Dr. Samreen Saleem

• PhD                                                                                                                                                       2009-2015

Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad and University of Hawaii at Hilo USA.

“Biological Evaluation, Isolation and Characterization of Compounds from Fagonia cretica L.”

Cancer Chemopreventive and Anti-proliferative studies:

Role of natural products and derived drugs in the prevention of cancer by exploiting complex molecular pathways i.e. Nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) inhibition in human embryonic kidney cells 293/NFκB-Luc HEK cells, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibition in murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells, aromatase enzyme inhibition in vitro and Quinone reductase (QR1) enzyme induction in murine hepatoma Hepa IcIc7 cells. Role of natural products and derived drugs on proliferative ability of cancer cells i.e. estrogen receptor positive and negative breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231), cervical cancer cell line (HeLa) and neuroblastoma (MYCN2-SHEP) cell line. Fluorescence assisted cell sorter (FACS) Flow cytometric analysis of cell cycle. Detection of expression of transcription factors and their targets i.e. p53, p21, BAX, γ-H2AX and FOXO3a through western blotting. Normal and reverse phase flash column chromatography, HPLC, 1D and 2D NMR, ESI-MS for isolation and identification of active principle.

• M-Phil (achieved with distinction)                                                                                                                             2006-2008

Quaid-i-Azam University,  Islamabad.

CGPA: 4.6/5                                                                                                                                                                                    Division: 1st

“Determination of Biological Activities of Metallic Derivatives of Mefenamic Acid.”

Screening of synthetic drugs against inflammation, DNA damage, Oxidative stress, cancer and infectious diseases in vitro and in vivo”. Screening of Anti-inflammatory, Anti-depressant and Anti-coagulant potential in experimental rat models.

Orientations: Biological drug assays, pharmaceutical development, statistical methods.

M.Sc (achieved with distinction)                                                                                                                                            2004-2006

PMAS University of Arid Agriculture, Rawalpindi.

CGPA: 3.98/4                                                                                                                                                                                  Division: 1st

“Direct Regeneration of Pisum sativum from Cotyledonary Meristem of Immature Seeds.”

Orientation: In vitro plant culture techniques, Transformation, Primer designing

• Head of the Department (Nutrition & Lifestyle Medicine), Health Services Academy (HSA), Islamabad (28^th October, 2022—–till date).

• Deputy Director, Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC), Health Services Academy (HSA), Islamabad (21^st September 2022—–till date).

• Associate Professor/Consultant, USAID project for Faculty Development Program, Health Services Academy (HSA), Islamabad (26^th April 2022 – till date).

  • Teaching students & professionals at undergraduate, graduate and post graduate level
  • Curriculum development for BS, MS & Ph.D. programs
  • Approved HEC Research Supervisor of MS & PhD level students
  • Member and Coordinator of different statutory bodies
• Associate Professor & Head of the Department, Department of Rehabilitation & Health Sciences, IQRA University, Islamabad Campus (Chak Shahzad) (Dec 2021-April 2022).
• Associate Professor, Women University Swabi (May 2021—Dec 2021).
• Assistant Professor& Head of the Department (Biochemistry), Women University Swabi (Sep 2020- May 2021).
• Additional Director QEC, Women University Swabi, Swabi (Since November 2020).
• Assistant Professor, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi (Jan 2018-Sep 2020).
• Assistant Professor (Biochemistry), Women University Swabi, Swabi (April 2016 – December 2017).
• Deputy Director QEC, Women University Swabi, Swabi (April 2017-December 2017).
• Deputy Director ORIC, Women University Swabi (August 2016-April 2017).
• Assistant Professor (Biochemistry), PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi (April 2015- April 2016).
• Research Associate on project “Biological Evaluation, Isolation and Characterization of Compounds from Fagonia cretica L.”, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad (2009-2015).

Research fellow on project “Determination of Biological Activities of Metallic Derivatives of Mefenamic Acid”, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad (2007-2008).

