The University of Hyderabad (UoH) organized a Distinguished Lecture by Prof. Samir Bhattacharya titled “Excess of Lipid Accumulation is Associated with Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Problems” on February 21, 2023, in the School of Life Sciences Auditorium, University Campus.
Prof. Samir while delivering the distinguished lecture elaborated the increase and incidence of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) around the globe including India as a pandemic affecting more than 500 million people. His lecture highlighted his research team’s finding of excess of lipid accumulation causing insulin resistance leading to T2D and his study also showed decrease in insulin sensitivity is related to the fall in mitochondrial number and biogenesis. His research team had isolated a natural compound from a plant, Leucas aspera, which can reverse the adverse effect of lipid accumulation and improve insulin sensitivity.
Further, his study also demonstrated that the excess accumulation of lipid in the adipocytes not only increases insulin resistance but also results in the conversion of macrophages into foam cells. It has also been observed that progress in insulin resistance due to lipid is associated with increase in macrophage foam cell formation. These foam cells are characterized by the build-up of modified lipoproteins which leads to the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Fron his studies, it seems possible to significantly decrease the number of foam cells by a plant derived compound, which reduces atherosclerosis thus ameliorating cardiovascular problems. His lecture was excellent and path-breaking. Followed by his lecture, he answered several questions enthusiastically and got excellent appreciation as well as informative to the wider audience.