Green Passport for Sustainable Tourism
Panorama
Stem Cells: Islamic Perspective
Mind Over Matter
Ex-US President’s Son Visits SQU
News Update
Effects of Fruits
against Biochemical
Abnormalities
Department of Public
Relations and Information
Sultan Qaboos University
Issue 327
View Point
Why Study Literature?
Mohamed Salem Al Ghailani
Editorial Supervision
Santhosh Muthalath
Senior Editor
Sara Al Gheilani
Nasebah Al Muharrami
Translation
Ahlam Al Wahaibi
Design & Layout
Photography Dept., CET
Photography
Salim Al Sudairi
Circulation
SQU-info
It is hard to deny the importance of literature in our lives as it has been a
significant part of human education and civilization for so long, still represents a mirror reflecting and shaping most societies around the world.
Dr. Mounir Ben Zid from Sultan Qaboos University analysed the value
of literature for SQU students. The outcome of this research, titled “Arab
Students’ Perspectives on the Value of Literature” appeared in the journal
“Theory and Practice in Language Studies”. A survey among a cross section of English major (translation, arts and English education students),
indicates that students at SQU place high value on literature due to its
numerous advantages, the most important being its enhancement of their
language competence, despite obsolete teaching methods likely to kill
their taste for it.
The study indicates that modes of teaching create a descending environment, and that new literature circles be created to sensitize students to
the value of literature at an earlier stage of their lives in order to cultivate
a stronger passion and love for literature in them. The study discovered
that SQU students place a high value on literature and believed that its
educational effect is its most prominent benefit. Most students are interested in literature mainly to improve their language in general and to
learn new words, which in turn will help them to increase their language
competence. It also found that literature has social advantages, the most
dominant being that it helps students to understand other cultures and
the customs of people from different backgrounds. The survey research
demonstrated that there was a lack of jobs for humanities and English
major graduates.
Still studying literature makes sense. When studying literature, students
can learn not only language aspects such as vocabulary items but also that
language can be used for specific and aesthetic purposes. Familiarity with
the concepts of beat, metre and rhythm can improve their own writing,
as students are able to appreciate and apply these ideas. The study of literature can provide students with a fresh and creative angle to approach
their studies in particular and their lives in general. Study of literature can
help to add a refreshing and further dimension to a person’s life.
@SQU-info
Horizon invites contributions from SQU members of staff and faculty. Contributions in the form of
articles, news, travelogues, stories of unique and interesting experiences, encounters, etc., are welcome. Contributions may be edited for the sake of clarity and length. Please send your contributions
to horizon@squ.edu.om preferably, as MSWord attachments. Authors will be suitably credited.
The views and opinions expressed in the articles published in this newsletter are those of the authors
and are not to be construed as the official views of the publication. Horizon is published three times a
month by the Department of Public Relations and Information, Sultan Qaboos University, P.O. Box 50,
P.C. 123, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman.
Phone: +968 24141045
E-mail: horizon@squ.edu.om
20 December 2015
P2
Fax: +968 24413 391
Website: www.squ.edu.om
News Update
Ex-US President’s Son
Visits SQU
A delegation from the Carter Centre in the United States of America
(USA), represented by James Carter III, son of the Ex-US President Jimmy Carter and Rebecca Carter, in-charge of Development, Donations
Fund and Support at the Carter Center, visited Sultan Qaboos University today. The delegation was received by H.H Sayyidah Dr. Mona bint
Fahad Al Said, Assistant Vice Chancellor for International Cooperation,
SQU and Prof. Said bin Ali Al-Yahyae, The Deputy Vice-Chancellor for
Academic Affairs and Community Service.
The delegation are currently visiting the Sultanate as per an invitation from the Sultan Qaboos Cultural Centre in Washington. During
the visit, the delegation was introduced to the different academic and
research programs, services and facilities offered by the university .
