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Professor Parvez Haris

Job: Professor of Biomedical Science and Head of Research for the School of Allied Health Sciences

Faculty: Health and Life Sciences

School/department: School of Allied Health Sciences

Address: 制服无码, The Gateway, Leicester, LE1 9BH.

T: +44 (0)116 250 6306

E: pharis@dmu.ac.uk

W: /hls

 

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Publications and outputs


  • dc.title: Analysis of essential and toxic elements in tap and bottled water from the UK and its comparison with literature data for drinking water from African countries: implications for human health dc.contributor.author: Brima, Eid Ibrahim; Haris, P. I. (Parvez I.) dc.description.abstract: This study compares the presence of essential and toxic elements in UK and African waters. Drinking water samples (n=93) were collected from Leicester, UK [45 bottled drinking water (BDW) and 48 tap drinking water (TDW)]. Concentrations of 26 elements were determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Notably, cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) were detected only in TDW samples, with detection percentages of 25% and 60.4%, respectively. In contrast, very low concentrations of arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg) were detected in 82.2% and 100% of BDW samples and in 88.9% and 95.6% of TDW samples, respectively. All detected element concentrations were within World Health Organization safety limits. The hazard quotient (HQ) and Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) values for toxic elements were below the permissible limits, suggesting no significant long-term health risks. In contrast, recent literature from some African countries has revealed high concentrations of toxic elements, such as Pb and As, with HQ and ILCR exceeding guidelines. Consumption of water can be higher in African countries, which have warmer climates, and this will further increase their exposure to toxic elements compared to the UK. There is an urgent need to lower toxic elements in African drinking waters through improvements to the water treatment and distribution systems. dc.description: open access article

  • dc.title: Dietary Intake of Essential Elements from African Foods Available in the UK Market dc.contributor.author: Brima, Eid Ibrahim; Haris, P. I. (Parvez I.); Frei, Michael dc.description.abstract: Background: Foods containing essential elements are important to human health. There is concern regarding micronutrient deficiency in the African population, and there is a need to identify foods that can address this public health issue. This study focuses on the determination of essential elements (EEs) in four African food categories: plant-based agricultural products (PBAPs), spices (SPs), fishery products (FPs), and non-food items/additives (NFAs) on sale in the UK market. Methods: Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used for measuring trace essential elements (TEEs鈥擬n, Fe, Cu, Zn, Se) and major essential elements (MEEs鈥擭a, Mg, K, Ca) in the four categories of the African foods. Results: Mean concentrations (碌g/g) for the TEEs were Cu 5.3, 7.3, 23.5, and 7.4; Fe 79.0, 263, 107.7, and 1311.3; Mn 23.4, 28.5, 15.9, and 47.4; Se 0.3, 0.1, 1.6, and 0.6; Zn 8.9, 11.4, 26.8, and 6.2 (PBAPs, SPs, FPs, NFAs, respectively). Mean concentrations of the MEEs (mg/g) were Na 0.6, 11.2, 13.3, and 32.9; Mg 1.6, 1.9, 2.4, and 5.5; K 9.2, 14.6, 9.6, and 8.3; Ca 4.1, 3.3, 27.5, and 127.8. All elements were below the upper intake limits (ULs) established by WHO/EFSA. When expressed as a percentage of the recommended daily allowance (%RDA) for adult males/females, 100% or more of the requirement was achieved for Cu (107.1%) and Ca (112.8%) in FPs. Excess index (EI), hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) values for all TEEs were <1, indicating there is no non-cancerogenic health concern across all food categories. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that African foods available in the UK are substantial sources of essential micronutrients. The fishery products contain high levels of nutrients that are often deficient in African diets. However, before recommending these foods for nutritional interventions, a comprehensive risk鈥揵enefit assessment, considering potential toxic metal contamination and microbial hazards must be undertaken. Future studies should expand the sample pool to include a broader range of African foodstuffs and national representation, coupled with integrated risk-benefit analyses. dc.description: open access article

