Azeez Aileru, PhD, FAHA
Professor, Neuroscience
Division Director of Basic Sciences
ailerua19@ecu.edu
252-737-7125
4265 Ledyard E. Ross Hall
Education
- PhD – Physiology & Biophysics – Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC
- MS – Biology (Toxicology) – North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC
- BS – Biology – North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC
- Postdoctoral (Neuroscience) – University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Leadership Development Program (LDP) – Creative Leadership – Center for Creative Leadership
- Leadership Development Academy (LDA) – Creative Leadership – East Carolina University
Biographical Information
Dr. Azeez Aileru is a professor of Neuroscience in the Department of Foundational Sciences and serves as the Division Director for Basic Sciences in the School of Dental Medicine (SoDM). He earned a PhD in physiology from Howard University College of Medicine and completed his postdoctoral training in neuropharmacology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in addition to his MS training in pulmonary toxicology from North Carolina Central University in collaboration with the US EPA at the Research Triangle Park, NC. Before joining the SoDM, he served at Winston-Salem State University as tenured faculty and director of Biomedical Research Infrastructure Center (BRIC). He is an adjunct professor in the Department of Physiology & Pharmacology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. He is a member of many professional and scientific organizations and serves as a scientific reviewer for many journals and grant review programs. He directs many NIH training grants. He has a strong background in teaching, research, and administration. He coordinates the teaching of basic sciences and participate in didactic teaching at the SoDM. He currently serves as Interim Chair for the department of Foundational Sciences in SoDM. He grew up mostly in Durham but spent most of his adult life in Winston-Salem, NC, where he raised his family. He enjoys soccer, football, running and traveling.
Research Interest/Clinical Interest
Primary research focus in my laboratory is a multi-disciplinary approach to neural control of hypertension and its association with metabolic syndromes. Some of our work has identified the neuroanatomical and transmitter pathways sub-serving angiotensin II actions in brain areas involved in baroreceptor reflex control of blood circulation. We investigate pathological changes using voltage-clamp techniques to characterize the individual ionic currents and Ca2+ imaging to study the mechanisms by which hypertension produces profound changes in the physiology of nerve transmission and how the neurons produce functionally coordinated increase in synaptic transmission. Some studies investigate neural and hormonal interactions in the kidney and alterations in nervous system in response to angiotensin peptides, hypertension and most recently, during obesity. The work explores the mechanistic relationship between the brain and kidney in the long-term control of blood pressure, fluid volume and how a specific peptide system interacts with cardiovascular reflexes at specific brain sites. Analyses of these projects helped to gain an insight to the pathology of sustained pressure leading to the functional role of brain-renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in hypertension and in obesity during Type 2 diabetes episodes. Research involving neurological and cardiometabolic disorders have been supported by NIMHD, NIGMS and NHLBI.
Honors and Awards
- Fellow American Heart Association (FAHA), American Heart Association (2015)
- Top 20 Science & Technology Professors in North Carolina; SateStats.org and online Schools (2013)
- Piedmont Triad Excellence in Research & Development Award, NC Biotechnology (2012)
- Thurgood Marshall Distinguished Faculty Award, College Foundation (2008)
- Martin Luther King Jr. “Building the Dream” Award (2013)
- Wilveria B. Atkinson Distinguished Research Award, Winston-Salem State University (2007)
- John Fountain Master Teacher Excellence Award, Winston-Salem State University (2007)
- Wilma Lassita Master Teacher Award, Winston-Salem State University (2002)
- Cedric S. Rodney Service Award, Winston-Salem State University (2013)
- Scholarship Award – Cardinal Principle, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (2010, 2012)
- Porter Physiology Research Fellowship Award, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney diseases (NIDDK), (1991–1993).