The Carter Center is a nongovernmental, not-for-profit organization
founded in 1982 by former U.S.President Jimmy Carter. The Carter
Center works to advance human rights and alleviate human suffering.
Biomedical Science Gets
International Accreditation
The Biomedical Science program offered by the Allied Health Sciences Department of the College of Medicine & Health Sciences at SQU
got accreditation from the UK based Institute of Biomedical Science
in a record time. The Institute of Biomedical Science, founded in 1912
in United Kingdom, is considered to be the world’s oldest leading
membership and accrediting body in the field of biomedical science.
The Biomedical Science Program was offered by College of Medicine
and Health Sciences for the first time in 2010. The program evolved
from an old program (1993), named Medical Laboratory, which was
a five-year program, shared between Colleges of Science and College
of Medicine and Health Sciences. Immediately, when the College of
Medicine & Health Sciences adopted the program, critical changes
such as the program name, curriculum and duration were made to
suit its new purpose of training undergraduate students to become
successful biomedical scientists, thereby augmenting the excellence
of health-care in the Sultanate of Oman. Initially, it was managed by
Biomedical Science Management Committee that composed of representative staff from different departments mainly Clinical Biochemistry, Haematology, Pathology and Microbiology & Immunology.
SQU Workshop Throws
Light on Internationalization
The International Cooperation Office at Sultan Qaboos University, organized a workshop entitled “Journey towards internationalization” in order to shed light on the activities of
the Office and the advancements of SQU in terms of internationalization. Deans, Assistant Deans and Heads of Departments from various colleges at SQU attended the workshop.
Speaking on the occasion, HH Sayyidah Dr. Mona bint
Fahad Al Said, Assistant Vice Chancellor for International
Cooperation, said that the goal of the workshop is mutual
exchange of ideas on various aspects of internationalization of the university. “The International Cooperation Office, established in 2002 with a mission to provide a highly
professional international network through partners around
the globe. The Office plays a fundamental role in raising the
university’s profile and effectively promoting international
collaboration. This workshop lays a sound platform for a
greater cooperation between the Office and other units at
the university. The objective is to obtain useful information
to help us move forward, and successfully carry out our
tasks”, she said.
Mahmood Al Kindi, Head of International Relations Section gave an overview of his section and the strategy of the
university in promoting links with international organizations and higher educational institutions. Widad Al Shuaili
updated on student exchanges between SQU and reputed
international universities. In 2015 alone, SQU has received
32 students from foregin universities under the student
exchange program. The university has signed agreements
with 61 universities worldwide for student exchange. Fatima Al Khuzairi, Head of Coordination and Follow-up
Section elaborated on various events organized by International Cooperation Office. The events include international
events organized in association with international bodies
such as UN, WTO, diplomatic missions in Oman, national
events such as Omani Women Day, Alumni Day, Cooperation Day, that are organized with the participation of graduates of the university and the private and public organizations in Oman.
Dr. Maha Al Balushi from the College of Economics & Political Science spoke about developing SQU as a brand. She
said that in a rapidly changing marketplace, university
branding is about much more than its logo. The key values
for branding includes academic integrity; future employability; and the value of the student experience”, she said.
Dr. Tariq Mohiuddin from the Department of Physics, College of Science spoke about global ranking of universities
and SQU’s position in various ranking systems based on the
core missions such as teaching, research, knowledge transfer and international outlook.
P3 20 December 2015
Insight
Effects of Fruits against
Biochemical Abnormalities
Dr. Mohamed Essa
A research that proved the benefits of long-term dietary supplementation of pomegranates, figs, or date palm fruits growing in Oman
against behavior, inflammation and oxidative stress related abnormalities in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease, has
won National Research Award instituted by the Research Council
(TRC) in Health and Social Sciences Sector. This study was led by
Dr. Mohamed Essa, Associate Professor in the Department of Food
Science & Nutrition of the College of Agricultural & Marine Sciences
at Sultan Qaboos University. The findings of the paper titled “Long
Term Dietary Supplementation of Pomegranates, Figs and Dates Alleviate Neuroinflammation in a Transgenic Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease” were published in PLOS ONE journal. This study is a
collaborative project with the involvement of well- known scientists
from Australia (Prof. Gilles J Guillemin), USA (Dr. Mohammed Akbar) and Oman (Prof. Samir Al-Adawi and Dr. Subash (post doc)). It
was conducted as part of research project funded to Dr. Mohamed
Essa and his colleagues by The Research Council, Oman (RC/AGR/
FOOD/11/01).
