Event

The University of the West Indies will host a Professorial Inaugural Lecture presented by Professor Surujpal Teelucksingh entitled, ‘Show me your skin...and I will tell you who you are.”

The lecture will be held at Amphitheatre A, Faculty of Medical Sciences on Thursday 13^th March, 2008 from 5:30 p.m. All staff, students and the public are invited.

Abstract:

The skin, the body’s largest and most obvious organ is often overlooked but can provide crucial cues to internal disease. Endocrinology is the study of hormones of which steroids and insulin are notable examples. Both these hormones make their mark on the skin. Glucocorticoids are life-sustaining and released during impending danger, deprivation or stress. Insulin, on the other hand, is released when we are fed but overfeeding can lead to insulin deficiency and diabetes. It is clear, therefore that these two hormones subserve completely different functions – one for famine and the other for feasting. What happens when the two giants collide? A gladiatorial battle ensues leading to the metabolic syndrome – a cluster of conditions e.g. diabetes, hypertension, obesity and cardiovascular disease. We can witness this battle from a ring side seat if only we take time to view the internal workings of the body through the window of our own skin.