A new study from Qatar University (QU) has revealed the link between vitamin D deficiency and inflammation. The research also shed light on the role of High Density Lipoproteins (HDL) associated lipoproteins during sepsis and the resulted inflammation. Understanding the physiological mechanism helped the researcher in designing new therapeutic agents preventing sepsis and septic shock. The study was done by Dr Hanaa Mousa, the second PhD candidate from QU’s College of Medicine.
She completed her oral defence of the theses entitled ‘Vitamin D Immune Modulatory Effect on the Anti-inflammatory potential of HDL associated Proteins,’ at an event attended by a number of faculty members and students from QU Health.
The research also highlighted the interaction between HDL and Vitamin D, and the link between Vitamin D deficiency and dyslipidemia, which will allow the clinician to better understand and manage both dyslipidemia and Vitamin D deficiency. Dr Mashael al-Shafei, director of Graduate Studies, QU Health, lauded Dr Hanaa for her work and announced the opening of the new admission cycle for the graduate programmes including a PhD in Health Sciences (open until February 16).
In a statement, Dr Susu Zughaier, associate professor of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, and the main supervisor for Dr Hanaa, also congratulated the researcher. Dr Hanaa described her PhD journey as a very challenging one, full of joy and tears, hopes and dreams, sweet times and sour ones. "I was a new mother, working a full-time job in research, on top of being a PhD student. This requires immense effort to fulfill all my duties. I feel lucky to have had individuals around me, who support, guide and help me to reach my goals.”
Prof Asad Zeidan, Dr Mohamad Emara, and Dr Simon Jackson from the College of Medicine in the Medical and Health Sciences Sector at QU, in addition to Dr. Nahla Afifi from Qatar Biobank, were members in the supervisory committee of this doctoral dissertation.