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a devastating age-related neurodegenerative disease with no specific treatment at present. AD is characterized by abnormal accumulation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles throughout the brain regions. Studies suggest that diet
could affect the risk of the disease and delay the progression of AD.
Role of dietary antioxidants in human health has prompted research
in the field of AD. Fruits are good sources of these bioactive components, and studies says that naturally occurring compounds from
plants have been offering possible their therapeutic potential for AD.
20 December 2015
P4
Pomegranates contain very high levels of polyphenols as compared
to other fruits and vegetables. In folklore medicine pomegranate
is uses for the treatment of various diseases, such as ulcer, hepatic
damage, snakebite, etc. The figs are an excellent source of minerals,
vitamins and dietary fiber; cholesterol free fat, and contain abundant
amino acids and highest concentrations of polyphenols. The fig fruit
is well known for its attractive taste, nutritive value due to its antioxidant properties. Traditionally, figs are used for treating various ailments including cardiovascular disease, respiratory problems, ulcers,
warts, etc. Dates are a good source of energy, vitamins, and important elements such as phosphorus, iron, potassium, and a significant
amount of calcium. The date fruit has been used in folk remedies
for the treatment of various infectious diseases, cancer, etc. It has antibacterial, antihyperlipidemic, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective,
anticancer, anti-fungal properties.
The study proved that fruits grown in Oman such as pomegranate,
dates and figs offer benefit by improving behavior and reducing the
inflammation and oxidative stress markers in AD transgenic Tg2576
mice along with the delay in the formation of senile plaques. These
novel results about aging diseases may represent one mechanism by
which these supplements exert their beneficial effects against neurodegenerative diseases such as AD. Based on this study and the active ingredient profiles, it can be concluded that these fruits showed
promising therapeutic potential against neurodegenerative diseases
including AD, that are associated with elevated inflammation. However, these results warrant further investigation of the mechanisms
by which anti-inflammatory properties of these fruits can exert such
beneficial effects on the brain in AD-like models.
Mind Over Matter
Stem Cells: Islamic Perspective
By: Dr . Mohammed Ali Al-bar
Director of Medical Ethics
International Medical Centre
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
This article is an edited version of Dr. Mohammed Albar’s oral presentation on “Stem cells: Islamic Perspective” that he delivered at the
Sixth Forum of the Oman National Bioethics Committee hosted by
SQU recently.
Stem cells are primitive pluripotent cells. Found in the embryo, fetus,
newborn and even adult. They are capable of dividing almost indefinitely in specific cultures, and can give rise to various specialized cells
(220 types in human body). Stem cells are obtained from human embryos/fetuses: 1. IVF surplus pre-embryos; 2. spontaneous or medically indicated abortion; 3. fertilization of donor eggs by donor sperms;
4.chimera; a fetus by fertilizing an animal egg with a human sperm;
5. therapeutic cloning. Obtaining stem cells from IVF surplus pre-embryos and spontaneous or medically indicated abortion have been accepted by Islamic jurists. Stem cells are obtained from other sources: 1.
placenta or umbilical cord blood; 2. children; 3. adult. All are accepted
with consent of the owners.
Pluripotent Stem Cells can give rise to any type of human cell and can
be used to treat failing organs such as liver, heart, kidney, and open
new avenues for treating genetic diseases and degenerative diseases
such as Alzheimer disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington, ALS, etc.
can be treated in the future by stem cells. The disadvantage is that tumors can form. Adult stem cells are found in bone marrow skin, circulation, adipose tissue and ventricular system of the brain and breast
milk. They are considered multipotent i.e. less versatile than the pluripotent embryonic cells.
