Invasive Assessment Of Pulmonary Vascular Physiology - Novel Methods For Early Detection Of Pulmonary Vascular Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$274,352.00
Summary
Pulmonary vascular disease (PVD) is a lethal condition characterised by progressive destruction of the lung blood vessels. One major problem with PVD is that diagnosis is often made very late in the illness, when the pulmonary blood pressure rises. This project aims to develop a novel method to detect the early and clinically silent phase of PVD, by assessing the lung's blood vessel reserves. Early diagnosis of PVD will enable earlier treatment thereby improving prospects for treatment.
Voltage Dependent Calcium Channels And Vascular Function: Do Microdomains Determine Function?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$597,682.00
Summary
Blood flow depends on arterial diameter which can change with contraction of muscle in the vessel wall. Calcium influx through one type of channel in the muscle cells has been considered critical, but drugs targeting these channels have not succeeded in treating the arterial spasm which occurs after stroke and head injury. Our study will investigate the existence and role of other calcium channels in brain arteries. Knowledge gained will likely lead to development of new drug targets for stroke.
Pharmacological Effects Of Oral L-citrulline And Tetrahydrobiopterin In Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$322,283.00
Summary
Citrulline, named after citrullus vulgaris, the watermelon, is a precursor of arginine. Arginine is converted to protective nitric oxide (NO), which is decreased in cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Although arginine supplementation can increase NO availability and improve vascular function it is hampered by a low availability. In contrast, Citrulline is highly available and converted to Arginine. Therefore, this project will explore the therapeutic effects of Citrulline in patients with CVD.
Metabolic And Neurobiological Changes After Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Treatment For Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$503,497.00
Summary
CPAP is the preferred treatment for patients with OSA because of its well-proven ability to decrease sleepiness and improve blood pressure control. This study will definitively establish if CPAP can also improve markers of cardio-metabolic health, such as visceral fat, insulin sensitivity, central blood pressure and arterial stiffness. The results of the study will shed light on the broader health consequences of OSA and contribute to the development of more targeted treatment strategies.