Research Description

Dr. Rehan’s research interests include lung development and injury-repair, with a special emphasis on lung injury repair following perinatal exposure to insults such as hyperoxia, infection, volutrauma, and nicotine. The studies in his lab have provided novel insights into the pathogenesis of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD), Childhood Asthma, and Chronic Lung Disease that have led to the creation of innovative strategies to prevent/treat these conditions. These include administration of vitamin D, curcumin, PPARγ agonists, and certain novel small molecules, via parenteral and inhalation approaches to prevent both acute and chronic lung injuries. He also studies the potentially serious impact of perinatal exposure to 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-hand smoke (the newly formed toxins from tobacco smoke that remain on furniture, in cars, on clothing and other surfaces) on the lung development of not only the exposed individuals, but also on the lung development of the progeny of many subsequent generations that follow after the initial exposure to pregnant mothers. These studies have vastly expanded our current understanding of the impact of perinatal smoke exposure on the epidemiology of chronic lung disease worldwide. He also studies the application of Small Molecule Readthrough (SMRT) compounds in preventing hereditary pulmonary hypertension. Lastly, his laboratory is also involved in designing sensorized umbilical arterial catheters for continuous monitoring of blood gases and sensorized endotracheal tubes for monitoring intratracheal position continuously.

Education

• MD, 1977, University College of Medical Sciences, Delhi, India

Recent and/or Significant Publications