Summa Cum Laude Honours Degrees for Human Physiology Five

UKZN Human Physiology students, Ms Miseka Koti, Ms Noxolo Mdlalose, Ms Nqobile Mkhize, Ms Luyanda Mthethwa and Mr Sizwe Ngubo made their family, friends and the Medical Sciences fraternity proud when they were awarded honours degrees summa cum laude.

Mkhize’s study investigated the changes in selected markers of calcium homeostasis – the maintenance of a constant concentration of calcium ions in the extracellular fluid – in patients with prediabetes (PD). Findings from her study suggested that prediabetes is a stage of disrupted calcium metabolism, even before the onset of T2DM (insulin resistance).

Mthethwa’s study investigated intestinal barrier integrity in prediabetes by analysing plasma biomarkers of intestinal permeability. ‘Markers such as zonulin, TNF-a, IL-6, glucose, insulin and HbA1c were significantly elevated in PD and T2D groups compared to non-PD,’ she said. The findings suggested intestinal permeability increased early in metabolic dysfunction.

Findings from Mdlalose’s project – “Differential Effects of Short-Chain Fatty Acids during Lipopolysaccharide Exposure on Cell Viability and Oxidative Stress in a Caco-2 Cell Line” – contributed to the understanding of short-chain fatty acids’ distinct roles in preserving the intestinal epithelial barrier under stress, with implications for therapeutic strategies targeting gut and brain health.

Ngubo investigated the effects of a ruthenium (II) complex on glucose homeostasis and insulin signalling pathways in diethyl nitrosamine (DEN)-induced hepatic (HepG2) cancer cells. The study stemmed from a growing global concern regarding the relationship between diabetes and cancer. The findings showed that the ruthenium complex enhanced glucose utilisation, restored glycogen levels, and influenced mTOR signalling, implying that it had the potential to improve glucose homeostasis as well as exert antidiabetic and anticancer actions in hepatic cancer cells.

Award-winning academic at UKZN’s School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences Professor Andile Khathi, said it was pleasing to see the students reaping the rewards of their hard work. His sentiments were echoed by Human Physiology lecturer, Dr Mluleki Luvuno, who was also one of their supervisors.

Words: Lunga Memela

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini