Dr. Shravan Kumar Paswan - An Inspirational Journey of a Visionary Innovator in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Neuropharmacology and Rural Healthcare

 

Dr. Shravan Kumar Paswan, Ph.D., M. Pharm, MBA
 
Hello everyone,

My name is Shravan Kumar Paswan, and my birthplace is Sinduriya Bazar, District Maharajganj. I did my primary education in Sinduriya only. After that I moved to Gorakhpur for further education, where I completed my 10th from Maharana Pratap Inter College, Gorakhpur, and 12th from Mahatma Gandhi Inter College, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, and B. Pharm and M. Pharm from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. I have two brothers, named Pawan Kumar Paswan and Two Sister, named Archana and Anjali. My father's name is Ram Narayan, and my mother's name is Gyanti Devi. My mother is a housewife, and my father was retired from the state government services. Currently he is enjoying his retirement life in Villages, as he is more rooted in village and agriculture. I got married in 2016, and my wife's name is Dr. Pritt Verma. She did her PhD in pharmacology.
 
Currently I’m a Postdoctoral Fellow at UT Health Science Center at Houston, where I am deeply engaged in research focused on sex differences, Heart-Brain axis in stroke and dementia, particularly in the context of atrial fibrillation. My work aims to improve therapeutic outcomes by repurposing drugs and leveraging genetically modified mouse models.
 
I completed my Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences-Pharmacology in April 2021 jointly from CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute and Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, India. My doctoral research explored the wound healing mechanisms of medicinal plants, demonstrating their potential as alternatives to synthetic drugs.
 
Beyond my research, I am passionate about fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for trainees. I’ve mentored a diverse group of high school students, college students, post-graduate and graduate students, and Ph.D.’s—many from underrepresented backgrounds. It’s a privilege to combine my scientific pursuits with a commitment to education and mentorship, driving innovation and cultivating the next generation of researchers.
 

 
Could you share some background on your educational and professional journey?
 
I hold a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences-Pharmacology, which I earned in 2021. My doctoral research focused on the wound healing properties of medicinal plants, specifically Selaginella bryopteris and Amaranthus spinosus. My findings highlighted their potential as natural alternatives to conventional synthetic drugs, aligning with their ethno-pharmacological uses. I also worked as Senior Research Fellow with Dr. H.N. Yadav at AIIMS New Delhi, and this the place where my interest was developed in the cardiovascular pharmacology, here my main area of research was focused on the Pharmacological effects of vitamin D in pulmonary hypertension in a preclinical model. I also worked as Research Associate with Dr. Lucy Mohapatra at the Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Lucknow Campus, to study the geroprotector effect of SIRT1 activators from seaweeds of the Indian east coast on sarcopenia and cognition impairment in aged mice. This project was part of the Indian government's mission called “Drugs from the Sea,” which boosts discoveries of therapeutics and helped me to move an exciting research journey from India to USA.
 
Following my Ph.D., I transitioned to my current role as a Postdoctoral Fellow at UT Health Science Center at Houston. Here, my research addresses challenges in the Heart-Brain axis, with a particular focus on atrial fibrillation. I leverage genetically modified mouse models to investigate sex differences in therapeutic outcomes and explore drug repurposing strategies to improve patient care. Alongside my academic pursuits, I am dedicated to mentorship and fostering inclusivity in research. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring students and scholars at various career stages, many from underrepresented backgrounds.
 
 
Could you describe your current research focus on the heart-brain axis in stroke and dementia? 
 
Certainly! My current research focuses on the Heart-Brain axis, specifically exploring its role in conditions like stroke and dementia, with an emphasis on the interplay between cardiovascular and neurological health.

Key Areas of Focus:

•   Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke Risk: Atrial fibrillation (AF) significantly increases the risk of stroke due to irregular blood flow, which can lead to clot formation and embolic events. My research examines how sex differences influence the mechanisms underlying this risk, aiming to uncover personalized therapeutic strategies.

•   Cognitive Decline and Dementia: Cardiovascular dysfunction, particularly AF, is increasingly recognized as a contributor to cognitive decline and vascular dementia. My work investigates how chronic AF alters brain structure and function, potentially exacerbating neurodegenerative processes.

•   Drug Repurposing for Therapeutic Outcomes: I’m exploring drug repurposing strategies to mitigate the effects of AF on the brain. Using genetically modified mouse models, I evaluate existing pharmacological agents for their potential to protect against both cardiovascular and neurological damage, with the goal of accelerating therapeutic applications.

•   Sex Differences in the Heart-Brain Connection: Men and women often experience cardiovascular and neurological diseases differently. My research delves into the molecular and physiological pathways that drive these sex-specific outcomes, seeking to develop interventions tailored to these differences.
 
