Research Publications - College of Medicine and Health Science

2. Screening of potential anti-cancer compounds
using in vitro and in vivo assays
The overall goals of this part of my research are
directed towards studying the in vitro and in
vivo cytotoxic properties of the synthesized/
purified drugs (Luteolin, Thymoquinone and
Frondoside A). The effective drugs will be further
investigated in order to determine their mechanisms
of action using various molecular biological
techniques. In addition, we will attempt to
investigate the effects of these drugs on cell
survival and invasion in vitro and on tumor
growth in vivo. The effects on metastasis in nude
mice using various cancer cell lines will also be
investigated.
Dr. Murat Ahmet Oz
Research interest of Dr. Oz focuses on the identification
of ion channels and neuronal networks
upon which neuropharmacologically active
agents act to modulate neuronal excitability.
To this end, actions of neuropeptides such as
vasopressin, angiotensin, and cholecystokinin
on the spinal cord preparations and the effects
of bioactive lipids such as endocannabinoids
on the functions of ion channels are the major
research topics investigated in his laboratory.
Dr. Rajesh Mohanraj
Research Profile: Dr. Rajesh was a new recruit
to our department, in the summer of 2011. His
main research interest pertains to the deciphering
the role of neutral sphingolipids and
endocannabinoid system in the pathogenesis of
diabetic vascular complications and metabolic
syndromes.
Dr. Shreesh Ojha
Major research activities are in the area of cardiovascular
pharmacology. He studies the role
of pharmacological manipulation of oxidative
stress and associated pathogenesis in ischemic
heart disease, diabetes and diabetes related
microvascular and macrovascular complications
constitute metabolic syndrome. For this
purpose, he employs animal models of ischemic
heart disease subsequent to: isoprotoreneol
induced myocardial infarction and cardiac
hypertrophy, adriamycin-induced cardiomyopathy,
coronary artery ligation induced myocardial
ischemia-reperfusion injury and streptozotocininduced
diabetes and diabetic complications.
In particular, he is focused to examine renin-angiotensin
system, sympathetic nervous system,
oxidative stress, intracellular Ca 2+ overload and
remodeling for the transition of cardiac adaptation
(hypertrophy and dilation) to maladaptation
(cardiac dysfunction and heart failure). He is
emphasizing pharmacological screening of conventional
and newer compounds of synthetic or
natural origin i.e. phytochemicals, extracts and
formulations of complementary and alternative
medicine. He is evaluating the cardioprotective
potential of several phytochemicals and
natural medicines and also studying the dietary
interventions to find their use in better management
of ischemic heart diseases and metabolic
syndrome.
Department of Pharmacology
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