Dr. Joseph Francis
Professor
Comparative Biomedical Sciences (CBS)

 Awards & Honors:
  • 2015 Dean's Teacher Merit Honor Roll
  • 2012 Dean's Teacher Merit Honor Roll
  • 2009 Arthur Guyton Young Investigator Award
 Grants:
  • Effect of a Whole blueberry powder consumption on Chronic kidney disese with diabetic nephropathy: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study, Blueberry Growers of America, $248,000.00
  • Effect of Whole Blueberry Powder Consumption on Depression: A Randomized Double Blind Placebo Controlled Study, Blueberry Growers of America, $188,000.00
  • AHA, AHA, $170,000.00
  • NHLBI, NIH,
  • Exploring beneficial effects of blueberries in horses: Effect of blueberries on Exercise Testing in horses on the Treadmill, Blueberry Growers of America, $62,208.00
  • Grant, AHA, $170,000.00
  • Grant, USHBBC, $110,000.00
  • Epithelial Sodium Channels in Vasopressin and Oxytocin Synthesizing Magnocellular Cells in the Hypothalamus, NIH NHLBI R01 HL115208-01A1, $1.00
  • CBS Seed Grant, CBS, $10,000.00
  • The Effects of Flight Stress on an Animal Model of PTSD, Air Force Clinical Research Laboratory, Keesler AFB, $90,000.00
  • Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Neuroprotective Mechanisms in the Pathophysiology of PTSD in an Animal Model: Blueberries and Exercise as Possible Therapeutic Approaches. , Department of Defense, $225,000.00
  • Role of blueberries in modulating neurotransmitter and SKA2 (suicide) gene in animal model of PTSD, US High Bush Blueberry Council, $110,000.00
  • The Effects of Toxoplasmosis During the Progression of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in a Predator Exposure Animal Model. , Air Force Military Support Agency (AFMSA) , $50,000.00
  • NIHNHLBI, NIH,
  • LSU-SVM Corp, LSU-SVM Corp,
  • USHBBC, USHBBC,
  • Inflammation, oxidative stress and Neuroprotective factors in the pathophysiology of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in Rat Model exposed to stressors of Flight, Kessler Air Force Base - Mississippi, $86,085.00
 Publications:
Journal Article, Academic Journal:
  • Blockade of Endogenous Angiotensin-(1-7) in Hypothalamic Paraventricular Nucleus Attenuates High Salt-Induced Sympathoexcitation and Hypertension, J, X; Miao, YW; Li, HB; Su, Q; Liu, KL; Fu, LY; Hou, YK; Shi, XL; Li, Y; Mu, JJ; Chen, WS; Cui, W; Zhu, GQ; Ebenzer, PJ; Francis, Joseph; Kang, YM, 2019, Neuroscience Bulletin , Volume: 35, Pages: 47-56
  • Current and future functional imaging techniques for post traumatic stress disorder, Prasad, A; Kelley, P; Francis, Joseph; Gartia, MR, 2019, RSC Adv. , Volume: 9, Pages: 24568-24594
  • A Putative Mechanism of Age-Related Synaptic Dysfunction Based on the Impact of IGF-1 Receptor Signaling on Synaptic CaMKIIα Phosphorylation, Ogundele, Olalekan; Pardo, Joaquin; Francis, Joseph; Goya, Rodolfo; Lee, Charles, 2018, Frontiers in Neuroanatomy , Volume: 12, Pages: 35
  • Influence of Myocardial Hemorrhage on Staging of Reperfused Myocardial Infarctions With T2 Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Insights Into the Dependence on Infarction Type With Ex Vivo Validation., Wang, G; Yang, HJ; Kali, A; Cokic, I; Tang, R; Xie, G; Yang, Q; Francis, Joseph; Li, S; Dharmakumar, R, 2018, JACC Cardiovascular Imaging , Volume: pii: S1936-878X(18)30128-1. doi:10.1016/j.jcmg.2018.01.018 [Epub ahead of print] PMID:29680356
