23^rd European Heart Disease and Heart Failure Congress

Biography

My research interests are preclinical translational studies aimed to improve baro and chemo reflexes control of autonomic, respiratory, renal and cardiac function, using a variety of approaches such as gene manipulation, novel pharmacological interventions, exercise/diet, and surgical interventions (e.g. cardiac, carotid body, renal denervations). In contemporary studies, we have focused on carotid body chemoreflex function in heart. Hyper-sensitization and tonic activation of the carotid body chemoreflex coupled with suppression of the baroreflex functionally exacerbates renal and cardiac dysfunction (cardio-renal syndrome) leading to increased morbidity and mortality in animal models of systolic heart failure. Our recent evidence suggests that these effects are tied to altered regulation of the major anti-oxidant transcription factors Nrf2 and KLF2. NIH and AHA grants have continuously funded these and other neuro-circulatory related studies under my direction over the past thirty-five years, including a Program Project Grant for the past 17 years

Abstract

Abstract : Chemoreflex Dysfunction in Heart Failure: Why It Should Not Be Ignored