Chronobiology Lab Work

Projects Sanctioned from Government of India

Government-Sanctioned Research Projects and Fellowships

1

ICMR-Sanctioned Project, 2018

Principal Investigator

Evaluation of Risk Susceptibility Markers in Tuberculosis Patients (STS 2018)

  • This project focused on evaluating potential risk and susceptibility markers associated with tuberculosis in the study population.
  • The work aimed to explore clinical and biological factors that may contribute to individual differences in susceptibility to tuberculosis.
  • Relevant clinical and laboratory parameters were considered to identify markers associated with disease risk.
  • The project contributed to understanding the potential application of biomarker-based approaches in tuberculosis research.
  • The findings were intended to support future research on early risk assessment and improved diagnostic strategies for tuberculosis.
2

ICMR-Sanctioned Project, 2021

Principal Investigator

Unravelling the Role of Clinico-Genetic Correlation in North Indian Women with Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Grant No.: 3/1/2(11)/CD/2021-NCD-II
  • This project investigated the relationship between clinical manifestations and genetic factors in North Indian women with fibromyalgia syndrome.
  • The research focused on understanding the possible contribution of genetic susceptibility to the heterogeneous clinical presentation of fibromyalgia.
  • Clinical characteristics and relevant disease-associated parameters were examined to explore genotype–phenotype relationships.
  • The study aimed to identify potential genetic and clinical markers associated with disease susceptibility and symptom variability.
  • The project contributed to research on the molecular basis of fibromyalgia and the development of more individualized approaches to diagnosis and patient management.
3

ICMR Ad hoc Project, 2023

Principal Investigator

To Assess Oxidative Stress, Toxic Metal Ions and Inflammatory Cytokines in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury: Implications in the Pathogenesis of Disease

Grant No.: 13416/F1 Funding: ₹70,00,000
  • This project investigated the roles of oxidative stress, toxic metal exposure and inflammatory cytokines in the pathogenesis of spinal cord injury.
  • The study focused on assessing oxidative stress-related parameters and selected toxic metal ions in affected patients.
  • Inflammatory mediators were examined to understand their potential contribution to tissue injury and secondary pathological processes.
  • The integrated assessment of biochemical and inflammatory markers aimed to identify associations with clinical characteristics and disease severity.
  • The research sought to improve understanding of the mechanisms underlying spinal cord injury and explore potential biomarkers for prognosis and future therapeutic research.
4

UPCST-Sanctioned Project, 2024

Principal Investigator

Temporal Insights: Exploring the Link Between Chrono-genetic and Circadian Biomarkers and Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring in Women with Preeclampsia and Non-Preeclampsia for Early Diagnosis and Treatment Strategies

Grant No.: 3507 Funding: ₹15,36,000 Sanctioned: 21 August 2024
  • This project investigates circadian rhythm alterations and their association with blood pressure regulation in women with and without preeclampsia.
  • The research integrates ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) with circadian biomarkers and genetic parameters to characterize 24-hour blood pressure patterns.
  • The study explores the relationship between circadian clock-related genetic variations, physiological rhythms and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
  • Comparative assessment of preeclamptic and non-preeclamptic women aims to identify potential biomarkers associated with abnormal blood pressure rhythms and disease susceptibility.
  • The project seeks to support the development of improved approaches for early risk assessment, circadian-informed monitoring and future chronotherapeutic interventions in preeclampsia.
5

National Prajwalika Fellowship, 2021

Research Project

Circadian Rhythm Disruption in Blood Pressure Among Night-Shift-Working Nurses

  • This project explored the relationship between night-shift work, circadian misalignment and blood pressure regulation among nurses.
  • The research focused on how irregular work schedules and altered sleep–wake patterns may influence cardiovascular rhythmicity.
  • Particular emphasis was placed on understanding the potential disruption of normal day–night blood pressure variation.
  • The study aimed to identify patterns that could indicate increased cardiovascular risk among healthcare professionals working night shifts.
  • The work highlighted the importance of occupational chronobiology and the potential value of circadian-informed strategies for cardiovascular health and shift-work management.
6

