Selva Sundari S
VISTAS University, Department of Yoga, SAIS & FA, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Abstract Title: Translational Endocrinology of Integrative Lifestyle Therapy: Modulation of Hepatic and Glycemic Biomarkers in Women with Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatotic Liver Disease—Evidence from a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Biography:
Ms. Selva Sundari S. is a UGC-NET qualified doctoral researcher in Yoga Therapy at Vels Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies, TN, India. She holds M.Sc. degrees in Yoga for Human Excellence and Psychology and is a Government-recognized Yoga Therapist under the Ministry of AYUSH, India. Her research focuses on translational endocrinology and integrative lifestyle interventions for metabolic disorders, particularly Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease. As Principal Author of peer-reviewed publications, she has demonstrated measurable improvements in hepatic and glycemic biomarkers through structured yoga and dietary protocols. Her work bridges endocrine physiology with evidence-based lifestyle medicine, contributing to preventive strategies for metabolic and cardio metabolic diseases.
Research Interests:
Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is increasingly recognized as a hepatic manifestation of systemic endocrine–metabolic dysregulation characterized by insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia, and hepatocellular injury. Elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT), triglycerides (TG), and fasting blood glucose (FBG) serve as clinically relevant biomarkers of hepatic lipid metabolism and endocrine dysfunction. Within a translational endocrinology framework, this pilot randomized controlled trial evaluated the independent and combined effects of structured yoga and dietary modification on metabolic biomarkers in women with MAFLD. Twenty-one middle-aged women (46.5 ± 3.5 years) with mild-to-moderate MAFLD were randomized into Yoga (n=7), Diet (n=7), and Yoga + Diet (n=7) groups for 8 weeks. The yoga protocol included therapeutic postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama ), relaxation, and guided concentration (meditation) (6 days/week), while the dietary arm followed an individualized calorie-deficit plan consistent with MAFLD guidelines. Adjusted post-intervention outcomes were analysed using ANCOVA (p<0.05). Significant group effects were observed for ALT (F=15.15, p<0.05) and FBG (F=6.64, p<0.05), with the combined Yoga + Diet group demonstrating the greatest reductions in ALT (−1.43 U/L) and FBG (−37.06 mg/dL), indicating improved hepatocellular integrity and glycaemic regulation. Although triglycerides decreased across groups, the intergroup difference was not statistically significant. These findings suggest that integrative lifestyle therapy may modulate endocrine metabolic pathways underlying hepatic Steatosis and insulin resistance. The study supports yoga-based intervention as a scalable translational endocrinology strategy for preventive management of metabolic liver disease.
