Joseph C. Gigliotti

Dr. Joseph C. Gigliotti is an Associate Professor of Physiology and Chair of the Department of Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology at the College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM). He holds additional roles as Director of Research, overseeing interdisciplinary studies in his lab with dual focuses: understanding hypertension/kidney disease immunology and exploring dietary impacts on health, particularly Western diets. His academic background includes a B.S. in Biochemistry and advanced degrees in Animal and Nutritional Sciences from West Virginia University, followed by postdoctoral training at the University of Virginia School of Medicine.

His research spans nephrology, immunology, and cardiology, emphasizing dietary influences on renal and cardiovascular health. Key areas include the role of collectrin in hypertension, ultrasound-based therapies for renal injury, and the interplay between diet, inflammation, and disease progression. He has published over 64 peer-reviewed articles and presentations on topics ranging from omega-3 fatty acid effects to angiotensin II-induced hypertension models. Dr. Gigliotti teaches courses such as Advanced Nutrition, Human Endocrinology, and Pulmonary Physiology, integrating clinical and research expertise into medical education.

Notably, his lab pioneered the use of pulsed ultrasound to reduce immune-mediated kidney injury, a technique with potential clinical applications. His work also explores how dietary components like apple pomace and omega-3 sources affect renal and bone health in animal models. Current projects address sex-based differences in blood pressure regulation and the molecular mechanisms underlying salt-sensitive hypertension.

Dr. Gigliotti’s contributions span experimental models of sepsis, alcohol-induced organ damage, and probiotic interactions with diet. His research bridges basic science and translational medicine, aiming to inform dietary guidelines and therapeutic strategies for chronic diseases.