Biochemistry is the application of the understanding of chemical principles to mechanisms of biological processes. It is both a life science as well as a chemical science;thus, it spans a wide diversity as a discipline. This relatively modern subject started to become a discipline in its own right only around the beginning of the 20th century when scientists could combine the rigor of chemistry to the then empirical sciences of biology and physiology to decipher the molecular basis of the all life processes.

In Biochemistry you will learn about the complex organic molecules involved in life processes, and how they interact to create the dynamic living structures like cells, tissues, organs and organisms in good health as well as in disease conditions.

The most obvious applications of biochemistry are in diagnostic clinical biochemistry and biomedical research. All the diseases covered in modern medicine, from disease of blood sugar derangements, to degenerative brain conditions like Alzheimer disease, to dysregulated and destructive tissue growth eg cancer, are studied at molecular and chemical levels in this subject. Biochemistry itself also interfaces into other disciplines of medicine. As for example, how drug molecules abate diseases which will be later covered in more detail in the subject of Pharmacology will also be initiated in this subject.

As a first-year medical student Biochemistry will provide you with a solid foundation for understanding all the subjects of second and third Professional MBBS. Additionally, it will evoke keen interest in basic research, which doctors are encouraged to pursue.

 Goal: The overall goal of the undergraduate teaching in biochemistry is to allow students to grasp the concepts of the molecular mechanisms of life processes, and to help them apply this knowledge towards solving clinical problems.

OBJECTIVES:

·         Knowledge: At the end of the course, the student shall be able to:

·         Explain the molecular and functional organization of a cell and list its sub-cellular components;

·         Outline the structure, function and metabolic network of biomolecules and consequences of their dysfunctions;

·         Elucidate the fundamental aspects of enzymology highlighting on clinical and translational applications of this knowledge

·         Describe the biochemical aspects of digestion absorption and assimilation of nutrients including mechanisms and consequences of malnutrition.

·         Integrate the various aspects of metabolism and their regulatory pathways;

·         Explain the biochemical basis of inherited disorders with their associated sequel;

·         Describe mechanism involved in maintenance of body fluid and pH homeostasis;

·         Outline the molecular mechanisms of gene expression and regulating, the principles of genetic engineering and their application in medicine;

·         Summarize molecular concept of body defences and their application in medicine;

·         Outline the biochemical basis of environmental health hazards, biochemical basis of cancer and carcinogenesis;

·         Familiarize with the principles of various conventional and specialized laboratory investigation and instrumentation, analysis and interpretation of a given data;

·         Suggest experiments to support theoretical concepts and clinical diagnosis.

SKILLS:

At the end of the course the student shall be able to:

·         Make use of conventional techniques/instruments to perform biochemical analysis relevant to clinical screening and diagnosis;

·         Analyze and interpret investigative data;

·         Demonstrate the skills of solving scientific and clinical problems and decision-making.

·         Integration: The knowledge acquired in biochemistry shall help the students to integrate molecular events with structure and function of the human body in health and disease.

Teaching Faculty

Non-Teaching Staff

FACILITIES

The Department of Biochemistry at Government Medical College, Pali, is on the ground floor of the academic block. The department has highly qualified faculties in the department.

The Department consist of air conditioned well ventilated and well-lit practical room with instruments and glass wares for students to perform Biochemistry experiments.

The departmental research laboratory is provided with newer instruments.

The departmental library has latest books and journals.

The demonstration room is furnished and equipped with audio-visual aids.

TEACHING ACTIVITIES

Approach of teaching will be a combination of didactic lectures, demonstration of experiments, practical classes, problem based learning and small group discussions. Audio-visual aids will be make classes easy to follow.

SYLLABUS

Paper I

1.         Molecular, structural and functional description of Cell and subcellular  compartments.

2.         Chemistry, function and metabolism of important biomolecules including carbohydrates, amino acids & proteins (hemoglobin & myoglobin), lipids, Vitamins, Nucleic acids.

3.         Fundamentals of enzymology including regulations and clinical applications

4.         Principles of various routine and special laboratory investigations (Organ function tests); Instrumentation: Colorimetry, immunoassays, chromatography, electrophoresis, application of radioisotopes; related data analysis & interpretation.

Paper II

1.         Nutrition: Biochemical basis of digestion and Assimilation.

2.         Integration of metabolic pathways and their various aspects including regulation.

3.         Molecular principles and medical significance of immunology.

4.         Molecular mechanism of gene expression and regulation; principles of genetic engineering and medical applications

5.         Biochemical basis of various inherited and acquired disorders (relevant aspects of 1 &2 and, biological oxidation, detoxification, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, vitamins, minerals), plasma proteins, iron metabolism, calcium homeostasis, basics of biochemical endocrinology.