Impact and Future Directions:
 
By unravelling the complexities of the Heart-Brain axis, my work aims to:
 
•  Improve stroke prevention strategies in AF patients.
•  Identify novel approaches to delay or prevent dementia in at-risk populations.
•  Enhance therapeutic precision by considering sex-based biological variations.
 
This research is at the intersection of cardiology and neuroscience, with the ultimate goal of improving patient care across both domains. In the last I would like to say thanks to my PI Dr. Bharti Manwani, for this wonderful opportunity and help to trained me as a budding neuroscientist.
 
 
What are your areas of expertise, and what key findings emerged from your research on wound healing mechanisms? 
 
Areas of Expertise

1.     Cardiovascular and Neuroscience Research: Investigating the Heart-Brain axis, particularly its role in atrial fibrillation, stroke, and dementia. Leveraging genetically modified mouse models to study disease mechanisms and therapeutic interventions. Pharmacology and Drug Repurposing: Extensive experience in pharmacology, including drug discovery and repurposing strategies.
 
2.     Behavioral and Biochemical Analysis: Proficient in behavioral studies, histopathology, telemetric systems, and biochemical parameter analysis.

3.     Ethnopharmacology and Wound Healing Research: Focused on medicinal plant-based therapeutics, emphasizing natural product pharmacology.
 
 
Key Findings from Wound Healing Research
 
During my doctoral research, I investigated the wound healing mechanisms of two medicinal plants:
 
Key Findings:
 
•    Among these two plants, one plants demonstrated:
    -Significant wound healing activity, attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
    -A higher efficacy compared to another plant, supporting its use in traditional medicine for wound care.
•    Both plants exhibited:
    -Enhanced collagen synthesis, promoting tissue repair.

    -Accelerated epithelialization and reduced scar formation in preclinical models.
 
•    Mechanistic Insights: The healing effects were primarily driven by phytochemicals, including flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which modulate cellular signaling pathways critical for inflammation reduction and tissue regeneration.
 
Impact:
These findings validated the ethnopharmacological uses of these plants and highlighted their potential as cost-effective, natural alternatives to synthetic wound healing agents.
 

What motivated you to pursue an MBA in Rural Management alongside your studies in pharmaceutical sciences and pharmacology?
 
While doing my studies, as I belong to a very poor family with an agricultural background, I have struggled a lot to get my food and other things, and I have seen many more people like me struggle around my life. So, I started an NGO and main goal of this NGO is to focus on providing training and motivating them to other methods of alternative agriculture, which include the cultivation and collection of medicinal plants and small-scale commercialization. This step makes me pursue an MBA in Rural Management alongside my studies in pharmaceutical sciences and pharmacology, which was driven by a desire to bridge the gap between scientific research and real-world applications, particularly in underserved and rural areas.
 
 
Key Motivations
1. Translational Impact of Research:
    -My interest in medicinal plants and their role in healthcare led me to recognize the untapped potential of traditional knowledge, especially in rural communities.
    -An MBA in Rural Management provided insights into how to integrate these findings into practical, community-based healthcare solutions.

2.  Healthcare Accessibility:
    -Rural areas often face limited access to modern healthcare and rely heavily on traditional remedies. I wanted to understand the socio-economic dynamics that influence healthcare delivery and work towards improving access to effective, affordable treatments.

3.  Sustainable Development Goals:
    -Combining pharmaceutical expertise with rural management allowed me to contribute to sustainable healthcare models, focusing on equitable distribution of medical resources and promoting the use of locally available medicinal plants.

4. Skill Diversification:
    -The MBA enhanced my leadership, strategic planning, and project management skills, complementing my scientific training. These skills have been instrumental in designing and implementing community-based healthcare initiatives.

5. Holistic Perspective:
    -It gave me a broader perspective on the challenges of implementing healthcare innovations in resource-limited settings, from policymaking to supply chain logistics and community engagement.
 
Outcome
 
This interdisciplinary approach has shaped my ability to work at the intersection of science, society, and policy. It has been invaluable in translating research into impactful, community-oriented solutions while fostering a deeper understanding of how science can serve societal needs.
 
 
What advice would you give to young researchers who are interested in pursuing a career in neuropharmacology or neurology? 
 
Pursuing a career in Pharmacy, neuropharmacology or neurology can be immensely rewarding, offering opportunities to address some of the most complex and pressing health challenges. Here’s my advice for young researchers interested in these fields:
 
1.  Build a Strong Foundation in Neuroscience and Pharmacology
•    Gain a solid understanding of neurobiology, including the structure and function of the nervous system.
•   Study pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, focusing on how drugs interact with neurological systems.

2. Cultivate Interdisciplinary Knowledge
•   Neuropharmacology often intersects with fields like cardiology, behavioral science, genetics, and immunology.

•   Explore related disciplines to understand the broader context of neurological diseases.

3. Develop Practical Research Skills
•   Learn experimental techniques such as in vivo and in vitro models, histopathology, telemetry systems, and biochemical assays.
•   Get hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools like CRISPR, optogenetics, and neuroimaging technologies.