  • dc.title: Addressing the triple burden of malnutrition in Africa: Focusing on micronutrient deficiency dc.contributor.author: Haris, P. I. (Parvez I.); Brima, Eid Ibrahim dc.description.abstract: Background: The triple burden of malnutrition鈥攖he coexistence of overnutrition, undernutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies鈥攊s a major health challenge in many African countries. Insufficient intake of essential micronutrients such as calcium, iron, and zinc contribute to widespread nutritional deficiencies. This study is part of the Horizon EU Framework Programme project, "Combating Malnutrition in Africa through Diversification of the Food System," which aims to address these issues through research and dietary improvements. Objectives: This study aims to assess the levels of essential elements calcium, iron, and zinc in African foods in order to identify foods that can best meet the micronutrient needs of the African population. Methodology: Food samples were collected from shops serving African communities in various UK cities, including Leicester and London. A total of 83 different food types were analysed in duplicate using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) to determine the micronutrients. Results: Our findings indicate that many commonly consumed foods are low in calcium, iron, and zinc. However, seafood, particularly prawns, contained higher concentrations of these essential micronutrients. Consuming 100g of prawns per day would contribute to the Provisional Maximum Daily Intake (PMDI) for iron (Fe) at 0.1 碌g/kg bw/day (14.9%) and zinc (Zn) at 0.03 碌g/kg bw/day (2.8%). Additionally, the Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) for calcium (Ca) is 3.6 mg/day, covering 0.5% of the recommended daily intake. Conclusion: Our study highlights the need to diversify diets to address micronutrient deficiencies in African populations. To build on these findings, we are expanding our research to include meat, dairy products, and underutilized African crops to identify additional nutrient-rich foods that can help combat malnutrition.

  • dc.title: Determination of toxic elements in foods that are commonly consumed by Africans dc.contributor.author: Haris, P. I. (Parvez I.); Brima, Eid Ibrahim dc.description.abstract: Background: Our research is aimed at reducing human exposure to toxic chemicals in the African population. Exposure to toxic elements can be through different pathways, one of them is the consumption of contaminated foods. Arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) are well known for their toxicity to human beings. Therefore, to ensure food safety and protect public health, it is important to analyse foods consumed by different population groups. Objective: To determine the content of four toxic elements (TEs), As, Cd, Hg, and Pb in foods consumed by Africans. Methodology: Food samples were purchased from shops selling African products. We analysed 83 food types in duplicate, in total 186 samples. The samples included seven categories: agricultural products (legume, grain, nuts, seeds, leaves, fruit, and tuber crops), fishery products (fish and prawns), processed food (different spices), and non-food additives (potash & long chalk). The concentrations of the four TEs were measured using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results: In all samples, TEs were detected in the following percentages (%) Pb (69.2), As (53.7), Cd (33.1), and Hg (3.8). The following percentages (%) of the TEs As (24.7), Pb (22.6),and Cd (2.2) exceeded the WHO/FAO limits of 0.2, 0.3, and 0.1 mg/kg for As, Pb and Cd, respectively. The hazard quotient (HQ) and the Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) values for the TES were in some samples higher than the permissible limits. The HQ (%) were As (2.2) and Pb (1.1), in food additives. The ILCR (%) were As (2.2), Cd (2.2), and Pb (34.4) in some leaves, food additives, seeds and fruits. Higher levels of As in fishery products were not included for HQ and ILCR values, because As in fish is mainly organo arsenic, which is non-toxic. Conclusion: Our study reveals presence of toxic elements in some African foods that could pose significant long-term health risks for human health. Further research work needs to be carried out with a large number and variety of food samples to fully assess the impact of the findings.

