Laboratory of

Vascular Physiology & Medicine

  • Overview
  • Meetings
  • Models
  • Training
  • Activities
  • Funding
  • Facilities

The Research Club was instituted by the Laboratory of Vascular Physiology and Medicine under the auspices of the Department of Physiology in the year 2017(January).

Aim: Aimed to promote research culture and research environment in the BLDE University. 

Objectives:

The Research Club has been formed with the following objectives

  1. To discuss any issues pertaining to health science research with interdisciplinary approaches.
  2. To discuss and share the recent updates in any discipline under medical and allied health.
  3. To discuss various aspects of clinical interpretations and understanding of basic medical sciences.
  4. To take guidance, suggestions and help from learned members of research club on any research topic undertaken.
  5. To invite distinguished researchers from any branch of science and social sciences, technology, engineering and medical sciences to get appropriate guidance on various aspects of multidisciplinary research.
  6. To encourage presentation on any current topic of interest under any discipline of medical sciences by the young researchers who works on physiological sciences.
  7. To promote science, humanities and environmental issues.

Date, Time & Venue of The Research Club meet:The last Saturday of every month from 4.00 pm to 5.30 pm in the Laboratory of Vascular Physiology and Medicine, Department of Physiology.

Inception and InaugurationThe 1st meet and formal inauguration of The Research Club was held on 28.01.2017. Prof B. G. Mulimani, Chief Advisor and Former Vice-Chancellor, BLDE (Deemed to be University) inaugurated “The Research Club” and Dr. M. S. Biradar, Former Vice-Chancellor, BLDE (Deemed to be University) presided over the function. Prof Kusal K. Das, Mentor for The Research Club briefed about the objectives of The Research Club and also shared some interesting facts and information about research clubs in other universities of the world. Members of The Research Club shared their views on the club and also their research experience. Since its inception total of 22 Research club meets have been organized (10 in the year 2017 and 12 in the year 2018). Resource Persons specialized in various fields were invited for The Research Club meets. They shared their expertise and views on various topics with the members of the Research Club.

S. No.DateHot TopicPopular Topic
128th Jan 2017Formal inauguration by Prof B. G. Mulimani, Chief Advisor and Former Vice Chancellor, BLDE University and Dr M. S. Biradar, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, BLDE University 
225th Feb 2017MoU between Tulane University, New Orleans, US and BLDE University. Prof Kusal K. Das briefed about his experience during visit to Hypertension and Renal Centre of Excellence, Tulane University, New Orleans, US 
325th Mar 2017HypertensionScience and Philosophy of Music
422nd Apr 2017CardiomyopathyReiki, Summer diet
527th May 2017Organ TransplantationLaughter therapy
624th June 2017Pathophysiology of PreeclampsiaGut microbiota
729th July 2017Urinary tract infectionMediterranean diet
826th Aug 2017Recent advances in diabetes managementSurrogacy: A Legal Perspective
928th Oct 2017Motor neuron diseaseProgeria-Old before time
1016th Dec 2017Prospects and Future of Physiology 
1123rd Jan 2018Science and Religion 
1224th Feb 2018Carcinoma of BreastSmart Phone Hazards
1331st Mar 2018ImmunotherapyThe theory of everything in memory of Late Prof. Stephen Hawking
1428th Apr 2018Oxidative stress and antioxidant defenceSleep Quality
1526th May 2018Significance of citationsBirds in and around Bijapur
1630th Jun 2018Biomedical waste managementmHealth
1703 Aug 2018Role of human genetics in medical diagnosisPhysical activity and health
1825th Aug 2018Importance of medical education on growth of medical universityHealth impact of extreme climatic conditions
19 & 2027th Oct 2018DyslexiaBody donation
2124th Nov 2018Carcinoma of cervixArtificial Intelligence in Health Care
2229th Dec 2018Cancer counselingE-cigarettes-Pros and Cons
23 Quality of drinking water in and around VijayapurAre Universities becoming emotionless?
24 Importance of pets in human lifeCooking is both physical and mental therapy.
25 Human ergonomics in changing scenario for better Indian health care systemPre INCA civilization in Bolivia.
26 How to keep scientific innovation aliveKeto diet
27 Neonatal care and infant mortality in and around VijayapurStippling art.
28 Research and development in the perspective of peer assessments 
29 Interdisciplinary research between Pharmacies especially drug development and Clinical trials with Medicine.Water crisis and future of India
30 Interdisciplinary research with Engineering & Medical Sciences under BLDE umbrellaHuman touch at the face of nature’s fury.
31 Significance of interdisciplinary research between Western and Indian systems of Medicine.North Karnataka delicacies.
32 Importance of school education in the perspective of higher education.Global hunger index and India.
33 Medical Education and Research in Bolivia. 
34 Global warming, climate change, and environmental health.Happy New Year 2020
35 Environmental Engineering: Scope & Future Area of Research 
36 ‘National Science Day 2020 Celebration’ on 28th February 2020 
37 Introduction to Bioinformatics 
38 Prof. A. S. Paintal, FRS 94th BIRTH ANNIVERSARY’: 24th September 2020 
39 Molecular design and synthesis 
40 Journey of Physiology Education: My Perception 
41 Unlocking Physiology, Crossing Borders 
42 New perspective of the control of CO2/H+-dependent drive to breathe 
43 Impact of erythropoietin on neuronal control of respiration 
44 DNA repair System In Mycobacteria 
45 Development of Electrochemical Sensing Interfaces by using Advanced Voltammetric Techniques (KOREATECH) 

