معرفی
Abdel A. Abdel-Rahman serves as Professor and Vice Chairman in the Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology at East Carolina University's Brody School of Medicine. His research program is supported by continuous NIH funding exceeding $12 million as Principal Investigator, with current funding through 2R01 AA14441-11 from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (2018-2023).
Dr. Abdel-Rahman's research focuses on two primary interconnected areas: 1) Estrogen's paradoxical role in cardiovascular health, investigating how estrogen transforms from protective to harmful in promoting cardiac and neuronal inflammation/injury in women, particularly examining disruption of estrogen modulation of circadian rhythm-regulated redox enzymes and heart-specific micro-RNAs; and 2) The therapeutic potential of the endocannabinoid system, specifically elucidating mechanisms of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R)-mediated cardiovascular effects and the protective role of GPR18 receptor activation. His work reveals critical signaling interactions between adiponectin and biological gases (nitric oxide, hydrogen sulfide, and carbon monoxide) with implications for treating heart disease and diabetes.
His publications demonstrate consistent focus on gender-specific cardiovascular responses, with numerous studies examining estrogen receptor signaling, oxidative stress pathways, and neuro-cardiovascular interactions. The research shows particular interest in alcohol- and diabetes-evoked cardiac dysfunction with emphasis on sex differences.
Dr. Abdel-Rahman has mentored 14 PhD students, 2 MS students, and 15 postdoctoral scholars throughout his career. His laboratory team currently includes Research Specialist Lindsey Lin and graduate students Mary Katherine Donovan and Collin Brinkley. He has contributed 15 book chapters, with recent contributions to Brody's Human Pharmacology (6th Edition). His work has significantly advanced understanding of gender differences in cardiovascular pharmacology and the therapeutic potential of targeting the endocannabinoid system.
