Dr. Rao M. Adibhatla, Research Professor
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Research Interests |
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Citocoline is thought to improve the outcome of patients in phase III clinical trials of stroke. It has shown to have beneficial effects in a number of CNS injury models. Although experimental evidence is limited, the therapeutic action of citocoline is thought to be due to stimulation of phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho) synthesis in a damaged brain. Understanding the actions of citocoline could lead to development of more efficient treatment strategies for ischemia / reperfusion injury. Our studies of transient cerebral ischemia suggest that citocoline might enhance reconstruction (synthesis) of PtdCho and sphingomyelin. Citocoline could also act by inhibiting destructive processes (activation of phospholipases). The major mechanism of action of citocoline may be in modulating activation of phospholipase A2.
Polyamines (putrescine, spermidine and spermine) are ubiquitous cellular components. The role of alterations in polyamine metabolism in neuronal degeneration after CNS injury remains an unresolved issue. Polyamines are important in the stabilization of cellular components such as cell membranes and chromatin structures; depletion of polyamines could lead to loss of cell integrity and cell death. Transient cerebral ischemia results in loss of spermine and spermidine. Our research seeks to determine whether normalization of the transient, ischemia–induced polyamine imbalance is neuroprotective. Spermine is considered to be an antioxidant and free radical scavenger, and restoring its levels may protect the brain from oxidative damage (either by scavenging hydroxyl radical or chelating Fe2+) following ischemia / reperfusion. |
Recent Publications |
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Citicoline and Lipids |
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Polyamines |
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Others |
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Editor and Publisher: Nagamani Adibhatla send Email to editor of this page Last update: April 28, 2003 |