Targeting Macrophage Subtypes As A Strategy For Chronic Inflammatory Lung Disease Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$660,471.00
Summary
Researchers in Melbourne have discovered a possible cause of severe emphysema. Using disease models, patients’ samples and advanced genetic techniques they are now searching for ways to turn this discovery into effective treatments for this disease which is currently fatal and incurable.
The Role Of The Alveolar Macrophage In The Regulation Of Inflammation And Matrix Destruction In COPD
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$397,420.00
Summary
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major public health problem world-wide. COPD is a common disease and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. The prevalence, morbidity and mortality of COPD are increasing in many westernized countries. Chronic cigarette smoking is the main cause of COPD, and the demographics of COPD reflect the demographics of cigarette smoking. Globally, 47% of men and 12% of women smoke, but only 15% of smokers will develop COPD. Cells within the lung call ....Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major public health problem world-wide. COPD is a common disease and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. The prevalence, morbidity and mortality of COPD are increasing in many westernized countries. Chronic cigarette smoking is the main cause of COPD, and the demographics of COPD reflect the demographics of cigarette smoking. Globally, 47% of men and 12% of women smoke, but only 15% of smokers will develop COPD. Cells within the lung called alveolar macrophage produce substances called proteins called cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) which may be important in the development of emphysema or COPD. In COPD, these patients have an inflammatory and destructive process in their lungs, which leads to a progressive loss of breathing capacity, and ultimately death. There have been significant improvements in the treatment of asthma over the last 30 years. Effective new drugs such as selective and long-acting bronchodilators, more effective inhaled corticosteroids, and improved delivery systems have been introduced. Arguably inhaled steroids may be the single most important treatment in preventing the symptoms and exacerbations of asthma and although useful in asthma, the benefits of inhaled steroids in COPD has not yet been established, but inhaled steroids are still used in the treatment of COPD despite the paucity of evidence for its usefulness in patients with COPD. This treatment is expensive and may also produce side-effects. We would like to investigate the effect of inhaled steroids on several inflammatory and destructive processes in patients with COPD. These studies will form the basis of a more rational approach in the management of COPD. Improved understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underlie COPD could lead to improved treatments for this disease which is set to be the third most important cause of death in 2010.Read moreRead less
Effect Of Prostaglandin E2 On The Periodontium And Alveolar Bone Formation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$211,527.00
Summary
Dental disease affecting the supporting structures of teeth (the periodontium), is prevalent in our society. Periodontal disease results in destruction of bone around teeth, loosening of teeth, compromised chewing function, and tooth loss. Over the last twenty years reports into the effects of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on the skeleton have been divided and controversial. While historically PGE2 has been reported to promote bone resorption, more recently it has been demonstrated that when PGE is pl ....Dental disease affecting the supporting structures of teeth (the periodontium), is prevalent in our society. Periodontal disease results in destruction of bone around teeth, loosening of teeth, compromised chewing function, and tooth loss. Over the last twenty years reports into the effects of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on the skeleton have been divided and controversial. While historically PGE2 has been reported to promote bone resorption, more recently it has been demonstrated that when PGE is placed in contact with mandibular bone, adjacent to erupted teeth, new bone and cementum formation occurs. The ability of PGE2 to induce new bone formation indicates a potential use for PGE2 in the management of bone loss associated with periodontal diseases, and the formation of new bone around dental implants, and around teeth following orthodontic movement. Growth factors are active in healing and have valuable applications in augmenting wound repair. Osseous and dental tissues are rich in growth factors, and these factors are involved with the regulation of bone metabolism as well as tissue repair, thus the action of PGE2 on the periodontium is most likely regulated via these factors. Since regeneration of the periodontium is a fundamental goal of dentistry, any treatment which leads to predictable formation of new connective tissues and their long term stability would be a major clinical advance.Read moreRead less
Phagocytic Clearance And Immune Activation In Malaria
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$564,644.00
Summary
Macrophage white blood cells clear malaria infected cells by eating them, by three routes- by recognising ANTIBODIES or COMPLEMENT on the cell surface, or by the cell BINDING directly to the macrophage. Each has different results, such as amounts of cytokines produced. Cytokines clear malaria; in excess they can cause fatal immune pathology. We will investigate how variations in amount of antibody and complement and route of uptake of malaria infected cells might determine malaria outcome.
Kidney Injury As A Determinant Of Macrophage Phenotype And Efficacy For Treating Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$548,341.00
Summary
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major cause of death and disability in the Australian population. Current treatments for CKD are non-specific and frequently ineffective. As a consequence, kidney failure progresses to the stage where patients require dialysis or tranplantation to remain alive. Every year more than 1700 Australians require kidney replacement therapy for this reason and many more die of kidney failure or its complications. Macrophage infiltration of kidneys is characteristic of C ....Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major cause of death and disability in the Australian population. Current treatments for CKD are non-specific and frequently ineffective. As a consequence, kidney failure progresses to the stage where patients require dialysis or tranplantation to remain alive. Every year more than 1700 Australians require kidney replacement therapy for this reason and many more die of kidney failure or its complications. Macrophage infiltration of kidneys is characteristic of CKD, and it has been assumed that macrophages cause damage. However, we have shown that certain types of macrophages can reduce kidney damage. This project will explore whether macrophage type can be switched from that causing damage to that reducing injury, with the aim of using this approach to treat CKD.Read moreRead less