Recent Publications
1. Genetic insights into vitamin D receptor polymorphisms and spinal tuberculosis risk: Discovery of novel SNP variant. Gene Reports. 2025 41;102321. doi.org/10.1016/j.genrep.2025.102321 Authors: Shamaila Ejaz, Bushra Rauf, Muhammad Saad Ilyas, Shahjahan Malik, Amer Aziz, Uruj Zehra.
Major Findings:
- Significant associations were found between VDR gene polymorphisms and severity of spinal tuberculosis in the Pakistani population.
- A novel SNP was identified linked to increased vertebral damage, disc collapse, and higher Pfirrmann grades signifying potential role in TB spine.
- Identification of new regulatory haplotypes highlights need to consider genetic variants in TB-endemic regions for better risk stratification
2. Characterization of bone & cartilage endplate junction in the human lumbar spine: novel ultrastructural insights & association with elemental composition, vascularity and degeneration. Eur Spine J . 2025 Jun;34(6):2079-2091 doi: 10.1007/s00586-025-08725-z. Epub 2025 Feb 21. Authors: Amber Sazlman, Muhammad Kashif Baig, Alejandro A Espinoza Orias, Ana Chee, Dino Samartzis, Uruj Zehra
Major Findings:
-
• Novel Junctional Anatomy Identified: First ultrastructural study in humans to map the CEP–BEP junction, revealing gaps occasionally bridged by fine fibrillar adhesions (“adhesion bridges”), a potential weak point in disc integrity.
• Pathological Correlations: Junctional gap-width strongly correlated with age, spinal level, disc degeneration severity, calcification, and vascular channel formation, highlighting its role in disease progression.
• Mechanistic Insights: EDX analysis showed calcium distribution in CEP significantly linked with junctional gap-width and vascularity, suggesting a structural–molecular pathway contributing to inflammation, degeneration, and pain.
3. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs influence cartilage healing. Knee. 2025 Jan;52:121-130. doi: 10.1016/j.knee.2024.10.021. Epub 2024 Nov 21. PMID: 39577110. Authors: Asma Sajjad Khawaja, Maria Zafar, Rana Muhammad Zeeshan, Muhammad Saad Ilyas, Amer Aziz, Uruj Zehra
Major Findings:
- NSAIDs Impair Cartilage Healing: Both nonselective and selective COX-2 inhibitors significantly increased cartilage degradation scores and reduced chondrocyte numbers, particularly in early healing phases.
- Proteoglycan & BMP-2 Impact: NSAID administration was associated with marked loss of proteoglycan content and suppression of BMP-2 expression, key factors in cartilage regeneration.
- Clinical Relevance: Findings suggest that routine use of NSAIDs following retrograde femoral nailing may delay or impair articular cartilage repair, raising concerns for post-surgical cartilage health.3. Publications
Research Publication
Book Chapters
- Uruj Zehra, Zakariah K. Siyaji, Gary Michael Mallow, Jeffrey C. Lotz, Howard S. An, Alejandro A. Espinoza-Orias, Khaled Aboushaala, Frances M.K. Williams, Jaro Karppinen and Dino Samartzis. Vertebral endplate abnormalities, defects, and changes In Spine Phenotypes, Elsevier Science Publishing Co Inc. 2022
- Uruj Zehra, James D. Baker, Gary Michael Mallow, J. Nicolás Barajas, Juhani Määttä, Alexander Tkachev, Hai-Qiang Wang, Ana Chee, Chundo Oh, Jaro I. Karppinen, Frances M.K. Williams and Dino Samartzis. Intervertebral disc degeneration In Spine Phenotypes, Elsevier Science Publishing Co Inc. 2022
PROFORMA FOR PUBLICATION DATA (Last 5 Years Publications)
| Sr. # | Year | Title of Publication | Journal Name & Indexation | Impact Factor (JCR) | Status | DOI Number | Study Setting | Collaborative Institute | First Author's Name & Designation | Corresponding Author | Grant Related Work/Funding Agency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2025 | Genetic insights into vitamin D receptor polymorphisms and spinal tuberculosis risk: Discovery of novel SNP variant | Gene Reports | 1.0 | Published | Gene Reports. 2025 41;102321. doi.org/10.1016/j.genrep.2025.102321 | Department of Anatomy, University of Health Sciences, Lahore | - | Dr Shamaila Ejaz (MPhil Student) | Dr Uruj Zehra | - |
| 2 | 2025 | Characterization of bone & cartilage endplate junction in the human lumbar spine: novel ultrastructural insights & association with elemental composition, vascularity and degeneration | European Spine Journal | 2.8 | Published | Eur Spine J. 2025 Feb 21. doi: 10.1007/s00586-025-08725-z. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39982483. | Department of Anatomy, University of Health Sciences, Lahore | - | Dr. Amber Salman (Ph. D Student) | Dr. Uruj Zehra | - |
