Departmental Focus

The MMCH clinical biochemistry is a fully automated computerized lab, which function 24 hours a day with emphasis on accuracy, precision reproducibility and prompt reporting. It is a well-equipped laboratory capable of providing a complete range of investigations in the areas of clinical chemistry. Our external quality program is affiliated to CMC Vellore EQAS Program.

As a clinical testing laboratory with a vision to provide quality diagnostic services at affordable rates, our test menu is a carefully crafted list of investigations catering as much to the sick as well to preventive care. We have a varied test menu covering neonatal screening to hormonal imbalance, nutritional deficiencies and tracking lifestyle disorders and routine analysis. Our team of qualified faculty and staff are available round the clock to validate and report the results.

Infrastructure

Clinical Chemistry Lab: Supervised by the Department of Biochemistry

The MMCH clinical biochemistry is a fully automated computerized lab, which function 24 hours a day with emphasis on accuracy, precision reproducibility and prompt reporting. It is a well-equipped laboratory capable of providing a complete range of investigations in the areas of clinical chemistry. Our external quality program is affiliated to CMC Vellore EQAS Program.

Research Focus and Publications:

The Biochemistry Faculty is actively involved in research with 5 ongoing research projects approved by the Scientific and Ethical committees. 3 other research projects have been completed of which 2 have been recently published in standard journals and one is accepted for publication

Publications

RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS OF DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY :

• 1. Liji, K., Rebecca Abraham, Beena Kumari and Prajisha, B. 2015. “Pattern of changes in the levels of serum urea and creatinine in normal pregnancy and at different periods of gestation: its association with age, parity and hemoglobin status.International Journal of Current Research 2015;
• 2. Laveesh MR, Beenakumari K, Bandyopadhyay M, Ramesh B, Somashekara SC, Raveendran N, Bheemesh V. Prescription audit of antimicrobials in the medicine outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital. Int J Pharm Biomed Res 2013;4,:177- 80. 7, (11), 23268-23272.
• 3. Beenakumari K, Laveesh MR, Warrier NVU, Parvathi K, Jose Raj MG. Estimation of Adenosine deaminase and proteinase inhibitory activity and their correlation with tuberculous effusion and other pleural effusion cases. International Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Research 2016;3:114-9.
• 4. Ushanagadevi CS, Beenakumari K, Daniel MK, Laveesh MR. A study on glucose tolerance test in young sputum positive tuberculosis patients. International Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Research 2016;3:82-8.
• 5. Joice SV, Abraham R, Kumar D et al. Thyroid dysfunction in a rural region of north Kerala, India- its association with dyslipidemia and diabetes mellitus. International Journal of Research and Review. 2017; 4(7):1-8.
• 6. Jaseem T, Abraham R, Kumar D, Joice SV, Kumari B. A study of prevalence and risk factors for metabolic syndrome in rural Calicut (accepted for publication)
• 7. Vineet Raman, Tanya Seshadri, Sangeetha V Joice, Prasanth N Srinivas. Sickle cell disease in India: a scoping review from a health systems perspective to identify an agenda for research and action. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases.(submitted for publication –under review)
• 8. Sabu K Ulahannan, Yogish Channa Basappa, Sangeetha V Joice, Prasanth N Srinivas. An Intersectional Analysis of the Composite Index of Anthropometric Failures in India. International Journal for Equity in Health (submitted for publication –under review )

PROJECT COMPLETED:

• 1. Study on association of liver enzymes with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Neethu Augustine, Rebecca Abraham, Bhaskaran Chalil.
• 2. Study of lipid pattern and lipid ratios in the rural region of Calicut. Simi TK, Rebecca Abraham, Bhaskaran Chalil, Denver Steven Pinto.

UNDERGOING PROJECT:

• 1. Study of Association of Iron Deficiency Anemia and Vitamin D levels Rebecca Abraham, Sangeetha V Joice, Shabna N, Athul Raj
• 2. Measurement of small dense low dense lipoprotein (sd-LDL) As advanced lipid markers for atherosclerotic disease. Rebecca Abraham, Shabna N, Athul Raj, Shyni , Sangeetha V Joice

Publications

The department has around 60 publications in national and international journals and Contribution of chapters in 4 International textbooks.

DR.REBECCA ABRAHAM PUBLICATIONS:

1. Jaseem T, Abraham R, Kumar D, Joice SV, Kumari B. A study of prevalence and risk factors for metabolic syndrome in rural Calicut (accepted for publication).

