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About me

Dr. Huma Ikram, is an esteemed figure in the field of biochemistry and neuropharmacology, presenting a career marked by distinguished academic accomplishments and profound contributions to scientific research and education. Her role as an Associate Professor at the University of Karachi emphasizes her dedication to academia. She is Head of the preclinical trials facility at the Department of Biochemistry. Here, she not only imparted knowledge to graduate and postgraduate students but also supervised numerous M.Phil. and Ph.D. students, nurturing the next generation of scientists and researchers. Her publications span a wide array of topics within neuropharmacology, particularly focusing on addiction. These studies, often involving intricate animal models, have added valuable insights into the understanding of neurochemical processes and their implications in human health and behavior. Her research excellence has been recognized with a series of research awards, research grants and research patent granted to her.

Dr. Ikram is also a member of various prestigious organizations. Her editorial work further cements her status as a thought leader in her field. Dr. Ikram's commitment to organizing scientific events and workshops highlights her dedication to advancing scientific knowledge. Her commitment to staying updated with the latest scientific developments and methodologies is a testament to her dedication to her field. Beyond her research and teaching, Dr. Ikram has been an active participant and organizer of various scientific events and workshops. She has been instrumental in organizing research seminars on, contributing to the broader understanding and appreciation of scientific research and its applications. Dr. Ikram's professional journey is a testament to her versatility as a scientist, educator, and leader in biochemical neuropharmacology. Her relentless pursuit of knowledge, combined with her contributions to the scientific community, makes her an exceptional role model for aspiring scientists, particularly in the developing world.

https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=wOpt8zkAAAAJ&view_op=li…

Dr. Huma Ikram, is an esteemed figure in the field of biochemistry and neuropharmacology, presenting a career marked by distinguished academic accomplishments and profound contributions to scientific research and education. Her role as an Associate Professor at the University of Karachi emphasizes her dedication to academia. She is Head of the preclinical trials facility at the Department of Biochemistry. Here, she not only imparted knowledge to graduate and postgraduate students but also supervised numerous M.Phil. and Ph.D. students, nurturing the next generation of scientists and researchers. Her publications span a wide array of topics within neuropharmacology, particularly focusing on addiction. These studies, often involving intricate animal models, have added valuable insights into the understanding of neurochemical processes and their implications in human health and behavior. Her research excellence has been recognized with a series of research awards, research grants and research patent granted to her.

Dr. Ikram is also a member of various prestigious organizations. Her editorial work further cements her status as a thought leader in her field. Dr. Ikram's commitment to organizing scientific events and workshops highlights her dedication to advancing scientific knowledge. Her commitment to staying updated with the latest scientific developments and methodologies is a testament to her dedication to her field. Beyond her research and teaching, Dr. Ikram has been an active participant and organizer of various scientific events and workshops. She has been instrumental in organizing research seminars on, contributing to the broader understanding and appreciation of scientific research and its applications. Dr. Ikram's professional journey is a testament to her versatility as a scientist, educator, and leader in biochemical neuropharmacology. Her relentless pursuit of knowledge, combined with her contributions to the scientific community, makes her an exceptional role model for aspiring scientists, particularly in the developing world.

https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=wOpt8zkAAAAJ&view_op=li…

Degrees:

2012
Doctorate     Medical and Health Sciences incl Neurosciences

Publications resulting from Research
1. Ikram H, Perveen S and Haleem DJ (2025). Dual role of dietary tryptophan on memory regulation in male albino wistar rats – synergistic modulation of serotonergic signaling and kynurenine pathway. Nutritional Neuroscience (Impact factor: 3.6) pp. 1–15. doi: 10.1080/1028415X.2025.2565703.

2. Ikram H, Haleem DJ (2025). Regional neurochemical profile following coadministration of apomorphine and buspirone in an animal model of addiction. Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Impact Factor: 0.95). 38(6): 2168-2175.

3. Afroz R, Ikram H, Nawaz S, Mustafa N, Salman T, Haleem DJ (2025). The effect of metformin on the motor activity and hippocampal dopamine metabolism in rats subjected to repeated immobilization stress. Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Impact Factor: 0.95) 38(4): 1426-1434.

4. Ikram, H, Shahla P, Ali S, Haleem DJ (2025). Reduced 5-HT2C receptor responsiveness in rats after chronic midazolam treatment: behavioral and neurochemical evidence in rats. Neurophysiology (Impact Factor: 0.9) doi: 10.1007/s11062-025-09954-0

5. Ikram H (2025). Nanomedicine: Transforming Neurological Therapies and Precision Medicine. Journal of Neurology and Neuromedicine 9(1): 1-4.