  • Age-dependent alterations to paraventricular nucleus insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1-R) as a possible link between sympathoexcitation and inflammation, Ogundele , Olalekan; Lee, Charles; Francis, Joseph, 2017, Journal of Neurochemistry , Volume: 139, Number: 5, Pages: 706-721
  • Blueberry supplementation attenuates oxidative stress within monocytes and modulates immune cell levels in adults with metabolic syndrome: a randomized, double blinded study., Nair, AR; Mariappan, N; Francis, Joseph; Lee, CC, 2017, Food and Function , Volume: 8 , Number: 11, Pages: 4118-4128
  • Systemic sympathoexcitation was associated with paraventricular hypothalamic phosphorylation of synaptic CaMKIIα and MAPK/ErK, Ogundele , Olalekan; Rosa, Fernando; Lee, Charles; Francis, Joseph; Dharmakumar, Rohan, 2017, Frontiers in Neuroscience , Volume: 11, Pages: 447
  • Thalamic dopaminergic neurons project to the paraventricular nucleus-rostral ventrolateral medulla/C1 neural circuit, Ogundele , Olalekan; Lee, Charles; Francis, Joseph, 2017, The Anatomical Record , Volume: 300, Number: 7, Pages: 1307-1314
  • Stress-altered synaptic plasticity and DAMP signaling in the hippocampus-PFC axis; elucidating the significance of IGF-1/IGF-1R/CaMKIIα expression in neural changes associated with a prolonged exposure therapy, Ogundele , Olalekan; Ebenezer, Philip; Lee, Charles; Francis, Joseph, 2017, Neuroscience , Volume: 353, Pages: 147-165
  • Age-dependent alterations to paraventricular nucleus insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1-R) as a possible link between sympathoexcitation and inflammation, Ogundele , Olalekan; Lee, Charles; Francis, Joseph, 2016, Journal of Neurochemistry , Volume: 139, Number: 5, Pages: 706-721
  • The Anti-inflammatory Effects of Blueberries in an Animal Model of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Ebenezer, Philip; Nair, Anand; Wilson, Brad; McLaughlin, Leslie; Francis, Joseph, 2016, PLoS ONE , Volume: 11(9), Number: e0160923
  • The Anti-inflammatory effects of Blueberries in an Animal Model of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Ebenezer, Philip; Wilson, C; Wilson, Leslie; Nair, Anand; Francis, Joseph, 2016, PLoS
  • Therapeutic potential of adipose stem cells derived conditioned medium against pulmonary hypertension and lung fibrosis., Rathinasabapathy, Kwon; Lin, S; Kin, G; Son, C; Shi, P; Nair, Anand; Francis, Joseph; Katovich, Michael; Shenoy, Vinayak; Raizada, Mohan, 2016, British Journal of Pharmacology
  • AngiotensinII-induced hypertensive renal inflammation is mediated through HMGB1-TLR4 signaling in rat tubuloepithelial cells, Nair, Anand; Ebenezer, Philip; Saini, Yogesh; Francis, Joseph, 2015, Experimental Cell Research , Volume: 335, Number: 2, Pages: 238-47
  • Role of TLR4 in Lipopolysaccharide-induced Acute Kidney Injury: Protection by Blueberry, Nair, Anand; Masson, Gustavo; Francis, Joseph; Ebenezer, Philip; Del Piero, Fabio, 2014, Free Radical Biology & Medicine , Volume: 71C, Pages: 16-25
  • Role of TLR4 in lipopolysaccharide-induced acute kidney injury: protection by blueberry., Nair, A; Masson, G; Ebenezer, P; Del Piero, Fabio; Francis, Joseph, 2014, Free radical biology & medicine , Volume: 71, Pages: 16-25
