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Dr. Md Moniruzzaman

B.Pharm (Hons.), M.Pharm, PhD

Senior Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Projects

Intestinal microbial dysbiosis in Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBI)

Gut-brain interactions refer to the bidirectional communication and connection between the gut (digestive system) and the brain (central nervous system). The gut-brain axis is a complex network involving various pathways and signalling mechanisms that facilitate communication between these two systems. The enteric nervous system, also known as the "second brain," is a network of neurons within the gut that can function independently and communicate with the central nervous system. The vagus nerve, a major nerve connecting the gut and the brain, plays a crucial role in transmitting signals and information between these two systems. Gut-brain interactions are involved in regulating a wide range of functions, including digestion, appetite, mood, stress response, and immune function. The gut microbiota, the collection of microorganisms residing in the gut, also influences gut-brain interactions through the production of neurotransmitters and other signalling molecules. However, any disturbance in communication could lead to a variety of symptoms and conditions, called disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI) which includes motility disturbance, visceral hypersensitivity, altered mucosal and immune function, altered gut microbiota, and altered CNS processing. Therefore, understanding and studying gut-brain interactions is essential for gaining insights into various disorders and developing potential treatments.

This project will span our understanding on the involvement of small intestinal microbial dysbiosis in the pathogenesis of DGBI, whether antimicrobial therapy is effective in all subtypes or if specific subgroups of patients would benefit more, and the bidirectional interactions between mucosal immune function and small intestinal microenvironment; and develop new therapeutics targeting gut microbiota.

Cannabinoid receptor function in ulcerative colitis (UC) and inflammation-associated colorectal cancer (CRC)

About me

Dr Moniruzzaman is working as a Senior Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the UQ Faculty of Medicine and PA Hospital of Metro South Health. His research focuses on the molecular pathobiology of inflammatory diseases, in particular, how mucosal epithelial cells and gut microbiota regulate immune function in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and contribute to different diseases, including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and functional GI symptoms called disorders of gut-brain interactions (DGBI). Dr Moniruzzaman received his PhD from The University of Queensland in 2020, where he studied how the interleukin(IL)-20 family of cytokines (IL-20, IL-22, and IL-24) regulate mucosal epithelial and immune function in inflammatory and infectious diseases, including ulcerative colitis (UC) and respiratory syncytial virus. After graduation, he received postdoctoral training in the IBD Lab at Mater Research Institute – UQ and Nanomedicine Lab at UQ School of Pharmacy, where he investigated the role of cannabinoid receptors in UC and colitis-associated colorectal cancer, development of cannabinoid formulations to treat UC, and involvement of autophagy gene Atg7 in 6-Thioguanin mediated protection from UC. He was awarded a highly competitive UQ Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (2021-2022) and UQ School of Pharmacy Strategic Grant (2022) to study cannabinoids and Atg7 in UC, and Translational Research Institute LINC Grant (2023) to study cannabinoids in palliative care of patients with advanced cancer. Currently, he is working on how intestinal microbial dysbiosis controls mucosal immune microenvironment and contributes to the pathogenesis of DGBI, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional dyspepsia (FD).

“I started a career in biomedical research because of my deep curiosity about the way in which the human body works. Now, I am working to understand the contribution of different cytokines in human pathology, which will allow me to devise the causes behind the origin of inflammatory diseases and develop effective therapies to serve the community.”

Scholarships and awards:

  • Jan 2023: Translational Research Institute LINC Grant
  • Oct 2022: UQ School of Pharmacy Strategic Funding 2022
  • Jan 2022 - Dec 2022: UQ Postdoctoral Research Fellowship
  • July 2021 - June 2022: UQ Postdoctoral Research Fellowship
  • Jan 2017 - Dec 2019: Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship.
  • Dec 2016 - Aug 2019: Frank Clair Scholarship.
  • Jan 2016 - Aug 2019: University of Queensland Centennial (UQCent) Scholarship for Ph.D. candidature.
  • Jan 2016 - Dec 2016: International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (IPRS).
  • Sept 2013 - Aug 2015: SRD II scholarship for MS, Dongguk University, Republic of Korea.
  • July 2011 - Dec 2011 (Summer Semester): Academic scholarship, Stamford University Bangladesh.
  • July 2010 - Dec 2010 (Summer Semester): Academic scholarship, Stamford University Bangladesh.
  • Jan 2010 - June 2010 (Spring Semester): Academic scholarship, Stamford University Bangladesh.