| 3 | 2024 | Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs influence cartilage healing. | The Knee Journal | 1.6 | Published | Knee. 2024 Nov 21;52:121-130. doi: 10.1016/j.knee.2024.10.021. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39577110. | Department of Anatomy, University of Health Sciences, Lahore | - | Dr. Asma Sajjad Khawaja (M. Phil Student) | Dr. Uruj Zehra | - |
| 4 | 2024 | Effectiveness and safety of preoperative distraction using modified halo-pelvic Ilizarov distraction assembly in patients with severe kyphoscoliosis.. | Asian Spine Journal | 2.3 | Published | Asian Spine J 2024 Aug 9. doi: 10.31616/asj.2024.0104 | Ghurki Trust & Teaching Hospital | Department of Anatomy, University of Health Sciences, Lahore | Dr. M. Saad Ilyas | Dr. Uruj Zehra (HoD, Anatomy) | - |
| 5 | 2024 | Comparing contribution of bony and cartilaginous endplate changes to intervertebral disc degeneration | Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences | 1.2 | Published | Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences, 40(7). https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.7.8762 | Department of Anatomy, University of Health Sciences, Lahore | - | Dr. Amber Salman (Ph. D Student) | Dr. Uruj Zehra | - |
| 6 | 2024 | Vertebral Endplate Defects Induced Mechanical Alterations and Disc Calcification. | Global Spine Journal | 2.6 | Published | Global Spine J. 2024. May doi: 10.1177/21925682241251764. | Department of Anatomy, University of Health Sciences, Lahore | - | Dr. Sumera Imran (M. Phil. Student) | Dr. Uruj Zehra | PSF Project No. 518 |
| 7 | 2024 | Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the productivity and career prospects of musculoskeletal researchers. | Journal of Orthopedic Research | 2.8 | Published | J Orthop Res. 2024. Apr doi: 10.1002/jor.25866. | Multiple settings including Department of Anatomy, University of Health Sciences, Lahore | - | Multiple authors including Dr. Uruj Zehra (HoD, Anatomy) | Dr. Dino Samartzis | - |
| 8 | 2024 | Anatomical Microstructural Alterations in Peripheral Nerves and Associated Musculature in Diabetic Neuropathy Using Advanced 3D Imaging Techniques. | African Journal of Biological Sciences | - | Published | AFJBS 6 (8) 2024. doi: 10.48047/AFJBS.6.8.2024.3707-3715 | Department of Anatomy, University of Health Sciences, Lahore | - | Dr. Kinza Fatima (M. Phil Student) | Dr. Mateen Qayyum (Lecturer, Anatomy) | - |
| 9 | 2023 | Study of Morphological Changes and Nitrotyrosine Expression Induced by Aspartame in Albino Wistar Rat Ovaries. | Journal of Sharif Medical Dental College | - | Published | J Sharif Med Dent Coll Jul - Dec 2023;9(2):56-61. | Department of Anatomy, University of Health Sciences, Lahore | - | Dr. Mamoona Shoukat (M. Phil. Student) | Dr. Uruj Zehra | - |
| 10 | 2023 | Thalassemia Patients with Polymorphism of COL1A1 Sp1 are at Greater Risk of Spine Degenerative Changes. | Journal of College of Physicians & Surgeons of Pakistan | 0.9 | Published | J Coll Physicians Surg Pak. 2023. 33(12):1379-1384. doi: 10.29271/jcpsp.2023.12.1379. | Department of Anatomy, University of Health Sciences, Lahore | - | Dr. Sadia Hasan (M. Phil Student) | Dr. Uruj Zehra | - |
| 11 | 2023 | A. MRI phenotypes of herniated discs associated with adjacent disc degeneration. | Journal of Orthopedic research | 2.8 | Published | J Orthop Res. 2023. doi: 10.1002/jor.25739. | Department of Anatomy, University of Health Sciences, Lahore | - | Dr. Uruj Zehra, (HoD, Anatomy) | Dr. Uruj Zehra | - |
| 12 | 2023 | Bullying, harassment, and discrimination of musculoskeletal researchers and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic: an international study. | European Spine Journal | 2.72 | Published | Eur Spine J. 2023. 4;1-15. doi: 10.1007/s00586-023-07684-7. | Multiple Settings including Department of Anatomy, University of Health Sciences, Lahore | - | Multiple Authors including Dr. Uruj Zehra (HoD, Anatomy) | Dr. Dino Samartzis | - |
| 13 | 2023 | Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor Increases in Fetal Liver after Administration of High Doses of Vitamin A to Pregnant Mice. | Pakistan Journal of Medical and Health Sciences | - | Published | Pakistan Journal of Medical and Health Sciences. 2023. 16(12):42-45. | Department of Anatomy, University of Health Sciences, Lahore | - | Dr. Sabahat Zulfiqar (M. Phil Student) | Dr. Uruj Zehra | - |
| 14 | 2022 | Effect of Antiepileptics on Retinal Blood Flow in Adults Wister Rats. | Pakistan Journal of Medical and Health Sciences | - | Published | Pakistan Journal of Medical and Health Sciences. 2022.16(11):52-54. | Department of Anatomy, University of Health Sciences, Lahore | - | Dr. Shumaila Shakoor (M. Phil Student) | Dr. Uruj Zehra | - |