Moral and ethical issues
Research on adult stem cells is accepted as it does not interfere with
human embryos. It can be used from the patient himself, culture the
stem cells from bone marrow, or any other source, into whatever type
of cells required and then reintroduce them to the patient to cure his
ailment without causing rejection and negating the need for immunosuppressive therapy which is costly (5000 U.S annually) and hazardous (and can have many serious side effects).
The Fatwa of the Islamic Jurisprudence Council of the Islamic World
in its 17th session in Makkah (13 to 17 of December 20013) has adapted the following decisions: It is permissible to obtain stem cells to be
grown and used for therapy or for permissible scientific research, if,
its source is legitimate, as for example: 1) adults if they give permission, without inflicting harm on them; 2) children , provided that, their
guardians allow it, for a legal benefit and without inflicting harm on
the children; 3) the placenta or the umbilical cord, with the parents’
permission; 4) a fetus if spontaneously aborted ,or when aborted for a
therapeutic reason permitted by Shariah, with the parents’ permission;
5) leftover zygotes remaining from in vitro fertilization, if donated by
the parents, when it is ascertained that they will not be used in an illegal
pregnancy.
It is forbidden to use stem cells, if their source is illegal. For example: 1)
intentionally aborted fetuses (that is, abortion without a legal medical
reason); 2) intentional fertilization between a donated ovum and sperm;
3) therapeutic human cloning.
Creating embryos for research and stem cell derivation was considered
morally reprehensible. The human embryo has a sanctity from early
stages which gradually increase with development. The human embryo
is not a person except after ensoulment which is stated in the Hadith
of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) to occur at 120 days computed from
the moment of conception viz. fertilization. Hence abortion after 120
days is never allowed except for saving the life of the expectant mother.
Therapeutic Abortion with restrictions is allowed. (4th resolution on
aborting congenital malformed fetus. Islamic Jurists council of Islamic
World League, Makkah Al Mukaramma, 17th Feb 1990). Extracorporeal
embryo is not considered as a respected embryo.
Resolution regarding utilization of embryos as a source of organs: It is
not permissible to use human embryos as a source of organs and tissues
except if certain conditions are satisfied: viz. organs or tissues obtained
from spontaneous aborted fetus or legally aborted fetus (therapeutic
abortion). 2) If the fetus is delivered viable - save its life. If it dies organs and tissues can be obtained from cadaver according to resolution
26(1/4) of 1988 of the Fiqh Academy Islamic Fiqh Academy (International Islamic Jurists) in its 6th conference held in Jeddah 17-23 Shaaban
1410 H/14-20 March 1990 came with the following resolution along
with others:
It is prohibited to clone a human being, by the above mentioned methods or by any other method that results in the multiplication of human
species. Cloning is prohibited in all cases implying the intervention of
a third party in the procreation process, whether a uterus, an ovule, a
spermatozoid or a body cell for cloning. It is permitted by Shari’a to use
cloning techniques and genetic engineering in the fields of microbiology, botany and zoology, and within the limits prescribed by Shari’a, in
order to serve general interest and Prevent harm.
P5 20 December 2015
News Round Up
CAARU Receives ISO
Certification
The Central Analytical and Applied Research Unit (CAARU)
at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) got ‘ISO 9001:2008’ quality
management certification. The Unit offers testing, training and
consulting services in the field of material science, separation
science, mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance, and
molecular cell biology for both academia and industry.