Society affiliations:

  • July 2021 - continue: Member, QLD-ASI committee
  • Aug 2017 - continue: Member, Australasian Society for Immunology (ASI).
  • May 2017 - continue: Member, Australian Society for Medical Research (ASMR).
  • Mar 2015 – Aug 2015: Member, Pharmaceutical Society of Korea (PSK).
  • Sept 2014 – Feb 2015: Member, Pharmaceutical Society of Korea (PSK).
  • Mar 2014 – Aug 2014: Member, Pharmaceutical Society of Korea (PSK).
  • July 2012: Lifetime member of Stamford Pharmacy Alumni Association (SPAA), Bangladesh.

Publications

  1. Shin YH,....Moniruzzaman M, et al. 2023. Global, regional, and national burden of allergic disorders and their risk factors in 204 countries and territories, from 1990 to 2019: A systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. Allergy; 78:2232–2254; doi:10.1111/all.15807 [PubMed]
  2. Moniruzzaman M, …. Hasnain SZ*. 2023. IL-20 activates ERK1/2 and suppresses splicing of x-box protein-1 in intestinal epithelial cells but does not improve pathology in acute or chronic models of colitis. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(1): 174; doi:10.3390/ijms24010174 [PubMed] 
  3. Cao Y,...Moniruzzaman M, et al. 2023. Virus-like silica nanoparticles enhance macromolecule permeation in vivo. Biomaterials Science; 11: 4508; doi: 10.1039/D3BM00137G [PubMed]
  4. Janjua TI,...Moniruzzaman M, et al. 2023. Efficient delivery of Temozolomide using ultrasmall large-pore silica nanoparticles for glioblastoma. Journal of Controlled Release; 357: 161-174; doi: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.03.040 [PubMed]
  5. Ong KL,...Moniruzzaman M, et al. 2023. Global, regional, and national burden of diabetes from 1990 to 2021, with projections of prevalence to 2050: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. The Lancet; 402(10397): 203-234; doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)01301-6 [PubMed]
  6. Momtazmanesh M,....Moniruzzaman M, et al. 2023.Global burden of chronic respiratory diseases and risk factors, 1990–2019: an update from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. eClinicalMedicine; 59: 101936; doi: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.101936 [PubMed]
  7. Hmwe K,….Moniruzzaman M, et al. 2022. Age–sex differences in the global burden of lower respiratory infections and risk factors, 1990–2019: results from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. The Lancet Infectious Diseases; 22(11):1626-1647; doi:10.1016/S1473-3099(22)00510-2 [PubMed]
  8. Nichols E,.…Moniruzzaman M, et al. 2022. Estimation of the global prevalence of dementia in 2019 and forecasted prevalence in 2050: an analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. The Lancet Public Health; 7(2):e105-125; doi:10.1016/S2468-2667(21)00249-8 [PubMed]
  9. Moniruzzaman M, Elshaer D,….Popat A*. 2021. Facile synthesis of dendrimer like mesoporous silica nanoparticles to enhance targeted delivery of interleukin-22. Biomaterials Science; 9(22):7402-7411; doi:10.1039/d1bm01352a [PubMed]
  10. Parekh K,…Moniruzzaman M,….Mehta T*. 2021. Tacrolimus encapsulated mesoporous silica nanoparticles embedded hydrogel for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 608:121079; doi:10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.121079 [PubMed]
  11. Wang R, Moniruzzaman M, … Hasnain SZ*. 2021. Gut microbiota shape the inflammatory response in mice with an epithelial defect. Gut Microbes, 21(1): e1887720; doi:10.1080/19490976.2021.1887720 [PubMed]
