1. Adichunchanagiri
Institute of Medical
Sciences
Chief Patron
Paramopoojya
Sri Sri Sri
Dr.Balagangdharanatha
Mahaswamiji
Chief Advisor
Dr Shivaramu M.G.
Principal A.I.M.S.
Chief Editor
Dr Aliya Nusrath.
Professor & Head
Dept. of Biochemistry
Editorial Board
Dr. Rajeshwari A.
Assoc. Professor
Sri. Somashekar G.N.
Asst. Professor
Dr. Mahantesh Patil.
Asst. Professor
Dr. Chikkanna D.
Asst. Professor
Members
Dr Maithri C.M.
Tutor cum PG
Dr. Divija D.A
Tutor cum PG
Dr. Prathibha K.
Tutor cum PG
Biomed
Dept of Biochemistry
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Quarterly News letter
VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1 SEPTEMBER 2011
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From Editor’s Desk
Greetings
It is important to update our self with the current
trends in Biochemistry to upgrade and broaden our
knowledge in the field of medicine. Biomed is an attempt
by us to understand, share and communicate contemporary
information of this field with one and all. Your support and
encouragement are solicited and valuable suggestions are
welcome.
Biochemistry and Medicine
Biochemistry is one of the most rapidly
developing subject in Medicine. Today’s Biochemistry is
tomorrow’s Medicine is rightly said as understanding the
various biochemical process is central for understanding the
pathological changes in the disease condition. Biochemistry
also gives you an insight for effective therapeutic
intervention.
The knowledge of medicine is not new to our
country. As early as 400 BC circa, Charaka, our own great
master of Indian Medicine described Madhumeha, which in
modern medicine is Diabetes Mellitus. In his treatise he
depicted that there is an alteration in carbohydrate and lipid
metabolism in this disease.
“Disease is a molecular entity” Most of the diseases
have a biochemical basis. It is a manifestation of
abnormalities of molecules, chemical reactions or
biochemical process. Understanding of biochemical process
is important for understanding medicine and conversely
study of medicine has led to better understanding of
biochemical aspects. For example sickle cell anaemia
occurs due to a single amino acid replacement in the
haemoglobin structure. Manifestation of this disease reveals
the importance of understanding the primary structure for
its normal functioning.

2. Knowledge of biochemical aspect of nutrition throws light not only on the functions
of nutritionally important molecules, but also apportions their normal requirements to prevent
deficiency or toxic states.
Research in molecular genetics has advanced in leaps and bounds. Today we not only
know the entire nucleotide sequence of human genome but can also pinpoint many of the
diseases to alteration in a specific gene. With the advent of recombinant DNA technology, it
is possible to synthesize human proteins used in therapy, as well as replace the defective gene
in gene therapy. The completed human genome project has influenced research in many
fields of medicine under the titles of OMIC like genomics, proteomics transcriptomics etc.
Another discipline of Biochemistry is clinical laboratory science which has
immensely expanded in the last few decades. A biochemical investigation, reveal
fundamental causes and mechanisms of disease, assists in diagnosis of specific disease,
monitors the prognosis of disease, assess the response to therapy as well as suggests rationale
treatment. With development of technologies like polymerase chain reaction (PCR), DNA
microarray chips etc., it is possible to diagnose disease very early, sensitively, specifically
and even prenatally.
There is a reciprocal relationship between Biochemistry and other life sciences
subjects. Knowledge of Biochemistry has illuminated many areas of medicine as well as
other life sciences subjects.
Dr Aliya Nusrath, Prof and Head of Biochemistry
New Information on MicroRNAs
Advances in biochemical knowledge have illuminated many areas of medicine.
Conversely the study of diseases has often revealed previously unsuspected aspects of
Biochemistry. Biochemical approaches are fundamental in illuminating the causes of diseases
used in designing appropriate therapies.
Recently microRNAs (miRNA) has been discovered. These miRNAs are non protein
coding small RNAs (20-40 nucleotides) functioning as regulators of gene expression and
plays a crucial role in gene regulation. MicroRNAs modulate the activities of mRNA which
results in dramatic changes in protein production and in gene expression.
About 723 miRNAs have been identified till date by microarray based screening test
in human beings. These miRNAs have been implicated in numerous diseases such as heart
disease, cancer, muscle wasting, viral infection and diabetes.
Several placental microRNAs have been discovered. Placental miRNA concentration
in maternal plasma is non-invasive test for monitoring pregnancy associated disease,
Dr Rajehwari A, Assoc Professor of Biochemistry.
Did you Know
The total counter length of all DNA in a single human cell is 2 meters. The total
length of all the DNA in approximately 1014
cells of adult human body is 2X1013
meters or
2X1010
Km. Compare this with the earth’s circumference which is 4X104
Km and the
distance between the earth and sun is 1.5X108
Km. Amazing! How such large DNA is
accommodated in a microscopic nucleus.
Dr Aliya Nusrath, Prof and Head of Biochemistry