2. Joice SV, Abraham R, Kumar D et al. Thyroid dysfunction in a rural region of north Kerala, India-its association with dyslipidemia and diabetes mellitus. International Journal of Research and Review. 2017; 4(7):1-8.

3. Liji K, Abraham R, Beena K, Prajisha B. Pattern of changes in the levels of serum urea and creatinine innormal pregnancy and at different periods of gestation – its association with age, parity and haemoglobin status.International Journal of Current Research. 2015 7, (11) 23268-23272

4. Daniel MP, GaikwadV, Verghese M, Abraham R, Kapoor R. Serum Lysozyme (Muramidase) levels in Intra-abdominal abscesses: An experimental study.Indian Journal of Surgery DOI 10.1007/S 12262-012- 0738-7.(2012)

5. Sahu S, Abraham R, Joseph J, Mathew AA, George AS. Cord blood albumin as a predictor of neonatal jaundice Int. J Bio Med Res 2011,2(1):436-438

6. Sahu S, Daniel M, Abraham R, Vedavalli,R Senthilvel V, Study of uric Acid & nitric Oxide concentration in preeclampsia and normal pregnancy Int. J Biol Med Res 2011,2(1):390-393

7. Sahu S, Abraham R, Vedavalli R, Daniel M. Study of lipid profile ,lipid peroxidation and vitamin E in Pregnancy induced Hypertension. Indian .J. Physiol Pharmacol 2009;53(4) 365-369

8. Sahu S, Abraham R, Meenakshi ,Rattan R Sridhar M. Surrogate measures of insulin resistance and fasting lipid levels in healthy Indians .Biomedicine 2009;29(3):244-248

9. .Abraham R ,Murugan Srinivasa V ,Pukazhvanthen , Sen SK .Thyroid disorders in Women of Puducherry .Indian journal of Clinical Biochemistry 2009;24(1):52-59

10. Sen SK Pukazhvanthen P, Abraham R .Plasma Homocysteine ,Folate and vitamin B12 levels in senile Cataract .Indian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry 2008;23(3):255-257

11. Chopra Rupali, Saramma Jaison G, Mary John, Abraham R: Lipoprotein (a) as a risk factor for diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Indian Journal of Ophthalmology 2007; 55,3:195-198.

12. Abraham R, John J, CaltonR. Raised serum Homocysteine levels in patients of Coronary artery Disease and the effect of vitamin B12 and Folate on its concentration. Indian J.of Clinical Biochemistry 2006; 21: 95-100

13. Dwyer A.J, John B, Mam M.K, Antony P, Abraham R and Joshi M. Nutritional Status and wound healing in open fractures of the lower limb. International Orthopaedics. http: dx. Doi – org/10.1007/S00264 – 004 – 0629 – Z.(2005)

14. Pandian JD, PawarG, SinghGD, Abraham R. Multiple Sclerosis in-patient with Chronic Ulcerative Colitis- Neurol. India. 2004;52: 282-283.

15. Abraham R, Bahri R, Arora U, Calton R. Antioxidants and Malondialdehyde as Markers of oxidative stress in myocardial infarction and reperfusion. Trends Clinical Biochem. Lab. Medicine. 2003;590-599.

16. Abraham R, Thomas M, Britt R, Fischer C, Old J. Hb Q- India: an uncommon Variant diagnosed in three Punjabi patients with diabetes is identified by a novel DNA analysis test. Journal of Clinical Pathology. 2003;56:296-299.

17. . Chawla R, Abraham R ,Arora U, Mammen K: Effect of Urinary Retension on the levels of Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) and Prostate Acid Phosphatase(PAP) in Prostatic Disease.Indian Journal of Urology 2003;19: 120-124.

18. Abraham R, Loomba R Pandian JD: Delta –ALA levels in Serum and Urine- A Diagnostic Tool for Possible Lead poisoning. Indian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry 2002;l7:64- 67.

19. Singh T, Mulick S.S., Calton R, Abraham R and Kaur G. Quantification of Coronary risk score. Indian Journal of Pediatrics 2002;69:27-29.

20. Rajneesh Calton, Pooja Khosla, KL Dhar, Abraham R, Thomas Mathew,Charles T, Itty, TM Jaison.Comprehensive Lipid Index (Deadly Lipid Tetrad) in patients with Acute Myocardial Infraction .Indian Heart Journal 2002; 54:302-310.

21. Chopra B, Abraham R and Abraham A. CSF Beta-I-Globulin: A Potential Marker in Differentiating Multiple Sclerosis and Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelites. Neurology India.2002;50: 41-44.