6. Ikram H, Zakir R, Perveen S, Haleem DJ (2025). Investigating the Neuroprotective Effects of Curcumin in Scopolamine-induced Animal Model of Dementia: A Synergistic Approach to Mitigate Cognitive Decline. Nutraceutical Research 4(1): 1-9.

7. Habib SM, Ikram H, Ullah S, Jabbar A, Yasmeen S, Shah MR(2025). Synthesis of Chitosan-Modified Diclofenac Acid Prodrug Nanoparticles and Evaluation of Their Anti-Inflammatory Effects in a Preclinical Model. Journal of Cluster Science (Impact Factor: 2.7) 36 (1): 1-19.

8. Ikram H, Ajaz S, Iftikhar M, Bano S, Zaheer S, Shabbir A, Haleem DJ (2025). Repurposing N acetylcysteine: Unveiling Its Potential for Memory Enhancement in Animal Model. Nutraceutical Research 3(2): 1-15.

9. Ikram H, Atique I, Moosa UM, Haleem DJ (2024). Mitigation of addictive effects induced by lorazepam through concurrent administration of SSRI: Interplay of serotonin and dopamine in caudate and nucleus accumbens. Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Impact Factor: 0.95) 37(5): 1043-1051.

10. Ikram H, Zakir R, Haleem DJ (2024). Attenuation of age-related cognitive decline and memory deforalicits through apomorphine administration. Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Impact Factor: 0.95) 37(4): 829-838.

11. Ikram, H, Zakir R, Haleem DJ (2024). Memory enhancing and neuroprotective effects of apomorphine in a rat model of dementia. Metabolic Brain Diseases (Impact Factor: 3.2) 39(6):1051-1063.

12. Ahmed S, Haleem DJ, Ikram H, Sajid I, Anis L, Farhan M (2023). To study the responsiveness of 5HT-2C receptors following repeated apomorphine administration in rats model. Journal of Xi’an Shiyou University, Natural Science Edition. 19(12): 699-710.

13. Ikram H, Masood R, Syed S, Haleem DJ (2023). Neuropharmacological studies on repurposed utilization of pioglitazone in learning and memory: A dose related study. Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Impact Factor: 0.95) 36(4): 1159-1167.

14. Haleem DJ, Salman T, Nawaz S, Ikram H (2022). Co-treatment with low doses of buspirone prevents rewarding effects of methylphenidate and upregulates expression of 5-HT1A receptor mRNA in the nucleus accumbens. Behavioral Brain Research (Impact Factor: 2.6) 418(1): 113660.

15. Ikram H, Tasneem S, Perveen S, Zakir R, Haleem DJ (2021). Neurochemical and behavioral effects of fluoxetine on midazolam induce dependence in an animal model of addiction. Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Impact Factor: 0.95) 34 (5): 1749-1757

16. Ikram H, SA Sheikh, DJ Haleem, M Ganau, AM Choudhry AM (2021). Dose related acute behavioral and neurochemical profile of pioglitazone. Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Impact Factor: 0.95) 34(2): 615-620.

17. Ikram H, I Atique, S Perveen, R Zakir, DJ Haleem (2021). Neurochemical and behavioral effects of lorazepam: A dose related study. Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Impact Factor: 0.95) 34(1): 85-93.

18. Ikram H, Ahmed S, Haleem DJ (2020). Apomorphine-induced sensitization in rats exposed to restraint stress: Relationship with adaptation to stress. Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Impact Factor: 0.95) 33(4): 1577-1583.

19. Ikram H, Ahmed S, Haleem DJ (2020). Restraint-induced behavioral deficits are attenuated or impaired by pre- or post-injection of apomorphine: a context-based study. Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Impact Factor: 0.95) 33(3): 961-968.

20. Ikram H, Tasneem S, Perveen S, Haleem DJ (2020). Neurochemical and Behavioral Effects of Midazolam: A Dose Related Study. Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Impact Factor: 0.95) 33(1): 85-93.

21. Salman T, Nawaz S, Ikram H, Haleem DJ (2019). Enhancement and impairment of cognitive behaviour in Morris Water Maze test by Methylphenidate, administered orally to rats. Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Impact Factor: 0.95) 32(3): 899-903.

