Endothelial barrier dysfunction has been associated with severe diseases, including
sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Research in endothelial permeability
regulation betters our understanding on disease pathogenesis, and contributes in the
development of novel therapies. Our laboratory utilizes in vivo and in vitro experimental
models of direct and indirect lung injury, in order to delineate mechanisms modulating
endothelial barrier maintenance and enhancement. Our recent observations suggest that
unfolded protein response (UPR) activation can counteract lung injury. Moreover, UPR
mediates-at least in part-the protective effects of growth hormone releasing hormone
antagonists and heat shock protein 90 inhibitors in the inflamed vasculature.
Neurological function is controlled by estrogen present in the circulation as well
as neuro-estrogens synthesized within the brain. Our laboratory is investigating how
rapid aromatase-mediated adjustments in brain tissue neuroestradiol may function as
a dynamic regulatory signal that shapes neural control of reproduction and metabolism.
We have developed high-sensitivity analytical methods for measurement of estradiol
and glycogen in discriminative small-volume neural tissue samples acquired by high
neuroanatomical-resolution dissection tools. Our research provides unique verification
that neuroestradiol imposes sex-specific control of hypothalamic energy sensor activity,
glycogen metabolism and accumulation, and metabolic transmitter signaling.
Dr. El Sayed laboratory is discovering and developing selective cancer growth and
relapse preventers for patients and survivors use. Dr. El Sayed is using natural sources
to discover active anticancer compounds. Example of active natural products in Dr.
El Sayed laboratory is olive oil minor phenolic compounds, which developed into a
current commercial product for improved health. Dr. El Sayed is also developing novel
microbial fermentation product for prostate cancer recurrence, supported by the National
Cancer Institute. Dr. El Sayed group is also developing marine coral, fresh tobacco
compounds and cannabidiol for use to control non-treatable advanced prostate cancer
stages.
Our research projects focus on how to overcome cancer drug resistance. We investigate
in how glycosphingolipids modulate the induced pluripotency of cancer stem cells during
cancer chemotherapy and how the mutations of tumor suppressors promote the formation
of cancer stem cells. Our goal is to discover and develop effective therapeutic approaches
for targeting cancer stem cells that are the causes for tumor progression and the
poor responsiveness of cancers to chemotherapy.
Our lab’s research focuses on pharmaceutical and pharmacological sciences, drug development,
drug delivery and nucleic acid therapeutics for the treatment of cancer, inflammation
and other diseases. We regularly use chemical and analytical techniques for developing
new delivery approaches or identifying novel molecules, including NMR, HPLC, UV spectrometry,
and biological techniques for identifying therapeutic targets, such qPCR, Western
Blot, RNA-sequencing, among others. Our lab integrates nanotechnology, imaging science,
gene therapy and cancer biology. We provide solutions on drug delivery using modern
or more traditional approaches, to improve pharmacokinetics, biodistributions and
absorptions, water solubility and efficacy for smaller and bigger molecules.
Prostate cancer (PC) is the most common of visceral cancer diagnosed in men. If detected
early, PC can be treated effectively. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for advanced
PC. Thus, the reliable, non-invasive detection of PC has become very critical. Unfortunately,
currently used PSA test is highly unreliable. We have discovered a unique protein
secreted by prostate cancer, but not normal, cells. Using this discovery, we have
developed a novel, specific blood test that can reliably diagnose prostate cancer
in men at an early stage. Our second major aim is to delineate the role of calcitonin-calcitonin
receptor system in epigenetics of advanced PC.
Early in my research career I investigated the molecular mechanism involved in mediating
opioid drugs modulation of neuroendocrine and reproductive physiology. Currently,
I am the Associate Dean of Research in the ULM College of Pharmacy and I have taught
pharmacology to Pharmacy students at both Washington State University and the ULM
for the past 35 years. During this time my laboratory has been focused on breast cancer
research. My interests include examining the relationship of nutrition and cancer,
with particular emphasis on understanding the intracellular mechanisms mediating the
anticancer effects of tocotrienols, a rare form of vitamin E.
ULM College of Pharmacy Bienville Building 1800 Bienville Dr Monroe, LA 71201
Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
College of Pharmacy
