Domenico Praticò

Domenico Praticò is a neuropathologist, professor, and doctor who is an international expert on Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia, and neurodegenerative aging.



Biography



Praticò is the Scott Richards North Star Charitable Foundation Chair for Alzheimer’s Research and Director of the Alzheimer's Center at Temple University’s Lewis Katz School of Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

He received his MD from the University of Rome “La Sapienza” and previously worked and held a faculty position at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine.

He is also a fellow of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia.





Educational Background



MD, University of Rome "La Sapienza," Rome, Italy, 1986

Fellowship, Hemocoagulation, Hospital of the University of Rome "La Sapienza," 1991;

Fellowship, Cardiovascular Science, University of Dublin, Ireland, 1994

Residency, Hospital of the University of Rome "La Sapienza," 1991

Internship, Hospital of the University of Rome "La Sapienza"







Memberships



Society for Neuroscience

American Federation for Medical Research

American Heart Association

International Academy of Cardiology





Research



Dr. Praticò’s research area is clinical pharmacology with a special focus on the cellular and molecular aspects of cell oxidative biology and a particular interest in small molecules such as bioactive oxidized lipids.



This area is very broad and extends to multiple disciplines including aging, cardiovascular diseases as well as neurodegeneration. Our work in the biology of oxidized bioactive lipids has significantly contributed to the current understanding of their importance as biomarkers, mediators of cellular and molecular events involved in the pathogenesis of several clinical conditions, and therapeutic targets for preventing and treating human diseases. In our lab we employ cellular and animal models of human diseases, and in this context particular emphasis is given to the translation of any observation made in these systems into a better understanding of human physiology and pathology. Our group is committed to foster collaborative scientific research of the highest quality, and at the same time to provide outstanding teaching and mentoring for young scientists. 



Dr. Praticò’s most recent research focuses on the effect extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) has on the brain, particularly related to the buildup and prevention of toxic tau proteins, a key factor in Alzheimer’s disease. He demonstrated that a diet rich in EVOO can help prevent the mental decline associated with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.



Dr. Praticò’s other research focuses on bioactive oxidized lipids, where his work has significantly contributed to the current understanding of their importance as biomarkers, mediators of cellular and molecular events involved in the pathogenesis of several clinical conditions, and therapeutic targets for preventing and treating human diseases.





Most cited publications:



Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy (4th edition)1

DJ Klionsky, AK Abdel-Aziz, S Abdelfatah, M Abdellatif, A Abdoli, S Abel, ...

autophagy 17 (1), 1-382 2021



Inflammation and Alzheimer’s disease

H Akiyama, S Barger, S Barnum, B Bradt, J Bauer, GM Cole, NR Cooper, ...

Neurobiology of aging 21 (3), 383-421 2000



Increased lipid peroxidation precedes amyloid plaque formation in an animal model of Alzheimer amyloidosis

D Praticò, K Uryu, S Leight, JQ Trojanoswki, VMY Lee

Journal of Neuroscience 21 (12), 4183-4187 2001



Increase of brain oxidative stress in mild cognitive impairment: a possible predictor of Alzheimer disease

D Praticò, CM Clark, F Liun, VYM Lee, JQ Trojanowski

Archives of neurology 59 (6), 972-976 2002



Vitamin E suppresses isoprostane generation in vivo and reduces atherosclerosis in ApoE-deficient mice

D Praticò, RK Tangirala, DJ Rader, J Rokach, GA FitzGerald

Nature medicine 4 (10), 1189-1192 1998