IQRA BANO

@sbbuvas.edu.pk

Lecturer
SBBUVAS SAKRAND

IQRA BANO


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https://researchid.co/iqarabano

EDUCATION

• Education Masters of Philosophy (M., 1st Division (84.28%) Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam.
Subject: Veterinary Physiology & Biochemistry
Thesis Title: Effect of Dietary Selenium Yeast Supplementation on Morphology and Antioxidant Status in Testes of Young Goat.
. Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)-2014, 1st Division (CGPA: 3.81) Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam
.DVM final year project: Comparison of DNA extracted from fresh and frozen suspected Brucella tissue of goat.
.Intermediate (Pre-medical)-2009, A-Grade, Board of Intermediate & Secondary Education Hyderabad Sindh, Pakistan
.Matriculation (Science)-2006, A-Grade, Bukhari Model High School Sindh Agriculture University Colony Tandojam

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Neurology, Parkinson's disease, Cancer, Neddylation, Drug discovery, Animal Physiology, Selenium, Nutritive Physiology,
Hematology, Reproductive Physiology, Animal Genetics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology,
Toxicology & Pharmacology, and Virology.
30

Scopus Publications

Scopus Publications

  • Pregnanolone Glutamate: A Dual-Fate Delivery System for Neuroactive Steroids in Perinatal Focal Cerebral Ischemia
    Grygoriy Tsenov, Iqra Bano, Marta Velíková, Viera Kútna, Hana Chodounská, et al.
    International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2026
    Pregnanolone glutamate (PG) is a synthetic neurosteroid analog showing promise for treating ischemic brain injury, yet its blood–brain barrier (BBB) transport and metabolic fate remain unclear. We investigated the pharmacokinetics of PG in postnatal day 12 rats of both sexes subjected to endothelin-1 (ET-1)-induced focal hippocampal ischemia. Animals received PG (1 mg/kg intraperitoneal (i.p.)) or vehicle; serum and hippocampal steroidomes were profiled 60 min post-administration using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) (hippocampus: n = 16 PG+, n = 27 PG−; multi-tissue subset: n = 6 PG+, n = 21 PG−). Our data revealed a “dual-fate” mechanism: PG undergoes systemic hydrolysis as a prodrug, as suggested by the tissue distribution pattern at 60 min post-administration, but also crosses the BBB intact, with significant parent conjugate accumulation in the hippocampus (42.3 pmol/g). The brain functioned as a “metabolic sink”, passively accumulating metabolites generated in peripheral organs—such as 17-hydroxypregnanolone—despite local absence of synthesizing enzymes (e.g., CYP17A1). Crucially, PG induced “metabolic segregation” within the central nervous system (CNS): the pharmacological 5β-pathway was saturated (~170-fold pregnanolone increase), while endogenous neuroprotective 5α-pathway (allopregnanolone) homeostasis remained preserved, contrasting with peripheral metabolic saturation. Preferential hippocampal accumulation of 3-oxo and 3β-isomers suggests autonomous regulatory buffering via oxidative 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD17B) enzymes, protecting against excessive GABAergic inhibition. This unique pharmacokinetic profile—combining metabolic segregation with active central buffering—defines PG as a dual-mechanism delivery system that generates central neuroactive metabolites—several with previously established GABAergic and neuroprotective activity—without disrupting endogenous neurosteroidogenesis, positioning it as a promising neurotherapeutic candidate minimizing physiological steroid homeostasis disruption. Importantly, the present study characterizes the pharmacokinetic and metabolic fate of PG; the neuroprotective efficacy of PG was demonstrated in our prior functional studies using the same model.
  • Noninvasive Focused Ultrasound as a Safe Modulator of Calcium-Dependent Neurochemical Signalling in Primary Cortical Cultures
    Iqra Bano, Pascal Jorratt, Viera Kútna, Jan Pala, Grygoriy Tsenov
    Neurochemical Research, 2026
