Neurobiological Causes Of Overeating In A Rodent Model - Hedonic Versus Homeostatic Control
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$431,215.00
Summary
Unlimited access to palatable high fat foods, in conjunction with a sedentary life style, has led to increased obesity. Exactly what mechanisms drive over consumption of energy rich foods and override mechanisms that normally regulate body weight? This project will examine feeding behaviour in rats fed palatable high fat diet, to examine when and how they eat. The contribution of brain chemicals implicated in addiction to this eating, and the impact of withdrawal of food will be examined.
A Neurogenic Basis Of Obesity Hypertension: Role Of Adipokines And Ghrelin In Regulating Sympathetic Vasomotor Activity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$358,035.00
Summary
During the development of obesity, brain centres are inappropriately activated by factors such as leptin which are released by excess fat accumulation. This reults in high blood pressure. We seek to determine which chemical type of brain neuron is responsible for receiving these signals in a specific brain region in an animal model that closely resembles the human form of the disease. We will focus specifically on areas known to control the sympathetic nervous system.
The Role Of The NPY System In The Regulation Of Appetite And Satiety
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,088,384.00
Summary
Eating disorders that have a causative role in the development of obesity and anorexia present massive health care problems for which current preventive methods and therapies are unsatisfactory. The studies proposed here combine sophisticated molecular techniques with state-of-the-art biochemical and physiological analyses. By utilising a panel of unique mouse models (many of which are only available to us), missing or overproducing key factors in the regulation of appetite and satiety this rese ....Eating disorders that have a causative role in the development of obesity and anorexia present massive health care problems for which current preventive methods and therapies are unsatisfactory. The studies proposed here combine sophisticated molecular techniques with state-of-the-art biochemical and physiological analyses. By utilising a panel of unique mouse models (many of which are only available to us), missing or overproducing key factors in the regulation of appetite and satiety this research will make highly original and internationally competitive contributions to the understanding of these disorders. The results will have a significant impact on the development of novel diagnostics and potential treatments for obesity and anorexia. In addition, funding provided through this grant would not only help to find answers to these important questions but will also provide the basis for the generation of several novel mouse models. These animal models will also be beneficial tools for the wider scientific community here in Australia and worldwide. We have a proven record in the generation and comprehensive analysis of transgenic and knockout mice models making this proposal not only feasible but also highly likely to succeed and provide great new insight into extremely important health problems.Read moreRead less
The Role Of Adipokines In Modulation Of Gastric Vagal Afferent Satiety Signals
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$624,535.00
Summary
When we feel full after a meal it is the result of a variety of different nerve signals from the gut in response to distension of the stomach and specific nutrients. These signals are disordered in obesity and may be influenced by factors released from fat stores in the body. The aim of this project is to determine how these factors interact with gastric nerve satiety signals and thus identify targets for the pharmacological treatment of obesity.
While it is clear that carrying excess body weight can jeopardize your health, and that losing excess weight is good for you, attaining and maintaining a healthy body weight remains an elusive goal for more than 60 % of Australian adults. There are many barriers that make permanent weight loss difficult. One of the main biological barriers to weight loss is that humans aren t designed to diet. Instead, we vehemently conserve body fat whenever food is scarce. This leads to a Famine Reaction that ....While it is clear that carrying excess body weight can jeopardize your health, and that losing excess weight is good for you, attaining and maintaining a healthy body weight remains an elusive goal for more than 60 % of Australian adults. There are many barriers that make permanent weight loss difficult. One of the main biological barriers to weight loss is that humans aren t designed to diet. Instead, we vehemently conserve body fat whenever food is scarce. This leads to a Famine Reaction that contributes to nagging hunger, lethargy, loss of libido, reduced metabolic rate, plateaus, and rebound weight gain in response to weight loss programs of any kind. In a new 3-year project funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia, molecular scientists Dr Amanda Sainsbury-Salis and Associate Professor Herbert Herzog from the Garvan Institute endeavor to get to the root of the problem. Using cutting-edge molecular, genetic, and metabolic technology, Sainsbury-Salis and Herzog aim to identify the main culprits for the Famine Reaction. They hypothesize that the natural brain molecules neuropeptide Y and the endogenous morphine-like peptide dynorphin act together as major instigators of the Famine Reaction. Therefore they will determine whether mice that are deficient in these molecules can lose more weight in response to dietary restriction than normal mice. Moreover, they will determine whether dual deficiency of neuropeptide Y and dynorphin can not only reduce the voracious appetite that occurs during caloric restriction (eg: dieting), but whether it can also speed up metabolism and promote the loss of body fat. If their hypothesis proves correct, then it s likely that novel pharmaceutical agents that block the effects of neuropeptide Y and dynorphin could dramatically increase the do-ability and long-term effectiveness of lifestyle changes for permanent weight loss.Read moreRead less
Obesity is an every increasing problem worldwide, with major risks for the development of associated cardivasular and type II diabetes related disorders. This research project will determine the underlying mechanisms of how specific receptors in the brain control energy metabolism, appetite and body fat accumulation. It will also determine how peripheral factors can influence this process. The outcome of this research should identify new targets and approaches to prevent and treat obesity and th ....Obesity is an every increasing problem worldwide, with major risks for the development of associated cardivasular and type II diabetes related disorders. This research project will determine the underlying mechanisms of how specific receptors in the brain control energy metabolism, appetite and body fat accumulation. It will also determine how peripheral factors can influence this process. The outcome of this research should identify new targets and approaches to prevent and treat obesity and the associated, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disorders.Read moreRead less
The Mechansim Of Cachexia Induced By The TGF-b Superfamily Cytokine, MIC-1
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$544,200.00
Summary
MIC-1 is a protein first cloned and characterised by our research group. It belongs to the TGF beta protein superfamily which is very important in development of cancer, wound - fracture healing and inflammation. Recent evidence also suggests it can act as an appetite suppressant, and this is especially relevant in conditons like cancer where it is overproduced. This project seeks to understand the mechanisms for its capacity to modify appetite