by Suhaas Bonkur

The MASALA Study (Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America) is an ongoing medical research study that is being conducted at various universities around the US (Northwestern, UCSF) and explores the causes and prevention of cardiovascular illnesses in the context of cultural influence rather than smoking/habits in South Asian Individuals. Collaborators in the nationwide project perform “longitudinal studies” across South Asians by collecting data regarding diet, genetics, and lifestyle modifications that are unique to the demographic group. The coalition was formed in 2010 by individuals living in Chicago and San Francisco and is currently being led by Dr. Alka Kanaya.

This epidemic was brought to Dr. Kanaya’s attention when she observed dangerous trends of mortality rates in South Asians living in the US compared to the other US demographic groups (Statistics from WHO). “South Asians have higher rates of cardiovascular disease but no one knows why,” was the immediate question that Dr. Kanaya had as she reviewed these alarming statistics and what motivated her to collaborate on this project. Reaching out to her peers and fellow collaborators, the coalition developed two distinct study teams on either end of the US to initiate research in this bio-cultural epidemic.

The first studies done by the organization were research studies, where the coalition gathered a group of South Asian cardiovascular patients in Chicago and San Francisco and screened them to assess the risk factors the patients possessed, whether it be due to medical or lifestyle changes. With this data, MASALA was able to compile the results to understand the basics of the deviation in insulin, cholesterol, and BP levels from South Asian immigrants and indigenous South Asians. This study is being further explored in the contexts of other demographic groups, in various other continents such as South America and Europe.

Another crucial facet of MASALA is the constant output of high-quality review papers/reports from contributors in the study and associated professors regarding other elements of chronic illnesses. Ranging from ayurvedic medicine to BMI ratio trends, researchers and branches of MASALA explore the world of cultural differences in terms of cardiovascular and chronic diseases.

The MASALA website also includes a sector of health tips for readers that includes an overview of the different chronic illnesses MASALA researchers coupled with documented links and videos to credible sources by MASALA and other organizations on tips to reduce risk factors for the stated chronic illnesses through exercise, nutrition, and public data. As an avid reader of interest in MASALA, these videos provided my family and relatives with tips to morph our meals/elements to healthy elements while still maintaining the cultural cuisine and values we have as South Asians.

MASALA has a very optimistic future ahead of itself, with the organization creating ties with other research institutions and organizations in its drive for understanding. Looking into the future of biomedical illnesses while retaining its cultural values, MASLA has performed a commendable feat, distinguishing itself from other global efforts.

About the Author: 

Suhaas Bonkur is a high schooler from Georgia, US, and is interested in pursuing public health in terms of chronic illnesses. He has presented at JHU, AHA, and multiple conventions and is currently interested in studying chronic illness trends in South Asians. Other review articles he has published have been featured in his school newspaper and local magazines.