Cardiopulmonary Bypass And The Acute Release Of Activin A In Inflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$52,914.00
Summary
This is the first study to investigate the pattern of activin A release in cardiac surgery. Activin A was originally isolated as a reproductive hormone but in the last 10 years, a significant body of work has established its role in a variety of inflammatory and cardiovascular conditions. It has been shown to be an important early player in the inflammatory response to infection. We aim to define its role in inflammation associated with the use of heart-lung machine in cardiac surgery.
Randomized Controlled Trial Of CPAP On Cardiac Function In Patients With Heart Failure And Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$140,906.00
Summary
Heart failure is a very common condition associated with disabling symptoms. The main symptoms are breathlessness, usually during sleep or upon exercise, and fatigue. Recent research has identified that sleep apnoea, a condition that occurs in about 50% of subjects with heart failure, is likely to be responsible for these symptoms. Moreover, treatment specifically aimed at sleep apnoea, namely continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) delived via a small electric pump and nasal mask worn during ....Heart failure is a very common condition associated with disabling symptoms. The main symptoms are breathlessness, usually during sleep or upon exercise, and fatigue. Recent research has identified that sleep apnoea, a condition that occurs in about 50% of subjects with heart failure, is likely to be responsible for these symptoms. Moreover, treatment specifically aimed at sleep apnoea, namely continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) delived via a small electric pump and nasal mask worn during sleep, may also improve the symptoms of heart failure. The study will involve subjects with stable heart failure on optimal drug treatment who have evidence of obstructive sleep apnea on an overnight sleep study. Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a condition in which the throat intermittently narrows or blocks during sleep (often associated with snoring) causing cessation of airflow or apnoeas. Associated with the apnoeas are vigorous efforts by the chest muscles to breathe (creating negative vacuum-like pressures within the chest - and around the heart) at a time of falling oxygen levels. Previous research has suggested that these obstructive apnoeas are detrimental to the heart. Volunteers will be randomized to either a control or a CPAP treated group for a three month period. The control and CPAP groups will receive intensive advice about good eating and sleeping habits as weight gain and sleep loss are factors known to aggravate heart failure and obstructive sleep apnoea. In addition to the lifestyle advice, the CPAP group will also be treated with nasal CPAP. The variables which we will measure include severity of sleep apnoea, exercise capacity, heart function at rest and symptoms. Symptoms will be measured using 4 very detailed and validated questionnaires.Read moreRead less
Atherosclerotic vascular disease cause considerable morbidity, mortality and use of health services in Australia. Current known risk factors explain approximately half of all cardiovascular diseases. The search for new risk factors is therefore a high priority. Evidence suggests that chronic inflammation is closely involved in the process of atherosclerosis and its clinical complications. This study aims to determine if sensitive serum markers of inflammation and gene-environment interactions th ....Atherosclerotic vascular disease cause considerable morbidity, mortality and use of health services in Australia. Current known risk factors explain approximately half of all cardiovascular diseases. The search for new risk factors is therefore a high priority. Evidence suggests that chronic inflammation is closely involved in the process of atherosclerosis and its clinical complications. This study aims to determine if sensitive serum markers of inflammation and gene-environment interactions that affect inflammation will predict the extent and progression of carotid atherosclerosis in an Aboriginal and a non Aboriginal community population and in patients with premature coronary heart disease. This study should provide a greater understanding of the mechanisms involved in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. It is likely that we will find that some inflammatory markers and candidate gene polymorphisms will help identify individuals at increased cardiovascular risk, and who require earlier treatment to prevent disease. In particular, it would focus on preventive therapies that reduce atherosclerosis through anti-inflammatory targets. This study represents a crucial step towards improving our understanding of the aetiology of cardiovascular diseases, and in developing new ways to prevent heart disease and stroke. Progress in these areas will likely have significant public health benefitsRead moreRead less
Oxidative Stress, Heparan Sulfates And Endothelial Dysfunction
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$450,390.00
Summary
During vascular disease endothelial cells that line the blood lumen are dysfunctional. Growing evidence indicates a role for a protein that the immune system normally uses to destroy infectious agents. This protein accumulates in diseased blood vessels next to endothelial cells. This project will study how this protein causes endothelial dysfunction and test the ability of novel agents to remove this protein from diseased blood vessels to improve endothelial function.
HMGB1, A Cytokine Linking Inflammation, Lipid Accumulation, And Platelet Activation In Atherosclerosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$519,715.00
Summary
Atherosclerosis, or hardening of large arteries is the underlying cause of up to 50% of deaths in Western communities, primarily from heart attacks and strokes. Today it is considered a chronic inflammatory disease arising from the accumulation of fats such as cholesterol into the inner lining of blood vessels including those supplying vital organs such as the heart and brain. This study focuses on understanding how a major inflammatory factor, HMGB1, influences this disease process.
Atherosclerosis: Molecular Mechanisms Of Suppression By CD4+CD25+ Regulatory T-cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$535,333.00
Summary
Atherosclerosis, or hardening of large arteries is the underlying cause of up to 50% of deaths in Western communities, primarily from heart attacks and strokes. Today it is considered a chronic inflammatory disease arising from the accumulation of fats such as cholesterol into the inner lining of blood vessels including those supply vital organs such as the heart and brain. This study focuses on understanding how to use the body's own anti-inflammatory cells suppress inflammation.
Platelet-Activating And Proinflammatory Effects Of Proteins Secreted By Staphylococcus Aureus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$515,986.00
Summary
Skin or other Staphylococcus aureus (SA, golden Staph.) infections are common in Aboriginal Australians. We address the question whether atherosclerotic disease is accelerated by this bacterial infection. We will investigate whether a class of newly described toxins secreted by SA activates blood cells and leads to clot formation and potentially heart attack. We will evaluate plasma samples from cardiac patients and Aboriginal Austr. and will develop and test therapeutics in vitro and in mice.
Does Oxidation Of Lipoproteins By Thiocyanate-derived Oxidants Produced By Myeloperoxidase Contribute To Atherosclerosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$357,930.00
Summary
Considerable evidence links the heme enzyme myeloperoxidase with atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), a disease that kills approximately 40% of Australians, and particularly people who smoke. The reasons for the elevated risk in smokers is not fully understood, though it is known that they have elevated thiocyanate levels - a major substrate for myeloperoxidase. The role of myeloperoxidase and thiocyanate in lipoprotein damage in atherosclerosis will be addressed in this project.
Influence Of Flavonoid Structure And Function On Cardiovascular Protection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$571,447.00
Summary
The proposed research will further explore the hypothesis that dietary flavonoids can protect against cardiovascular disease. The importance of flavonoid structure for bioactivity needs further study. In addition, metabolic changes to flavonoid structure could have a profound effect on their bioactivity. Therefore, our overall aim is to investigate the effects of individual flavonoids and their metabolites on bioactivity relevant to cardiovascular disease.