  • dc.title: Assessment of human health risk based on analysis of potentially toxic elements in African foods sold in the UK market dc.contributor.author: Brima, Eid Ibrahim; Haris, P. I. (Parvez I.); Frei, Michael dc.description.abstract: Toxic elements (TEs), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) were determined in African foods sold in the UK and consumed by African communities. The average concentrations (碌g/g) of As, Cd, Hg, and Pb in agricultural products, fishery products, spices, and non-food additives were as follows: As (0.1, 15.4, 0.13, and 2.3), Cd (0.6, 0.3, 0.1, and 0.03), Hg (not detected, 0.07, 0.1, and not detected), and Pb (0.3, 0.12, 0.15, and 3.8), respectively. Hazard quotient (HQ) calculations showed that Prawn, Kaun, and Calabash samples exceeded safety thresholds for As, while only Calabash exceeded safety thresholds for Pb. Regarding Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR), 16%, 4%, and 2% of the total analysed samples (n =152) exceeded the guideline value, for Pb, As, and Cd, respectively. In conclusion, this study highlights the presence of toxic elements in certain African foods that may pose significant long-term health risks. dc.description: open access article

  • dc.title: Enhancing Clinical Trial Outcome Prediction with Artificial Intelligence: A Systematic Review dc.contributor.author: Qian, Long; Lu, Xin; Haris, P. I. (Parvez I.); Zhu, Jianyong; Li, Shuo; Yang, Yingjie dc.description.abstract: Clinical trials are pivotal in drug development yet fraught with uncertainties and resource-intensive demands. The application of AI models to forecast trial outcomes could mitigate failures and expedite the drug discovery process. This review synthesizes AI methodologies impacting clinical trial outcomes, focusing on clinical text embedding, trial multimodal learning, and prediction techniques, while addressing practical challenges and opportunities. dc.description: open access article

  • dc.title: A review of salivary composition changes induced by fasting and its impact on health dc.contributor.author: Aripin, N. F. K.; Zahid, N. I.; Rahim, M. A. A.; Yaacob, H.; Haris, P. I. (Parvez I.); Rahim, Z. H. A.; Hashim, R. dc.description.abstract: Human saliva is an indispensable fluid that maintains a healthy oral cavity which otherwise can lead to oral diseases (dental caries and periodontitis). In addition, salivary metabolites and microbiome profile provide early detection of systemic diseases such as cancer and obesity. Salivary diagnostic has gained popularity due to its non-invasive sampling technique. Fasting (abstinence from food or drink or both) research for weight loss and improve health is common, but studies using fasting saliva are scarce. Some metabolites in fasting saliva have been reported with interesting results, which can be enhanced by considering different confounding factors. For example, fasting saliva contains higher salivary nitrite, which is related to nitric oxide (NO). NO is a vasodilator supporting the healthy function of endothelial cells and its deficiency is connected to many diseases. The timely supply of NO through exogenous and endogenous means is highlighted and the potential advantage of fasting salivary composition changes in relation to COVID-19 infection is speculated. This review aims to provide a general discussion on the salivary composition, properties, and functions of the whole saliva, including the health benefits of fasting. dc.description: open access article