  12. Pujara N, Giri R, Wong KY, Qu Z, Rewatkar P, Moniruzzaman M,….Popat A*. 2021. pH-responsive colloidal carriers assembled from β-lactoglobulin and epsilon poly-l-lysine for oral drug delivery.Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 589:45-55; doi:10.1016/j.jcis.2020.12.054 [PubMed]
  13. Qu Z, Wong KY, Moniruzzaman M, …. Popat A*. 2021. One-pot synthesis of pH-responsive Eudragit-mesoporous silica nanocomposites enable colonic delivery of glucocorticoids for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. Advanced Therapeutics, 2000165 [PubMed]
  14. Naisarg Pujara, Kuan Yau Wong, Zhi Qu, Ran Wang, Md. Moniruzzaman, Prarthana Rewatkar, Tushar Kumeria, Benjamin P Ross, Michael McGuckin*, Amirali Popat*. 2021. Oral delivery of β-lactoglobulin-nanosphere-encapsulated resveratrol alleviates inflammation in Winnie mice with spontaneous ulcerative colitis. Molecular Pharmaceutics, 18(2):627−640, doi:10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.0c00048 [PubMed]
  15. Afia Ferdous, Rabir Ahmed Janta, Rubaiya Nushin Arpa, Mirola Afroze, Mala Khan, Md. Moniruzzaman*. 2020. The leaves of Bougainvillea spectabilis suppressed inflammation and nociception in vivo through the modulation of glutamatergic, cGMP, and ATP-sensitive K + channel pathways. Journal of Ethnopharmacology (The official journal of the International Society for Ethnopharmacology), 261:113148. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2020.113148 [PubMed]
  16. Md. Moniruzzaman, Ran Wang, Varinder Jeet, Michael A McGuckin, Sumaira Z Hasnain*. 2019. Interleukin (IL)-22 from IL-20 subfamily of cytokines induces colonic epithelial cell proliferation predominantly through ERK1/2 pathway. International Journal of Molecilar Sciences, 20(14):3468, doi:10.3390/ijms20143468 [PubMed]
  17. Md. Moniruzzaman*, Md Abdul Mannan, Md Farhad Hossen Khan, Ariful Basher Abir, Mirola Afroze. 2018. The leaves of Crataeva nurvala Buch-Ham. modulate locomotor and anxiety behaviors possibly through GABAergic system. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 14: 354. (Affiliated with the International Society for Complementary Medicine Research), doi:10.1186/s12906-018-2338-y [PubMed]
  18. Md. Moniruzzaman*, Young-Won Chin, Jungsook Cho*. 2018. HO-1 dependent antioxidant effects of ethyl acetate fraction from Physalis alkekengi fruit ameliorates scopolamine-induced cognitive impairments. Cell Stress and Chaperones, 23(4):763-772. (The official journal of the Cell Stress Society International), doi: 10.1007/s12192-018-0887-0 [PubMed]
  19. Ran Wang, Md. Moniruzzaman, Eric Shuffle, Rohan Lourie, Sumaira Z Hasnain*. 2018. Immune regulation of the unfolded protein response at the mucosal barrier in viral infection. Clinical & Translational Immunology, 7(4): e1014. (The official journal of the Australasian Society for Immunology), doi: 10.1002/cti2.1014 [PubMed]
  20. Md. Moniruzzaman, Shambhunath Bose, Young-Mi Kim, Young-Won Chin, Jungsook Cho*. 2016. The ethyl-acetate fraction from Physalis alkekengi fruit inhibits LPS-induced pro-inflammatory mediators in BV2 cells and inflammatory pain in mice. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 181: 26–36. (The official journal of the International Society for Ethnopharmacology), doi:10.1016/j.jep.2016.01.023 [PubMed]
  21. Shambhunath Bose, Sunyoung Kim, Yeonsoo Oh, Md. Moniruzzaman, Gyeongjun Lee, Jungsook Cho*. 2016. Effect of CCL2 on BV2 microglial cell migration: Involvement of probable signaling pathways. Cytokine. 81: 39–49. (The official journal of the International Cytokine and Interferon Society), doi:10.1016/j.cyto.2016.02.001 [PubMed]
