Ms. Sinenhlanhla Mthembu, North-West University, South Africa
Sinenhlanhla Xoliswa Happiness Mthembu is a PhD candidate in Biochemistry at North-West University, specializing in dyslipidemia-associated myocardial dysfunction and cardioprotective effects of natural compounds like aspalathin and sulforaphane. With a strong foundation in Biochemistry and Microbiology, Sinenhlanhla has contributed significantly to the understanding of mitochondrial bioenergetics, oxidative stress, and metabolic diseases, especially related to cardiovascular health. Her research and dedication have earned her several prestigious awards and recognitions, such as the IUBMB MilliporeSigma ENABLE-Africa Fellowship and the South African Women in Science Award. She is a member of the South African Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the South African Heart Association.
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Suitability for the Award Research for Young Scientist Award
Sinenhlanhla Xoliswa Happiness Mthembu stands out as an ideal candidate for the Research for Young Scientist Award, owing to her impressive academic trajectory and pioneering contributions to the field of Biochemistry and Microbiology. Her current doctoral research on dyslipidemia-associated dysregulations and cardioprotective effects of aspalathin and sulforaphane, pursued at North-West University, is highly relevant and demonstrates a deep understanding of biochemical and mitochondrial bioenergetics. She has made significant strides in understanding the role of mitochondrial function in various diseases, especially in relation to cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, which showcases her scientific rigor.
In addition to her doctoral work, Mthembu has contributed extensively to scientific knowledge through numerous publications in renowned journals. Her research on the potential therapeutic roles of bioactive compounds like aspalathin and sulforaphane aligns with global health concerns, particularly in the areas of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. This breadth of work places her at the forefront of emerging research on metabolic diseases and therapeutic interventions.
Education
Sinenhlanhla Mthembu’s educational journey reflects her dedication to advancing the field of Biochemistry. She completed her MSc in Biochemistry at the University of Zululand, where she explored the effect of Rooibos Polyphenols on mitochondrial function in skeletal muscles. Her undergraduate studies in Biochemistry and Microbiology laid a solid foundation for her research in molecular biology. She is currently pursuing a PhD at North-West University, investigating the cardioprotective effects of aspalathin and sulforaphane in the context of dyslipidemia. Her academic pursuits demonstrate a keen focus on cardiovascular health, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial bioenergetics, establishing her as a rising star in the scientific community.
Professional Experience
Sinenhlanhla Mthembu’s professional journey is marked by her current role as a PhD intern fellow at the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), where she investigates the impact of dyslipidemia and metabolic diseases on heart function. Her previous experience as a laboratory assistant and demonstrator at North-West University further enhanced her expertise in molecular biology, biochemistry, and scientific research techniques. She has worked extensively with techniques such as RT-qPCR, Western blot analysis, flow cytometry, and Seahorse XF technology. Throughout her career, Sinenhlanhla has contributed to the development of therapeutic approaches to tackle diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases.
Awards and Recognition
Sinenhlanhla Mthembu’s excellence has been recognized with numerous awards and scholarships. She received the IUBMB MilliporeSigma ENABLE-Africa Fellowship in 2024, along with the South African Women in Science Award, which underscores her contributions to advancing women in science. Her outstanding presentation at the FEBS-IUBMB-ENABLE conference earned her the Outstanding Poster Award. Sinenhlanhla was also granted the SA Heart Congress Educational Grant to attend the 24th Annual SA Heart Congress. She has been awarded the SAMRC Scholarship Programme for both her PhD and MSc studies and has received the prestigious Top Achiever award from the Moses Kotane Institute and the University of Zululand.
Sinenhlanhla Mthembu possesses an array of advanced research skills, with a strong focus on Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Her expertise includes Metagenomics sequencing, RT-qPCR, Western blot analysis, and flow cytometry. She has experience in scientific peer review and writing, as well as cell culture techniques. Sinenhlanhla is proficient in utilizing Seahorse XF technology and ELISA assays to evaluate metabolic changes at the cellular level. Her research focuses on dyslipidemia, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and the role of natural compounds like aspalathin and sulforaphane in combating metabolic diseases, particularly cardiovascular complications.
Publication Top Notes
- Rutin ameliorates inflammation and improves metabolic function: A comprehensive analysis of scientific literature
Authors: N Muvhulawa, PV Dludla, K Ziqubu, SXH Mthembu, F Mthiyane, …
Citation: Pharmacological research 178, 106163
Year: 2022
- Detrimental effects of lipid peroxidation in type 2 diabetes: Exploring the neutralizing influence of antioxidants
Authors: SC Shabalala, R Johnson, AK Basson, K Ziqubu, N Hlengwa, …
Citation: Antioxidants 11 (10), 2071
Year: 2022
- A Review on the Antidiabetic Properties of Moringa oleifera Extracts: Focusing on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation as Main Therapeutic Targets
Authors: FT Mthiyane, PV Dludla, K Ziqubu, SXH Mthembu, N Muvhulawa, …
Citation: Frontiers in Pharmacology 13, 940572
Year: 2022
- An insight into brown/beige adipose tissue whitening, a metabolic complication of obesity with the multifactorial origin
Authors: K Ziqubu, PV Dludla, SXH Mthembu, BB Nkambule, SE Mabhida, BU Jack, …
Citation: Frontiers in Endocrinology 14, 1114767
Year: 2023
- Anti-obesity effects of metformin: a scoping review evaluating the feasibility of brown adipose tissue as a therapeutic target
Authors: K Ziqubu, SE Mazibuko-Mbeje, SXH Mthembu, SE Mabhida, BU Jack, …
Citation: International Journal of Molecular Sciences 24 (3), 2227
Year: 2023
- Impact of physical exercise and caloric restriction in patients with type 2 diabetes: Skeletal muscle insulin resistance and mitochondrial dysfunction as ideal therapeutic targets
Authors: SXH Mthembu, SE Mazibuko-Mbeje, K Ziqubu, TA Nyawo, N Obonye, …
Citation: Life Sciences 297, 120467
Year: 2022
- Physical exercise potentially targets epicardial adipose tissue to reduce cardiovascular disease risk in patients with metabolic diseases: Oxidative stress and inflammation
Authors: TA Nyawo, C Pheiffer, SE Mazibuko-Mbeje, SXH Mthembu, …
Citation: Antioxidants 10 (11), 1758
Year: 2021
- Impact of isoorientin on metabolic activity and lipid accumulation in differentiated adipocytes
Authors: K Ziqubu, CJF Muller, PV Dludla, SXH Mthembu, N Obonye, J Louw, …
Citation: Molecules 25 (8), 1773
Year: 2020
- A systematic review exploring the significance of measuring epicardial fat thickness in correlation to B-type natriuretic peptide levels as prognostic and diagnostic markers in
Authors: TA Nyawo, PV Dludla, SE Mazibuko-Mbeje, SXH Mthembu, …
Citation: Heart Failure Reviews, 1-11
Year: 2022
- Rooibos flavonoids, aspalathin, isoorientin, and orientin ameliorate antimycin A-induced mitochondrial dysfunction by improving mitochondrial bioenergetics in cultured skeletal
Authors: SXH Mthembu, CJF Muller, PV Dludla, E Madoroba, AP Kappo, …
Citation: Molecules 26 (20), 6289
Year: 2021