When Shilpa Dange speaks about research, her enthusiasm is palpable. Currently, she is a Ph.D. student at the National Center for Wellness and Recovery (NCWR) and the School of Biomedical Sciences at Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences. Dange’s journey into the scientific community began when she was in high school in India. “I got an opportunity to do some basic research in high school. It was a side project, like a summer internship,” she recalled. Her early exposure to environmental science fostered a love of research. She would go on to earn a master’s degree in environmental science from the Institute of Science at Nagpur University in India and she has earned a master’s in biomedical sciences from Oklahoma State University. Now she is working toward her Ph.D.
A Lifelong Commitment to Health
Dange’s research at NCWR focuses on the gut microbiome and how it is affected by opioids. The project coincides with her lifelong interests in health and science. “My grandmother used to say if you want to live long, keep your gut healthy,” Dange shared, underscoring a personal connection that helps drive her work
Research That Makes a Difference
Dange’s current studies are particularly close to her heart. “I have been in the hospital emergency room three or four times because of lower back spasm,” Dange remarked, “I know morphine can be a blessing in that type of situation, but the potential to become addicted to opioids is scary.” Right now her studies involve developing a compound that could potentially offer the pain-relieving benefits of opioids without the risk of addiction and side effects like gut issues.
Understanding Opioids and Gut Health: The Critical Role of Short-Chain Fatty Acids
Dange explained that opioids can cause serious side effects other than addiction, including respiratory issues and constipation. This constipation disrupts the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut, crucial for our health. Our gut houses microorganisms that break down fiber from our food, which unlike proteins and carbohydrates, is not digested in the stomach but in the colon where the gut microbes thrive. Fiber serves as their food, and as they digest it, they produce important metabolites known as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These SCFAs are essential for maintaining gut health and may affect other parts of the body, including the brain. They can travel through the vagus nerve to the brain, possibly influencing its functions. SCFAs also nourish other parts of the body. But, opioids slow down gut activity, leading to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria and a reduction in SCFA production. This disruption can exacerbate the side effects of opioids, contributing to poor gut health and increased drug dependence, potentially affecting brain health and leading to neurological issues.
As part of her studies, she works closely with Craig Werner, Ph.D., senior director of neuroscience at NCWR, who said, “Shilpa is a vibrant person and graduate student. Her interest in gut microbiology brings a unique component to our research team. Her excitement for learning is contagious and aligns with the research culture of NCWR.”
Reflections and Aspirations
Looking ahead, Dange is optimistic about the potential of her research. “If we can find alternatives to traditional opioids to treat pain, I think I would feel like I’ve made a difference to humanity,” she said. Her story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance and the importance of supportive research communities.
Fun Facts
Shilpa speaks English, German, Hindi and Marathi. She also understands Gujarati, Punjabi and Bengali. She loves to travel and has been to 35 countries. She is also an avid cook who makes her own unique dry spices for her recipes.