  • Central blockade of TLR4 improves cardiac function and attenuates myocardial inflammation in angiotensin II-induced hypertension , Dange, Rahul; Agarwal, Deepmala; Francis, Joseph; Masson, Gustavo; Villa, Jorge; Wilson, Brad; Nair, Anand, 2014, Cardiovascular Research
  • Role of TLR4 in lipopolysaccharide-induced acute kidney injury: Protection by blueberry., Nair, A; Masson, G; Ebenezer, P; Del Piero, Fabio; Francis, Joseph, 2014, Free radical biology & medicine , Volume: 71C, Pages: 16-25
  • Predator Exposure/Psychosocial Stress Animal Model of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Modulates Neurotransmitters in the Rat Hippocampus and Prefrontal Cortex, Wilson, Leslie; Wilson, C; Ebenezer, Philip; Francis, Joseph, 2014, PLOS ONE , Volume: 9, Number: 2, Pages: 7
  • Predator Exposure/Psychosocial Stress Animal Model of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Modulates Neurotransmitters in the Rat Hippocampous and Prefrontal Cortex, Wilson, Brad; Francis, Joseph; Ebenezer, Philip; Wilson, Leslie; Nair, Anand, 2014, PLoS One
  • A blueberry-enriched diet improves renal function and reduces oxidative stress in metabolic syndrome animals: potential mechanism of TLR4-MAPK signaling pathway., Nair, A; Elks, C; Vila, J; Del Piero, Fabio; Paulsen, Daniel; Francis, Joseph, 2014, PloS one , Volume: 9, Number: 11, Pages: e111976
  • Diaminazene Attenuates pulmonary Hypertension and Improves Angiogenic Progenitor Cell Functions in Experimental Models, Shenoy, Vinayak; Gjymishka, Altin; Francis, Joseph; Yagna, Jarajapu; Qi, Yanfei; Afzal, Aqeela; Rigatto, Katya; Ferreira, Anderson; Fraga-Silva, Rodrigo; Kearns, Patrick; Yellowlees Douglas, Jane; Agarwal, Deepmala; Mubarak, Kamal; Bradford, Chastity; Kennedy, William; Jun, Joo; Rathinasabapathy, Anandharajan; Bruce, Erin; Gupta, Dipankar; Cardounel, Arturo; Mocco, J; Patel, Jawaharlal; Grant, Maria; Katovich, Michael; Raizada, Mohan, 2013, American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine , Volume: 187(6):648-57
  • The Role of ER Stress in Renal Diseases in Metabolic Syndrome Animals: Blockade by Natural Antioxidants, Nair, A; Francis, Joseph, 2013, Hypertension , Number: 62:A215
  • (Pro)renin receptor mediates both angiotensin II-dependent and -independent oxidative stress in neuronal cells, Peng, Hua; lI, Wencheng ; Francis, Joseph; Seth, Dale; Nair, Anand; Feng, Yumei, 2013, PLoS One , Volume: 8(3), Number: e58339
  • Bioactives in Fruit: Health benefits and functional foods, Shukitt-Hale, Barbara; Elks, Carrie; Francis, Joseph; Stull, April; Cefalu, William; Ingram, Donald, 2013, Wiley Online Publisher
  • Inflammation and Oxidative Stress are Elevated in the Brain, Blood, and Adrenal Glands During the Progresion of Post-Traumatic Stress DIsorder in a Predator Exposure Animal Model, Francis, Joseph; Wilson, Brad; Wilson, Leslie; Nair, Anand; Ebenezer, Philip; Dange, Rahul, 2013, PLoS One , Volume: 9(10), Number: e76146
  • Inhibitions of TNF in the Brain Reverses Alterations in RAS Components and Attenuates Angiotensin II-Induced Hypertension, Sriramula, Srinivas; Cardinale, Jeffrey; Francis, Joseph, 2013, PLoS One , Volume: 8(5), Number: e63847
  • Inflammation and Oxidative Stress Are Elevated in the Brain, Blood, and Adrenal Glands during the Progression of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in a Predator Exposure Animal Model , Wilson, Leslie; Wilson, Carl; Nair, Anand; Ebenezer, Philip ; Dange, Rahul; Francis, Joseph, 2013, PLoS One , Volume: 8, Number: 10, Pages: 10
