Stress Hyperglycaemia And Mortality In Critical Illness: Defining The Association And Underlying Mechanisms
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$125,526.00
Summary
The relationship between high blood sugar levels (hyperglycaemia) and mortality in critically ill patients remains an area of controversy with conflicting results between studies. This PhD thesis will attempt to resolve this by firstly evaluating whether relative hyperglycaemia as measured using a novel new measure better predicts mortality outcome in such patients; and secondly, attempt to establish possible mechanisms which contributes to this.
Mineralocorticoid Receptor Blockade: Mechanisms Of Selectivity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$540,270.00
Summary
The steroid hormone aldosterone controls salt balance and hence, blood pressure. It also has been shown to have a significant role in cardiac failure. Although drugs that block the aldosterone receptor are beneficial in the treatment of heart failure, they are limited by potassium retention in the kidney. In order to develop tissue-specific blockers of the aldosterone receptor, it is necessary to identify mechanisms by which the receptor can be activated and/or blocked in specific tissues.
The Role Of The Osteoblast In Mediating Glucocorticoid-Induced Metabolic Dysfunction
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$825,254.00
Summary
Glucocorticoids (GC) exceed most other drugs in terms of numbers of patients treated and indications. Preventing or attenuating the deleterious effects of GC on fuel metabolism is therefore of great clinical significance. Our studies will create new knowledge regarding the mechanisms of GC-induced diabetes and osteoporosis, and will contribute to the development of new approaches that are essential to tackle the pressing medical problem of GC-induced disease.