National Prajwalika Fellowship, 2022

Research Project

Deciphering the Effects of Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring on Sleep Quality in Men and Women with Hypertension: Dipper versus Non-Dipper and Sex Differences

  • This project examined the relationship between 24-hour blood pressure patterns and sleep quality in individuals with hypertension.
  • The research focused on comparing dipper and non-dipper blood pressure phenotypes, which differ in the extent of nocturnal blood pressure decline.
  • Sex-related differences in blood pressure rhythmicity and sleep-related parameters were also considered.
  • The study aimed to explore associations between abnormal nocturnal blood pressure patterns and disturbed sleep.
  • The findings were intended to improve understanding of the interaction between cardiovascular regulation and sleep and to inform more individualized hypertension assessment.
7

National Prajwalika Fellowship, 2023

Research Project

Amalgamation of Circadian Clock Genes with the Incidence of Myocardial Infarction

  • This project investigated the potential association between circadian clock gene variations and myocardial infarction susceptibility.
  • The research focused on the biological clock mechanisms that regulate cardiovascular physiology and may influence time-dependent patterns of cardiovascular risk.
  • Selected clock genes and genetic polymorphisms were considered for their possible associations with myocardial infarction.
  • The study aimed to explore genetic contributions to interindividual differences in cardiovascular susceptibility.
  • This work supports the broader application of chronogenetics in cardiovascular research and may contribute to future biomarker discovery and precision cardiovascular medicine.
8

National Prajwalika Fellowship, 2025

Research Project

Investigating Chrono-genetic and Circadian Biomarkers in Relation to Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring for Early Diagnosis and Treatment in Preeclamptic and Non-Preeclamptic Women

  • This project focuses on integrating chrono-genetic parameters and circadian biomarkers with ABPM to investigate blood pressure regulation during pregnancy.
  • The research examines differences in 24-hour blood pressure profiles between women with preeclampsia and women with uncomplicated pregnancies.
  • Selected circadian clock genes and physiological biomarkers are investigated for their potential associations with abnormal blood pressure rhythms.
  • The study aims to identify candidate markers that may help characterize circadian disruption and improve understanding of preeclampsia susceptibility.
  • The findings may support future development of circadian-informed screening approaches and personalized monitoring strategies for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
Work Done

Research Highlights from the Lab

Circadian Mechanisms in Preeclampsia infographic

Circadian Mechanisms in Preeclampsia

Click to view full size

Circadian Rhythm Dysregulation in Fibromyalgia Syndrome infographic

Circadian Rhythm Dysregulation in Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Click to view full size

Disturbed Circadian Mechanisms in Human Health infographic

Disturbed Circadian Mechanisms in Human Health

Click to view full size

Our Lab

Inside the Chronobiology Lab

Dr. Ghizal Fatima with ABPM, actigraphy and hydrogen inhalation equipment
Dr. Ghizal Fatima with the Chronobiology Lab team
24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in pregnancy
Dr. Ghizal Fatima at the Chronobiology Lab, Era University
Chronobiology Lab team portrait
Dr. Ghizal Fatima guiding visitors through the lab
Chronobiology Lab team at work
Dr. Ghizal Fatima at work in the Chronobiology Lab
Chronobiology Lab workspace
Chronobiology Lab at night
Books

Books Published

Biotechnology and Sustainable Development book cover
1

Book on Biotechnology and sustainable development- Dr. Ghizal Fatima ISBN No-979-8-88940-854-1

Behaviour and Health in the Digital Era book cover
2

Second Book on Behaviour And Health In The Digital Era- Published by discovery sciences- 2026

