Scientific Publications

The Department has always been in the forefront in the areas of research, diagnostic and academic activities. Taken together, since 1957, when the Department was still in its infancy, we have contributed more than 1674 scientific publications in various national and international journals

Awards

Focus areas of clinical care and research

The Department of Pathology has always been heading in the field of Research since the time of its inception with  Dr. V, Ramalingaswami, Dr Deo and Dr Nayak at the helm . Currently the tradition is being maintained by Prof. SK Panda, Prof Chitra Sarkar,  Prof M.K.Singh, Prof S.Duttagupta, Dr Amit Dinda and others. Prof Panda is primarily intersested in molecular pathology of hepatitis viruses, concentrating mainly on hepatitis E, C and B viruses. Over a research career spanning the last 25 years, he has developed rhesus monkey model for hepatitis E, cloned and characterized the virus and evaluated its transmission pattern and epidemiology, first to produce an infectious cDNA clone of HEV and develop reporter replicon assays. A serological detection assay for HEV was developed in his laboratory and cis acting elements which are acted on by ribozymes and which can be targets for antiviral therapy were identified. On hepatitis B virus epidemiology, patterns of mother to child transmission were determined, mutant viruses affecting transfusions were identified, virus receptor interactions were elucidated, and candidate vaccines were evaluated. A fragment of the HBV genome which acted as a transactivating factor was identified which had a role in pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Other work include role of HBX in carcinogenesis using transgenic mouse model, methods of screening for hepadna viruses, development of HCV diagnostic assay etc.

 Neuropathology Dr. Chitra Sarkar has been involved with Neuropathology since 1980. On the service side diagnostic immuno histochemistry facilities have been expanded on a large scale with complete panel of neuronal, glial and neuroendocrine markers. A special diagnostic facility for muscle has been established wherein all muscle biopsies are completely evaluated using enzyme histochemistry and immunohistochemical staining for the various muscle proteins. On the research front neuro-oncology section has made tremendous progress. Molecular pathology for localization of various oncogenes and tumor suppression gene protein such as p53 and c-myc have been introduced. Techniques for detection of apoptosis and apoptosis related proteins have been standardized. Thus the specialty has now built up as one of the best service, research and referral centers.

 Dermatopathology This division was started by Dr Manoj Singh in 1986. He has developed this into the first, and for a long time the only Dermatopathology division in the country. This section deals with Immunofluorescence, electron microscopy and tissue typing. The only two Indian textbooks of Dermatopathology are from this division. Teaching and collaborative efforts have resulted in the Delhi Dermatopathology Forum and, later, the Dermatopathology Society of India.

 Cardiac Pathology This section was started by Dr Prem Chopra, and presently Dr. Ruma Ray is looking after the lab, which deals with a variety of specimens including aortic aneurysms, cardiac tumor, explanted native hearts, pericardiectomy specimens, endomyocardial biopsies etc. It also has a crucial role in autopsied cases of congenital heart diseases and heart block. It offers diagnosis in post cardiac transplant surveillance biopsies. Extensive research work in cardiac myxoma, Aortic aneurysms, congenital heart block, rheumatoid heart disease and non-specific aorto-arteritis have been done in the past.   

 Renal Pathology laboratory is being looked after by Dr. A K Dinda, Additional Prof. Pathology. He has been actively involved in developing simple diagnostic techniques for early detection of renal diseases and their progression, like a supravital staining technique for microscopic analysis of urinary sediments and detection of glumerular haematuria, a urinary screening method for early diagnosis of acute cellular rejection for patients receiving renal transplantation, detection of glomerulomegaly on renal biopsy with image analysis and quantitation of glomerular immunocomplex deposits. Currently research is under progress on pathogenesis of renal transplant rejection and role of macrophage in development of renal fibrosis.

 Cytopathology: This laboratory is currently under Dr. VK Arora who has recently joined the department. Over 18000 specimens are processed annually, including equal numbers of fine needle aspiration cytology and exfoliative cytology. Ultrasound guided aspirates are done with on-site immediate assessment by pathologist. The present focus for research is on immunohistochemical delineation of liver tumors and in effusion cytology along with apoptotic and proliferative marker studies on Wilms’ tumor and Hepatoblastoma.

Contribution of the Dept. to Public Health Policy

1. Control of nutritional deficiencies and Kwashiorkor and other protein malnutrition related disorders was defined.
2. Relationship of Goiter to Iodine deficiency thus introduction of Iodisied salt.
3. Research in leprosy immunology leading to Leprosy eradication program.
4. The entire policy of Hepatitis B Vaccination program is based on work done by Prof NC Nayak and Prof SK Panda.
5. Blood bank screening for Hepatitis C Virus.
6. Plague diagnostic and charecterisation was provided by Dept Of pathology Under directions from Prof v Ramalingaswamy

International Collaborations

1. Indo UK programme on viral hepatitis
2. Co – ordination of India US vaccination programme on viral hepatitis E
3. Indo USSR ILTP programme on Anti Hepdna virus Drug screening (1987-1991)

1. Indo German collaborative program on Liver Cancer.
2. Indo US Program on Leprosy.