  22. Nushrat Sharmin Ani, Sudip Chakraborty, Md. Moniruzzaman*. 2016. The methanolic extract from Murraya koenigii L. inhibits glutamate-induced pain and involves ATP-sensitive K+ channel as antinociceptive mechanism. Advances in Pharmacological Sciences. Article ID 3790860, 2016: 1-6. doi:10.1155/2016/379086 [PubMed]
  23. Md. Moniruzzaman*, Md. Sarwar Hossain, Partha Sharoti Bhattacharjee. 2016. Evaluation of antinociceptive activity of methanolic extract of leaves of Stephania japonica Linn. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 186: 205-208. (The official journal of the International Society for Ethnopharmacology),  doi:10.1016/j.jep.2016.04.008 [PubMed]
  24. Md. Moniruzzaman*, Partha Sharoti Bhattacharjee, Moushumi Rahman Pretty, Md. Sarwar Hossain. 2016. Sedative and anxiolytic-like actions of ethanol extract of leaves of Glinus oppositifolius (Linn.) Aug. DC. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Article ID 8541017, 2016: 1-8. doi:10.1155/2016/8541017 [PubMed]
  25. Md. Moniruzzaman, Gyeongjun Lee, Shambhunath Bose, Minho Choi, Heeson Lee, Jungsook Cho*. 2015. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of N-((3, 4-dihydro-2H-benzo[h]chromen-2-yl)methyl)-4-methoxyaniline in LPS-induced BV2 microglial cells. Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin. 38(12): 1831-1835. (The official journal of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan), doi:10.1248/bpb.b15-00473 [PubMed]
  26. Md. Moniruzzaman, Ambia Khatun, Mohammad Zafar Imam*. 2015. Evaluation of antinociceptive activity of ethanol extract of leaves of Adenanthera pavonina. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Article ID 412497, 2015: 1-8. doi:10.1155/2015/412497 [PubMed]
  27. Md. Moniruzzaman*, Afia Ferdous, Fatama Wahid Bokul. 2015. Evaluation of antinociceptive activity of ethanol extract of bark of Polyalthia longifolia. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 172: 364-367. (The official journal of the International Society for Ethnopharmacology), doi:10.1016/j.jep.2015.06.053 [PubMed]
  28. Md. Moniruzzaman*, Md. Atikur Rahman, Afia Ferdous. 2015. Evaluation of sedative and hypnotic activity of ethanolic extract of Scoparia dulcis Linn. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Article ID 873954, 2015: 1-6. doi:10.1155/2015/873954 [PubMed]
  29. Md. Moniruzzaman*, Afia Ferdous, Shamima Irin. 2015. Evaluation of antinociceprive activity of ethanol extract of Hedyotis corymbosa Linn. whole plant in mice. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 161: 82-85. (The official journal of the International Society for Ethnopharmacology), doi:10.1016/j.jep.2014.12.011 [PubMed]
  30. Md. Moniruzzaman, Mohammad Zafar Imam*. 2014. Evaluation of antinociceptive effect of methanolic extract of leaves of Crataeva nurvala Buch.-Ham. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 14: 354. (Affiliated with the International Society for Complementary Medicine Research), doi:10.1186/1472-6882-14-354 [PubMed]
  31. Mohammad Zafar Imam*, Md. Moniruzzaman. 2014. Antinociceptive effect of ethanol extract of leaves of Lannea coromandelica. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 154: 109-115. (The official journal of the International Society for Ethnopharmacology), doi:10.1016/j.jep.2014.03.032 [PubMed]
  32. Afia Ferdous*, Rifatus-sana Anwar, Md. Moniruzzaman, Anjan Chakraborti. 2012. Evaluation of analgesic and neuropharmacological activity of methanolic extract of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn. Stamford Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 5 (1-2): 35-40. (Print Version). [ResearchGate]