Professional Memberships
- 2015 – Present – Fellow American Heart Association (FAHA) – America Heart Association
- 1990 – Present – American Physiological Society
- 1995 – Present – Society for Neuroscience
- 2004 – Present – American Heart Association, Council for High Blood Pressure Research, Member
- 2000 – Present – Consortium for Southeastern Hypertension Control
Publications
- Berwin Singh Swami Vetha, Dillion Garbrandt, Tonya Zeczycki, Tanya Gwathmey, Debra Diz, Azeez Aileru; Chronic AT1 Receptor Blockade Restores Cardiac Mitochondrial Redox and Calcium-Handling Proteomic Profiles in (mRen2)27 Hypertensive Rats; September 2025; Hypertension 82(Suppl_1). doi: 10.1161/hyp.82.suppl_1.076
- Swami Vetha BS, Byrum R, Mebane D, Katwa LC, Aileru A.; Impact of RAAS Receptors and Membrane-Bound Transporter System in the Left Ventricle during the Long-Term Control of Hypertension. Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Jun 26;25(13):6997. doi: 10.3390/ijms25136997.PMID: 39000106
- Prakash P, Swami Vetha BS, Chakraborty R, Wenegieme TY, Masenga SK, Muthian G, Balasubramaniam M, Wanjalla CN, Hinton AO Jr, Kirabo A, Williams CR, Aileru A, Dash C.; HIV-Associated Hypertension: Risks, Mechanisms, and Knowledge Gaps. Circulation Research. 2024 May 24;134(11): e150-e175. doi: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.124.323979. Epub 2024 May 23. PMID: 38781298
- Berwin-Singh-Swami; Rachel Byrum; Kaisi Peele; Debra Diz; Azeez A. Aileru; Functional Significance of Angiotensin Receptor Type 2 in the Neuroplasticity of Autonomic Ganglia in (mRen2)27 Transgenic Hypertensive Rats; September 2023; Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology; PMID: 36166507; doi: 10.1097/FJC.01368.
- Wayne Graham; Nildris Cruz; Azeez A. Aileru; Erin L. Mitchell; Debra Diz; Treatment and Eradication of Helicobacter Spp. In TGR (mREN2)27 Transgenic Rat Breeding Colony Does Not Alter Hypertensive Phenotype; Hypertension Published by American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; 2023; doi: 10.1161/hyp.79.suppl_1. P229.
- Swami Vetha BS, Adam AG, Aileru A. Redox Responsive Copolyoxalate Smart Polymers for Inflammation and Other Aging-Associated Diseases; Int J Mol Sci 2021 May 25;22(11):5607. doi: 10.3390/ijms22115607. PMID: 34070585.
- Serguei S. Sidach; Victor M. Pulgar; Azeez A. Aileru; Increased Inhibition of Potassium Channel Currents by Angiotensin II in Sympathetic Neurons may Contribute to a Sustained Blood Pressure Elevation in (mRen2)27 Rats; Hypertension Published by American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; DOI: 10.1161/hyp.68.suppl_1. p273
- Victor Pulgar; Oludamilola Ademoyero; Serguei S. Sidach; Azeez A. Aileru; Increased Expression and Function of Endothelin Receptors in Aorta of (mRen2)27 Hypertensive Rats; Hypertension Published by American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; DOI: 10.1161/hyp.68. suppl_1. p344.
- Victor M. Pulgar; Anne B. Jeffers; Mark C. Chappell; Azeez A. Aileru; The Endothelin B Receptor Attenuates Endothelin Contraction Via an Endothelium Independent Mechanism in Mesenteric Arteries Of (mRen2)27 Rats; Hypertension Published by American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; DOI: 10.1161/hyp.62.suppl_1. A644
- Victor M. Pulgar; Anne B. Jeffers; Hanadi M. Rashad; Debra Diz; Azeez A. Aileru; Increased Constrictor Tone Induced by Ouabain Treatment in Rats; April 2013; Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology Published by American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; DOI: 10.1097 /FJC.0b013e3182955d33
- Tennille Presley; Anne B. Jeffers; Tameisha S. Guthery; Azeez A. Aileru; Heat acclimation improves Hsps and NO bioavailability in a type 2 diabetic rodent model; Nitric Oxide Published by Elsevier BV; DOI: 10.1016/j.niox.2013.02.018
- Victor M. Pulgar; Hanadi M. Rashad; Anne B. Jeffers; Samantha Dickenson; Debra Diz; Azeez A. Aileru; Na‐K‐ATPase isoform profile in acquired and genetic forms of hypertension favors the hypertensive phenotype; The FASEB Journal; Wiley; DOI: 10.1096 /fasebj.26.1_supplement.872.30
- Victor M. Pulgar; Anne B. Jeffers; Debra Diz; Azeez A. Aileru; Enhanced endothelin‐1 response in mesenteric arteries in acquired and inherited forms of hypertension; The FASEB Journal Published by Wiley; DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.872.29
