Jabatan Fisiologi, Fakulti Perubatan

 Mengilham Harapan, Mencipta Masa Depan

RESEARCH GROUP SYNOPSIS

CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH (CaRe)

As cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally as well as in Malaysia, a greater understanding of cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology is of utmost importance. The Cardiovascular Research Group (CaRe) is actively involved in research concerning different pathophysiological states of the cardiovascular system, with special attention to hypertension and atherosclerosis. This research ranges from fundamental biomedical science to pre-clinical and clinical studies, and therefore relies on a multitude of experimental models. With “In CaRe, We Care” as our tagline, our group is keen on initiating and forging collaborations with other research groups that have similar research interests, nationally and internationally.

Research team:

  • Assoc. Prof. Dr. Azizah Ugusman
  • Assoc. Prof. Dr. Amilia Aminuddin
  • Dr. Adila A. Hamid
  • Dr. Nina Diyana Rusanuar
  • Pn. Norizam Salamt
  • Pn. Zanariyah Asmawi
  • Pn. Amiza Hamdan

REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCE

This group addresses the most important issues in our population, infertility for productive population and exploring our natural food resources as a value-added commodity to the country. Gametes (spermatozoa and oocyte) are prone to oxidative damages. Determining its quality and ability to select it, non-invasively would support and enhances the successful rate of fertilisation. Exploring our natural food sources with antioxidants such as edible bird nest (EBN) and honey would be promising steps in handling the oxidative attacks. From the implantation side of view, the underlying mechanism for infertility related to high plasma testosterone levels in female such as PCOS and hyperandrogenemia are being elucidated. We also cover postmenopausal syndromes by exploring nutraceutical field in reducing its symptoms. The knowledge would contribute to the hormone replacement therapy with lesser side effect.

Research team:

  • Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siti Fatimah Ibrahim
  • Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Helmy Mokhtar
  • Dr. Farah Hanan Fathihah Jaffar
  • Dr. Izzat Zulhilmi Abd Rahman
  • Pn. Aini Farzana Zulkefli
  • En. Mohd Farisyam Mat Ros

REGENERATIVE MEDICINE: STEM CELL & TISSUE ENGINEERING

Regenerative medicine is a field that combines knowledge from multidisciplinary basic research to establish clinical applications towards the aim of repairing, replacing and re-growing damaged tissue in order to restore its normal function. Our mission is to improve quality of life and provide cure for diseases by focusing on regenerative medicine related products and technologies. Currently we are involved in the development of various human tissues such as skin, cartilage, bone, nerve, heart muscle and respiratory epithelium. Products developed from our research and innovations are in translational phase to enter clinical trial soon. A new branch emerged from this team which is looking at regeneration by natural products namely Edible Bird Nest and Revelation-based supplements such as olive, honey, fig fruit and black seeds. The molecular mechanisms of the regenerative capacities are being studied.

Research team:

  • Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Heikal Mohd Yunus
  • Pn. Norliza Saari

GUT RESEARCH GROUP

Gut Research Group (GRG) is a newly established group with the aim to understand important biological processes relating to the gut. With this knowledge, its goal is to utilize and apply into tackling major problems in human health. GRG’s mission is to become a centre of excellence in promoting quality research and educations as well as an advocacy for good gut health. Guided  by our mission and values, the vision of our group is to conduct state-of-the-art gut-related research. GRG represents a wide range of scientific research focused on the gut. Among its purposes include promoting public awareness on good gut health, creating an educational network that is accessible and relevant to the gut and digestive system, and prompting international collaborations for the enhancement of gut health education, research and training.

Research team:

  • Prof. Dr. Norfilza Mohd Mokhtar
  • Pn. Norshafila Diana Mohd Rathi
  • Pn. Nazierah Abd Ghani

NEUROPHYSIOLOGY

Our interests lie primarily in the area of neurophysiology of alcohol and drug dependence. We are exploring the role of PKC epsilon in alcohol withdrawal. In this aspect, we focused on the region of the amygdala and the function of PKC epsilon within this region with glutamate receptors and also trying to explore how could the kinase activities inhibited through peripheral pharmacological blockage as current drugs targeting PKC epsilon are not brain penetrants. We are also unraveling the potential effects of various natural extracts on high fat diet-induced cognitive dysfunctions. At cellular level, we are also investigating the potential effects of hydroxytyrosol in promoting the myelinating capability of human Schwann cell. We are also studying the neurophysiological changes in gut brain microbiota connections in chronic stress induced-anxiety and mood instability models.

Research team:

  • Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jaya Kumar Murthy
  • Pn. Nur Fudhla Mohd Nawawi