Trainings, Workshops and Conferences 

• Participation in eMHVRA & Spatial Planning for Urban Resilience at National Disaster Risk Managment (NIDM) 2024
• Presentation as a speaker on “Scientific and Sustainable Application of Groundwater Treatment Technology for Safe Drinking Water Supply in Punjab, Pakistan” at Forman Christian College (FCCU) Lahore in 2023.
• Training course on Responsible Conduct of Research at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, USA 2022
• Training on Laboratory Biosafety & General Laboratory Safety at Harvard University, USA 2022
• Workshop on DAAD International Summer School on Spatial Ecotoxicology,KOBLENZ University, PfLAZ, LANDAU, Germany 2013

 Workshops & Seminars Organized 

• Water Quality Training on Young Guardians of Clean Water, fluoride Awareness & Healthy Smiles supported by U.S. Mission Pakistan at Health Services Academy (HSA), Islamabad 2024.
• Community awareness seminars on Young Guardians of Clean water, fluoride awareness & Healthy Smiles supported by U.S. Mission Pakistan at Islamabad 2024.
• Seminar on “Promoting Ethical and Reasonable Research Practices in South Asia: A Path to Excellence” by Harvard University at Health Services Academy Islamabad 2023.

 Projects

Principal Investigator

• ASG Grants supported by U.S. Mission in Pakistan (0.5 M PKR) (2023-2024)             Project: “Young Guardians of Clean water, Fluoride awareness & Healthy smiles”
• HEC (Higher Education commission) Startup Research grant (0.5 M PKR) (2018-2019)             Project Title: “Association of arsenic methylation profile of Pakistani population inhabiting in arsenicrich environment”.

Academic Awards and memberships                                                                                                            

• Awarded the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences overseas scholarship for Ph.D study in China (2013).
• Awarded the Fulbright Post-doctoral Fellowship for research in USA (2021)
• Member Pakistan US-Alumni Network (PUAN) (since 2023).

Alumni DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst).