Research Models developed at Vascular Lab

  • Chronic sustained hypoxia model (10% Oxygen; 90% N2)
  • Rodent stroke model by mid cerebral carotid artery occlusion(MCAO) technique
  • Protein restricted dietary model (5% Casein)
  • Hyperlipidemia dietary model in rats (30% fat)
  • Salt sensitive hypertensive (SSH) models by inducing L-NAME & NaCl
  • Renal arterial occlusion model for developing renal hypertension\
  • In Silico Drug development Model

External Research Student/Faculty Training

  • NAIRA ELOYAN (UNESCO PhD STIDENT, YEREVAN, ARMENIA)

Dr.Naira Eloyan, UNESCO PhD student under UNESCO Chair Life Sciences from Yerevan, Armenia had undergone 3 week training at Vascular Laboratory. She was mentored by Prof.Kusal Das, UNESCO Adviser for Environmental Health and PhD Co-Adviser of Dr.Naira Eloyan. Dr.Vidya A.Patil, Professor & Head, Department of Anaesthesia acted as a clinical mentor for Dr.Naira for clinical research training (September – October 2020).

Dr.Naira was trained in experimental physiology from the perspective of biophysics and molecular biology. She also received clinical training in the Department of Anaesthesia for the management of pain sensation and electromagnetic field.

  • Natalia Zubieta-DeUrioste (La Paz, Bolivia)

Dr.Natalia Zubieta-DeUrioste,MD – A physician at La Paz, Bolivia at High Altitude Pulmonary and Pathology Institute visited Laboratory of Vascular Physiology and Medicine, BLDE (Deemed to be University) as a research trainee for 2 weeks during November – December 2020. She had a training basically on experimental physiology and molecular biology specific to hypoxia gene here.

  • Satish Dipankar(AIIMS, Patna)

Dr.Satish Dipankar, MD (Physiology), Associate Professor of Physiology, AIIMS, Patna was deputed to the Laboratory of Vascular Physiology and Medicine for research training in experimental physiology under Prof.Kusal Das. He was here for 2 weeks in June 2020. During his training, he learned the rodent stroke model and experimental hypertension.

RESEARCH IMPACT FROM VASCULAR LABORATORY

  • Rat cerebral ischemic model: Hypoxia pre-treatment as therapeutic perspective

Collaborative research with University of Leeds(2016) able to successfully established experimental rat cerebral ischemicmodelat Vascular Physiology laboratory of the University. Using this model as preclinical studies vascular science researchers of BLDE (DU) demonstrated clearly that hypoxia pre-treatment (5% O2)in animals can reduce ischemic brain injury due to stroke ! This unique research indicated as a possible protective strategy against cerebral focal ischemia or stroke (Das et al 2018).

  1. Das KK, Yendigeri SM, Patil BS, Bagoji IB, Reddy RC, Bagali S, Biradar MS, Saha S. Subchronic hypoxia pretreatment on brain pathophysiology in unilateral common carotid artery occluded albino rats. Indian J Pharmacol 2018;50(4): 185-191. DOI: 10.4103/ijp.IJP_312_17
  • Oxygen transport triad and hypoxia tolerance: HAPE, HACE, COPD perspective

Collaborative research on hypoxia and high-altitude pathophysiology with High Altitude Pulmonary and Pathology Institute, Bolivia and Laval University, Canada the researcher of BLDE (DU) demonstrated that the oxygen transport triad (pneumodynamic pump, hemodynamic pump & Epo/Hemoglobin) actually regulates hypoxia tolerance of an individual in relation to physiological acid-base balance. These hypotheses partly explain why COVID-19 incidence is lower in high altitude inhabitants. Further, the work also suggested hypoxia preconditioning as a preventive measure against acute hypoxic complications in high altitude like HAPE or HACE, etc.(Zubieta et al 2020).