6.         Biochemical principles of osmolarity, electrolyte & pH homeostasis

7.         Biochemical principles of environmental health hazards including carcinogenesis

8.         Experiments to verify theoretical concepts and clinical diagnosis.

SUGGESTED TEXT BOOKS:

1.      Harper's Illustrated Biochemistry 31st Edition (Rodwell et al), McGraw-Hill Education, 2018

2.      Textbook of Biochemistry for Medical Students 8th Edition (Vasudevan et al), JP Medical Ltd, 2016

3.      A Comprehensive Textbook of Medical Biochemistry (Rajinder Chawla et al), United India Periodicals 2012

SUGGESTED REFERENCE BOOKS:

1.      Lippincott Illustrated Reviews: Biochemistry (Ferrier et al) Wolters Kluwer, 2017

2.      (Lehninger) Principles of Biochemistry 7th edition (Nelson et al), Freeman 2017

3.      (Stryer) Biochemistry 8th Edition (Berg et al), Freeman 2015

SUGGETSED BOOKS FOR PRACTICALS:

1.      Practical Biochemistry 5th Edition  (R.C. Gupta et al ) CBS Publisher 2013

AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

DR. ASMITA HAZRA

2016 International Travel Grant; 2,500$ by AACC: for AACC Annual Meeting 2016 at Philadelphia, PA, USA [Awarded maximum twice in 5 years]

2015 International Travel Grant; 2,500$ by AACC: for AACC 2015 at Atlanta, GA, USA [Only 20 awarded from all over world]

2014 International Travel Grant of ICMR for attending AACC annual meeting, Chicago, IL, USA 2014

ICMR Financial Assistance Grant to top 50 MD/MS/DM/MCh Thesis; Rs 25000.00/- approved 2006

Member of Scientific Committee for North Zone ACBI (Association of Clinical Biochemists of India) April 7-8, 2018 at AIIMS Jodhpur, Rajasthan

Observership at NGS (Next generation sequencing) and Mass Spectrometry facilities at Arctic Medical Laboratories, Grand Rapid, MI, USA in Aug 2016

Invited as AACC International travel awardee to participate in Lab Tour at Thomas Jefferson University Laboratories in Philadelphia, PA, USA during AACC 2016 annual meeting

Invited as AACC International travel awardee to participate in Lab Tour at Emory University Laboratories, and Quest Labs in Atlanta, GA, USA during AACC 2015 annual meeting.

Selected for & participated in: Molecular Pathology Workshop 23-28 Jun, 2014 Lab Haematology, Cytogenetics& Molecular Genetics, Tata Medical Centre Kolkata & Molecular Pathology Association of India- MPAI

Certified for NABL Internal Audit & ISO 15189 QMS 4-day workshop, Feb 26-Mar 1 2013, by QCI (Quality Council of India) at Bhopal

Selected for and participated in Interphase FISH (Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization) 3day Hands-on workshop, Feb6-8 2013 Cytogenetics, CMC Vellore

Attended “Teaching learning and Assessment” - Workshop on Problem Based Learning (PBL) Jan 13-15th, 2004, CMET, AIIMS, New Delhi

Published one International book chapter

LIST OF PUBLICATIONS BY THE MEMBERS OF THE STAFF

1.      SeemaJawalekar,Shahid Iqbal, SuchandaSahu, Asha Augusthy. Evaluation of thyroid function in patients with type -2 Diabetes Mellitus. Int. J of Scientific Research ,( December 2017)12 (6) : 455-457.

2.      Shruti Singh, SonaliBandil, Anish Kumar, Dwijendra Nath,SeemaJawalekar.Histopathological study of  CP angle tumours with clinical features And  outcome in tertiary health care centre.Int. J of Scientific Research,( April  2018) 4 (7) :  30-33.

3.      SeemaJawalekar.Evaluation of laboratory measurements for the clinical assessment ofchronic kidney disease. Editorial ,Kidney Treat Diagn, ( November-2017);1(1):1-3.

4.      Augusthy A, Sahu S, Ashok Kumar J, Jawalekar S  et al A comparison of BMI and Lipid Profile in patients with metabolic syndrome and type 2 Diabetes mellitus.Int J. of Medical Research and Review ,( March 2017) 5(3):357-362.

5.      Asha Augusthy, Ashok Kumar Jeppu , SuchandaSahu , SeemaJawalekar  et al A Study Of Liver Functions In  Metabolic Syndrome And Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.Int  J of Medical Research and Review,(April 2016) 4 (4) 471-475.

6.      Seema L Jawalekar , Asha Augusthy, SuchandaSahu  and Meera P Kumar.Association between Serum & urine uric acid  levels in patients  with diabetes Mellitus.Int J ofRecent Scientific Research,  (January 2016 ) 7(1) : 8430-8436.