| 15 | 2022 | Mechanisms and clinical implications of intervertebral disc calcifications | Nature Reviews Rheumatology | 32.29 | Published | Nature Reviews Rheumatology. 2022 18(6) 352-362.doi: 10.1038/s41584-022-00783-7. | Multiple setting including Department of Anatomy, University of Health Sciences, Lahore | - | Dr. Uruj Zehra (HoD, Anatomy) | Dr. Dino Samartzis | - |
| 16 | 2022 | Management of Giant Cell Tumor of Talus with Extended Intralesional Curettage and Reconstruction using Polymethylmethacrylate Cement. Online ahead of print | Foot & Ankle Specialist | - | Published | Foot & Ankle Specialist. 2022 doi: 10.1177/19386400221079487. | Department of Orthopedics and Spine Surgery Ghurki Trust &Teaching Hospital and Department of Anatomy, University of Health Sciences, Lahore | - | Dr. M. Saad Ilyas, (Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon, GTTH) | Dr. Uruj Zehra (HoD, Anatomy) | - |
| 17 | 2022 | LUTS in Patients with Small Prostates: Smooth Muscle Proliferation and Calcification might be the Causative Factors. | LUTS: Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms | 1.59 | Published | LUTS: Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms, 14(4), pp.267-272. doi: 10.1111/luts.12432. | Department of Anatomy, University of Health Sciences, Lahore | - | Dr. M. Muneeb Ather, (M. Phil Student) | Dr. Uruj Zehra | - |
| 18 | 2021 | Management of femoral shaft infected nonunion through customised Ilizarov external fixator assembly in a morbidly obese patient. | British Medical Journal | - | Published | BMJ Case Rep. 2022.18(15):e245824. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2021-245824. | Department of Orthopedics and Spine Surgery Ghurki Trust & Teaching Hospital and Department of Anatomy, University of Health Sciences, Lahore | - | Dr. M. Saad Ilyas, (Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon, GTTH) | Dr. Uruj Zehra | - |
| 19 | 2021 | Anatomical Parameters of Eye and Associated Histological Features are Potential Risk Factors for Development of Pterygium. | Biomedica | - | Published | Biomedica. 2021. 37(4): 227-33. DOI: 10.51441/BioMedica/5-557 | Department of Anatomy, University of Health Sciences, Lahore | - | Dr. Sadia Aman, (M. Phil Student) | Dr. Uruj Zehra | - |
| 20 | 2021 | Vertebral Endplate Changes Correlate with Presence of Cartilaginous Endplate in the Herniated Disc Tissue: Factor Predicting Failure of Conservative Treatment. | Asian Spine Journal | - | Published | Asian Spine J. 16(2):212-220. doi: 10.31616/asj.2021.0106. | Department of Anatomy, University of Health Sciences, Lahore | - | Dr. Rabia Latif, (M. Phil Student) | Dr. Uruj Zehra | - |
| 21 | 2021 | Preoperative management through modified halo-pelvic distraction assembly in a case of severe thoracic spine kyphosis | Journal of Surgical Neurology International | 0.5 | Published | Surg Neurol Int. 2021:12:290. doi: 10.25259/SNI_254_2021. | Department of Orthopedics and Spine Surgery Ghurki Trust & Teaching Hospital and Department of Anatomy, University of Health Sciences, Lahore | - | Dr. M. Saad Ilyas, (Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon, GTTH) | Dr. Uruj Zehra | - |
| 22 | 2021 | Orthopaedic Practices and Surgeries during COVID-19 in Pakistan - A Survey Based Study | Malaysian Orthopedic Journal | - | Published | MOJ.2021.15(1): 72-78. doi: 10.5704/MOJ.2103.011. | Department of Orthopedics and Spine Surgery Ghurki Trust & Teaching Hospital and Department of Anatomy, University of Health Sciences, Lahore | - | Dr. M. Saad Ilyas, (Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon, GTTH) | Dr. Uruj Zehra | - |
| 23 | 2020 | Malunited and malrotated Salter-Harris type I fracture of distal femur managed with circular ring external Ilizarov fixator. | British Medical Journal | - | Published | BMJ Case Rep. 2021. 9;14(6):e240195. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2020-240195. | Department of Orthopedics and Spine Surgery Ghurki Trust & Teaching Hospital and Department of Anatomy, University of Health Sciences, Lahore | - | Dr. M. Saad Ilyas, (Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon, GTTH) | Dr. Uruj Zehra | - |
| 24 | 2020 | Spinopelvic Alignment Predicts Disc Calcification, Displacement, and Modic Changes: Evidence of an Evolutionary Etiology for Clinically-Relevant Spinal Phenotypes. | JoR Spine (Journal of orthopedic research Society) | - | Published | JoR Spine. 2020. 19;3(1):e1083. doi: 10.1002/jsp2.1083. eCollection 2020 Mar. | Multiple settings including Department of Anatomy, University of Health Sciences, Lahore | - | Dr. Uruj Zehra, (HoD, Anatomy) | Dr. Dino Samartzis | - |
