Cardiac Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Coronary artery occlusion accounts for more than 50% of all causes of heart disease that can lead to heart failure with progressive morbidity and mortality. Acetylcholine (ACh) released from cholinergic fibers innervating the heart and secreted by cardiomyocytes during ischemia is cardioprotective, and the Ojamaa Lab is studying the potential therapeutic utility of drugs that target specific ACh receptors to decrease tissue injury after myocardial infarction.

Principal Investigator: Kaie Ojamaa, Ph.D.

 

Molecular Mechanisms Mediating Renal Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury

Studies the molecular mechanisms by which renal ischemia/reperfusion injury leads to renal injury and renal failure. The goal of the research program is to identify potential targets for development of novel therapeutics to ameliorate or even block ischemia/reperfusion-induced renal damage.

Principal Investigator: Kurt Amsler, Ph.D.

 

Association Between Musculoskeletal Trauma and Parkinson’s Disease

Studies the role of prior head and body trauma, as well as musculoskeletal treatment history, on development of idiopathic Parkinson's disease.

Primary investigator: Reem Abu-Sbaih, D.O.

 

Interprofessional Health Education in Global Health and its Impact on Medical Education

Studies the impact of global health experiences on medical student education and their competency in tropical environments. Also studies the role of genetic testing in primary care settings and the competence of medical providers in offering these tests.

Principal Investigator: William Blazey, D.O.

 

Glucolipotoxicity and Mitochondrial Hormesis in Cardiometabolic Disorders

Studies the effects of excess of glucose and long-chain fatty acids on mitochondrial function and oxidative tone in adipose, renal and cardiovascular tissues.

Principal Investigator: Bardia Askari, Ph.D.

 

OMM and Biomarkers

Studies the effects of OMM on endocannabinoid levels.

Principal Investigator: George Cheriyan, D.O.

 

Health Awareness

Researches the physician's role in developing patient awareness and knowledge base related to the health implications of obesity, particularly with respect to physical activity and eating habits.

Primary investigator: Patricia Happel, D.O.

 

Conservation of Mechanisms of Kidney Development and Repair

Studies the conservation of Six2 function in pronephric, mesonephric, and metaneprhic kidney development. We are also interested in mechanisms of nephron repair in vertebrates, including fish, reptiles, and mammals.

Principal Investigator: Troy Camarata, Ph.D.

 

Effects of Exercise and Supplements in Students and Parkinson's Disease

Studies the effects of exercise and activity of medical students through (Fitbit devices). Studies lymphatic pump effects on improving functional outcomes and recovery in athletes. Also studies the effect of nicotine gum on blood pressure in Parkinson's disease subjects.

Principal Investigator: Joanne Donoghue, Ph.D.

 

Diabetes and Health Literacy

Studies the associations between health literacy, race, level of education, and diabetes knowledge in a suburban population with Type II diabetes

Principal Investigator(s): Sonia Rivera-Martinez, D.O.​; Karen Sheflin, D.O.