Circadian Rhythm and Human Health book cover
3

Third Book on Circadian Rhythm and Human Health

Intramural

Intramural Projects as Principal Investigator

a

ASSOCIATION OF VDR-Gene polymorphism with clinical parameters in women with Fibromyalgia (2018-20)

b

To study the MYD88 genetic polymorphism and its evaluation as potential risk marker in risk susceptibility in tuberculosis patients. (2018-2019 intramural)

c

To study the circadian rhythm markers in patients with sepsis: Implications to strong diagnostic marker. (Intramural 2022-2024)

d

To assess the circadian CLOCK gene in young Myocardial Infarction patients (Intramural 2023-2025)

e

Circadian Clock Gene Dysregulation as a Predictor of Hypertension in Young Adults: Interplay with Circadian Hormones and Gut Microbiota (sanctioned January 12/ 2024)

National and International

Achievements and Awards

Certificate of Merit (Baccalaureate Award) for achieving highest Marks in M.Sc. in Lucknow University Examination, I.T. College, Lucknow, India. 2007

First prize in International Competition of Projects and Applied Research SHRD-2022, Nutritional deficiencies in school going children, Director of the foundation for the development of science and innovation. 2022, Moscow, Russia.

NAMS Fellow 2025 November 21

Best oral presentation award in UPDACON (Oct.16, 2017) (Uttar Pradesh Conference For Diabetes Association) (Convention Centre), Lucknow, India for best paper presentation entitled “Evaluating relationship of Diabetes Mellitus with Fibromyalgia Syndrome”.

Prof. R. K. Singh best oral presentation award in International Conference on Chronomedicine held at Scientific Convention Centre, Lucknow, 6th September, 2016 India for best paper presentation entitled “Deciphering the role of circadian rhythm in hormonal profiles and cytokines and its propinquity with BMI and symptoms of Fibromyalgia Syndrome”.

Travel Award in JSMO, 26-28, 2026, Japan, Yokohama.

Young Scientist Travel Bursary Award, In AIFII conference, Japan (6-9th Sept., 2016)

Young Scientist Travel Bursary Award, In AIFII conference, Japan (4-8th Sept., 2018)

Young Scientist Travel Bursary Award, In International Society of Hypertension-2018 (20-23 Sept.) at China, Beijing

Travel Bursary Award, International Diabetes Federation, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, (2018)

Best oral presentation award in changing trends in Medical Biochemistry. Feb 4th, 2017 at King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, India for best paper presentation entitled “Deciphering the role of oxidative and antioxidative parameters in women with Fibromyalgia Syndrome”.

The Pride of Women Award in International Women’s Day celebrated in Lucknow, India for outstanding achievements in Research Field, on March 2013, by Awadh Nama newspaper.

Begum Abida Mahdi Award for outstanding achievements in Biochemistry Department, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow India, on March, 2013. Elected by Prof. A.A. Mahdi, awarded by Awadh Nama newspaper.

Travel Award in “International conference on infectious diseases” on paper entitled “To evaluate the level of oxidative and antioxidative parameters and its relationship with clinical symptoms in women with Primary Fibromyalgia Syndrome” held at Hyderabad, Novotel, on 2nd of March to 5th March 2016.

Outstanding Researcher Award, 27th National conference of Indian society of Hypertension, BPCON, Delhi at India Habitat Centre, 2017, 1-3rd September.

Best Poster presentation award in RSSDI (Research Society in Study of Diabetes in India, 2018 at Lucknow, India for best poster presentation entitled “Deciphering the role of oxidative and antioxidative parameters in North Indian Diabetic Patients and its treatment with antioxidants”.

Travel Award in 19th Scientific Meeting of the Japanese Society of Anti-Aging Medicine from June 14 (Fri)-16 (Sun), 2019 in Pacifico Yokohama, Japan. “Association of 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels with knee osteoarthritis: incidence in post-menopausal women”.

Guest of Honor in International congress in Karbala University in 2019, March 21

BEST SCIENTIST AWARD in International Conference in Chronomedicine, Held at AIIMS Rishikesh (2019) OCT. 28-30, India.