 

Conference posters/talks:

  1. Md. Moniruzzaman, Ran Wang, Maya Patrick, Cora Lau, Varinder Jeet, Michael A McGuckin, Sumaira Z Hasnain*. 29th November 2017. IL-22 as a potential therapy to boost mucosal wound healing in the lung. 46th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Australasian Society for Immunology. Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, Brisbane, Australia.
  2. Md. Moniruzzaman, Ran Wang, Saba Farnaghi, Varinder Jeet, Michael A McGuckin, Sumaira Z Hasnain*. 17th August 2017. Mucosal healing: Role of IL-20 subfamily cytokines in cell proliferation with their underlying mechanism(s). 17th Brisbane Immunology Group Annual Retreat. Victoria Park Golf Complex, Brisbane, Australia.
  3. Md. Moniruzzaman, Ran Wang, Maya Patrick, Cora Lau, Michael A McGuckin, Sumaira Z Hasnain*. 1-4th August 2017. 57th PA Hospital Health Symposium. Intranasal instillation of bleomycin: The most suitable and non-invasive technique to induce lung fibrosis.  Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.
  4. Md. Moniruzzaman, Ran Wang, Maya Patrick, Cora Lau, Michael A McGuckin, Sumaira Z Hasnain*. 31st July 2017. Translational Research Institute Student Symposium. Intranasal instillation of bleomycin: The most suitable and non-invasive technique to induce lung fibrosis.  Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia.
  5. Md. Moniruzzaman, Ran Wang, Saba Farnaghi, Varinder Jeet, Michael A McGuckin, Sumaira Z Hasnain*. 31st May 2017. Mucosal healing: Role of IL-20 subfamily cytokines in cell proliferation with their underlying mechanism(s). QLD ASMR Postgraduate Student Conference. Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia.
  6. Md. Moniruzzaman. 12th May 2017. Comparison of two murine models of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. TRI Friday Seminar. Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia.
  7. Md. Moniruzzaman, Jennifer R. Deuis, Irina Vetter*. 13th July 2016. Discovery and characterization of novel sodium channel modulators using high throughput approaches. IMB RHD Student Symposium. Bioscience Precinct, The University of Queensland.
  8. Mirola Afroze*, Md. Moniruzzaman, Mohammad Zafar Imam, Abdul Ghani. 16th March, 2016. Phytochemical and pharmacological evaluation of a new herbal antacid formulation. 16th Asian Chemical Congress. Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka. Section MN-PP-10.
  9. Mirola Afroze*, Md. Moniruzzaman, Mohammad Zafar Imam, Tanvir Ahmed Siddiquee, Abdul Ghani. 5th March, 2016. Evaluation of chemico-pharmacological properties of a new polyherbal unani formulation. 4th AYUNS International Conference. Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Hall. Volume 3(1):47.
  10. Md. Moniruzzaman, Youngwon Chin, Jungsook Cho*. 24th April, 2015. Ethyl acetate fraction from Physalis alkekengi fruit exerts potent antioxidant effects through Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway in BV2 microglial cells. Spring International Convention of the Pharmaceutical Society of Korea. OSONG Medical Innovation Foundation C&V Center. Section P1-104.
  11. Md. Moniruzzaman, Gyeongjun Lee, Shambhunath Bose, Minho Choi, Heesoon Lee, Jungsook Cho*. 24th April, 2015. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of N-((3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[h]chromen-2-yl)methyl)-4-methoxyaniline in LPS-induced BV2 microglial cells. Spring International Convention of the Pharmaceutical Society of Korea. OSONG Medical Innovation Foundation C&V Center. Section P1-132.
  12. Md. Moniruzzaman, Shambhunath Bose, Young-Won Chin, Jungsook Cho*. 25th October 2014. Anti-inflammatory effects of Physalis alkekengi fruit through inhibition of PI3K/Akt and MAP Kinase pathways in LPS-induced BV2 microglial cells. Fall International Convention of the Pharmaceutical Society of Korea. Hotel Hyundai, Section P1-30.
  13. Md. Moniruzzaman, Mohammad Zafar Imam*. 18th April 2014. Antinociceptive effect of ethanol extract of leaves of Lannea coromandelica. Spring International Convention of the Pharmaceutical Society of Korea. The-K Seoul Hotel. Section P1-14.

Research fields

Immunology

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