    Focused ultrasound stimulation (FUS) is a promising non-invasive neuromodulation technique that can influence neuronal activity through mechanical stimulation. In this study, primary cortical neurons were isolated from embryonic rat brains and cultured for 14 days in vitro before being divided into Control, FUS 5 V, and FUS 10 V groups. Cells were exposed to low-intensity pulsed FUS (300 kHz, 10 min) using a vertically mounted transducer positioned 5 mm above the culture dish. Post-exposure analyses included cell viability using the MTS assay, total protein quantification by the Bradford method, morphological assessment by Trypan Blue staining, and Fluo-3 AM–based confocal calcium imaging. FUS treatment produced no significant differences in viability or total protein concentration compared with the Control group. Morphological observations confirmed healthy neuronal somata and intact neuritic networks across all groups, with no evidence of cell death or structural damage compared with controls. In contrast, calcium imaging revealed a robust transient elevation in intracellular Ca²⁺ responsiveness when assessed 24 h after FUS exposure, with a significantly higher integrated area under the curve relative to Control. These findings demonstrate that low-intensity FUS safely enhances intracellular calcium signalling while preserving neuronal viability, protein integrity, and morphology, defining a safe acoustic window for non-destructive neuromodulation and providing a framework for mechanistic studies in neurodegenerative disease models.
  • Advances in therapeutic hybrid neuromodulation for Parkinson’s disease
    Iqra Bano, Jaison Jeevanandam, Grygoriy Tsenov
    3 Biotech, 2026
    Biotechnology is driving the next generation in neuromodulation therapies for Parkinson’s disease (PD), which is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor dysfunction due to the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. While pharmacological therapies and Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) are standard treatments, they often fail to fully address the non-motor impairments that significantly affect patients’ quality of life. A novel therapeutic strategy integrating Focused Ultrasound Stimulation (FUS) with DBS, known as hybrid stimulation, has emerged as a promising approach. This combined modality leverages the continuous neuromodulation of DBS with the non-invasive, precise targeting of FUS, enhancing therapeutic efficacy through complementary mechanisms. DBS modulates neural firing patterns and promotes neuroplasticity, while FUS allows for precise, transient disruption of the brain barrier (BBB), enhances drug delivery, and induces localized neuro-thermal effects, potentially aiding neuroprotection and neurotransmitter regulation. This review critically evaluates the role of DBS and FUS in PD treatment, focusing on the need for a hybrid DBS-FUS approach. We highlight emerging preclinical and clinical evidence of their synergistic effects in modulating dopamine synthesis, neurotransmitter dynamics, and synaptic remodeling. Furthermore, we present a computational bibliographic analysis to assess research trends, knowledge gaps, and the evolving impact of hybrid neuromodulation strategies, offering a comprehensive perspective on their potential to address both motor and non-motor symptoms of PD.
  • Decoding the Zika virus outbreak and infection dynamics
    Iqra Bano, Hira Sajjad Talpur, Mohammad Farooque Hassan
    Methods in Microbiology, 2026
  • A Comprehensive Review of Selenium as a Key Regulator in Thyroid Health
    Iqra Bano, Mohammad Farooque Hassan, Marek Kieliszek
    Biological Trace Element Research, 2025
  • Effects of focused ultrasound stimulation on various in vitro neurological cell models
    Iqra Bano, Jaison Jeevanandam, Grygoriy Tsenov
    Journal of Neuroscience Methods, 2025
  • Effects of Dietary Selenium Yeast Supplementation on Oxidative Biomarkers of the Brain and Blood in Goats
    Iqra Bano, Moolchand Malhi, Hira Sajjad Talpur