PUBLICATIONS

1. Natasha Anwar, Abbas Khan, Mohib Shah, John J. Walsh, Samreen Saleem, Zeeshan Anwar, Sobia Aslam and Muhammad Irshad (2021). Hybridization of green synthesized silver nanoparticles with poly (ethylene glycol) methacrylate and their biomedical applications. PeerJ. 10:e12540 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.12540. Published (IF= 2.98).
2. Kamran Saeed, Shahid Ali Shah, Rahat Ullah, Sayed Ibrar Alam, Jun Sung Park, Samreen Saleem, Myeung Hoon Jo, Min Woo Kim, Jong Ryeal Hahm and Myeong Ok Kim (2020). Quinovic Acid Impedes Cholesterol Dyshomeostasis, Oxidative Stress, and Neurodegeneration in an Amyloid-β-Induced Mouse Model. Med. Cell. Longev. Article ID 9523758. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/9523758. Published (IF= 5.07).
3. Natasha Anwar, Mohib Shah, Samreen Saleem, Hadia Rahman (2018). Plant Mediated Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles and Their Biological Applications. Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 32(3). Published (IF= 0.87).
4. Sadaf Ramzan, Samreen Saleem, Saqib Ali, Saira Shahzadi, Saroj K Sharma, Kushal Qunango, Bushra Mirza, Fayyaz Ahmed (2017). Synthesis, Characterization and Thermal Studies of Transition Metal Complexes with O-, S-Donor Ligands. Anal. Pharm. Res. 5(6): 00160 Published.
5. Nasima Arshad, Moazzam H. Bhatti, Shahid Iqbal Farooqi, Samreen Saleem, Bushra Mirza (2017). Synthesis, photochemical and electrochemical studies on triphenyltin(IV) derivative of (Z)-4-(4-cyanophenylamino)-4-oxobut-2-enoic acid for its binding with DNA: Biological interpretation. Arabian J. Chem. 9: 451-462. Published (IF=5.38).
6. Laila Jafri, Samreen Saleem, Danielle Calderwood, Anna Gillepie, Bushra Mirza, Brian D Green (2017). Novel TGR5 agonists stimulating biosynthesis and secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Diabetic Medicine. 33: 26-27. Published (IF=3.13).
7. Laila Jafri, Samreen Saleem, Danielle Calderwood, Anna Gillespie, Bushra Mirza, Brian D Green (2017). Naturally-occurring TGR5 agonists modulating glucagon-like peptide-1 biosynthesis and secretion. Peptides. 78: 51-58. Published (IF=2.85).
8. Laila Jafri, Samreen Saleem, Tamara P. Kondrytuk, Ihsan-ul-Haq, Nazif Ullah, John M. Pezzuto, Bushra Mirza (2016). Hedera nepalensis Koch: a novel source of natural cancer chemopreventive and anticancerous compounds. Phytotherapy Research. 30: 447-453. Published (IF= 3.34).
9. Sadaf Ramzan, Samreen Saleem, Bushra Mirza, Saqib Ali, Fayyaz Ahmed, Saira Shahzadi (2015). Synthesis, characterization, and biological activity of transition metals complexes with mefenamic acid (NSAIDs). J. Gen. Chem. 85: 1745-1751. Published (IF= 0.65).
10. Samreen Saleem, Laila Jafri, Ihsan ul Haq, Leng Chee Chang, Danielle Calderwood, Brian Green, Bushra Mirza (2014). Plants Fagonia cretica and Hedera nepalensis K. Koch contain natural compounds with potent dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitory activity. J. Ethnopharmacol. 156: 26-32. Published (IF= 3.69).
11. Sumaira Shehzadi, Humaira Masood Siddiqi, Malik Mohammed Qasim, Musfirah Fawad, Abdul Manan, Naeema Khan, Samreen Saleem, Farah Bashir, Bushra Mirza (2014). Synthesis, characterization and biological evaluation of novel diesters of 4,4’-dihydroxy azoxy benzene with long chain carboxylic acids. Chem. Soc. Pak. 36: 462-472. Published (IF= 0.33).
12. Nasima Arshad, Shahid Iqbal Farooqi, Moazzam H. Bhatti, Samreen Saleem, Bushra Mirza (2013). Electrochemical and spectroscopic investigations of carboxylic acid ligand and its triorganotin complexes for their binding with ds.DNA: In vitro biological studies. Photochem. Photobiol. B. 125: 70–82. Published (IF= 4.38).
13. Asma Noureen, Samreen Saleem, Tabinda Fatima, Humaira Masood Siddiqi, Bushra Mirza (2013). Synthesis, characterization, biological evaluation and QSAR of some Schiff base esters: Promising new antitumor, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents. J. Pharm. Sci. 26:113-124. Published (IF= 0.80).
14. Laila Jafri, Samreen Saleem, Nazif Ullah, Ihsan Ul Haq, Bushra Mirza (2013). In vitro assessment of antioxidant potential and determination of polyphenolic compounds of Hedera nepalensis Koch. Arabian J. Chem. doi:10.1016/j.arabjc.2014.05.002. Published (IF= 5.38).
15. Nasima Arshad, Naghmana Rashid, Sajida Absar, Muhammad S. A. Abbasi, Samreen Saleem and Bushra Mirza. UV-absorption studies of interaction of karanjin and karanjachromene with ds. DNA: Evaluation of binding and antioxidant activity (2013). Eur. J. Chem. 11: 2040-2047. Published (IF= 1.33).
16. Nasima Arshad, Naeem Abbas, Moazzam H. Bhatti, Naghmana Rashid, Muhammad Nawaz Tahir, Samreen Saleem, Bushra Mirza (2012). Synthesis, crystal structure, DNA binding and in vitro biological studies of Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes of N-phthaloylglycine. Photochem. Photobiol. B. 117: 228–239. Published (IF= 4.38).
17. Nasima Arshad, Uzma Yunus, Shumaila Razzque, Maliha Khan, Samreen Saleem, Bushra Mirza, Naghmana Rashid (2012). Electrochemical and spectroscopic investigations of isoniazide and its analogs with ds.DNA at physiological pH: Evaluation of biological activities. Eur. J. Med. Chem. 47: 452e461. Published (IF= 5.57)
18. Samreen Saleem, Tamara P. Kondrytuk, Eun-Jung Park, John M. Pezzuto, Bushra Mirza (2023). A pentacyclic triterpenoid acid and its glycosidic derivatives from Fagonia cretica L. induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in breast cancer cells via p53, BAX and γ-H2AX expression. Eur. J. Pharm. Sci. Submitted (IF= 3.94)
19. Samreen Saleem, Tamara P. Kondrytuk, Eun-Jung Park, John M. Pezzuto, Bushra Mirza (2023). Cancer chemopreventive potential of compounds from Fagonia cretica L. Food Chem. Toxicol. Submitted (IF= 3.28)

RESEARCH PROJECTS

• Therapeutic Effects of Quinovic Acid on AMPK pathway in different types of breast cancers; identification of molecular targets. (Approved)

National Research Program for Universities (NRPU) 2021 by Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan (19 Million Pakistani Rupees).