1. Zubieta-Calleja, G.R.; Zubieta-DeUrioste, N.; Venkatesh, T.; Das KK.; Soliz, J. COVID-19: Multiple Diseases Simulating Extreme High-Altitude Exposure? Oxygen Transport Physiology and Scarce Need of Ventilators; Andean Condor & rsquo;s-Eye-View. Reviews on Recent Clinical Trials 2020, 15(4).

https://doi.org/10.2174/1574887115666200925141108

  • Normalized Wall Index (NWI)as vascular markerin cardiovascular pathophysiology

Normalized wall index,as an indicator of vascular structural integrity might be useful to assess the atherosclerotic disease burden. It is routinely used in Carotid Doppler study as well as in CT and MRI to measure the wall thickness and lumen diameter of blood vessel in humans. Vascular researchers of BLDE (DU) have made successfully thefirst time an attempt to evaluate the normalized wall index (NWI)through histopathology in experimental rat model by using Digimizer Image analyser (Patil et al 2019).

This innovative technique to measure the arterial wall and lumen thickness through histopathology was first ever reported in any scientific literatureso far by anyone other than BLDE(DU) researchers. This invention will definitely change remarkably in vascular science research for preclinical trials.

  1. BS, Kanthe P, Reddy RC, Das KK. EmblicaOfficinalis (Amla) ameliorates high fat diet-induced alteration of cardiovascular pathophysiology. Cardiovasc Hematol Agents Med Chem.2019;17(1):52-63. doi: 10.2174/1871525717666190409120018
  • Chronic Intermittent Hypoxia(CIH) and Hyperglycemia: Possible therapeutic uses of calcium channel blocker (Cilnidipine)

Chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) is commonly seen in obstructive sleep apnoea. It is associated with cardiovascular diseases, hypertension and impaired glucose homeostasis. Researchers of vascular laboratory of BLDE(DU) showed clearly in experimental model that CIH induces over production of reactive oxygen species as well as hyper activities of sympathetic N-typeCa2+ channels possibly through HIF 1-α expression and influence on insulin signalling by causing hyperglycemia, glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. This hyperglycaemic status can be controlled by using L/N type calcium channel blocker like cilnidipine as possible therapeutic measure(Bagali et al 2020; Das et al 2016).

  1. BagaliS, Nerune SM, Reddy RC, Yendigeri SM, Patil BS, Naikwadi AA , KulkarniRV,Das KK. Low oxygen microenvironment and cardiovascular remodelling: Role of dual L/N type Ca2+ channel blocker. Indian J Pharmcol 2020: In Press
  2. Das KK, Nemegouda SR, Patil SG, Saha S. Possible Hypoxia Signaling Induced Alteration of Glucose Homeostasis in Rats Exposed to Chronic Intermittent Hypoxia - Role of Antioxidant (Vitamin C) and Ca2+ Channel Blocker (Cilnidipine)Current Signal Transduction Therapy2016,11 (1): 49-55
  • Environmental Health Research: Impact and recognition
    1. Ground water fluoride research: The researchers of BLDE (DU) investigated on ground water fluoride contamination in Indi taluka of Vijayapur district during 2015-2016. Their investigation was unique as this was the first time in Indiaa scientific study had been conducted on fluoride concentrations in groundwater of same areas over a period of 15-year interval (Ugran et al2017). Further this work has been recognized by Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India by conferring ‘G.P.Chatterjee Memorial Award’ to PI of this project during Indian Science Congress in 2019 (https://www.ugc-inno-nehu.com/isc106-lpu-programme-schedule.pdf )
    2. Metals and cardiovascular cell signal transduction: Vascular researchers found the exact mechanisms involved in heavy metal (nickel, lead) toxicities in cardiovascular system by identifying target specific signal transduction pathways in rat model. These findings will help to target drugs against metal poisoning. (Reddy et al 2020’ Das et al 2020).
    3. Establishment UNESCO Dean of Environmental Health under UNESCO Chair (Life Sciences) at BLDE (DU): UNESCO Chair – Life Sciences (Biophysics, Biotechnology and Environmental Health) has appointed Dean of Environmental Health under its chair at BLDE(DU) Prof. Kusal K.Das of Department of Physiology. He has taken over the responsibility as Dean since August 2020.

(http://www.biophys.am/pages/index/Environmental-Health/ )

    1. Ugran V,Desai N, Chakraborti D, Masali KA, Mantur P, Kulkarni S, Deshmukh N, Chadchan KS, Das SN, Tanksali AS, Arwikar AS, Guggarigoudar SP, Vallabha T, Patil SS, Das KK. Groundwater fluoride contamination and its possible health implications in Indi taluk of Vijayapura District (Karnataka) State), India..Environ Geochem Health.2017 Oct;39(5):1017-1029. DOI: 10.1007/s10653-016-9869-2.
    2. Reddy RC, Devaranavadagi B, Yendigeri SM, Bagali S, Kulkarni RV, Das KK. Effect of L-Ascorbic Acid on Nickel-Induced Alteration of Cardiovascular Pathophysiology in Wistar Rats. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2020 May;195(1):178-186. doi: 10.1007/s12011-019-01829-w
    3. Das S, Reddy RC, Chadchan KS, Patil AJ, Biradar MS, Das KK. Nickel and Oxidative Stress: Cell Signaling Mechanisms and Protective Role of Vitamin C. Endocr