  • Bilateral ACE2 overexpression in the paraventricular nucleus attenuates angiotensin II-induced blood pressure response, Francis, Joseph; Sriramula, S; Cardinale, J; Lazartigue, E, 2012, Journal of Cardiovascular , Volume: 92(3), Number: 401-8
  • Detraining Differentially Preserved Beneficial Effects of Exercise on Hypertension: Effects on Blood Pressure, Cardiac Function, Brain Infalmmatory Cytokines and Oxidative Stress., Francis, Joseph, 2012, PLoS One
  • Vasoreactivity before and after hand grip training in chronic heart failure patients., Francis, Joseph; Credeur, Daniel; Mariappan, Nithya; Thomas, David; Moraes, Denzil; Welsch, Michael, 2012, Atherosclerosis
  • Obesity increases cerebrocortical reactive exygen species and impairs brain function., Francis, Joseph; Freeman, LR; Zhang, L; Nair, A; Dasuri, K, 2012, Free Radical Biology and Medicine
  • Interaction of TNF with Angiotensin II contributes to mitochondrial oxidative stress and cardiac damage in rats., Francis, Joseph; Mariappan, Mithya; Elks, Carrie; Villa, Jorge, 2012, PLoS One
  • Chronic exercise modulates RAS components and improves balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the brain of SHR., Francis, Joseph; Agarwal, Deepmala; Welsch, Michael; Keller, Jeffrey ; Francis, Joseph, 2011, Basic Research in Cardiology , Volume: 106, Number: 6, Pages: 1069-85, 2011
  • Central TNF inhibition results in attenuated neurohumoral excitation in heart failure: a role for superoxide and nitric oxide, Francis, Joseph; Guggiluam, Anuradha; Cardinale, Jeffrey; Mariappan, Nithya; Sriramula, Srinivas, 2011, Basic Research in Cardiology , Volume: 106(2), Pages: 273-286
  • Brain Microglial Cytokines in Hypertension., Francis, Joseph; Shi, Peng; Diez-Freire, Carlos; Yun Jun, Joo; Qi, Yanfei; Katovich, Michael ; Li, Qiuhong; Sriramula, Srinivas; Sumners, Colin; Raizada, Mohan, 2010, Hypertension
  • Central adiposity, Systemic Inflammation and the Metabolic Syndrome., Francis, Joseph; Elks, Carrie, 2010, Current Hypertension Report , Volume: 12, Number: 2
  • HDAC inhibition attenuates hypertensive and hypertrophic response elements in left ventricle of spontanesously hypertensive rats, Pariaut, Romain; Cardinale, Jeffrey; Sriramula, S; Guggilam, Anurhada; Mariappan, N; Francis, Joseph, 2010, Hypertension , Volume: 56, Number: 3, Pages: 437-444
  • Involvement of tumor necrosis factor-alpha in the natriuretic response to systemic infusion of nitric oxide synthase inhibitor in anexthetized mice., Francis, Joseph; Shahid, M; Matrougui, K; Majid, DS, 2010, Am J Physiol Renal Physiol
  • NF-kappaB-induced oxidative stress contributes to mitochondrial and cardiac dysfunction in type II diabetes., Francis, Joseph; Mariappan, N; Elks, CM; Sriramula, S; Guggilam, A; Liu, Z; Borkhsenious, O, 2010, Cariovasc Res , Volume: 85, Number: 3, Pages: 473-83
Journal Article, Professional Journal:
  • Psychological effect of rapid aero-medical evacuation in a predator exposure animal model of posttraumatic stress disorder, Wilson, Brad; Harre, Joseph ; Shaak, Thomas ; Wilson, Leslie; Francis, Joseph, 2016, Military Medicine , Number: 181(11)