Since its inception of CAARU in 2004, quality is ingrained
into every facet of the decision-making process in the management of its laboratory and the science that it practices. CAARU
stands apart by virtue of its dynamism and a corporate philosophy grounded in ethics, which gives it a fresh perspective
and consequently to its customers, a unique advantage. The vision of CAARU is “building a compliant and internationally
accredited functional facility to serve research and consultancy
at SQU and formulate business links with Major Omani and
overseas companies in both private and public sector”. Its mission is to develop into a focal point for analytical applications
and applied research in the College of Science at SQU by making the services readily available and to establish a strong link
between the college and the corporate sectors and government
organizations and ministries in the Sultanate.
SQU Launches
e-Tendering System
SQU, Department of Procurement launched the government e-tendering system under the patronage of Dr. Ali bin Saud al Bimani, ViceChancellor of SQU.
Hon. Dr. Hamed bin Suleiman Al-Salmi Deputy V.C. for Administrative
and Financial Affairs , said that Sultan Qaboos university seeks to join
e-government system through the provided services, improve the quality of the services and to ensure the simplifying of procedures.
Jamal bin Said Al Riyami, Director of Procurement Department, gave
an introductory speech about the government e-tendering system
which came within the e-transformation program and a continuation
of the vision of e-government, which aims to achieve full e-transformation to ensure sustainable knowledge society. This step comes as part
of the Sultan Qaboos University’s efforts towards e-transformation to
the various services and programs. There are other e-services launched
by the university related to e-learning, food print, online registration of
admitted students through Milaad electronic station, the system of research management and other services. In addition, the government etendering system is one of the Information Technology Authority (ITA)
initiatives under the umbrella of e-government transformation project
which is the result of joint efforts between the ITA and the Tender Board.
DVC Receives York Delegation
Commenting on ISO certification for the unit, Saif Al-Mammari, in-charge of CAARU, said that the certification process
deals with the fundamentals of quality management systems,
including the eight management principles upon which the
family of standards is based. “Implementation of a quality
management system in testing laboratories provides information and assistance to assure essential quality standards in
analysis. Recognizing the new challenges and the importance
of accurate results, this guidance assists analysis laboratories to
improve the quality of their performance according to international standards”, he said.
CAARU’s path to ISO Certification started by end of 2013, under the leadership of Ms. Ahlam Al-Azkawi, Head of CAARU.
Sathish Babu and Dr. Premkumar Samuel were responsible for
ISO related procedures, which started with ISO awareness and
documentation programme. In August 2015, the ISO audit was
completed and the unit was certified as ISO 9001:2008 facility
by QS ZÜRICH Certification Private Limited. QS ZÜRICH AG,
is an ISO certification company, having international head office in Zurich, Switzerland. CAARU is now certified with “ISO
9001:2008 for ‘testing of clay, rock and water for minerals and
elements; residual analysis in water and food; crude oil analysis; microbial identification, DNA and protein sequencing and
cell sorting; training and research assistance”. All the instruments at the unit are handled by the specialists who are well
trained at frequent intervals by the supplying companies.
20 December 2015
P6
Hon. Dr. Hamad bin Sulaiman al-Salmi, Deputy Vice Chancellor of
Sultan Qaboos University for Administrative & Financial Affairs received in his office, a delegation from the University of York in the
United Kingdom, UK. The two sides discussed cooperation in students exchange field and organizing training courses for the employees in financial, administrative and technical areas, in addition to
English language, the joint scientific programs and higher education
programs. The visit comes to stress the importance of the academic
and scientific relations binding the SQU with the British universities
and educational and research institutions.
The visit also aims at familiarizing with the financial, administrative and technical systems in the SQU, particularly theoretical and
practical training field. The delegation familiarized itself with the
scientific fields that the SQU focuses on and the most important academic programs and colleges, in addition to the SQU role in the field
of scientific research, social and cultural development and the social
participations in various fields.
Panorama
Green Passport
for Sustainable Tourism
Green travel is a central term used to describe responsible
travel practices that focus on economic, socio-cultural, and environmental sustainability. It is about making sure that travelers choose businesses, tour operators, and transportation
methods that maintain and preserve the ecological integrity of
the environment and contribute to local community development; meeting the needs of the present without compromising
the needs of current or future generations.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
launched Green travel tips for the world’s growing number
of international tourists in March 2007 at the Berlin Tourism
Fair. The internet-based campaign, “Green Passport”, aims to
raise tourists’ awareness of their potential to contribute to sustainable development by making responsible holiday choices.
