Department of Physiology

physiol dept
About Department

The Department of Physiology was established alongside the College of Medicine, King Khalid University, in 1980 [1400H]. Since its inception, the department has taught theoretical and practical physiology to students in the MBBS program and the colleges of Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Nursing.

Vision

To become a center of excellence in advancing knowledge of physiology through teaching and scientific research.

Mission

To advance knowledge of human physiology and conduct research in relevant areas, in accordance with the mission of the College of Medicine and King Khalid University.

Objectives

  • Provide students in health professions with a strong foundation in physiological sciences.
  • Promote active learning through laboratory-based teaching, practical demonstrations, and data interpretation.
  • Support high-quality scientific research and foster national and international collaborations.
  • Disseminate scientific knowledge through scholarly publications and participation in scientific conferences.
  • Contribute to community development through educational and outreach activities.
Head of Department
colleges

Prof. Fahaid Hassan AL-Hashem

Professor

M.B.B.S, College of Medicine, King Saud University

PhD in Electrophysiology, Birmingham University, UK

Diploma in Clinical Neurology, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London

Physiology Department, College of Medicine, King Khalid University

Office no.  G-154 PO Box 641 Abha, Asir Region,

Postcode: 62421. Saudi Arabia

Mobile: 00966 500142929, Tel: 00966172416769

Email: falhashem@kku.edu.sa

Programs, Research and Faculty

Programs and Courses

1. Undergraduate Teaching

The department teaches courses to the students of the College of Medicine (MBBS program), College of Dentistry, and College of Nursing.

Courses Offered to the College of Medicine

Integrated Curriculum

Teaching and Coordination

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NoCodeName of the courseCredit hours
1CVR 2681Cardiovascular System6 (4+2)
2RES 2682Respiratory System6 (4+2)
3GNT 3683Reproductive System6 (4+2)
4REN 3684Renal System6 (4+2)

Teaching

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NoCodeName of the courseCredit hours
1FOU 2312Essential Foundation Course-14 (3+1)
2MUS 2653Musculoskeletal & Integumentary Systems6 (4+2)
3GIT 2654Gastrointestinal System6 (4+2)
4END 3672Endocrine System6 (4+2)
52352Growth and development6 (4+2)
6NES 3655Neuroscience & Special Senses6 (4+2)
7MBC2371Nutrition and metabolism6 (4+2)

Courses Offered to the College of Dentistry

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NoCodeName of the courseCredit hours
1Psl 224Essential physiology5(4+1)
2Psl 225Essential physiology5(4+1)

Courses Offered to the College of Nursing

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NoCodeName of the courseCredit hours
12312 PHYIntroduction to physiology3(2+1)

Research

Research Areas and Projects

The Physiology department staff members conduct a wide range of scientific research that sheds light on how the body functions in both health and disease. Most of the research activities in the department focus on studying oxidative stress-induced inflammatory, fibrotic, and apoptotic pathways involved in the pathogenesis of several diseases. 

Most of the research activities in the department are focused on studying oxidative stress-induced inflammatory and apoptotic pathways involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus, chronic stress, ischemia-reperfusion injuries and cancer. Faculty research interests also include the field of medical education. 

Publications

The publication list is available through the Google Drive link below. Opening the link requires sign-in.

View the publication list — Google Drive

  1. Ashour H, Farghaly ME, Khowailed AA, Aboulhoda BE, Rashed LA, Elsebaie MM, Gaber SS. Modulation of miR-192/NF-κB/ TGF-β/ E-cadherin by thymoquinone protects against diethylnitrosamine /carbon tetrachloride hepatotoxicity. Physiol Int 109: 371–387, 2022. doi: 10.1556/2060.2022.00163.
  2. Harb I, Ashour H, Rashed LA, Mostafa A, Samir M, Aboulhoda BE, El‐hanbuli H, Rashwan E, Mahmoud H. Nicorandil Mitigates Amiodarone-Induced Pulmonary Toxicity and Fibrosis in Association with the Inhibition of Lung TGF-β1/PI3K/Akt1-p/mTOR Axis in Rats. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol : Volume: 50 Issue: 1 Page: 96-106, 2023.
  3. Ashour H, Rashed LA, Hassanein RTM, Aboulhoda BE, Ebrahim HA, Elsayed MH, Elkordy MA, Abdelwahed OM. Thymoquinone and quercetin protect against hepatic steatosis in association with SIRT1/AMPK stimulation and regulation of autophagy, perilipin-2, and cytosolic lipases. Arch Physiol Biochem 0: 1–14, 2022. doi: 10.1080/13813455.2022.2134423.
  4.  Alyami, Rahma Mohammad et al. “Impact of supervised exercise training on pulmonary function parameters, exercise capacity and Irisin Biomarker in Interstitial lung disease patients.” Pakistan journal of medical sciences vol. 36,5 (2020): 1089-1095. doi:10.12669/pjms.36.5.1795
  5.  Alyami, Rahmah Mohammad and Alhowikan, Abdulrahman Mohammed. ‘Effect of Supervised Exercise Training on Exercise Capacity, Pulmonary Function and Growth Differentiation Factor 15 Levels in Patients with Interstitial Lung Disease: A Preliminary Study’. IOS press. 1 Jan. 2022 : 221 – 229.