• Biological Evaluation of therapeutic potential of some natural candidates as promising acetylcholine esterase (AChE) inhibitors.

Research Grant (2020) by Women University Swabi, KP, Pakistan. (0.2 Million)

• Biological Evaluation and Micropropagation of Saussurea lappa 

Start-up Research Grant Program (SRGP) 2015 by Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan (0.5 Million).

• Biological Evaluation, Isolation and Characterization of Compounds from Fagonia cretica L.”

Ph.D. Project (2009-2015).

• Determination of Biological Activities of Metallic Derivatives of Mefenamic Acid.

M.Phil Project (2007-2008).

• Direct Regeneration of Pisum sativum from Cotyledonary Meristem of Immature Seeds.

M.Sc. Project (2005-2006).

Professional Trainings

Quality Assurance & Governance

Training on Self-Assessment at Program Level

Pre Visit Preparation of IPE, MS/M-Phil. & Ph.D. Program Review

Development of Effective and Efficient Career Counselling Centre

Biosafety and blood born pathogen training

Biosecurity/Food Safety Enhancement Program

Medicinal plant collection, identification and preservation

Plant Tissue Culture Techniques

Course

National Internship Program Internship

Biodiversity Training

B.Ed.

PGD/IT

CONFERENCE/ WORKSHOP/ SEMINAR/ SYMPOSIA ATTENDED

10. 1^stInternational Public Health Conference on “Transforming Public Health Policy into Practice“, organized by Al-Shifa Trust at Al-Shifa Children Eye Hospital, Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, Rawalpindi on 22^nd February, 2023
11. Consultative meeting to finalize the content and launch of “Bakhabar Nojawan – an online course on Reproductive Health for young adults”, organized by Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation & Coordination (MoNHSR&C), Govt. of Pakistan in collaboration with National Committee on Maternal and Neonatal Health (NCMNH) on 15^th February, 2023 at Health Services Academy
12. 23^rd Annual Population Research Conference on “Population and Democracy: Pakistan’s Unsolved Dilemma of Social Cohesion”, organized by Population Association of Pakistan in collaboration with Health Services Academy, from 29^th November – 1^st December, 2022
13. Commemoration of the “World Diabetes Day 2022” at Aiwan-e-Sadr, Islamabad organized by Health Services Academy in collaboration with Novo Nordisk, on 15^th November, 2022
14. 12^th Annual Public Health Conference 2022 “Research2Action on SRHR” – SRHR in the context of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Universal Health Coverage (UHC) – Leveraging UHC for improving health in Pakistan and South Asian Region – Time to abandon business as usual”, organized by Health Services Academy, Islamabad from 1^st – 2^nd November, 2022
15. Dissemination event on “Pakistan Floods: A health Crisis of Epic Proportion” – Hepatitis E, Tip of and Iceberg, organized by Health Services Academy and Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation & Coordination, Govt. of Pakistan, on 27^th September 2022
16. First National Conference on “Social & Behavioral Change Communication & Health Systems Strengthening – Opportunities & Challenges (SBCC)”, organized by Pathfinder and Health Services Academy at HSA, Islamabad from 27^th – 28^th July, 2022
17. Training course on “Health and Hospital Management” organized by COMSTECH in collaboration with Health Services Academy at HSA, Islamabad at COMSTECH secretariate 33-Constitution Avenue, G5/2 Islamabad on 21^st June 2022
18. One day conference on “Ethics and Compliance in Healthcare”, organized by Health Services Academy, Islamabad in collaboration with Embassy of Denmark on 8th December 2021
19. “International Conferenceon AMR Containment under One Health”, organized by National Institute of Health in collaboration with Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination, Govt. of Pakistan (MoNHSR&C) on 23-24th November, 2021
20. National Workshop on “Maternal Mortality”, organized by Health Services Academy in collaboration with World Health Organization (WHO) and National Institute of Population Studies (NIPS), Islamabad on 1^st April 2022
21. Launching ceremony of “Strengthening of Social Protection Programme”, organized by Health Services Academy and Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation & Coordination, Govt. of Pakistan in collaboration with Deutsche Gesellschaft Fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) Gmbh Pakistan, on 24^th February 2022
22. Commemoration of “International Day of Persons with Disabilities”, organized by Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation & Coordination, Govt. of Pakistan in collaboration with World Health Organization (WHO), on 3^rd December 2021
23. One day “MISP Orientation Workshop”, organized by Health Services Academy in collaboration with UNFPA, on 11^th November 2021
24. 11^th Annual Public Health Conference 2021 “Contemporary Medicines, Health Technologies and Vaccine for Emerging Public Health Risks”, organized by Health Services Academy at HSA, Islamabad from 23^rd – 24^th September, 2021
25. 19^th International Charles Heidelberger Symposium on Cancer Research “Carcinogenesis and Chemotherapy: cancer`s core challenge”. Organized by Kagoshima University, Japan from 14^thto 16^th February 2013