UNEP and Brazil’s ministries of Environment, Sports, Tourism and Social Development launched the 2014 edition of the
Green Passport initiative, which is an online mobile application aimed at promoting sustainable tourism during the 2014
World Cup in Brazil and beyond. With tourism being one of
the fastest growing economic sectors globally and substantial
expansion predicted, especially for emerging destinations, the
main focus of UNEP’s work is to reverse the negative environmental impacts of a business as usual scenario. The goal
is to encourage greater sustainability within the tourism supply chain and relevant sectors. This will translate into sustainable economic growth, better employment opportunities and
healthier ecosystems.
In 2016, the world’s best Olympic and Paralympic athletes
will be held in Rio de Janeiro to star in the greatest sporting
show on the planet. From 5 to 21 August, 2016, as many as
10,500 athletes from 206 countries will participate in this mega
event. The Olympic city with an area around 12,500 Hectares,
will receive the participants. And the UNEP reports shows
that the consumption of Water and Electricity in the Olympic
Games increase four to five times, comparing to a normal city.
With the number of potential visitors to Rio next year, it is important that we see travel attitudes and practices that simultaneously respect the environment and support social
and economic development in Brazil.
At the College of
Arts & Social
Sciences at Sultan
Qaboos
U n i v e r s i t y,
Dr. Yassine
Charabi,
Associate
Professor
in Geography and
an expert
in environment and climate
studies,
recently delivered
a presentation on
the Green Passport
campaign of UNEP.
“The ‘Green Passport’ promotes tourism that respects the environment and culture while triggering economic benefits and
social development for the host communities,”, he said.
The Green Passport, composed of five phases, offers background information and useful tips for every stage of a
journey, including pre-departure planning and actions that
travelers can do after their return. While planning the trip it
is essential to find out more about the destination and its local environment, traditions and cultures before one sets off.
This will allow the making of smart choices that will provide
fulfilling holidays for the tourists themselves while protecting
the environment and contributing to the economic and social
development of the destinations. Learning about the chosen
destination (a little bit of the language, cultural habits, appropriate behavior by travelers) helps to ensure that local communities remain hospitable and friendly.
In getting the destination, the Passport gives tips on how to
travel light, considering that waste disposal systems in many
countries are ill-equipped to deal with the increased pressures
brought in by tourism. Smart tips demonstrate that by traveling light we can significantly reduce our carbon footprint. In
getting around, the Green Passport offers choices of public
transport at local level, meeting people (cultural habits and behavior codes), getting to know the local environment are some
suggestions of the Green Passport. It indicates also especially
tips on treading lightly in different environments in the water,
in arid lands and deserts, in the mountains, wildlife watching,
diving or snorkeling.
Explaining how things to do before going back, the Green
Passport highlights the importance of making an environmental analysis of the trip, and checking the consequences of
one’s activities and behaviors on the environment and the local community. In the souvenir shop, make smart choices of
what to buy, avoiding products that exploit wildlife or aid the
destruction of species or habitats and giving preference for locally made crafts and supporting local skills.
The Green Passport “after the trip” tips are: support community-based initiatives in the places visited, talk about your holidays, share your sustainable choices, write to local embassies
to report any incidents and promote a multiplier effect.
Green Passport and Climate Change
In his presentation, Dr. Charabi emphasized on the Green
Passport highlights on the link between climate change and
holiday choices. “Kick the carbon dioxide habit from your
holidays’. Individual choices – chosen destination, distance
traveled, length of stay, the accommodation chosen, and activities carried out – have a considerable impact on the ‘carbon footprint’ and are major factors in influencing global
emissions from the tourism sector. It gives tips for travelers to
make informed choices and change their habits, how to travel
light, and what they can do to reduce their carbon footprint”,
he said. Brazil was chosen to be the first destination to implement the ‘Green Passport’ on the national level. Other national
Green Passport travel guides have been implemented in South
Africa, Costa Rica, Ecuador and French Overseas Territories”,
he explained.