Young Investigator Award, in International Society of Hypertension, Held at Brisbane, Australia, Nov.2019, 18-21.

Dr. J. Nag Memorial Award 2021 in International conference of Clinical Nutrition, Haridwar, Premnagar Ashram, ICN, 2021, 20TH OCT.

Young Investigator Fellowship Award 2021 in 16th Asia Pacific Conference on Hypertension, Delhi, Hotel Pride Plaza, Aerocity 2021, Nov 28th.

Conducted International conference on World Congress on Clinical Nutrition 26-27 Nov. 2022, Era University and Lucknow, India.

Presidential Award in World Congress on Clinical Nutrition 26-27 Nov. 2022, Era University, Lucknow, India

Servier Researcher Award for the Best project in Women Cardiac Care, presented at 15th Annual Conference-2023, at Indore on March 4th and 5th. (Prize money of 1 lakh Indian Rupees)

WINCARS Research Award for the Best project in Women Cardiac Care, presented at 16th Annual Conference-2024, at Visakhapatnam on March 23rd and 24th (Prize money of 1 lakh Indian Rupees)

Prajwalika Scholarship Award (WCC-2023) 2022-23,

Smt. KUSUM SHARMA AWARD FOR BEST BIOMEDICAL WOMEN SCIENTIST from Indian Academy of Biomedical Sciences, AIIMS Bhopal- 11th Feb 2025

Post Graduate (M.D) Committee member, ELMCH.

Talks

Invited Speaker

Guest Speaker at Shoolini University, Himachal Pradesh, India, May 21-23, 2023.

Distinguished Speaker at ISPMMMCON-2025, organized by the Indian society for Precision Medicine and Molecular Medicine (ISPMMM), 1-2 MARCH, AIIMS, Gorakhpur.

Invited talk AIIMS Bhopal 7-9 Feb. 2025

Invited Speaker in 89th Anti-aging conference in Kumamoto, Japan, March 21, 2024

Invited speaker in the conference New ways and initiatives in healthcare, organized by ÖbölHáz Event venue 1117. Budapest, Hungary, Kopaszi-gát 2024 Nov 19-23

Invited Speaker in Hungarian medical association meeting at Budapest on 19th Nov, 2024

Invited Speaker in Moscow, at Moscow State University, on August 29th 2024.

Invited Speaker at Iraq, Al-Muthanna University on Feb 18, 2024

Invited Speaker and Chair at Kosice, Slovakia in 15th ICC on 8-10th June 2023

Invited speaker at 108th Indian Science Congress, Nagpur, 3-7 January 2023, Science and Technology for Sustainable Development with Women Empowerment at RTM Nagpur University, Nagpur, India.

Invited Speaker at 8th World Congress on Chronobiology (WCC), at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) December 16-17

Invited Speaker at Women Cardiac Care, at 15th Annual Conference-2023, at Indore on March 4th and 5th.

Invited Speaker in International Conference in Chronomedicine, Held at Scientific Convention Center organized by King George’s Medical University (2018) Nov. 17-19, Lucknow, India.

Invited speaker at 2nd International IAMRS conference held in Iraq/ Basrah in 22nd & 23rd March, 2019.

Invited Speaker at International congress in Karbala University, Iraq in 2019, March 25.

Invited Speaker in Nutrition Conference, Held at King George’s Medical University (2018), Lucknow, India

Invited Speaker in Lead Awareness Programme, Held at Karbala Medical College, Iraq. 2018

Invited speaker at National Academy of Biomedical Sciences- AIIMS Bhopal 11-13 Feb, 2025

Invited Speaker at Indian Academy of Precision Medicine and Molecular Medicine AIIMS, Gorakhpur 1-3 March 2025

Speaker at Japan, Yokohama on 26 March 2026

Invited Plenary speaker in 29th WCCN at Moscow, Russia on 1-3rd October, 2026