    Biological Trace Element Research, 2024
  • Selenium Nanoparticles as Potential Antioxidants to Improve Semen Quality in Boars
    Pavel Horky, Lenka Urbankova, Iqra Bano, Tomas Kopec, Pavel Nevrkla, et al.
    Animals, 2023
    Selenium is an essential compound which can influence the fertility of boars by a greater margin. In past decades, research was mainly focused on a bioavailability of various selenium forms and the effect on semen quality. Recently, nanotechnology has expanded the possibilities of selenium supplementation research. Twenty-one Duroc boars (three groups with seven boars each) were included in this experiment with the first group being a control group with no selenium supplementation, and the second group being supplemented with 0.3 mg Se/kg of selenium in inorganic form of Na2SeO3. The third group was supplemented with selenium nanoparticles (100 nm) at the same dose as that of the second group. The experiment lasted for 126 days (three spermatogenesis cycles of boars) and the antioxidant parameters of boar semen were analysed at 42, 84 and 126 days, respectively. The antioxidant parameters (DPPH, FRAP, DMPD, GSH, GSSG) were not influenced by both Se2NO3 and selenium nanoparticle supplementation during this experiment. At the end of the monitored period, significantly higher (p < 0.004) antioxidant readings were observed by using the ABTS method but not the DPPH, DMPD and FRAP methods on the supplemented groups compared to the control. Moreover, selenium-nanoparticle-supplemented groups showed elevated glutathione peroxidase activity in the seminal fluid (p < 0.008). However, the selenium nanoparticle supplementation has not shown an improving effect on sperm quality. This could be considered as a safe alternative to inorganic selenium as well as having a potential to enhance the antioxidant properties of the semen of boars.
  • Molecular epidemiology, characterization of virulence factors and antibiotic resistance profile of Streptococcus agalactiae isolated from dairy farms in China and Pakistan
    Ambreen LEGHARI, Shakeel Ahmed LAKHO, Faiz Muhammad KHAND, Khaliq ur Rehman BHUTTO, Sameen Qayoom LONE, et al.
    Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 2023
  • “The Yak”—A remarkable animal living in a harsh environment: An overview of its feeding, growth, production performance, and contribution to food security
    Ali Mujtaba Shah, Iqra Bano, Izhar Hyder Qazi, Maharach Matra, Metha Wanapat
    Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 2023
    Yaks play an important role in the livelihood of the people of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) and contribute significantly to the economy of the different countries in the region. Yaks are commonly raised at high altitudes of ~ 3,000–5,400 m above sea level. They provide many important products, namely, milk, meat, fur, and manure, as well as social status, etc. Yaks were domesticated from wild yaks and are present in the remote mountains of the QTP region. In the summer season, when a higher quantity of pasture is available in the mountain region, yaks use their long tongues to graze the pasture and spend ~ 30–80% of their daytime grazing. The remaining time is spent walking, resting, and doing other activities. In the winter season, due to heavy snowfall in the mountains, pasture is scarce, and yaks face feeding issues due to pasture scarcity. Hence, the normal body weight of yaks is affected and growth retardation occurs, which consequently affects their production performance. In this review article, we have discussed the domestication of yaks, the feeding pattern of yaks, the difference between the normal and growth-retarded yaks, and also their microbial community and their influences. In addition, blood biochemistry, the compositions of the yaks' milk and meat, and reproduction are reported herein. Evidence suggested that yaks play an important role in the daily life of the people living on the QTP, who consume milk, meat, fur, use manure for fuel and land fertilizer purposes, and use the animals for transportation. Yaks' close association with the people's well-being and livelihood has been significant.