7.      SeemaJawalekar ,Shahid Iqbal , SuchandaSahu.The Role of self- efficacy and self- concept in Medical Undergraduates’s academic Performance. Journal of Research in Medical Education &Ethics , (November, 2014,) 4 (3), 267-272.

8.      Seema L. Jawalekar,AartiKarnik,  and Anil Bhutey.Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases in Diabetes Mellitus and Serum Concentration of Asymmetrical Dimethylarginine.Biochemistry Research International, (2013) 2013 :1-6.

9.      SeemaJawalekar  and Anil Bhutey.Role of natural Inhibitors & promoters in urolithiasis. Asian J of Med and ClinSciences,(Jan - Apr 2013), 2(1) : 9-12.

10.  Gency Paul and SeemaJawalekar.Erythrocyte arginase activity in pregnancy and postpartum.Biomedicine,2013; 33(1) : 65- 67.

11.  SeemaJawalekar, VasantSurveand Anil Bhutey.Urinary Excretion of Glycosaminoglycans in patients with urolithiasis. Int J of Biochemistry Research & Review (2013) ;3(1): 74-81.

12.  Seema L. Jawalekar, Anil K. Bhutey ,AartiKarnik , Vasant T. Surve. Alteration of antioxidant enzymes and oxidative stress in elderlypatient. J  of Investigational  Biochemistry ( 2013) ; 2(1) : 37- 43.

13.  Seema L. Jawalekar ,Vasant T. Surve, Anil Bhutey.Urinary citrate excretion in patients with urolithiasis. J of Advanced Scientific Research ( 2013) ,4(1) :34-37.

14.  Seema L. Jawalekar, Vasant T. Surve, Anil Bhutey. Effect of Dietary habit & fluid intake in patients with urolithiasis. Annals of Biological Research (2013) , 4 (1):246-251.

15.  SeemaJawalekar. The Hyperlipoproteinemia - An Approach to Diagnosis and Classification. Editorial. Biochemistry & Physiology ( 2012)  1 (1) :1 -3.

16.  S Jawalekar,V T Surve and AK Bhutey.The composition and quantitative analysis of urinary calculi in patients with renal calculi.Nepal Med Coll J 2010; 12(3): 145-148.

17.  Seema L. Jawalekar, Ujjwala J. Kulkarni, Vasant T. Surve, Y. A. Deshmukh.Status of Lipid profile, MDA and protein carbonyl in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Archives of Applied Science Research ( 2010), 2 (6): 8-14.

18.  Seema L. Jawalekar, Ujjwala J. Kulkarni, Vasant T. Surve and Anil Bhutey.Evaluation of different urinary constituent ratios in renal stone formers.Annals of Biological Research  (2010), 1 (3) :50-55 .

19.  Seema L. Jawalekar, Ujjwala J. Kulkarni, Vasant T. Surve and Y.A. Deshmukh .Role of Oxidants and Anti Oxidants in Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases. Asian Journal of Medical Sciences (2010) 2(4): 181-184 .

20.  S Jawalekar, VT Surve and AK Bhutey. Twenty four hours urine and serum biochemical parameters in patients with Urolithiasis. Nepal Medical College Journal ( 2010); 12 (1): 5-7. 

21    Dr. SeemaJawalekar  , Dr. V.T.Surve , Dr. Anil K. Bhutey.Inhibition efficiency of urine towards stone forming minerals.International journal of pharma sciences and research  ( Feb –2010)  1 (1) : 23-27.

22    Dr. AsmitaHazra: First Author international text book chapter (68 pages): Hazra A, Mandal S. (Au) Angiogenesis and Roles of Adhesion Molecules in Psoriatic Disease, in Raychaudhury SP, Raychaudhury SK, Bagchi D (Eds), Psoriasis & Psoriatic Arthritis. Taylor & Francis - CRC Press: Boca Raton, FL, USA. Dec 2017 p 53-121.  Print ISBN: 9781498756068, 1498756069; e-text ISBN: 9781351648950,1351648950;©2018 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/nlmcatalog/101710815 (NLM ID: 101710815).

PAPER AND POSTER PRESENTATION

1.      Dr. Asmita Hazra: Accepted as the speaker for International Oral presentation at AACC (American Association for Clinical Chemistry) 2018 Annual meeting, July 29-Aug2 Chicago, IL, USA: Brown Bag talks (two sessions 1 hr each): Ethnic Variation: A Challenge for Different Common Laboratory Parameters.

2.      Dr. Asmita Hazra : Accepted as the speaker for International Oral presentation at AACC (American Association for Clinical Chemistry) 2018 Annual meeting July 29– August 2, Chicago, IL, USA: Brown Bag talks (two sessions 1 hr each): Minimum Retesting Intervals: Importance, Determination, Advantages, Challenges of Enforcement.