Awards and Recognition

Prof. Fahaid Al-Hashim — Awards and Recognition

  • A certificate of thanks and appreciation from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Al Khalifa, for best research published in the Bahrain Medical Bulletin during the year 2011, ( The toxic effects of the khat plant on the liver and kidneys).
  • Acknowledgment Certificate from Prince Khalid AL-Fasial, Prince of Aseer Region for participation on Aseer Prize for Higher Education 2003.
  • A certificate of thanks and appreciation from the President of King Khalid University, Prof. Abdulrahman Al-Dawood, on receiving an external research excellence award from the Kingdom of Bahrain.
  • A certificate of thanks and appreciation from the President of Bisha University, Prof. Ahmed Nagadi, for participating in the membership and establishment of the Scientific Council in Bisha University
  •   Acknowledgment Certificate and Trophy from Saudi Cultural Attach Office in London for participation on Saudi Student Union 2001.
  • Acknowledgment and Trophy from Kuwait Student Union at UK 2002.
  • Acknowledgment Certificate from General Director of Health at Aseer Region for participation on 5th Meeting of Aseer Primary Health Care Club, 2004.

Prof. Ismaeel Bin-Jaliah — Awards

  • Trophy of Honor and Certificate of Gratitude & Appreciation from the Saudi Society for Medical Education (SSME) - 1443 H (2022 G)
  • Certificate of Recognition to the Distinguished Member from the American Physiological Society -1443H (2021G)
  • Certificate of Recognition to the Distinguished Member from the British Neuroscience Association – 1442H (2021G)
  • Trophy of Honor and Certificate of Gratitude & Appreciation from His Excellency the Dean of the College of Medicine, King Khalid University - 1442 H (2021 G)

Prof. Bahjat Al Ani — Recognition

  • Prof. Al Ani has been ranked as Second and Third Best Physiology Scientist in Saudi Arabia during the years 2021, 2022 and 2023 according to AD Scientific Index .
  • Wiley Top Cited Article 2021-2022: Prof. Alani's article (Lipopolysaccharide induces acute lung injury and alveolar haemorrhage in association with the cytokine storm, coagulopathy and AT1R/JAK/STAT augmentation in a rat model that mimics moderate and severe Covid-19 pathology) was recognized as a top cited paper in  Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology.

Faculty and Contact Information

Male Staff

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NameDesignationOffice No.E-mail
Fahaid Al-HashimProfessorG-154falhashem@kku.edu.sa
Ismaeel Bin-JaliahProfessorG-155isbinjaliah@kku.edu.sa
Mohamed  Darwesh MorsyAssociate professorG-119mdelsaid@kku.edu.sa
Salah O. BashirAssociate professorG-119sabasheer@kku.edu.sa
Faris Al-MasabiAssistant professorG-120Falmasabi@kku.edu.sa
Hamzeh Ahmed Hassan Al-DhaherLecturerG-127haldaher@kku.edu.sa
Muataz Elsiddig Dafaalla MohammedAssistant ProfessorG-127dmohamed@kku.edu.sa
Khaled Ibrahim KhalilLecturerG-127kkhalil@kku.edu.sa

Female Staff

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NameDesignationOffice No.E-mail
Eman Farouk Khaleel EbraheemAssociate professorC/5/45ekalil@kku.edu.sa
Rehab Mustafa BadiAssistant professorC/5/42rbadi@kku.edu.sa
Hend Ashour Ahmed HassanAssistant professorC/5/43hiahmad@kku.edu.sa
Hind Awad Bin-ZafrahLecturer (PhD Researcher)C/5/49H.Zafra@kku.edu.sa
Rahma Mohammed Al-YamiLecturer (PhD Researcher)C/5/50rmalyami@kku.edu.sa