- Exazevia M. Logan; Azeez A. Aileru; Hossam A. Shaltout; David B. Averill; Debra Diz; The Functional Role of PI3K in Maintenance of Blood Pressure and Baroreflex Suppression in (mRen2)27 and mRen2.Lewis Rat; Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology Published by American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; DOI: 10.1097/FJC.0b013e31822555ca
- Sarah H. Lindsey; Manjunatha Bhat; Azeez A. Aileru; Mark Chappell; GPR30 Attenuates Functional AT1 Receptor Expression in Rat Mesenteric Smooth Muscle Cells; The FASEB Journal Published by Wiley; DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.25.1_supplement.1088.8
- Exazevia Logan; Amber Johnson; Debra Diz; Azeez A. Aileru; Pressor and Baroreflex Effects of Ouabain in (mRen2)27 and mRen2.Lewis Rats; The FASEB Journal Published by Wiley; DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.24.1_supplement.977.5
- Azeez A. Aileru; Exazevia Logan; Michael F. Callahan; Carlos Maria Ferrario; Detlev Ganten; Debra Diz; (March 2004); Alterations in Sympathetic Ganglionic Transmission in Response to Angiotensin II in (mRen2)27 Transgenic Rats; Hypertension Published by American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. DOI: 10.1161/01.HYP.0000112422. 81661.f3
- Azeez A. Aileru; Miles Ingram; Carlos Maria Ferrario; D. Ganten; Debra Diz; Alterations in sympathetic ganglionic transmission in response to angiotensin II in (mRen2)27 transgenic rats; Hypertension Published by American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
- Azeez A. Aileru, Aline Alice Cavalcante de Albuquerque; John M. Hamlyn; Paolo Manunta; Jui R. Shah; Matthew J. Hamilton; Danny Weinreich; Synaptic plasticity in sympathetic ganglia from acquired and inherited forms of ouabain-dependent hypertension; AJP Regulatory Integrative and Comparative Physiology Published by American Physiological Society; DOI: 10.1152 /ajpregu.2001.281.2. R635; 1-10
- Adriana Gonzalez-Gallardo; Azeez A. Aileru; Robert G. Carpentier; Arrhythmogenic and antiarrhythmic actions of substances of abuse: Effects on triggered activity; Journal of Electrocardiology Published by Elsevier BV; DOI: 10.1016/S0022-0736(97)80022-2.
- Azeez A Aileru; Robert G. Carpentier; Mechanisms of the in vitro effects of amphetamine on rat sinus node automaticity and membrane potentials of atrial fibers; Journal of Electrocardiology Published by Elsevier BV
- William P. Watkinson; Azeez A. Aileru; Sean Dowd; Donald L. Doerfler; Jeff Tepper; Daniel L. Costa; (January 1993); Acute Effects of Ozone on Heart Rate and Body Temperature in the Unanesthetized, Unrestrained Rat Maintained at Different Ambient Temperatures; Inhalation Toxicology Published by Taylor & Francis https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/08958379309034498?journalCode=iiht20
- Azeez A. Aileru; Ronny Bell; Mark Cline; Barry Freedman; David Goff; Leann Groban; David Herrington; Jay Kaplan; Lorna Moore; Michael O’Shea; Mike Robbins; David Sane; Small Peptide Found to Stop Lung Cancer Tumor Growth in Mice
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=aileru
http://cdm17140.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/p17140coll10/id/58/
Selected Conference Papers (from over 100 abstracts)
- Azeez A Aileru, Berwin Singh Swami Vetha, Wayne Graham, Nildris Cruz and Debra Diz; (February 2024); Treatment and Eradication of Helicobacter Spp. In TGR (mRen2)27 Transgenic Rat Breeding Colony Does Not Alter Hypertensive Phenotype. Celebration of Research and Scholarship (CORAS), ECU School of Dental Medicine, North Carolina.
- Berwin Singh Swami Vetha, DaQuan Mebane and Azeez Aileru; (February 2024); A Comprehensive Study on Cardiac Receptor Dynamics in Hypertension – Role of Renin-Angiotensin System in Cardiomyyocyes. Conference: Celebration of Research and Scholarship (CORAS), ECU School of Dental Medicine, North Carolina.
- DaQuan Mebane, Berwin Singh Swami Vetha, and Azeez Aileru; (February 2024); Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System on Cardiomyocyte and the impact of anti-hypertensive Drug on Myocardial Excitability. Conference: Conference: Celebration of Research and Scholarship (CORAS), ECU School of Dental Medicine, North Carolina.
- Berwin Singh Swami Vetha, Rachel Byrum and Azeez Aileru; (February 2024); Protective Arm of Renin-Angiotensin System is Compromised in High Blood Pressure – A Closer look at Long-Term Control of Hypertension. Conference: Celebration of Research and Scholarship (CORAS), ECU School of Dental Medicine, North Carolina.