  • Applications of CRISPR/Cas9 in the field of microbiology
    Iqra Bano, Adnan Ali
    Methods in Microbiology, 2023
  • Biofilms Recent advances in bioremediation
    Iqra Bano, Syed Shams ul Hassan, Shireen Aziz, Muhammad Ahmer Raza
    Microbiology for Cleaner Production and Environmental Sustainability, 2023
  • Toxicological effects of nanoselenium in animals
    Iqra Bano, Sylvie Skalickova, Safia Arbab, Lenka Urbankova, Pavel Horky
    Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology, 2022
  • Correction to: Is a new generation of mycotoxin clay adsorbents safe in a pig’s diet? (Porcine Health Management, (2022), 8, 1, (31), 10.1186/s40813-022-00275-w)
    Pavel Horky, Pavel Nevrkla, Tomas Kopec, Iqra Bano, Misa Skoric, et al.
    Porcine Health Management, 2022
  • Is a new generation of mycotoxin clay adsorbents safe in a pig’s diet?
    Pavel Horky, Pavel Nevrkla, Tomas Kopec, Iqra Bano, Misa Skoric, et al.
    Porcine Health Management, 2022
  • Evaluation of in vitro antibacterial effect of essential oil and some herbal plant extract used against mastitis pathogens
    Safia Arbab, Hanif Ullah, Iqra Bano, Ka Li, Inam Ul Hassan, et al.
    Veterinary Medicine and Science, 2022
  • Molecular Genomic Study of Inhibin Molecule Production through Granulosa Cell Gene Expression in Inhibin-Deficient Mice
    Hira Sajjad Talpur, Zia ur Rehman, Mostafa Gouda, Aixing Liang, Iqra Bano, et al.
    Molecules, 2022
  • A Novel Brain Tumor Detection and Coloring Technique from 2D MRI Images
    Inayatul Haq, Najib Ullah, Tehsen Mazhar, Muhammad Amir Malik, Iqra Bano
    Applied Sciences Switzerland, 2022
  • A review on cullin neddylation and strategies to identify its inhibitors for cancer therapy
    Iqra Bano, Moolchand Malhi, Min Zhao, Liviu Giurgiulescu, Hira Sajjad, et al.
    3 Biotech, 2022
  • Ferroptosis: A New Road towards Cancer Management
    Iqra Bano, Pavel Horky, Syed Qamar Abbas, Muhammad Majid, Akram Hafiz Muhammad Bilal, et al.
    Molecules, 2022
  • A Comprehensive Review on Selenium and Its Effects on Human Health and Distribution in Middle Eastern Countries
    Marek Kieliszek, Iqra Bano, Hamed Zare
    Biological Trace Element Research, 2022
  • A Comprehensive Review of Biological Roles and Interactions of Cullin-5 Protein
    Iqra Bano, Anum Sumera Soomro, Syed Qamar Abbas, Amirhossein Ahmadi, Syed Shams ul Hassan, et al.
    ACS Omega, 2022
  • A Comprehensive in Silico Exploration of Pharmacological Properties, Bioactivities, Molecular Docking, and Anticancer Potential of Vieloplain F from Xylopia vielana Targeting B-Raf Kinase
    Syed Shams ul Hassan, Syed Qamar Abbas, Fawad Ali, Muhammad Ishaq, Iqra Bano, et al.
    Molecules, 2022
  • SELENIUM AS AN IMPORTANT FACTOR IN VARIOUS DISEASE STATES-A REVIEW
    M. Kieliszek, I. Bano
    Excli Journal, 2022
  • Nanotechnology and its importance in the field of microbiology
    Iqra Bano, Shan-e-hyder Soomro
    Methods in Microbiology, 2022
  • New challenges in drug discovery
    Iqra Bano, Usman Dawood Butt, Syed Agha Hassnain Mohsan
    Novel Platforms for Drug Delivery Applications, 2022
  • Uses of selenium nanoparticles in the plant production
    Iqra Bano, Sylvie Skalickova, Hira Sajjad, Jiri Skladanka, Pavel Horky
    Agronomy, 2021
  • Adaptive Molecular Evolution of AKT3 Gene for Positive Diversifying Selection in Mammals
    Farmanullah, Seyed Mahdi Hosseini, Aixin Liang, Guohua Hua, Zia ur Rehman, et al.
    Biomed Research International, 2020
  • Effect of dietary selenium yeast supplementation on morphology and antioxidant status in testes of young goat
    Iqra Bano, Moolchand Malhi, Pershotam Khatri, Saeed Ahmed Soomro, Hira Sajjad, et al.
    Pakistan Journal of Zoology, 2019
  • Knockdown of melatonin receptor 1 and induction of follicle-stimulating hormone on the regulation of mouse granulosa cell function
    Hira Sajjad Talpur, Tesfaye Worku, Zia ur Rehman, Rahim Dad, Dinesh Bhattarai, et al.
    Reproductive Biology, 2017