers and correlation with serum phosphate and tubular maximum for phosphate reabsorption.
Funded by Seed Money Grant (2009).
Assessment of bone turnover and its association with vitamin D blood levels in adult females.
Funded by Seed Money Grant and URC (2007-2010).
Vitamin D status in a population of healthy adults-A.
Funded by URC (2005-2007).