What we study
Research
The Nutrition, Oral and Gut Microbiome (NOG) Lab at Khyber Medical University investigates how nutrition and microbial communities influence human health across the life course. Our research focuses on the oral and gut microbiomes, nutrition–microbiome interactions, and their roles in health and disease with particular emphasis on malnutrition and vulnerable populations.
Using interdisciplinary approaches integrating microbiology, molecular biology, genomics, bioinformatics, and clinical research, we explore host–microbiome interactions and how diet and nutritional status shape microbial ecosystems. Our work aims to identify microbiome signatures associated with health and disease and develop evidence-based strategies to improve health outcomes, especially among children at risk of malnutrition.
Research theme
Oral Microbiome
The human mouth harbours one of the body's most diverse microbial ecosystems, playing a vital role in both oral and systemic health. Our research explores how oral microbial communities develop, function, and interact with the host across health and disease. We are particularly interested in oral microbiome development in children at risk of malnutrition and its implications for oral health, growth, and development. We also investigate how smokeless tobacco use, particularly naswar, alters the oral microbiome and contributes to disease risk, including oral cancer.
Research theme
Gut Microbiome
The gut microbiome plays a fundamental role in nutrition, metabolism, immune function, and healthy development. Our research focuses on how gut microbial communities develop during early life, particularly among children at risk of malnutrition. We investigate how alterations in the gut microbiome influence growth, development, and health outcomes, with the goal of identifying microbiome-based strategies to support child health and reduce the burden of malnutrition.
Projects
- CHAMP – Child Health And Microbiome Development Study, Pakistancompleted
- Exploring the hidden microbiome of high-altitude pastoral communities of the Hindu Kush Himalayan region, Pakistanongoing
- CHAMP-2: Child Health And Microbiome Study Pakistan – Phase 2ongoing
- Mechanistic insights into microbial drivers of gut barrier dysfunctions in malnourished infantsongoing
Research theme
Nutrition–Microbiome Interactions
Nutrition and the microbiome are closely interconnected, with diet shaping microbial communities and, in turn, the microbiome influencing nutrient metabolism, growth, and health. Our research explores how dietary intake and nutrition influences microbiome development and function, and how microbiome alterations may contribute to impaired growth, development, and health outcomes. Through this work, we aim to identify pathways and interventions that can support healthy growth and improve nutritional health.
Research theme
Public Health
Our public health research focuses on understanding the factors that shape health and well-being across the life course, with particular emphasis on oral health, growth, and development. We investigate how dietary intake, nutritional status, and other social and environmental determinants influence health outcomes, especially among vulnerable populations. Through population-based research, we aim to generate evidence that informs effective interventions, policies, and programs to improve health and reduce health disparities.
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