3. Laboratory Medicine
Clinical lab is the heart of any hospital setup. The diagnosis, treatment and prognosis
of disease are all dependent mainly on the lab findings of an individual. The should be well
equipped and quality of the test results is the utmost important and should be maintained.
In this regard our institute is not a step behind. We shifted our old lab a new venue
where it is now a highly equipped centralized AC lab. In this new lab we have installed new
analyzers like ERBA-EM 200 and ABG blood gas analyzer. Apart from regular
investigations we are doing some special investigations like HbA1c, microprotein,
microalbuminuria and hormone analysis.
In lab we are running quality control materials on basis. As a result the quality of the
clinical lab has also improved drastically. The CMC vellore score has first time come bellow
100 (score 95) which is a very good sign for any clinical lab.
With the blessings for Paramapoojya Swamiji we would like to continue this
dedicated work in the future.
Dr Mahantesh Patil, Assistant Professor of Biochemistry
What is Life?
My own scientific career was a descent from higher to lower dimensions, led
by a desire to understand life. I went from animals to cells, from cells to bacteria, from
bacteria to molecules, from molecules to atoms, from atoms to electrons. The story had its
irony for molecules have no life at all. On my way life ran out between my fingers
- Albert Szent Gyorgi
Selenocysteine
Selenocysteine (Se), the 21st
amino acid is present at the active site of several
enzymes that catalyzes redox reactions like thioredoxin reductase, glutathione peroxidase and
deiodinase. Se participates in the catalytic mechanisms of these enzymes. Impairements in
human selenocysteine have been implicated in tumerogenesis, atherosclerosis and is also
associated with selenium deficiency cardiomyopathy (Keshan disease).
Cancer chemopreventive activity of Selenium: Shamberger in 1969 stimulated research
interest in the role of Se in cancer prevention. In 1977, Gerhard Schrauzer and his team
reported that Se is a potential human cancer protective agent. Many clinical trials have shown
that supplemental Se reduced the incidence and mortality of several type of human cancers by
many mechanisms like induction of apoptosis, regulation of DNA synthesis, inhibition of
angiogenesis and by its antioxidant mechanism
Selenocysteine and AIDS: It has been shown that HIV-1 encodes a functional selenoprotein.
Patients with HIV have been shown to have a lower than average plasma selenium level.
These individuals are more susceptible to cardiomyopathy. Thus AIDS patients are
recommended to take selenium supplements.
Dr Maithri C.M, Post graduate in Biochemistry

4. Fun and Learn
Complete the statements
1. Every third amino acid residue in collagen super helical structure is ___________
2. modulates the fluidity of membrane.
3. antibiotic inhibits transcription by interacting with duplex DNA
4. In protein targeting, residues directs proteins to lysosomes.
5. enzyme is stimulated by G protein transduction
By Dr. Rajehwari A, Assoc Professor
Biomed Crossword
Across:
1. Precursor for certain hormone or
enzymes
3. One way element
6. 6 -amino purine
7. Genetic material in certain viruses
8. An antioxidant mineral
11. A phospholipid involved in
coagulation
13. A waste product as well as
fertilizer
14. Pathway for synthesis of ATP
15. A muscle protein in diagnosis of
cardiac disorders
17. Fluoride inhibits this enzyme.
18. Membrane of neuron rich in
lipids
19. A sulphhydryl containing amino
acid
Down:
1 . End product of aerobic glycolysis
2. The process in which genetic
information flows from parent to
daughter cell
4. Molecular scissor
5. Oxidize form of niacin coenzyme
9. A molecule involved in water &
electrolyte balance
10. Sugar in blood
12. Proteins of lipoproteins
16. A unit that determines a
character
1 2 3 4 5
6
7
8 9
10
11 12
13
14 15
16
17
18
19
By Dr Aliya Nusrath Prof &HOD
Answers
Complete the statements: 1. Glycine. 2. Cholesterol 3. Actinomycin D
4. Mannose 6 phosphate 5. Adenyl Cyclase
Biomed Crossword:
Across: 1. Pro 3. Iron 6. Adenine 7. RNA 8. Selinium
11. Cephalin 13. Urea 14. ETC 15. Troponin 17. Enolase
18. Myelin 19. Cysteine
Down: 1. Pyruvate 2. Replication 4. REN 5. NAD+
9. Renin
10. Glucose 12. Apo 16. Gene