Advancing Vitiligo Research in AIIMS Bhopal Scholar

Advancing Vitiligo Research in AIIMS Bhopal Scholar

AIIMS Bhopal is steadily fostering research excellence through innovative and socially relevant scientific studies, leading to national-level recognition for its scholars. In this context, Ms. Anam Khan, a Ph.D. research scholar jointly pursuing her research at the Department of Biochemistry, AIIMS Bhopal, and the Department of Biotechnology, Barkatullah University, has been appreciated for securing the highly competitive CSIR–Direct Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) and the MP Council Award. Her research focuses on understanding the biochemistry of vitiligo.

Vitiligo is a skin condition characterized by the appearance of white patches on different parts of the body. It can affect individuals of any age or gender. The aim of this study was to understand the role of genetic variations in the Base Excision Repair (BER) pathway—responsible for repairing DNA damage—in the development of vitiligo. Additionally, the study examined the level of oxidative stress, i.e., harmful reactive molecules in the body, in patients as compared to healthy individuals. The findings revealed that individuals affected by vitiligo tend to have lower levels of essential trace elements such as zinc and copper, along with higher oxidative stress. These results are significant as they may help shape personalized treatment strategies in the future. Maintaining an adequate balance of zinc and copper in the body and reducing oxidative stress may enhance the possibility of repigmentation, thereby helping restore skin coloration.

Ms. Anam is conducting her research under the guidance of Prof. Ashwin Kotnis (Department of Biochemistry, AIIMS Bhopal), Prof. Ragini Gothalwal (Department of Biotechnology, Barkatullah University), and Dr. Prashansa Jaiswal (Department of Dermatology, AIIMS Bhopal). Prof. Jagat Rakesh Kanwar (Head of the Department of Biochemistry) emphasized the importance of vitiligo research in developing personalized treatment and noted that Ms. Anam is the first CSIR Direct Fellow from AIIMS Bhopal.

Executive Director & CEO, AIIMS Bhopal, Prof. (Dr.) Madhabananda Kar appreciated Ms. Anam for her academic achievements and encouraged her to continue exploring newer scientific and therapeutic approaches in vitiligo research. He also acknowledged her efforts toward raising social awareness about vitiligo. Deputy Director Administration (DDA), Shri Sandesh Kumar Jain, congratulated Ms. Anam for her numerous high-impact research publications and wished her continued success.