BioSight journal is a Bi-annual research journal published by the Department of Physiology, University of Karachi. Journal covers authoritative, topical and original research papers in all fields of biology that interest a wide range of biologists cum physiologist, symbolizing an outstanding development within an explicit field. However, the boundaries of biology have expanded as demarcations between concepts and techniques in the biological sciences become increasingly advanced. The journal covers ethe ntire spectrum of biology and the research articles at any level of biological organization, ranging from molecular to cellular and organ to global organism level, which fall within the broad scope of this Journal. Especially those emphasizing the mechanism and use of the cutting-edge technique are strongly encouraged.
Department of Physiology, University of Karachi
Metabolic Flexibility in Fat Tissue During ATP Surplus and Fibroblast Trans differentiation.
This narrative review examines the involvement of obesity and inflammation in remodeling fibroblasts into adipocytes. It outlines the process of adipogenesis, and the transcription factors (e.g., PPARγ, C/EBPα) involved in the differentiation of fibroblasts into adipocytes. The role of adipose tissues and adipokines in regulating metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and inflammation is discussed. The therapeutic potential of targeting adipokines and fibroblasts in various diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and infertility is highlighted. This review focuses on the therapeutic potential of the fibroblast-to-adipocyte conversion, specifically highlighting its differentiation into energy-expending Brown or Beige Adipocytes (browning). We synthesize current knowledge on the molecular pathways (e.g., PPARγ, C/EBPα) and extracellular signals, including adipokines, that drive this beneficial transdifferentiation.
Copyright (c) 2026 Syeda Sadia Fatima, Amna Irfan Ansari, Abdullah Bin Faisal, Bushra Bilal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Impact of Papaya Leaves Powder Supplementation on Growth and Antioxidant Markers of Broiler.
Current research study was conducted to determine the impact of Carica papaya leaves powder supplementation on the growth and antioxidant activity in broiler chicken. A total of one hundred twenty (n=120) broiler birds were procured from a hatchery and allocated into two groups (Group-A & B) with three replicates and each group comprised sixty (n=60) birds. Broiler chicks of Group-A (Control) were fed on basal diet only and birds of group-B were supplemented with 1.5% papaya leaves powder along with basal diet. The significant impact of the Papaya (Carica papaya) leaves powder supplementation was recorded on the growth and antioxidant activity in the broiler chicken. The live body weight (2868.7±43.60g) and FCR (1.40±0.0230) levels were significantly (P<0.05) improved with lower feed intake (3488.4±29.20g) in the broiler chicken supplemented with Carica papaya leaves powder than the live body weight (2240.0±28.50g), FCR (1.70±0.0154) and high feed intake (3716.7±16.66g) control group fed only on basal diet. However, the levels of antioxidant enzymes Glutathione peroxidase (79.19±10.89µmol) and Superoxide dismutase (82.88±9.98U/mg) were markedly increased and malondialdehyde level (1.30±0.19nmol/g) decreased in papaya leaves powder supplemented group compared to the control group (65.30±7.99 µmol, 69.78±7.58 U/mg and 1.89±0.38 nmol/g) of birds resulting in better antioxidant activity contrast to control group fed of basal diet only.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Ghulam Shabir Barham, Gul Bahar Khaskheli, Muhammad Sajan Barham https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Diversity in Clinical Spectrum and Outcomes of COVID-19 in Diabetic vs Non-Diabetic Patients: A Retrospective Comparative Study
Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) has caused substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. It is an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 has had a particularly catastrophic impact on individuals with pre-existing health conditions, especially diabetes mellitus. The objective of the study was to provide an overview of the clinical spectrum and outcomes of COVID-19 patients in both diabetic and non-diabetic admitted patients. It was a retrospective, observational study done over the period of ten months from April 2020 to January 2021 in a private hospital of Karachi. The study enrolled 348 COVID-19-admitted patients, which comprised 212 diabetic patients and 136 non-diabetic patients. After completing bio-data, we gathered clinical characteristics of this viral illness, and then observed how their laboratory parameters were affected and finally, the consequences of the altered biochemical parameters were observed in both the diabetic and non-diabetic groups. Most of the admitted patients of COVID-19 were diabetic and had comorbidities. Mostly, COVID-19 admitted patients had diabetes (60.9%), this segment of patients also had hypertension (66.9%), cardiovascular disturbances (47.6%) and chronic kidney disease (17.4%), in clinical features, and cough was found commonly in non-diabetic. On laboratory parameters, HbA1c, hemoglobin, leukocyte count, creatinine, urea nitrogen, and pro-BNP had significant p-value 0.05 or less. As far as disease treatment is concerned, the need for dialysis for diabetic patients was found to be significantly higher (10.5%), while other treatment needs were found to be statistically insignificant. Statistics pertaining to outcomes of disease in diabetics versus non-diabetics were also not found statistically significant.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Nousheen Riaz, Dr. Muhammad Yaqoob Ahmadani, Mrs. Shaheen Asif https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Association of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor 18-bp Insertion/Deletion Variant with Susceptibility to Diabetic Nephropathy.
