Mitch Finkel, M.D.
	Professor of Medicine, Section of Cardiology Medical Degree: University of Maryland Cardiology Fellowship: Yale University
	Office: 2212-HSS Lab: 3118-HSN PO Box 9157 Morgantown, WV 26506	Email: mfinkel@hsc.wvu.edu Phone: 304-293-8895 Fax: 304-293-7828

Research Interests :

Dr. Finkel's basic laboratory efforts complement his clinical studies designed to elucidate molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the response of the heart to ischemic and non-ischemic injury. Intacellular signaling pathways activated by exposure of cardiac myocytes to emotional stress, viral infection, toxins and/or ischemia/infarction are studied. His laboratory has provided considerable evidence for an important role for the immune system in the progressive deterioration and death that follows these initial insults to the myocardium. The long-term objective of his research is to identify novel therapeutic targets to prevent the progressive deterioration and death seen in patients with congestive heart failure resulting from ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathies.

Selected Publications:

1. Finkel MS , Oddis CV, Jacobs TD, Watkins SC, Hattler BG, Simmons RL: Negative inotropic effects of cytokines on the heart mediated by nitric oxide. Science 257:387-389, 1992.
2. Kan H and Finkel MS. Inflammatory mediators and reversible myocardial dysfunction. J Cell Physiol. 195:1-11, 2003.
3. Kan H, Xie Z and Finkel MS . P38 MAP Kinase Mediated Negative Inotropic Effect of HIV gp120 on Cardiac Myocytes. AM J Physiol. Cell Physiology. 286 (1):C1-7., 2004.

Lab Personnel: Fangping Chen, Post Doctoral Fellow Heather Mullenax, Graduate Student
	Healther Mullenax, Dr. Finkel and Fangping Chen