22. Batra N, Chopra S.K., Jaison S.G. and Abraham R. Secretory IgA levels in tears of contact lens weavers and non-contact lens weavers. Indian contact lens Journal 2000;21: 32-36.

23. Chopra B, Abraham R and Abraham A : CSF 13-1- Globulin: A potential marker in differentiating multiple sclerosis and disseminated encephalomyelitis. Clinical chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 1999;37: 8514. (Abstract)

24. Singh A., Abraham R., and Ahuja SP. Intestinal mucosal immune response in buffalo calves with Experimentally induced diarrhea by E. Coli. Advances in Biosciences. 1999;18: 111-124.

25. Chawla R, Abraham R and Isaacs BR. Anomalous Thyroid Hormone levels in Renal Failure: A Model for Severe Non-Thyroid Illness. Indian Journal of Nephrology 1998;8:45- 51.

26. Abraham R., and Chawla R. Interference of Anti-T4 auto antibodies in the single step free T4 radioimmunoassay. Indian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry. 1998;13: 81-86.

27. Abraham R, Biswas C, and Thomas A. Nutritional, Metabolic and Immunological Consequences of the Thermal Injury - The Dabwali Tragedy. Proceedings of the ACB National Meeting Focus '97, Birmingham, UK. May 1997 editors: Susan M. Martin and Stephen P. Hallovan Pg. 103 Piggott Printers Limited, Cambridge, UK.

28. Singh A, Abraham R Sandhu KS, Maiti NK, Gupta PP and Ahuja SF. Histopathological changes in the intestines of buffalo calves with experimentally induced diarrhea. Advances in BioSciences 1997;16: 1-8.

29. Abraham R, Dhar A and Ahuja SP. Characterization of Human Amniotic Fluid by FPLC and PAGE to assess fetal maturity and for the early diagnosis of complications of pregnancy. Clinical chemistry 1997;43:415.

30. Abraham R, and Chawla R. Interference of Anti-T3 auto antibodies in the measurement of total and free T3 in serum. Indian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry 1997;12:40-44.

31. Abraham R, and Ogra P.L. Polymerase chain reaction. It‘s diagnostic application. Indian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry 1996,11:134-141.

32. Mlinaric – Galinovic G, Chonmaitree T, Abraham R, Garofalo R, Patel J, and Ogra P.L. Preparation of respiratory synctial virus subgroup A and B antigens for enzyme immunoassay antibody detection. Acta Med. Croatica 1994;48:99-103.

33. Abraham R. and Ogra P.L, Development of mucosal immune response to viruses. Israel J Medical Sciences. 1994;30:323-327.

34. Mahajan R.K, Abraham R, Menezes L.T. and Abraham A.G. Protein profiles in burn patients. Ind. J.Plastic Surgery 1993;26:33-37.

36. Abraham R, Minor P, Modlin J.F. and Ogra P.L. Prior immunization with inactivated poliovaccine does not prevent fecal shedding virulent poliovirus revertants during subsequent immunization with oral poliovaccine. J Infect. Dis. 1993;168:1105.

37. Abraham R, Chonmaitree T., McCombs J, Prabhakar B, Lo Verde P.T. and Ogra P.L. Rapid Detection of poliovirus by reverse transcription and polymerase chain amplification: Amplification for differentiation between polio and non-polio enteroviruses. J Clin Microbiol.1993;31:395-399.

38. Abraham R, and Ogra P.L, Development of mucosal immune response to viruses. International Symposium on Perinatal and Childhood Infections in Jerusalem. 1993;Aug 23-27.

39. Ogra P.L., Faden H.S. and Abraham R. Reply: Comments of Muredine anThipphawong. Poliovirus vaccination schedules and reversion to virulence (letter). J Infect Dis 1992;166:936.

40. Abraham R and Ogra P.L. Mucosal microenvironment and mucosal response. Annual Meeting of American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 1992;November 15-19,Seattle Wash. Symposium “Mucosal Immunity: Protection Against Pathogens”.

41. Abraham R, Minor P, Modlin J.F, and Ogra P.L. Prior immunization with oral poliovaccine enhances fecal shedding of virulent poliovirus revertants. Pediatric Research 1992;4:156A.

42. Ogra P.L, Faden H.S, Abraham R, Duffy L.C, Sun M, and Minor P.D. Effect of prior immunity on the shedding of virus poliovirus vaccines. J.Infect.Dis 1991;164:191-4.