Genetic polymorphisms in cytokine genes have been implicated as important contributors to susceptibility to diabetic nephropathy, a major microvascular complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is a multifunctional cytokine that plays a critical role in endothelial cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and regulation of vascular permeability. The VEGF gene is highly polymorphic, and several variants have been reported to influence the risk of T2DM and its associated microvascular complications, including diabetic nephropathy. The present study aimed to evaluate the association between the 18-bp insertion/deletion (I/D) rs35569394 polymorphism in the VEGF gene and susceptibility to diabetic nephropathy among individuals with T2DM. Genotyping was performed using conventional polymerase chain reaction. A total of 400 participants were enrolled (200 diabetic nephropathy patients and 200 healthy controls). Allelic frequencies and genotype distributions were compared between cases and controls using SPSS software. Significant differences in allelic frequency and genotype distribution were observed between the groups. Chi-square analysis revealed a significant association between the heterozygous I/D genotype and diabetic nephropathy (χ² = 14.93, p < 0.001). The homozygous I/I genotype was significantly associated with high-density lipoprotein levels, glomerular filtration rate, and bilirubin levels (p < 0.001). Additionally, the heterozygous I/D genotype in the −2549 promoter region was more frequent in diabetic nephropathy cases in the Pakistani population. The deletion allele may influence VEGF expression; however, functional validation was not performed. Further studies are warranted to explore its potential as a biomarker or therapeutic target.
Copyright (c) 2026 Nazia Hassan, Amber Ilyas, Syeda Nuzhat Nawab https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Study on Physiological Variations in Certain Hemostatic Tests in University Students of Pakistan.
The present study was conducted to assess physiological variations in certain hemostatic tests, namely clotting time (CT) and prothrombin time (PT), among apparently healthy male and female university students in Pakistan, and to evaluate the relationship of these parameters with age, body weight, gender, and type of residence. Additionally, the study explored whether salinity% of platelet-free plasma could serve as an indirect indicator of fibrinogen concentration. A total of 184 students aged 20–30 years, enrolled in various four-year undergraduate programs, were included in the study. Body weight, temperature, pulse rate, and blood pressure were recorded prior to blood collection. Blood samples were collected aseptically and analyzed for clotting time using the Lee and White method (CT1) and the slide method (CT2), while prothrombin time (PT) was determined using Soluplastin reagent. Plasma salinity% was measured using a hand-held refractometer. Statistical analysis indicated that CT1, CT2, PT, and salinity% did not differ significantly (P ≥ 0.05) among different age and body weight groups. Regression analysis showed positive correlations of age with CT1 (r = 0.378) and CT2 (r = 0.292), while body weight was positively correlated with CT1 (r = 0.308) (P ≤ 0.05). Males and day scholars exhibited significantly higher CT1 values (P ≤ 0.05). Salinity% showed weak positive correlations with CT1 (r = 0.164), CT2 (r = 0.047), and PT (r = 0.147), although these associations were not statistically significant. These findings provide baseline information regarding physiological variations in selected hemostatic parameters among young Pakistani adults.
Copyright (c) 2026 Umer Farooq, Dr. Zia ur Rehman, Mushtaq Hussain Lashari, Musadiq Idris, Saima Ilyas, Azka Kiran, Maryam Chaudry, Muhammad Noman Zahid, Javeria Ikram, Nasrullah Khan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Population Suppression of Amrasca Biguttula and Bemisia Tabaci in Okra via Insect Growth Regulators.
Okra, Abelmoschus esculentus (L.), is one of the essential vegetables significantly consumed and grown worldwide. However, production is highly deprived due to the infestation of the sucking complex, such as jassid and whitefly. Excessive pesticide residues on sold vegetables are harmful to people's health and the environment, which attracts the attention of researchers to focus on IPM approaches against okra pests. Hence, the present study aimed to identify and determine the most effective insect growth regulators as an alternate for hazardous pesticides to suppress jassid and whitefly populations efficiently. Data on population reduction of jassid and whitefly were recorded before and after application of IGRs (Insect Growth Regulators) on okra at the Entomology section, Plant Protection Research Institute, Agriculture Research Sindh, Pakistan, in 2023. The spray-wise efficacy of the tested IGRs showed higher mortality of Amrasca biguttula and Bemisia tabaci after the third spray, as compared to the first and second. Average pooled reduction% at different time intervals of all three sprays showed maximum significant reduction percentage (56.89%) against A. biguttula with Buprofezin 25% treatment, followed by Pyriproxyfen 10% (49.76%) and Diflubenzuron 25% (46.58%), respectively. However, the maximum significant reduction percentage against B. tabaci (58.35%) was observed after spraying Pyriproxyfen 10% treatment followed by Diflubenzuron 25% (50.69%) and Buprofezin 25 % (47.89%), respectively. Based on the results obtained, it is concluded that all IGRs could be effectively used as part of the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy against okra pests.
Copyright (c) 2026 Khalid Hussain Dhiloo, Jamal-U-Din Hajano, Abdul Waheed Solangi, Aftab Raza Jarwar, Aneeta Lashari, Kaneez Fatima https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0