3.      Dr. Asmita Hazra : Accepted as the speaker for International Oral presentation at AACC (American Association for Clinical Chemistry) 2018 Annual meeting July 29– August 2, Chicago, IL, USA: Brown Bag talks (two sessions 1 hr each): A Dirty Assay: Challenges of Parathyroid Hormone Estimation and Progress in Harmonization.

4.      Dr. AsmitaHazra :Accepted as the speaker forInternational Oral presentation at AACC (American Association for Clinical Chemistry) 2017 Annual meeting July 30– August 3, San Diego, CA, USA: Brown Bag talks (two sessions 1 hr each):  “A Dirty Assay: Challenges of PTH Estimation and Progress in PTH Harmonization”, Participants would receive American Medical Association (AMA) Category 1 credit for 1 hour CME /CE.

5.      Dr.AsmitaHazra :Accepted as the speaker for International Oral presentation at AACC (American Association for Clinical Chemistry) 2017 Annual meeting July 30– August 3, San Diego, CA, USA: Brown Bag 1 hour talk : “Minimum Retesting Intervals (MRI): Importance, Determination, Advantages, Challenges of Enforcement”; Participants would receive American Medical Association (AMA) Category 1 credit for 1 hour CME /CE.

6.      Dr. Asmita Hazra Accepted for first author International poster: A. Hazra, S. Mandal, J. Chakraborty, J. Datta. Study of Tumor Markers in maintenance hemodialysis patients in Eastern India. Accepted Poster at AACC 2017, San Diego

7.      Dr. AsmitaHazra: First Author International poster “A survey on Indian patients about understanding of fasting requirements before fasting glucose measurements.” AHazra, S Mandal, J Chakraborty;at AACC 2016 on Aug 2, 2016 at Philadelphia, PA, USA. Abstract published in CLINICAL CHEMISTRY, Vol. 62, No. 10, Supplement, 2016

8.      Dr. AsmitaHazra: Speaker for International Oral presentation at AACC (American Association for Clinical Chemistry) Annual meeting 2016, Philadelphia, PA, USA. Two one-hourBrown Bag sessions: “PTH Assay Challenges and Harmonization Progress”. Participants received American Medical Association (AMA) Category 1 credit for 1-hour CME /CE, Featured presentation in brochure of AACC.

9.      Dr. AsmitaHazra: Speaker for Oral presentation at AACC 2015 Annual Meeting Brown Bag at Atlanta, GA, USA: “PTH Assays: Current Trends and Issues”. Two one-hour Brown Bag sessions. Participants received American Medical Association (AMA) Category 1 credit for 1-hour CME /CE.

10.  Dr. AsmitaHazra: Coauthor of International Poster at AACC 2015 Annual meeting Atlanta, GA, USA:“Effects of Natural Opium on Atherosclerosis assessed by Carotid Ultrasound, hsCRP, Cholesterol, Glucose, BMI and Blood­Pressure studied on Opium­abusing and Non­abusing Indian Outpatients: A Cross Sectional Pilot Study”. T. Mittal, A Hazra, S Tarafdar, N Nebhinani, P Khera, D Haar, V Singh, P Sharma, S Mandal. Abstract published in Clinical Chemistry Volume 61, Issue S10

11.  Dr. AsmitaHazra: First Author International poster at AACC 2014 annual meeting at Chicago, IL, USA “Value of suspecting undiagnosed G6PD deficiency in very severe hyperbilirubinemia with hepatitis A.” A. Hazra, J. Chakraborty, L. Banerjee. Received ICMR International Travel award for Poster at AACC 2014. Abstract published in Clinical Chemistry Volume 60, Issue S10

HOSPITAL SERVICES

CLINICAL BIOCHEMISTRY LABORATORY

Clinical Biochemistry laboratory is located at Bangur Hospital, Pali. The laboratory has fully automated biochemical analysis for all tests for diagnosis and monitoring of diseases. The laboratory provides the range of routine assays such as renal, bone, liver, lipid and cardiac profiles.

Majority of investigation are free under state government schemes viz. Mukhyamantri Nishulk Janch Yojna, Janani Shishu Suraksha Yojana and Bhamashah Bima Yojna. Various diseases can be diagnosed by the analysis of body fluids such as blood, CSF, ascitic, pleural and urine.

The laboratory operates on 24 hours, 7 days per week basis.

EQUIPMENTS AVAILABLE IN THE CLINICAL BIOCHEMISTRY LAB

LIST OF INVESTIGATIONS DONE IN BIOCHEMISTRY DEPARTMENT