43. Singh A, Abraham R, Maiti N.K, Sandu K.S, Gupta P.P, and Ahuja S.P. Induction of diarrhea in neonatal buffalo calves by E.coli and rotavirus and it’s effects on Invitro absorption of colostral Ig Abstract – 8 th International Congress of Virology, Berlin,1990.

44. Abraham R, Parveen, Singh A, Ahuja S.P. Characterization of cow and buffalo aminotic fluid proteins by FPLC. Proceedings of the 11th World Buffalo Congress, Vol.3, ICAR, New Delhi, 1989.

45. Abraham R, Parveen, Singh A, Ahuja S.P., Sandeep, Singh B, Tiwana M.S. and Bhullar M.S. Changes in the composition of colostrums, milk of buffaloes and cows during early post- partum. Abstract of contributory papers-Proceedings 11th world Congress Vol.1, ICAR, New Delhi, 1988

46. Parveen, Singh A, Abraham R, Ahuja S.P., Singh B. Pre-and –postcolostral absorption of Immunoglobulins by buffalo neonate. Abstract of contributory papers-Proceedings 11th World Congress Vol.1, ICAR, New Delhi, 1988

47. . Abraham R, Singh A, and Ahuja S.P. Characterization of buffalo amniotic fluid proteins by FPLC. Abstract of contributory papers. Proceedings 11th World Congress Vol.1, ICAR, New Delhi, 1988

48. Singh A, Parveen, Abraham R, Ahuja S.P and Singh B. Immunoglobulins of Mammary secretions of buffaloes of normal and diseased status. Abstract of contributory papers Proceedings 11th World Congress, Vol.1, ICAR, New Delhi, 1988

49. Sharma I.N, Abraham R, Pawa R.R. Amniotic fluid Lecithin: Sphingomyelin ratio as index for prediction of idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome. Obstet. Gynae. India 1983; 33:304-308.

50. Abraham R, Basu B, Aruna R.M, Bannerjee D.K. and Joesph R. Biochemical studies on lipidosis in Indian children. Neurology 1978; 26:111-117.

51. Basu D, Joseph R, Raman P.T and Johnny K.V. Excretion of urinary N-acetyl Beta D-glucosaminidase B in renal disorders and renal transplantation. Indian J. Biochem. Biophys.1977;4:77-79.

Chapters in Textbooks

1.Abraham R, and Ogra P.L. Le Vaccinazioni E LaRiposta Immune A Livellio Delle Mucose in "Le Vaccinazoni in Pediatria", edited A Vierucci, C. Azzari, M.E. Rossi, M. Resti c.S.H. Italy Pg 11-27, 1991.

2.Abraham R, and Ogra P.L. Effects of mucosal microenvironment on immune response to viruses in "Genetically engineered vaccines" edited JE. Ciardi, Plenum Press, New York. 1992.

3.Abraham R, and Ogra P.L. Effects of intestinal microenvironment on immune responses to viruses in "Immunophysiology of the Gut": edited W. Allan Walker, Paul R Harmatz and Barry K. Wershil. Academic Press, New York, pps 373-386, 1993.

4.Abraham R, Ogra P.L. and Mestecky J. Common mucosal immune system for the development of vaccines effective at the mucosal surface. Handbook of Mucosal Immunology edited. P.L. Ogra, J. Mestecky, Michael E. Lamm Warren Strober, Jerry R. McGhee, John Bienenstock, Academic Press, New York pps 357-372,1994.

Other Activities

• Updation of Faculty through regular Journal Clubs
• Active participation in regular CMEs of the college
• Monthly clinical discussion on lab investigation and their interpretation with senior
• M.Sc Biochemists of the Central Lab.
• Training in house laboratory technicians through seminars and discussion.

The Department of Biochemistry & Microbiology successfully conducted a one day credit CME - ONOCSCIENCE’18 – with the theme “Basic science in oncological practice” on 3rd November 2018. CME was highlighted with the presence of our guest of honor Dr.D.M.Vasudevan, Distinguished Professor & author of the popular Biochemistry Textbook. Other luminaries present at this conference were Dr.Narayanankutty Warier, Medical Director, MVR Cancer Centre and Research Institute, Dr.Sathya Moorthy K, Professor and Director, School of Life Sciences. Manipal University, Dr.A R Hanumanthappa , Professor and HOD of Microbiology, JJM Medical College, Davangere, Karnataka and Dr.Kavitha R Dinesh, Senior consultant Microbiologist, MVR cancer centre and Research Institute, who highlighted the recent trends in cancer and the role of immunology in preparation of anticancer vaccines.