LSRB, DRDO

Ministry of Defence, Government of India (2014- 2017 extended 2019 September ).Title: “Influence of antioxidant vitamin (L-ascorbic acid) on hypoxia-induced alteration of VEGF gene expression in male diabetic rats with or without exposure to heavy metal nickel”. Fund Rs. 27,40,600/-(Vide Sanction letter: No O/o CC R&D(TM)/81/48222/LSRB-XXIX-Meeting/2014 06th August 2014) [Completed]

INR 17, 65,200  (2015-2019)

VGST-K FIST (Level 2), 

(DST, Government of Karnataka (2016-2019). “Effect of L-ascorbic acid and calcium channel blocker on hypoxia exposed possible alteration of cell signaling pathways in the respiratory system of male rats with or without heavy metal lead exposure” (VGST-KFIST/1230/2015 Dated 22/6/2016.(Rs.40,00,000/-) [On Going]

INR 40, 00,000  ((2017-2021)

KSTA-GRANT,

for Medical Ethics Seminar (DST. Government of Karnataka, Feb. 2021).

INR 1,00,000. ( 2021)

  • Electrophysiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Clinical & Translational

Research Electrophysiology

MP45 BIOPAC STUDENT LAB:

  • Rat & Human ECG Monitoring
  • Pneumogram
  • HRV Analysis
  • Animal (Rat/mice) invasive Blood Pressure Monitoring
  • Animal (Rat/mice) non-invasive Blood Pressure Monitoring
  • EEG and other neurological works
  • EMG etc. on both rats & human

SMALL ANIMAL RADIO TELEMETRY SYSTEM:

  • Pressure telemetry foundation system
  • Biopotential telemetry system with lab chart pro analysis software

UV VISIBLE SPECTROPHOTOMETER (SCHIMADZU UV 1800):

  • Qualitative & Quantitative analysis of Biologically important compounds
  • Enzyme kinetics
  • To Study the absorption Spectra of compounds
  • Quantitative analysis of pharmaceutical substances

 PERISCOPE:

  • It is an automated cardiovascular analyzer. It analyzes arterial stiffness, estimates simultaneous four limb blood pressure, Central aortic blood pressure, and cardiac indices from pressure analysis.

Research Molecular Biology

 ELISA MICRO-PLATE READER:

  • Qualitative & Quantitative analysis of the Biologically important compounds (Hormones, Growth factors, Specific Bacterial or Viral Antigens) based on their Immune property.(eg: VEGF, HIF 1 alpha, etc)

 ELISA MICRO-PLATE WASHER

  • It is used in the process of washing the microplates to remove the excess/unbound antigens/ antibodies with a specific Buffer where we can set the number of washing cycles

WESTERN BLOTTING APPARATUS

  • To evaluate Protein expressions in blood & tissues

PCR ( THERMOCYCLER) MACHINE

  • To identify a specific gene For gene mutation studies by using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) technique

COLD CENTRIFUGE (-20C with 20000 rpm, REMI )

VERTICAL DEEP FREEZER (ELANPRO -20 DEGREE CELSIUS)

Bioinformatics / Computational Biology

DRUG SCREENING (ADME)
MOLECULAR DOCKING WITH ALL THE SOFTWARES

Research Clinical

PHYSIO-PAC:

  • PC based Electrophysiology system ECG, EEG, EMG, Respiratory rate, Pulse rate

DICROWIN (PC BASED PPG ANALYZER)

  • PC based automatic pulse plethysmography analyzer system, Stiffness index, Reflection index and cardiovascular indices such as ejection slope, Left ventricular ejection time, upstroke time, pre-ejection period.

CANWIN (CARDIAC AUTONOMIC NEUROPATHY ANALYZER)

  • PC based automatic cardiac neuropathy analyzer and parasympathetic battery of tets.
  • UNESCO/UNITWIN NETWORK

Laboratory of Vascular Physiology is now a part of UNESCO/UNITWIN Network affiliated laboratory under UNESCO Chair-Life Sciences (Biophysics, Biotechnology, and Environmental Health). This centre is the co-ordinator of Environmental Health under UNESCO Chair Life Sciences (2018).

Prof.Kusal K.Das is appointed as Dean of  Environmental Health under UNESCO Chair- Life Sciences (Biophysics, Biotechnology, and Environmental Health) on August 1, 2020.

Click here for more information

  • IUPS

Prof.Kusal Das is a member of the Education Committee of the International Union of Physiological Sciences (IUPS) till 2021.

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