22. Ikram H, Haleem DJ (2019). Repeated treatment with a low dose of reserpine as a progressive model of Parkinson's dementia. Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Impact Factor: 0.95) 32(2): 555-562.

23. Imtiaz S, Ikram H, Ayaz M, Qadir MI, Muhammad SA (2018). Effect of glycine: Studying memory and behavioral changes in mice. Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Impact Factor: 0.95) 31(5): 1943-1949.

24. Ikram H, Zakir R, Haleem DJ (2018). Effects of Single Administration of Apomorphine on Memory and Monoamine Metabolism: A Dose Related Study. Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Impact Factor: 0.95) 31(2):439-445.

25. Ikram H, Haleem DJ (2017). Repeated treatment with reserpine as an animal model of depression. Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Impact Factor: 0.95) 30(3): 897-902.

26. Ikram H, Mirza B, Haleem DJ (2017). Neurochemical and behavioral effects of green tea (camellia sinensis) as observed in animals exposed to restraint stress. Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Impact Factor: 0.95) 30(2): 487-492

27. Inam QA, Ikram H, Shireen E, Haleem DJ (2016). Effects of sugar rich diet on brain serotonin, hyperphagia and anxiety in animal model of both genders. Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Impact Factor: 0.95). 29(3):757-763.

28. Fatima H, Siddiqui M, Ahmed A, Maqbool A, Ikram H (2016). Role of breast feeding and parity in prevalence of breast cancer and bone metastasis. Journal of Cancer and Tumor International. 4(1): 1-8.

29. Mirza B, Ikram H, Haleem DJ (2016). Dose dependent effects of injected corticosterone on food intake and locomotor activity of rats in relation with dopamine levels in brain regions. Pakistan Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 49(4): 64-68.

30. Haleem DJ, Haque Z, Inam QA, Ikram H, Haleem MA (2015). Behavioral, hormonal and central serotonin modulating effects of injected leptin. Peptides (Impact Factor: 2.618). 78: 1-8.

31. Kanwal S, Ikram H, Farhan M, Haleem DJ (2015). Apomorphine induced conditioned place preference and sensitization is greater in rats exposed to chronic mild stress. Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Impact Factor: 0.95). 28(6): 1927-1932.

32. Ikram H, Bano F, Jameel M, Azhar M, Saeed K, Sufian M (2015). Conformational Analysis and Geometry Optimization of Apomorphine: an Anti-Parkinsonian Drug. Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Impact Factor: 0.95). 28(5): 1685-1690.

33. Sheikh SA, Ikram H, Haleem DJ (2015). Behavioral Deficits in Rats Following Acute Administration of Glimepiride: Relationship with Brain Serotonin and Dopamine. Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Impact Factor: 0.95). 28(4): 1181-1186.

34. Yasmin F, Haque Z, Ikram H, Haleem DJ (2015). Immobilization-induced increases of systolic blood pressure and dysregulation of electrolyte balance in ethanol-treated rats. Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Impact Factor: 0.95). 28(4): 1365-1372.

35. Haleem DJ, Ikram H, Haleem MA (2014). Inhibition of apomorphine-induced conditioned place preference in rats co-injected with buspirone: Relationship with serotonin and dopamine in the striatum. Brain Research. (Impact Factor: 2.28). 1586: 73–82.

36. Ikram H, Azhar M, Jameel M, Bano K (2014). Conformational Analysis and Geometry Optimization of Buspirone: A 5-HT1A Receptor Agonist. Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Impact Factor: 0.95). 27(5S): 1515-1522.

37. Ikram H, Mushtaq F, Haleem DJ (2014). Dose-Dependent Effects of Tryptophan on Learning and Memory. Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Impact Factor: 0.95). 27(5): 1131-1135.

38. Rikani AA Choudhry Z, Choudhry AM, Rizvi N, Ikram H (2014). Spatial information processing by the human visual system. Elective Medicine Journal 2 (3), 309-310

39. Rikani AA, Choudhry Z, Choudhry AM, Rizvi N, Ikram H, Mobassarah NJ, Tulli S (2014). The mechanism of degeneration of striatal neuronal subtypes in Huntington disease. Annals of Neurosciences (Impact Factor: 1.642). 21(3):112-114.

40. Farhan M, Ikram H, Kanwal S, Haleem DJ (2014). Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress induced Behavioral Deficits: A Comparative Study in Male and Female Rats. Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Impact Factor: 0.95). 27(4): 879-884.