4.  Stay Curious and Updated
•    Neuropharmacology is a rapidly evolving field; keep up with advances in areas like drug discovery, biologics, and personalized medicine.
•    Attend conferences, workshops, and seminars to engage with the latest research and expand your network.

5.  Choose a Niche, but Stay Open-Minded
•    Identify a specific area that excites you, such as stroke mechanisms, neurodegenerative diseases, or psychiatric disorders.
•    Be flexible to adapt as the field evolves, as new technologies and discoveries often open unexpected pathways.

6.  Prioritize Mentorship and Collaboration
•    Seek out mentors who can guide you scientifically and professionally.
•    Engage in collaborative projects—neuropharmacology thrives on team science.

7.  Communicate Your Science
•    Develop skills to effectively communicate your findings to diverse audiences, including fellow scientists, clinicians, and the public.
•    Publish your research in reputable journals and present at conferences to build credibility.

8.  Embrace Challenges and Resilience
•    Research can be demanding, with experiments not always yielding expected results. Use setbacks as learning opportunities.
•    Stay committed to your goals while remaining adaptable to new ideas.

9.  Focus on Impact
•    Always think about the translational potential of your work. How can your research improve patient care or quality of life?
•   Consider the broader implications of your findings for public health and policy.

10. Invest in Lifelong Learning
•     Neuropharmacology is an ever-expanding field, so commit to continuous education. Consider pursuing advanced degrees, certifications, or specialized training as needed.
 
By staying curious, collaborative, and impact-driven, you’ll be well-positioned to make meaningful contributions to the fields of Pharmacy, neuropharmacology or neurology.
 
 
Are there any new areas of research or emerging technologies you are excited to explore in the near future?
 
Absolutely! The rapidly evolving landscape of science and technology presents numerous exciting opportunities. Here are a few areas and emerging technologies that I’m particularly eager to explore in the near future:

1.  Precision Medicine in Neuro-Cardiology
•    Why it’s exciting: Advances in genomics and bioinformatics are enabling personalized treatment approaches, particularly for complex conditions like atrial fibrillation (AF) and neurodegenerative diseases.
•    Future Direction: Leveraging multi-omics (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics) and AI-driven predictive models to develop sex-specific, tailored interventions for the Heart-Brain axis.

2.  Brain-Heart Interfacing Technologies
•    Why it’s exciting: New devices and interfaces, such as bi-directional neuromodulation tools, are being developed to regulate cardiovascular and neurological functions simultaneously.
•     Future Direction: Exploring how vagus nerve stimulation or deep brain stimulation might mitigate the impact of atrial fibrillation on stroke and cognitive decline.

3.   Advances in Drug Repurposing and AI-Driven Discovery
•     Why it’s exciting: AI and machine learning are revolutionizing the identification of novel uses for existing drugs, significantly reducing time and cost.
•     Future Direction: Utilizing AI models to uncover underappreciated links between cardiovascular and neurological diseases and designing preclinical trials to test these findings.

4.   Sex-Specific Mechanistic Studies
•     Why it’s exciting: Understanding the biological and molecular basis of sex differences in disease mechanisms could transform treatment strategies.
•     Future Direction: Investigating how hormonal fluctuations and sex chromosomes affect the interaction between atrial fibrillation, stroke, and dementia at the cellular and molecular levels.

5.   Non-Invasive Biomarkers and Diagnostics
•     Why it’s exciting: The development of minimally invasive or non-invasive diagnostic tools, such as liquid biopsies and wearable biosensors, is transforming early detection and monitoring.
•     Future Direction: Developing biomarkers to monitor the Heart-Brain axis, focusing on early detection of cognitive decline in atrial fibrillation patients.

6.   Advances in Neuroimaging
•    Why it’s exciting: Technologies like 7T MRI and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) are providing unprecedented insights into the brain’s structural and functional changes.
•   Future Direction: Using high-resolution imaging to map the impact of atrial fibrillation on cerebral perfusion and neurodegeneration.

7.   Integration of Gut-Brain-Heart Axis
•     Why it’s exciting: Emerging research shows that gut microbiota significantly influences cardiovascular and neurological health.
•     Future Direction: Investigating how the gut microbiome contributes to sex differences in stroke and dementia risk, and exploring probiotics or microbiota-targeted therapies.

8.  Exploring Neural Plasticity in Recovery
•    Why it’s exciting: Understanding how neural plasticity can be enhanced offers hope for recovery in conditions like stroke and dementia.
•    Future Direction: Examining how pharmacological agents or lifestyle interventions (exercise, diet) can synergize to promote neuroplasticity and rehabilitation.
 
These areas represent exciting frontiers that combine cutting-edge technology with critical questions in neuroscience and cardiology. Exploring them could pave the way for transformative advances in patient care and treatment strategies.