Alveolar Macrophage Zinc And Zinc Transporters And Their Role In Phagocytosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$288,975.00
Summary
Zinc is an essential dietary component that serves a number of functions in the lungs. It is both an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Some airway inflammatory diseases such as emphysema may involve a critical loss of lung zinc. We believe that cigarette smoke causes the loss of zinc and this prevents the lung macrophages from working properly to clear bacteria and dead cells. This will provide a foundation for our long term goals of better clinical management of emphysema.
It is clear that the rate of obesity is increasing dramatically. Better therapeutic strategies are required to treat this debilitating disease. In this study we will determine the effects of sugary drinks on the amount of food eaten and subsequent changes in weight gain. By understanding how sugary drinks affect rates of weight gain we will be able to formulate better strategies to combat obesity.
Glucose is a critical fuel for living organisms and its presence in the gut triggers nerves that slow stomach emptying. However, little is known of how glucose is actually detected in the gut. We have established that sweet taste molecules of the tongue are also present in the gut, where they may detect glucose. This research will measure the expression and function of these molecules in the gut of humans and mice, and reveal key information on their potential as targets in health and disease.
Effects Of Dietary Protein On Gastrointestinal Function: Implications For The Regulation Of Energy Intake In Obesity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$677,157.00
Summary
Obesity is largely due to energy intake exceeding energy expenditure. The CI has reported that dietary protein markedly reduces energy intake but the mechanisms underlying this effect remain unknown. The proposed studies will determine whether gastrointestinal mechanisms are involved in the regulation of appetite and energy intake and how they relate to body weight reduction in obese subjects. The research represents a unique approach to the management of obesity and health.
Restricting Dietary Advanced Glycation End Product Intake As A Potential Therapeutic Tool In Diabetic Nephropathy.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$483,351.00
Summary
Kidney disease is a serious complication of diabetes and may occur as a result of a biochemical process known as advanced glycation. These advanced glycation end products (AGEs) accumulate in the kidney causing disruption of function. Due to modern food processing techniques, the Australian diet has a high AGE content. Over-eating foods which are high in AGEs may worsen diabetic kidney disease. This proposal will test the effects of dietary AGE restriction and overfeeding on kidney function.
Effects Of Gastric Bypass And Banding For Obesity On Gastrointestinal Function, Body Weight, Glycaemia And Symptoms
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$444,086.00
Summary
The increasing incidence of obesity poses a significant impact on the health care system. Bariatric surgery not only achieves sustained weight loss but also reverses the associated complications. This proposal aims to examine the mechanisms that mediate weight loss, improvement in blood glucose control and symptoms after bariatric surgery. The results will provide insights into future development of minimally invasive interventions for the management of obesity and diabetes.