by Kate Croxton
Dr. Satyanarayana Swamy Mruthinti, a professor of biology at the University of West Georgia, was recently invited to give a lecture on the “Possible Link Between Diabetes and Neurodegenerative Diseases” at Kakatiya University in Warangal, India. In his lecture, Dr. Mruthinti talked about the prevalence of diabetes and how it is reaching an epidemic proportion with over 265 million individuals who possibly suffer from it worldwide. He continued about the characteristics of the disease, which include high levels of plasma glucose, the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), concomitant upregulation of receptor for AGEs (RAGEs) and inflammation.
“Inflammation seems to be the main cause of a number of diabetic complications and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease,” explained Dr. Mruthiniti. “Alzheimer’s disease is the leading cause of dementia older people, while diabetes–this ‘silent’ disease–goes undiagnosed in two-thirds of patients during early stages.”
Dr. Mruthiniti’s lecture focused on the positive correlation between RAGE and b-amyloid (Ab) protein in the plasma of experimental animals as well as human subjects with different stages of cognitive impairment. This data also shows promising results with active vaccination with RAGE-Ab complex.
“Additionally, we have explored the effect of curcumin, an active ingredient in turmeric for its therapeutic potential against inflammation,” said Dr. Mruthinti.
His lecture and visit to Kakatiya University helped strengthened existing research collaboration with the university’s faculty members as well as develop international student exchange programs.
Prior to his visit at Kakatiya University, Dr. Mruthinti participated in the International Conference on Emerging Challenges in Biotechnology, Human Health and Environment (RABAEB) and Ninth Annual Convention of the Association of Biotechnology and Pharmacy (ABAP) that took place at K.L. University in Guntur, India. As a member of the International Organize committee, he was involved with identifying the themes of the conference. He was also a chairperson at a session on the “Young Scientist Award Competition.”
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