P7 20 December 2015
Straight Talk
Dr. Abdur Rahman
Dr. Abdur Rahman is an Associate Professor in the Faculty
of Food Science & Nutrition of the College of Life Sciences
at Kuwait University. His research interests include role of
quinolinic acid in the neuropathology of Alzheimer ’s disease, role of tau hyperphosphorylation in Alzheimer ’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders, and molecular
mechanism of lead-induced deficits in learning and memory. Some of his previous research projects include role of
cigarette smoke-degraded carotenoids in lung cancer, and
lead determination in schoolchildren and the assessment
of lead induced impairment in physical and mental growth.
Horizon: Can you say a few words about
your visits to SQU and collaboration with
researchers here?
Dr. Abdur Rahman: I have visited SQU
twice; in February 2010 and in May 2013.
Mohammad Essa of Food Science and Nutrition Department organized both these
visits. Dr. Essa has been very active in
establishing research collaboration with
many institutions and researchers with a
common research interest. He has been a
part of the research collaboration group,
which includes researchers from the SQU,
Kuwait University and Macquarie University in Australia.
Horizon: Can you explain your current
research on the neuropathology of Alzheimer ’s disease?
Dr. Abdur Rahman: In my research on
the neuropathology of Alzheimer’s disease, we have identified some biochemical
changes in the brain that may also be op-
20 December 2015
erative in other brain diseases related to learning and memory deficits. One of the metabolite that may play a role in the pathology of
Alzheimer’s disease is a product of the amino
acid tryptophan, quinolinic acid. We believe
that this product may be involved in a number
of pathological conditions related to learning
and memory deficits, including Alzheimer’s
disease and neurotoxicity caused by lead.
Horizon: You conduct research on lead induced deficits in mental and physical growth.
Could you elaborate?
Dr. Abdur Rahman: It is well known for quite
a long time that lead toxicity affects physical
growth as well as mental development and
function. While physical growth is affected by
relatively higher blood levels of lead, mental
development and function is affected by very
low levels of lead in the blood. This is particularly important due the fact that small children are frequently exposed to low levels of
lead from the environment and that may affect
their learning abilities in school. Our focus is
mainly on the mechanisms of learning deficits
caused by lead, for which not much is known
to-date despite tremendous research. Once we
understand the mechanism of its pathology,
we will be better able to devise an intervention
for averting these neurotoxic effects. So far, we
have identified a few key target enzymes and
molecules that are involved in learning and
memory and research is ongoing to pinpoint
the biochemical pathways that are targeted by
lead.
Horizon: Could you say something about the
outcomes of your research on cigarette smoking and lung cancer?
Dr. Abdur Rahman: It has been well established in the literature that dietary carotenoids, like beta-carotene, are protective
against cancers and that smoking is a leading
cause of lung cancer. Therefore, smokers are
encouraged to take high doses of carotenoids
for protection against lung cancer. I proposed
a novel hypothesis in this area and developed
the notion that taking large doses of beta-carotene may even increase the risk of cancers in
smokers. In fact, some epidemiological studies have shown increased incidence of lung
cancers in smoker who were taking beta-carotene supplements. My hypothesis is because
cigarette smoke contains large numbers of free
radicals. These free radicals can attack betacarotene and can break it down into smaller
molecules which themselves are free radicals.
Thus the burden of free radicals in smokers
may be increased which will increase their
risk of cancers. In our lab, we have proved that
such degradation of beta-carotene by cigarette
smoke occurs in the test tube but we were unable to test this in animals and humans due to
the lack of proper model system. Other groups
in the US have since then done such experiments in animal models and have proved our
hypothesis.