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Dore, Sylvain

Professor

Positions

research areas research areas

selected publications

research overview

  • The goal of the team effort directed by Sylvain is to discover new effective mechanisms that limit neuronal dysfunction associated with ischemic and hemorrhagic Stroke, Alzheimer disease (AD), Aging, and various other neurological disorders. The overall goal is to slow down the progression of the disease, and ultimately stop it. To do so, the aim is to limit neuron death (apoptosis and necrosis) resulting from acute and/or chronic neurodegenerative conditions, re-establish normal cerebral blood flow, limit inflammation, and restore regular cellular functions. Using a variety of in vitro and in vivo preclinical models, several new hypotheses and potential therapies are being investigated and developed:

    1. One objective is focused on understanding the actions of prostaglandin (PG) metabolites generated by the degradation of arachidonic acid by cyclooxygenase enzymes. These enzymes are the rate-limiting steps for the production of PGs, which are key elements in the inflammatory response. The resulting consequences are suggested to play an important role in the loss of normal neuronal functions associated with aging and neurodegenerative disorders.
    2. We also intend to understand of the protective role of the heme metabolites in the brain using cellular/molecular techniques and various models of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, AD, and aging. New knowledge is gained specifically by investigating the action and the role of activity of the heme oxygenase enzyme and its unique bioactive metabolites, namely, carbon monoxide, iron, biliverdin, and bilirubin.
    3. Our lab also provides molecular evidence for the potential therapeutic applications of complementary and alternative medicines. Using cultures of neurons it was observed that treatment with a standardized extract of Ginkgo biloba could alter the presence of specific genes/proteins important in neuronal function. The lab is exploring the regulation of the transcriptional factor Nrf2, and the increased expression of phase 2 protective enzymes, notably heme oxygenase. Also results have been obtained using resveratrol and other polyphenols, which appear to be active ingredients concentrated in red wines, and which has been proposed to explain some of the beneficial effects associated with the so called “French Paradox.” Similarly, experiments have provided evidence for a unique protective mechanism for the flavanol epicatechin which can be enriched in dark chocolate. These bioactive nutrients could provide resistance against damage induced by free radicals, the toxins which are generated with aging and are the hallmark of many neurodegenerative processes.

principal investigator on

keywords

  • brain
  • carbon monoxide
  • central nervous system
  • cyclooxygenase
  • eicosanoids
  • flavonoids
  • heme oxygenase
  • iron

awards and honors

full name

  • Dr Sylvain Dore
  • Sylvain Dore

primary email

  • sdore@ufl.edu

mailing address

phone

  • (352) 273-9663

fax

  • (352) 294-5060

eRA Commons ID

  • sdore1
Publications in VIVO
  • Contact Info
  • (352) 273-9663
  • Websites