- Rachel Byrum, Berwin Singh Swami Vetha, and Azeez Aileru; (April 2023); What is the Myocardial implication in RAAS-Regulated Hypertension? A Closer look at the NKA, NCX AND CA2+ Reuptake. Conference: Celebration of Research and Scholarship (CORAS), ECU School of Dental Medicine, North Carolina.
- Rachel Byrum, Berwin Singh Swami Vetha, and Azeez Aileru; (April 2022); Serum Renin-Angiotensin System Biomarkers in (mRen2)27 Transgenic form of Hypertension. Conference: Research and Creative Achievement Week, ECU-REDE, North Carolina.
- Rachel Byrum, Berwin Singh Swami Vetha, and Azeez Aileru; (February 2022); Biochemical Analysis of Renin-Angiotensin System in (mRen2)27 form of Hypertension. Conference: Conference: Celebration of Research and Scholarship (CORAS), ECU School of Dental Medicine, North Carolina.
- Kaise Peele, Berwin Singh Swami Vetha, and Azeez Aileru; (February 2022); Expression of Na+/K+ ATPase Isoforms and Na+/Ca2+ Exchanger Activity in Cardiac Myocytes of Ren-2 Transgenic Model of Hypertension. Celebration of Research and Scholarship (CORAS), ECU School of Dental Medicine, North Carolina.
- Berwin Singh Swami Vetha, Rachel Byrum and Azeez Aileru; (February 2022); Angiotensin Receptor subtype-2 in the Neuroplasticity of Autonomic Ganglia in (mRen2)27 Transgenic model of Hypertension. Celebration of Research and Scholarship (CORAS), ECU School of Dental Medicine, North Carolina.
- Berwin Singh Swami Vetha, and Azeez Aileru; (September 2021); Angiotensin II Modulation of Sympathetic Ganglionic Transmission in Genetic Form of Hypertension. Conference: Postdoc Appreciation week, ECU School of Graduate Studies, North Carolina.
- Victor M. Pulgar; Oludamilola Ademoyero; Serguei Sidach; Azeez A Aileru; (September 2016); Increased Expression and Function of Endothelin Receptors in Aorta of (mRen2)27 Hypertensive Rats. Conference: Council on Hypertension 2016 Scientific Sessions Orlando, Florida
- Serguei S. Sidach; Victor M. Pulgar; Azeez A. Aileru; (September 2016); Increased Inhibition of Potassium Channel Currents by Angiotensin II in Sympathetic Neurons from (mRen2)27 Rats. Conference: Council on Hypertension 2016 Scientific Sessions Orlando, Florida.
- Victor M. Pulgar; Oludamilola Ademoyero; Azeez A. Aileru; Makiko Yasuda; Lin Gan; Robert J. Desnick; Herbert Bonkovsky; (July 2016). Vascular Reactivity in Mesenteric Arteries from a Rodent Model of Acute Intermittent Porphyria [AIP]; Conference: Gordon Research Conference Chemistry and Biology of Tetrapyrroles Salve Regina University, Newport, Rhode Island
- Victor M. Pulgar; Anna B. Jeffers; Debra Diz; Azeez A. Aileru; (January 2012); Enhanced endothelin-1 response in mesenteric arteries in acquired and induced forms of hypertension; Conference: FASEB Meeting 2012; Volume: FASEB J 2012 26:872.29
- Victor M. Pulgar; Hanadi M. Rashad; Anne B. Jeffers; Samantha Dickenson; Debra Diz; Azeez A. Aileru; (January 2012); Na-K-ATPase isoform profile in acquired and genetic forms of hypertension favors the hypertensive phenotype; Conference: FASEB Meeting 2012 Volume: The FASEB Journal. 2012; 26:872.30
- Victor M. Pulgar; Anna B. Jeffers; Debra Diz; Azeez A. Aileru; (November 2011); Vascular Na-K-ATPase Activity in Acquired and Genetic Forms of Hypertension; Hypertension Published by American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Conference: Scientific Sessions of High Blood Pressure Research Volume: 58.
- E. Logan; D. Averill; Carlos Maria Ferrario; D. Ganten; Debra Diz; Azeez A. Aileru; (October 2004); Effect of angiotensin II on ganglionic neuroplasticity: Peripheral neuroplastic differences between (mRen2)27 and mRen2.Lewis models of hypertension; Hypertension Published by American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Conference: 9th Annual Meeting of the European Council for Cardiovascular Research Volume: 44.
- W.P. Watkinson; Azeez A. Aileru; Sean Dowd; J.T. Tepper; C.J. Gordon; (February 1990); Effect of ozone on body temperature and heart rate in the unanesthetized, unrestrained rats; Volume 4:3