Dokun, Ayotunde
Primary Appointment
Assistant Professor, Medicine: Endocrinology and Metabolism
Education
- Clinical Fellowship, Endocrinology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
- MD, , Mt. Sinai Medical Center
- PhD, , Duke University
- Residency, Internal Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
Contact Information
Telephone: 434.924.1825
Fax: 434.924.9616
Email: doa3q@virginia.edu
Research Interests
Diabetes, genetics and PAD
Research Description
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) of the lower extremities is the result of arteriosclerotic blockage of blood vessels and its severity varies even among people with similar occlusions, suggesting a possible role for genetics in its severity. Individuals with diabetes are more likely to develop PAD and when people have PAD and diabetes, the disease is more severe resulting in higher risk of amputation and death. Therefore studies in our laboratory currently seek to understand how diabetes interacts with genetics and contribute to the poor outcomes in individuals with PAD.
We recently identified a genetic locus in mice which when present is associated with good outcomes in experimental PAD but its absence is associated with poor outcomes. Furthermore, we have now identified specific genes within this locus that modulate outcome in experimental PAD and at least of these genes is associated with severity of PAD in humans. We now have studies underway to understand the mechanism by which these genes impact outcomes in PAD. Additionally, we have ongoing studies to understand if the metabolic environment in diabetes interacts with these genes such that it contributes to poor outcomes in PAD. Findings from our studies are likely to provide novel insights into why diabetes has such a malignant influence on PAD severity.