  • dc.title: Effects of Ramadan Fasting on Glycaemic Control Among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Observational Studies dc.contributor.author: Elmajnoun, Hala K.; Faris, Moez AlIslam E; Abdelrahim, Dana N; Haris, P. I. (Parvez I.); Abu-Median, Abu-Bakr dc.description.abstract: Introduction The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is increasing around the world. Although Muslims with a physical illness are exempted from fasting during the month of Ramadan, a great number still choose to fast, often without medical consultations. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the impact of observing Ramadan fasting (RF) on glycaemic control in patients with T2D. Methods The Web of Science, Scopus, EBSCOhost, CINAHL, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, ProQuest Central and Europe PubMed Central (Medline) databases were searched for relevant studies published between January 2000 and December 2021. Observational studies that examined the changes in body weight (BW) and glucose parameters (glycosylated haemoglobin [HbA1c] and fasting blood glucose [FBG]), before and after RF among different age groups with T2D were included in the systemic review and meta-analysis. Effect sizes for the tested outcomes were calculated as weighted mean difference (WMD), with their confidence intervals (CI). Quality assessment was examined using the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) tool. Results Of the 1592 identified records, 12 studies conducted in Middle Eastern and Asian countries were eligible and included in the quantitative analyses. The quality of the retrieved studies was evaluated and found to range between fair (83%) and good (17%). These 12 studies included 5554 participants of whom 54% were males and 46% were females. Our pooled analysis demonstrated that HbA1c and FBG levels significantly decreased after RF when compared to the pre-fasting levels (WMD鈥�=鈥�0.55 mg/dl, 95% CI 0.33鈥�0.77, P鈥�<鈥�0.00001, 螜2鈥�=鈥�93% and WMD鈥�=鈥�12.42, CI 6.46鈥�18.38, P鈥�<鈥�0.0001, 螜2鈥�=鈥�81%, respectively). However, the difference in BW in fasting patients after RF versus the pre-fasting stage was non-significant. Although, young patients with T2D were enrolled in the 12 selected studies, we did not find any studies that solely focussed on this group. Conclusion The impact of RF on adult patients with T2D is associated with favorable outcomes. However, future studies should evaluate data from young adults separately. In addition, it is essential to identify the effects of the number of fasting days (level of exposure), diet, level of physical activity and sleeping pattern on optimal glycaemic control. This information could be utilized by medical professionals as a non-pharmacological therapeutic method for management of diabetes in patients who are willing to practice fasting during Ramadan and other months of the year. dc.description: open access article

  • dc.title: Investigating the antiviral activity of volatile compounds from Nigella sativa against coronaviruses. dc.contributor.author: Cooper, Gemma; Khodeir, Hesham F.I.; Kamoona, Karrar; Alalaqi, Ahmed; Haris, P. I. (Parvez I.); Shivkumar, Maitreyi dc.description.abstract: The recent emergence of three major coronaviruses and presence of coronaviruses circulating in bats suggests that spillover of new pandemic-potential coronaviruses into humans is likely in future. The development of pan-coronavirus antivirals will be crucial to combat this. Here, we investigated the antiviral activities of Nigella sativa (black cumin) oil extracts from various global locations against seasonal human coronaviruses OC43 and 229E, and SARS-CoV-2 pseudoviruses. Coronavirus-infected cells were directly treated with oil extracts and antiviral activity determined by quantifying viral titres. In diffusion assays, oils were incubated in microwell plates with virus in adjacent wells to investigate the effect of diffused volatile compounds. After incubation over a range of times, infectivity was determined. Our diffusion assay results indicate that volatile compounds present in Nigella sativa extracts show antiviral activities against coronaviruses, with no cytotoxic effect on cells. Significant inhibition of infection was observed after 12 hours incubation, with the most potent oils showing a 鈮�4 log10 reduction in OC43 infectivity at 24 hours. Interestingly, direct treatment of infected cells with oils showed limited antiviral efficacy, suggesting that the vapour phase may offer higher concentrations of the bioactive compounds without compromising cell viability. We also identified key volatile compounds present in the oil vapour phase; evaluation of the antiviral activity of these volatiles in isolation and in synergy are ongoing. Overall, this work provides a first step towards identifying novel pan-coronavirus antiviral compounds that can be formulated as sprays or inhalers for direct delivery to the site of infection.

