Human Podocyte Depletion, Glomerular Hypertrophy And Glomerulosclerosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$601,490.00
Summary
Many kidney diseases commence with injury to glomeruli (kidney filters) which leads to glomerular scarring and loss. There is strong evidence from animal studies that a specific glomerular cell type (the podocyte) is central to this process of glomerular injury. In this study, we will analyse the relationships between podocyte depletion and glomerular scarring in human kidneys from 5 racial groups (white and African Americans, white and Aboriginal Australians, Senegalese Africans).
Serial NT-proBNP Monitoring For Predicting Major Cardiovascular Events In The Dialysis Population
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$288,548.00
Summary
Dialysis patients have a 50-100 fold increased risk of dying from heart disease caused by abnormal heart muscle structure and function. Current tests are unable to accurately identify patients at the highest risk. A test that accurately detects the early stages of heart injury is urgently needed. The aim of our research is to develop a monitoring guide using regular testing of a heart hormone (NT-proBNP) to identify high-risk dialysis patients early allowing treatment before a serious medical co ....Dialysis patients have a 50-100 fold increased risk of dying from heart disease caused by abnormal heart muscle structure and function. Current tests are unable to accurately identify patients at the highest risk. A test that accurately detects the early stages of heart injury is urgently needed. The aim of our research is to develop a monitoring guide using regular testing of a heart hormone (NT-proBNP) to identify high-risk dialysis patients early allowing treatment before a serious medical complication occurs.Read moreRead less
IMPROVE-CKD Study: Impact Of A Phosphate Binder On Cardiovascular Disease In Chronic Kidney Disease.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,596,698.00
Summary
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant health problem and is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease. Vascular calcification and arterial stiffness (stiffening of the blood vessels and arteries) are very common in people with CKD, and are linked to increased death from CV events. This study aims to examine the ways in which treatment with a phosphate binder, Lanthanum Carbonate, may reduce vascular calcification and arterial stiffness to decrease CV events.
Fibrosis is a major mechanism driving chronic disease. A specific pathologic process (TGF/Smad signalling) plays an important role in scarring of the kidney and the heart; but our understanding of this process is limited. Our exciting new data has identified a chemical modification of a component of this scarring pathway (acetylation of Smad3), and this project seeks to determine whether this modification plays a pivotal role in regulating tissue scarring.
Protein Kinases Regulate Salt Reabsorption In The Kidney
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$531,696.00
Summary
This proposal is designed to determine how the kidney senses the level of salt in the body and monitors blood pressure. This is critical for diseases such as hypertension, kidney and heart failure, where salt is retained inappropriately. We propose that the kidney uses proteins called kinases that are activated by salt in the kidney. When it is too low, they detect this and cause the kidney to absorb more salt to correct the deficiency. The way that they are able to do this has profound implicat ....This proposal is designed to determine how the kidney senses the level of salt in the body and monitors blood pressure. This is critical for diseases such as hypertension, kidney and heart failure, where salt is retained inappropriately. We propose that the kidney uses proteins called kinases that are activated by salt in the kidney. When it is too low, they detect this and cause the kidney to absorb more salt to correct the deficiency. The way that they are able to do this has profound implications for human heart and kidney disease, and biology in general.Read moreRead less