Azaj Ahmed, MSc, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow in the lab of Sanjana Dayal, PhD, FAHA, has received a two-year, $147,292 American Heart Association (AHA) Postdoctoral Fellowship award to pursue his research. He is studying mechanisms of obesity and prediabetes-induced thrombosis using mouse models and clinical samples for his project, in which he is investigating how prediabetes contributes to cardiovascular complications, and how to mitigate these risks.

“These risks arise from increased accumulation of free radicals due to an imbalance in antioxidant enzymes and hyperactive platelets,” Ahmed said. “My research focuses on mitigating these risks by investigating the effectiveness of the drug GC4419, a superoxide dismutase mimetic that reduces free radicals and platelet activity in prediabetic condition.”

The next step in this project is to test this drug in mice fed on a high-fat diet, mimicking prediabetic symptoms, to evaluate its effectiveness in preventing thrombosis. Successful pre-clinical studies in mouse models could lead to human clinical trials, potentially improving life quality and reducing heart disease risks in people with prediabetes.

“Azaj is one of the most hardworking postdocs I have seen around,” Dayal said of Ahmed. “He brings to the lab a high enthusiasm and commitment for research and works tirelessly to achieve goals.”

Ahmed joined the Sanjana Dayal Lab in 2021, and has supported various projects since then.

“I am deeply grateful to receive this award and must acknowledge those who have guided my journey,” Ahmed said. “A heartfelt thank you to my mentor, Dr. Sanjana Dayal, whose insights and support have been crucial in achieving this honor. I also extend my sincere appreciation to Dr. Dale Abel, Dr. Steven Lentz, Dr. Douglas Spitz, Dr. Dana Jalal, and Dr. Mark Yorek for their invaluable mentorship and encouragement. Their collective wisdom has profoundly shaped my path.”