  • Differential effects of sertraline in a predator exposure animal model of post-traumatic stress disorder. , Wilson, C; Wilson, Leslie; Ebenezer, P; Nair, A; Dange, R; Harre, J; Shaak, T; Diamond, D; Francis, Joseph, 2014, Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience
  • Chronic exercise preserves renal structure and hemodynamics in spontaneously hypertensive rats, Mariappan, Nithya; Agarwal, Deepmala; Elks, Carrie; Reed, Scott; Majid, Dewan; Francis, Joseph, 2012, Antioxid Redox Signal , Volume: 16, Number: 2, Pages: 139-152
  • Oxidative stress and interaction of endothelin receptors in airways of clinically healthy horses, Venugopal, Changaram; Mariappan, Nithya; Holmes, Earnestine; Koch, Catherine; Francis, Joseph; Eades, Susan, 2011, Journal of Equine Veterinary Science , Volume: 31, Pages: 1-6
  • The angiotensin converting enzyme 2/Angiognesis-(1-7)/Mas axis fonfers cardiopulmonary protection against drug fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension., Venugopal, Changaram; Shenoy, Vijay; Ferreira, AJ; Qi, Y; Fraga-Silva, RA; Doez-Freire, C; Dooles, A; Yun Dun, D; Sriamula, Srinivasan; Maiappan, Nithya; Pourang, D; Francis, Joseph; Reudelhuber, T; Santos, RA; Patel, JM; Raizada, Mohan; Katovich, MJ, 2010, American Critical Care Medicine , Volume: 182, Number: 8, Pages: 1065-1072
Scientific Abstract:
  • Angiotensin II-induced ER stress in the heart is attenuated by exercise, Masson, G; Nair, A; Francis, Joseph; White, M; Agarwal, D, 2013
  • Blueberry treatment improves renal function and reduces oxidative stress in Metabolic syndrome animals - Role of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), Nair, A; Francis, Joseph; Vila, J; Piero, F, 2013
  • Central blockade of TLR4 improves cardiac function and attenuates pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress in hypertensive rats, Dange, Rahul; Francis, Joseph; Agarwal, Deepmala; Vila, Jorge; Wilson, Brad; Teruyama, Ryoichi, 2013
  • Exercise training attenuates ER stress in the kidney cortex and improves renal function in the Angiotensin II-induced hypertensive rats, Nair, A; Masson, G; Francis, Joseph; Ebenezer, P, 2013
  • Expression of (pro)renin receptor and antiotensin II type 1 receptor on bone marrow-related neurons in the central nervous system, Kimball, Christie; Francis, Joseph; Li, Wencheng; Zsombok, Andrea ; Derbenev, Andrei; Raizada, Mohan; Feng, Yumei, 2013
  • Glycogen synthase kinase - 3 beta inhibition in the PVN attenuates hypertensive response: Role of inflammation, Agarwal, D; Cardinale, J; Francis, Joseph; Sriramula, S; Dange, R; Nair, A, 2013
  • Inflammation, Oxidative stress, and Neuroprotective factors in the pathophysiology of PTSD in a predator exposure animal model, Wilson, B; Francis, Joseph; Wilson, Leslie; Nair, A; Dange, R; Ebenezer, P, 2013
  • Mice Lacking the Gene for Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4) Had an Attenuated ER Stress in the Heart in Response to Ang II Infusion , Dange, R; Nair, A; Francis, Joseph; Vila, J, 2013
  • NLRP3 inflammasomes is activated in the kidneys of metabolic syndrome animals, Nair, A; Francis, Joseph; Wilson, B, 2013
  • Role of central GSK-3β in mediating exercise-induced improvement in inflammatory cytokines and reduction in blood pressure in hypertensive rates, Agarwal, Deepmala; Dange, Rahul; Francis, Joseph, 2013