41. Haleem DJ, Haque Z, Ikram H, Haleem DJ (2014). Leptin and other hormonal responses to different stressors: relationship with stress-induced behavioral deficits. Pakistan Veterinary Journal. (Impact Factor: 1.392) 34(4): 504-507

42. Bano F, Ikram H, Akhtar N (2014). Neurochemical and behavioral effects of Cinnamon (Cinnamomi cassiae) bark aqueous extract in obese rats. Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Impact Factor: 0.95). 27(3): 559-563.

43. Ikram H, Mirza B, Akber N, Haleem DJ (2014). Neurochemical and behavioral profile of corticosterone: a dose related study. Pakistan Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. 47(1-2): 133-136.

44. Choudhry Z, Rikani AA, Choudhry AM, Tariq S, Zakaria F, Asghar MW, Sarfraz MK, Majeed N, Ikram H, Mobassarah NJ (2013). SNARE proteins and membrane fusion. Elective Medicine Journal. 22(1): 25-27.

45. Haleem DJ, Ikram H, Haider S, Parveen T, Haleem MA (2013). Enhancement and inhibition of apomorphine-induced sensitization in rats exposed to immobilization stress: Relationship with adaptation to stress. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior. (Impact Factor: 2.609). 112(1): 22-28.

46. Haleem DJ, Ikram H (2013). Immobilization-induced behavioral deficits are attenuated but coping with repeated stress impaired in apomorphine injected rats. Current Psychopharmacology. 2:254-259.

47. Mirza B, Ikram H, Bilgrami S, Haleem DJ, Haleem MA (2013). Neurochemical and behavioral effects of green tea (camellia sinensis): A model study. Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Impact Factor: 1.107). 26(3): 511-516.

48. Bano F, Ikram H, Akhtar N (2013). Aqueous extract of Anthenum graveolens L. seeds decrease LDL-C:HDL-C ratio in over weight. Pakistan Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. 46(1): 26-29.

49. Rikani AA, Choudhry Z, Choudhry AM, Ikram H, Asghar MW, Kajal D, Waheed A, Mobassarah NJ (2013). A critique of the literature on etiology of eating disorders. Annals of Neuroscience 20(4):157-161.

50. Farhan M, Ikram H, Haleem DJ (2013). Chronic mild stress (CMS)-induced behavioral deficits were attenuated by fluoxetine. Pakistan Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. 46(2): 65-69.

51. Rikani AA, Choudhry Z, Choudhry AM, Ikram H, Kajal D, Sanghamitra NJM (2013). Possible clinical application of resting-state fMRI in neuropsychiatric disorders. Pakistan Journal of Radiology. 22(1): 8-12.

52. Ikram H, Choudhary AM, Haleem DJ (2012). Regional Neurochemical Profile following Development of Apomorphine-induced Reinforcement. Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Impact Factor: 1.107). 25(3): 513-519.

53. Ikram H, Haleem DJ (2011). Attenuation of Apomorphine-Induced Sensitization by Buspirone. Pharmacology Biochemistry & Behavior. (Impact Factor: 3.533). 99(3): 444-450.

54. Ikram H, Ahmed S, Haleem DJ (2011). Effects of Apomorphine on Locomotor Activity and Monoamine Metabolism: A Dose Related Study. Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Impact Factor: 1.107). 24(3): 315-321.

55. Sheikh SA, Ikram H, Batool F, Haider S, Haleem DJ (2011). Behavioral effects of anti-diabetic drugs on normal Rats: A dose related study. Karachi University Journal of Science. 39: 11-15.

56. Ikram H, Haleem DJ (2010). Haloperidol-induced Tardive Dyskinesia: Role of 5HT2C receptors. Pakistan Journal of Scientific & Industrial Research. 53(3):136-145.

57. Mushtaq F, Ikram H, Haider S, Haleem DJ (2010). Neurochemical and Behavioral Effects of 8-OH-DPAT Following Long Administration of Tryptophan in Rats. Karachi University Journal of Science. 38(1-2): 10-14.

58. Ikram H, Samad N, Haleem DJ (2007). Neurochemical and Behavioral Effects of m-CPP in a Rat Model of Tardive Dyskinesia. Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 20(3):188-195.

BOOK:

Huma Ikram (2025). Neurochemistry and Biochemical Neuropharmacology of Drug Addiction. Cambridge Scholars’ Press. ISBN: 1-0364-4863-0 (ISBN13: 978-1-0364-4863-9). Page No. 001-509