Dynamic Action Potential Clamp Studies Of Drugs That Affect The Cardiac Action Potential
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$343,976.00
Summary
The development of drugs to treat and.or prevent cardiac arrhythmias have been plagued by the side-effect of actually increasing the risk of sudden death. One of the reasons for this is that drugs that work well in one part of the heart may cause problems in another part. We are developing a system called “dynamic action potential clamp” that will make it easier for researchers to assess the effect of drugs in different regions of both normal and diseased hearts.
INFLAMMASOMES AND INTERLEUKIN-18 SIGNALLING: NOVEL BIOMARKERS AND THERAPEUTIC TARGETS FOR KIDNEY DISEASE
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,003,340.00
Summary
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major health problem. There is no cure for CKD and current therapies merely slow its progression. Thus for many patients, dialysis or kidney transplant is an inevitable outcome. We have evidence that a protein called interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a key mediator of kidney damage in CKD. Here we will explore how IL-18 causes kidney damage and whether IL-18 may be used as a diagnostic for early detection of CKD, and a target for more effective therapies to treat CKD.
Heart failure (HF) describes where the heart cannot pump adequately to meet the bodyÍs needs. Mortality remains high; therefore, there is an urgent need for new treatment approaches. The present grant aims to: (1) evaluate treatments for patients at high-risk for future development of HF (2) examine the ability to safely withdraw unnecessary HF drugs (3) focus on the effect of HF on the kidney via novel treatment strategies (4) examine the emerging role of cancer drugs in development of HF.
Novel Approaches To The Prevention And Treatment Of Chronic Heart Disease And Its Co-morbid Complications
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$5,793,580.00
Summary
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its associated additional disorders constitute major public health problems, especially given the rapidly ageing population which is increasingly affected by obesity and diabetes. This Program will explore novel therapies for the treatment of CVD and associated diseases, particularly focussing on chronic kidney disease, translating preliminary laboratory-based findings into clinical trials and then clinical and epidemiological findings into practice and policy.
Insulin Regulated Aminopeptidase: A New Cardiovascular Target
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$672,650.00
Summary
Cardiovascular disease, leading to heart attack or stroke is the largest cause of death in Australia. We have evidence that inhibition of a newly described enzyme (IRAP) by angiotensin IV is protective in a model of atherosclerosis. Excitingly we have preliminary data indicating that mice deficient in IRAP have better vascular function therefore we will further investigate this as well as the effectiveness of newly developed IRAP inhibitors in preventing development of cardiovascular disease.
Development Of Oral Natruiretic Peptides For Congestive Heart Failure
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$511,037.00
Summary
Congestive heart failure is fatal disease and a major disease burden for the community affecting nearly half a million Australians. Current therapies are inadequate. We seek to develop a new peptide therapy based on snake venom version of the human B type natriuretic peptide which has to be given by injection. We will produce an orally active, stable and effective treatment using a program of discovery involving testing in animals and cells.
POISE-2: A Large, International, Placebo-controlled, Factorial Trial To Assess The Impact Of Clonidine And Aspirin In Patients Undergoing Noncardiac Surgery Who Are At Risk Of A Perioperative Cardiovascular Event
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,197,914.00
Summary
At least 5 million patients annually worldwide suffer a heart attack or die after noncardiac surgery. Despite the magnitude of this problem, there are no good treatments to prevent these complications. Previous studies suggest that the drugs clonidine and aspirin may minimize the risk of heart attack after surgery. The POISE-2 trial will study 10,000 patients having noncardiac surgery to determine if clonidine and aspirin improve outcomes. This trial will influence the treatment of patients havi ....At least 5 million patients annually worldwide suffer a heart attack or die after noncardiac surgery. Despite the magnitude of this problem, there are no good treatments to prevent these complications. Previous studies suggest that the drugs clonidine and aspirin may minimize the risk of heart attack after surgery. The POISE-2 trial will study 10,000 patients having noncardiac surgery to determine if clonidine and aspirin improve outcomes. This trial will influence the treatment of patients having surgery around the world.Read moreRead less
A Novel Pathway For The Regulation Of Vascular Tone
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$596,550.00
Summary
The regulation of blood pressure is complex involving the nervous system, kidneys and local pathways that generate blood vessel relaxing and constricting factors. We recently discovered a novel local pathway that becomes induced during inflammation and generates a relaxing substance from the amino acid tryptophan. The present project will identify the active substance and characterize how it causes blood vessel relaxation and thus contributes to the regulation of blood pressure.
Does Inhibition Of Myeloperoxidase Attenuate Atherosclerosis?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$572,659.00
Summary
This project examines whether inhibition of a protein that produces bleach and is part of the immune system inhibits the stiffening of arteries, i.e. the major cause of cardiovascular disease that leads to heart attack and stroke. The project uses a pharmacological approach, employing a new class of chemical compounds. If successful, the project will contribute to the establishing of a novel therapeutic target to combat cardiovascular disease.