Tammy R. Dugas, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Neuroscience
Ph.D., 1996, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge

Major Research Interests:
Mechanisms of cardiovascular injury induced by environmental toxicants; Mechanisms relevant to the development of cardiovascular diseases in postmenopausal women.

Our research focuses on the role of the environment and environmental factors in the induction or exacerbation of vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and pulmonary hypertension. In particular, we are investigating the vascular toxicity of aromatic amines, compounds used industrially in the production of polyurethanes, and of HIV antiretroviral drug therapies. Mechanistic studies aimed at elucidating these toxicities explore drug/toxicant metabolism, endothelial cell injury (including mitochondrial oxidant stress), and stimulation of vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation. We furthermore explore the role of gender in determining the outcome of these vascular toxicities.  In other studies, we are examining the potential for combustion-generated ultrafine particulate matter (PM) to produce reactive oxygen species and induce oxidative stress in rodents exposed by inhalation.

Selected Recent Publications:
Chen, K., Dugas, T.R., and Cole, R.B. 2006. Identification of metabolites of 4,4'-methylenedianiline in vascular smooth muscle cells by liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry. J Mass Spec. 41:728-734.

Elrod, J.W., Duranski, M.R., Langston, W.J., Greer, J.M., Tao, L., Dugas, T.R., Kevil, C.G., Champion, H.C., and Lefer, D.J. 2006. eNOS gene therapy exacerbates hepatic ischemia -reperfusion injury in diabetes: A role for eNOS uncoupling. Circ. Res. in press.

Jiang, B., Zavecz, J.H., and Dugas, T.R. 2006. Antiretrovirals induce direct endothelial dysfunction in vivo. JAIDS in press.

Santa Cruz, V., Dugas, T.R., and Kanz, M.F. 2005. Mitochondrial dysfunction occurs before transport or tight junction deficits in biliary epithelial cells exposed to bile from methylenedianiline-treated rats. Toxicol. Sci. 84:129-138.

Hebert, V.Y., Crenshaw, B.L., Romanoff, R.L., Ekshyyan, V.P., and Dugas. T.R. 2004. HAART-induced release of endothelin-1 and vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation. Cardiovasc. Toxicol. 4: 117-131.

Dugas, T.R., Kanz, M.F., Hebert, V.Y., Hennard, K.L., Liu, H., Santa Cruz, V., Conklin, D., and Boor, P.J. 2004. Vascular medial hyperplasia following chronic, intermittent exposure to 4,4'-methylenedianiline. Cardiovasc. Toxicol. 4:85-96.

Kanz, M.F., Dugas, T.R., Liu, H., and Santa Cruz, V. 2003. Glutathione depletion exacerbate methylenedianiline toxicity to biliary epithelial cells and hepatocytes in rats. Toxicol. Sci. 74: 447-456.

Dugas, T.R., Santa Cruz, V., Liu, H., and Kanz, M.F. 2001. Evaluation of the gender differences in 4,4'-methylenedianiline toxicity, distribution, and effects on biliary parameters. J. Toxicol. Environ. Health. Part A. 62: 467-483.

Dugas, T.R., Morel, D. W., and Harrison, E.H. 2000. Novel cell culture medium for oxidation studies provides insights into mechanisms of endothelial cell-mediated LDL oxidation. In Vitro Cell. Dev. Biol. Animal. 36: 571-577.

Dugas, T.R., Morel, D. W., and Harrison, E.H. 1999. Dietary supplementation with b-carotene, but not with lycopene, inhibits endothelial cell-mediated oxidation of low-density lipoprotein. Free Rad. Biol. Med. 26 (9): 1238-1244.

Dugas, T.R., Morel, D. W., and Harrison, E.H. 1998. Impact of LDL carotenoids and a-tocopherol on its oxidation by endothelial cells in culture. J. Lipid Res. 39: 999-1007.

Jiang, B., Hebert, V.Y., Li, Y., Mathis, J.M., Alexander, J.S., and Dugas, T.R.  2007.  HIV antiretroviral drug combination induces endothelial mitochondrial dysfunction and reactive oxygen species production, but not apoptosis.  Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol.  in press.

Ekshyyan, V.P., Hebert, V.Y., Khandelwal, A., and Dugas, T.R.  2007.  Resveratrol
inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation via estrogen receptor dependent nitric oxide production.  J. Cardiovasc. Pharmacol. 50:83-93.

Contact Info:
Dr. Tammy Dugas
Assistant Professor
Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Neuroscience
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center
1501 Kings Highway
Shreveport, LA 71130-3932
318-675-7867
tdugas@lsuhsc.edu