  • dc.title: Ramadan fasting research during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom: recruitment challenges dc.contributor.author: Elmajnoun, Hala K.; Haris, P. I. (Parvez I.); Abu-Median, Abu-Bakr dc.description.abstract: Background: Many Muslims in the UK perform a dawn to dusk fasting, with no food and water, for 29鈥�30 days during the month of Ramadan. Adults and some children, with type 2 diabetes (T2D), also engage in fasting often without medical guidance. The potential benefits or harms associated with this have not been well investigated. This report discusses and reflects the experience of developing questionnaire-based studies and the challenges faced in engaging Ramadan fasting (RF) children and young adults in this research during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. Methods: SOGOSurvey software was used to design retrospective and prospective questionnaires, which gathered information on medical history, lifestyle and COVID-19 pandemic-related impacts. The questionnaires were sent to healthy people and patients with T2D aged from 12 to 80 years old, who planned to fast during Ramadan for a minimum of 10 days. The participants were recruited from several communities and medical centres in the UK. Participants were contacted by phone and email. Results: The response rate for the retrospective questionnaire (27.5%), which included people with and without T2D, was lower than expected even though it was close to the average of the current online surveys responses at about 30%. The majority of the respondents were from the 鈥淥ther ethnicities group鈥� at 65.4%. Moreover, the response rate for the prospective study among only patients with T2D was at 22.5%. The youngest people with T2D who fasted during Ramadan were 14 years old. Conclusions: The low percentage of completion of the questionnaires may be due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Furthermore, it is known that participation in research is low amongst ethnic minority population in the UK. Creating greater awareness about the importance of participation in research studies within ethnic minority groups in the UK is needed. Face-to-face completion of questionnaires with the researcher could be the most effective approach for engaging 12 to16 years old children in research. dc.description: open access journal

Research interests/expertise

  • Application of diverse biophysical techniques such as FTIR, NMR, CD, MALDI-TOF, ICP-MS, Fluorescence as well as Synchrotron based spectroscopic methods, for characterisation of medically important peptides, proteins, macromolecular interactions including protein-protein and protein-membrane interactions.  Studies are also performed on cells, tissues and biofluids.
  • Development of spectroscopic and bioinformatics tools for application in the fields of proteomics, metabolomics, disease diagnosis, screening and treatment.
  • Structure-function studies of novel antimicrobial agents, based mainly on peptides and proteins, to counter antibiotic resistance.
  • Role of metals in health and disease through analysis of metals in the environment, diet and the human body.
  • Understanding the complex relationship between diet, exposure to pollutants, nutrition, life-style, ethnicity and health through human biomonitoring studies.
  • Improving human health and the environment through development of novel, environmental friendly, strategies for removal of toxic contaminants from water and the food-chain.
  • Studies of migrant health with particular focus on the relationship between health and practices such as betel quid chewing, geophagy.

Areas of teaching

  • Biochemical Disease Processes
  • Biomedical Techniques
  • Protein Structure-Function
  • Advanced Topics in Biomedical Science
  • Bioinformatics

Qualifications

PhD, BSc (Hons.)

制服无码 taught

  • BSc Biomedical Science
  • MSc Biomedical Science
  • MPharm Pharmacy
  • MSc Pharmaceutical Biotechnology

Membership of professional associations and societies

  • Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC, CChem)
  • Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health (FRSPH)
  • Member of the Biochemical Society (since 1986)

Professional licences and certificates

Chartered Chemist (CChem)

Current research students

  • First Supervisor: 5 PhD students
  • Second Supervisor: 5 PhD students

Externally funded research grants information

Funding for research has been obtained from various sources including the UK Research Councils (EPSRC, BBSRC), the British Council, the European Union etc. For example, principal investigator, from DMU, on a research consortium consisting of 15 leading European Universities (awarded EU grant of €3.15 million of which €198490.46 is allocated to 制服无码) investigating the human health impact of geogenic elements in groundwater and soils in the European Union. This was a 4 year project that started in January 2007.

Professional esteem indicators

  • Editor-in-Chief: Biomedical Spectroscopy and Imaging
  • Editorial Advisory Panel Member: Bio-Medical Materials and Engineering
  • Editor: Biochemical Journal (until 2008)
  • Editor: Analytical Cellular Oncology
  • Editorial Advisor: Molecular Membrane Biology
  • Committee Member and treasurer of the Protein and Peptide Science Group of the Royal Society of Chemistry.
  • Committee Member of the Molecular Structures Theme Panel of theBiochemical Society (until March 2012)