Understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms in the pathogenesis and progression of diabetic and hypertensive nephropathies as well as obstructive nephropathy and exploring alternative and novel pharmacological approaches will expand therapeutic options and increase treatment efficacy, and thereby decrease morbidity and mortality associated with diabetes and hypertension. My current research focuses on novel pharmacological agents that prevent pathogenesis and progression of diabetic and hypertensive nephropathies and cardiomyopathy. I also explore pharmacological approach as an alternative therapy to mitigate renal injury after relief of prolonged chronic obstructive nephropathy. 

Current projects 
1.   Role of alpha-lipoic acid in type-2 diabetes mellitus-induced nephro- and cardiomyopathy  

2.   Effect of a glutathione-enhancer dietary supplement on diabetic nephropathy and hypertension in a rat model of type 2 diabetic mellitus  

3.   Investigation of novel slow-releasing hydrogen sulfide donors as alternative therapy for mitigating renal injury after relief of prolonged chronic obstructive nephropathy  

4.    Protective effect of propofol against hypothermia-rewarming injury: The role of renal H2S 

 1.   Korshunov VA, Smolock EM, Wines-Samuelson ME, Faiyaz A, Mickelsen DM, Quinn B, Pan C, Dugbartey GJ, Yan C, Doyley MM, Lusis AJ, Berk BC. Natriuretic Peptide Receptor 2 Locus Contributes to Carotid Remodeling. J Am Heart Assoc 2020. 9(10). e014257

2.    Dugbartey GJ, Quinn B, Luo L, Mickelsen DM, Ture SK, Morrell CN, et al. The protective role of natriuretic peptide receptor 2 against high salt injury in the renal papilla. Am J Pathol 2019. S0002-9440(19)30074-4.

3.    Batchu SN, Dugbartey GJ, Wadosky KM, MicKelsen DM, Ko KA, Wood RW, Zhao Y, Yang X, Fowell DJ, Korshunov VA. Innate immune cells are regulated by Axl in hypertensive kidney. Am J Pathol 2018. 188(8): 1794-1806.

4.    N’guessan BB, Amponsah SK, Dugbartey GJ, Awuah KD, Dotse E, Aning A, Kukuia KKE, Asiedu-Gyekye IJ, Appiah-Oppong R. In vitro antioxidant potential and effect of a glutathione-enhancer dietary supplement on selected rat liver cytochrome P450 enzyme activity. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2018. 3: 1-8.

5.    Dugbartey GJ, Bouma HR, Saha MN, Lobb I, Henning RH, Sener A. A hibernation-like state for transplantable organs: Is H2S therapy the future of organ preservation? Antioxid Redox Signal 2018. 28(16): 1503-1515.

6.    Dugbartey GJ*, Redington AN. Prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy by limb ischemic preconditioning: Underlying mechanisms and clinical effects. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2018. 314(3): F319-F328.

7.    Dugbartey GJ*. The smell of renal protection against chronic kidney disease – Hydrogen sulfide offers a potential stinky remedy. Pharmacol Rep 2017. 19;70(2): 196-205.

8.    Dugbartey GJ, Hardenberg MC, Kok WF, Boerema AS, Carey HV, Staples JF, Henning RH, Bouma HR. Renal mitochondrial response to low temperature in hibernating and non-hibernating species. Antioxid Redox Signal 2017. 27(9): 599-617.

9.    Dugbartey GJ*. H2S as a possible therapeutic alternative for the treatment of hypertensive kidney injury. Nitric Oxide 2017.  64: 52-60.

10.  Dugbartey GJ*. Diabetic nephropathy: A potential savior with ‘rotten-egg’ smell. Pharmacological Reports 2017. 69(2): 331-339.

11.  Dugbartey GJ*, Peppone LJ, de Graaf IAM. An integrative view of cisplatin-induced renal and cardiac toxicities: molecular mechanisms, current treatment challenges and potential protective measures. Toxicology 2016. 371: 58-66.

12.  Dugbartey GJ*, Bouma HR, Lobb I, Sener A. Hydrogen sulfide: A novel       nephroprotectant against cisplatin-induced renal toxicity. Nitric Oxide 2016.       57: 15-20.

13.  Dugbartey GJ, Talaei F, Houwertjes MC, Goris M, Epema AH, Bouma HR, Henning RH.  Dopamine treatment attenuates acute kidney injury in a rat model of deep hypothermia and rewarming – The role of renal H2S-producing enzymes. Eur J Pharmacol 2015. S0014-2999(15)30361-7.

14.  Dugbartey GJ*, Bouma HR, Strijkstra AM, Boerema AS, Henning RH. Induction of a torpor-like state by 5’-AMP does not depend on H2S production. PLoS One 2015. 10(8).

15.  de Vrij EL, Vogelaar P, Herwig A, Goris M, Houwertjes MC, Dugbartey GJ, Boerema AS, Strijkstra AM, Bouma HR, Henning RH. Platelet dynamics during natural and pharmacologically induced torpor.  PloS One 2014. 10;9(4).