Maheen Ejaz

Ms. Maheen Ejaz

Biosciences department, COMSATS University Islmabad, Islamabad, Islāmābād, Pakistan
orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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24 August 2023 in Toxics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
SSShermeen Syed
Shermeen Syed
SQShandana Qasim
Shandana Qasim
Maheen EjazMaheen Ejaz
Maheen Ejaz
SASammar
Sammar
NKNimra Khan
Nimra Khan
SASaira Amir
Saira Amir
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) such as dichlorodimethyltrichloroethane (DDT) are present and ubiquitous in the environment due to their resilient nature. DDT is a prevalent endocrine disruptor still found in detectable amounts in organisms and the environment even after its use was banned in the 1970s. Medline and Google Scholar were systematically searched to detect all relevant animal and human studies published in the last 20 years (January 2003 to February 2023) in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. In total, 38 studies were included for qualitative synthesis. This systematic search and review indicated that exposure to DDT is associated with female reproductive health issues, such as reduced fecundability; increased risk of preterm/premature deliveries; increased periods of gestation; alterations in the synthesis of crucial reproductive hormones (Progesterone and Oxytocin) through ion imbalances and changes in prostaglandin synthesis, myometrial and stromal hypertrophy, and edema; and variations in uterine contractions through increased uterine wet weight. There was also limited evidence indicating DDT as a carcinogen sufficient to instigate reproductive cancers. However, this review only takes into account the in vitro studies that have established a possible pathway to understand how DDT impacts female infertility and leads to reproductive cancers. Links between the pathways described in various studies have been developed in this review to produce a summarized picture of how one event might lead to another. Additionally, epidemiological studies that specifically targeted the exposure to DDT of females belonging to various ethnicities have been reviewed to develop an overall picture of prevailing female reproductive health concerns in different nations.

17 June 2023 in Molecular Biology Reports
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
PDF file
Maheen EjazMaheen Ejaz
Maheen Ejaz
SUSyed Mohammad Usman
Syed Mohammad Usman
SASaira Amir
Saira Amir
MKMuhammad Jawad Khan
Muhammad Jawad Khan

27 July 2023 in Preprints.org
Verified
Preprint
Open access
PDF file
SSShermeen Syed
Shermeen Syed
SQShandana Qasim
Shandana Qasim
Maheen EjazMaheen Ejaz
Maheen Ejaz
SMSammar Malik
Sammar Malik
NKNimra Khan
Nimra Khan
SASaira Amir
Saira Amir
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POP) such as dichlorodimethyltrichloroethane (DDT) are present and ubiquitous in the environment due to their resilient nature. DDT is a prevalent endocrine disruptor still found in detectable amounts in organisms and the environment even after its use was banned in the 1970s. Studies show that exposure to DDT can cause adverse health effects in humans and animals, impairing fertility and increasing the risk of developing cancer. The aim of this work is to provide a comprehensive overview of the available literature on the effect of DDT and its metabolites on female reproductive tract, leading to infertility and cancer. Medline and Google Scholar were systematically searched to detect all relevant animal and human studies published in the last 20 years (January 2003 to February 2023) in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement. In total, 38 studies were included for qualitative synthesis. This systematic search and review indicated that exposure to DDT is associated with female reproductive health decline and that DDT acts as a sufficient carcinogen instigating reproductive cancers.

31 October 2024 in Pakistan Journal of Health Sciences
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
ASArhana Surwaich
Arhana Surwaich
AMAli Maqbool
Ali Maqbool
SMSajid Ali Majeedaro
Sajid Ali Majeedaro
AAAgha Taymoor Ali
Agha Taymoor Ali
BABushra Arain
Bushra Arain
Maheen EjazMaheen Ejaz
Maheen Ejaz
Dental caries, a prevalent oral health condition affecting 514 million children aged <6 years, globally, was a significant public health concern. Salivary biomarkers offer a non-invasive approach to assessing caries risk. However, research on the specific role of salivary components in caries progression and prevention was limited. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the potential of salivary biomarkers as a valuable tool for predicting caries risk in school children. Objective: To evaluate the role of Salivary Biomarkers in risk assessment of caries in school children. Methods: A systematic review of literature published between January 2009 and February 2024 focused on studies investigating the association between salivary biomarkers and caries risk in school-aged children. PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, Springer, and Science Direct were searched, and the PRISMA guidelines were followed. 500 full-text papers were screened for eligibility, and 43 studies meeting the inclusion criteria were evaluated, relevant information was extracted, and a systematic review was conducted with 43 included studies. Results: Salivary biomarkers, including proteomics, microbiota, sugar metabolization, IgA levels, and salivary metabolic profiles, were significantly correlated with the risk of developing caries. Salivary samples demonstrated superior sensitivity, specificity, cost-effectiveness, and patient acceptance compared to blood samples for predicting caries risk. Conclusions: The findings suggested that salivary biomarkers hold promise as valuable non-invasive tools for stratifying caries risk in school children. Further research was needed to validate these biomarkers and integrate them into routine dental care to improve preventive strategies.

30 September 2024 in Pakistan Journal of Health Sciences
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
SMShahzaman Memon
Shahzaman Memon
PMParveen Memon
Parveen Memon
AMAli Maqbool
Ali Maqbool
MAMowaffaq Abdullmomen Al Absi
Mowaffaq Abdullmomen Al Absi
NINaveed Irfan
Naveed Irfan
Maheen EjazMaheen Ejaz
Maheen Ejaz
Oral health promotion is recognized as one of the fundamental components of health-promoting schools. However, few studies have demonstrated the efficacy of supportive school environments for school children’s Oral health. This systematic review evaluates the impact of school-based caries prevention programs on DMFT scores and Oral health behaviours in school children. Objective: To evaluate the impact of school-based caries prevention programs on DMFT Scores and Oral Health Behaviors in school children. Methods: Databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, Springer, and Science Direct were searched from January 2009 to February 2024. Prisma guidelines were followed; 1, 950 studies were identified on the first search, titles, and abstracts of 500 papers were screened, 500 full-text papers were screened for eligibility, and 25 studies meeting the inclusion criteria were evaluated, relevant information was extracted, and a systematic review was conducted. Twenty-five studies were included in the systematic review. Results: These results indicate the significant role of SCPP among school-going children. Children with school-based caries prevention programs compared to those with no school-based caries prevention programs showed improved DMFT scores, reduced caries increment, healthy oral health behaviours, consistent Oral health hygienic habits, frequent use of flossing, fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinsing, and increased caries prevention knowledge. Conclusions: It was concluded that based on the pooled results, school-based caries prevention programs provide better, easily accessible, and sustainable caries prevention activities to school children to improve DMFT scores and Oral health behaviours.