CONFERENCE PAPER/ ORAL PRESENTATION

1. Juliet David, Tetsuo Ando, Junji Wakamiya, Takuya Kato, Chihaya Koriyama, Suminori Akiba. Methyl mercury and fatty acid levels among residents of remote islands in Kagoshima. 20^th Symposium on Environmental Chemistry Programs and Short Abstracts (JEC), July 16-18, 2011.
2. Juliet David, Tetsuo Ando, Junji Wakamiya, Takuya Kato, Chihaya Koriyama, Suminori Akiba. Methyl mercury levels in residents of remote islands in Kagoshima. Japan Epidemiological Association (JEA) Conference, January 21-22, 2011

PROFESSIONAL TRAININGS / CERTIFICATES

1. Quality Assurance & Governance organized by HEC Tertiary Education Support Program, Pakistan.
2. Training on Self-Assessment at Program Level
3. Pre Visit Preparation of IPE, MS/M-Phil. & Ph.D. Program Review
4. Development of Effective and Efficient Career Counselling Centre
5. Biosafety and blood born pathogen training
6. Biosecurity/Food Safety Enhancement Program
7. Medicinal plant collection, identification and preservation
8. Plant Tissue Culture Techniques
9. Course
10. National Internship Program Internship
11. Biodiversity Training
12. Ed.
13. PGD/IT
14. Two days training on “Financial, Human Resource Management and Public Procurement”, implemented by The Kaizen Company in collaboration with USAID and Health Services Academy Islamabad on 24^th – 25^th January 2023
15. Moderator and facilitator of the sessions at 11^th Annual Public Health Conference 2021 “Contemporary Medicines, Health Technologies and Vaccine for Emerging Public Health Risks”, organized by Health Services Academy at HSA, Islamabad from 23^rd – 24^th September, 2021 “
16. Workshop on “Identification, Maintenance and Preservation of Microorganisms” organized by Microbiology Research laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan held from 10^thto 12^th May 2004
17. A certificate of “Teaching of English Summer Course” offered by Pakistan National Foundation, Islamabad held at Office of The Public Affairs, Embassy of USA, Islamabad, from 25^th to 29^th June 2001

SUPERVISOR (MASTER OF SCIENCE IN PUBLIC HEALTH STUDENTS)

1. Menstrual Hygiene: Knowledge and Practices regarding menstrual health hygiene (MHH) among adolescent girls in Skardu, Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan.

MSPH student name: Dr. Beenish Altaf; Registration No. 00087; January 2023

2. Prevalence and determination of stunting among children age 2 to 5 years in Islamabad

MSPH student name: Dr. Yasir Mansoor (in process)

3. Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice towards hepatitis B & C among patients and their attendants visiting the OPDs of Tehsil Headquarter Hospital, RHCs, and BHUs of Tehsil Kot Addu, South Punjab.

MSPH student name: Mr. Muhammad Arslan Ajaz (in process)

4. Assessment of infertility related issues among the fertile and sub-fertile women in public sector hospital settings in Islamabad.

MSPH student name: Sara Abbasi (in process)

5. Determination of knowledge and assessment of biosafety and waste handling practices among laboratory staff in research institute of Islamabad: A cross sectional study

MSPH student name: Liaquat Ali (in process)

SCHOLARSHIPS/ AWARDS

• Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho: MEXT) Scholarship awarded by Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan for Doctoral course (2009-2013)
• Merit Scholarship from Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan for M. Phil degree (2001)

LANGUAGE SKILLS

1. Urdu (fluent)
2. English (fluent)
3. Punjabi (fluent)
4. Pushto (Basic)

COMPUTER SKILLS

1. SPSS, STATA, R software analysis
2. Perfect in using Microsoft Office

REFERENCES