The Role Of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 In Diabetic Complications
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$453,144.00
Summary
Most heart attacks and strokes arise from narrowing of the arteries. This process is regulated by a number of hormonal pathways. One of the most important is the renin angiotensin system. Our group has demonstrated important changes in this pathway which play a pivotal role in regulating the development of atherosclerosis and its response to treatment. It is predicted that these studies will provide critical information to develop innovative treatment strategies for cardiovascular disease.
HYPE: Hypertension And Preeclampsia After Non-steroidal Use For Post-partum Pain Relief; A Prospective, Stratified, Randomised Placebo-controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$174,504.00
Summary
After caesarean delivery of a baby most women will require analgesia. Traditionally anti-inflammatory medications (eg.diclofenac) have been given. Evidence exists that this medicine may increase the mother�s blood pressure. This can result in a longer hospital stay, blood pressure medications and exposure to the risks of high blood pressure (eg.stroke and increased bleeding). This study examines the effect of diclofenac on the mother�s blood pressure, analgesia and investigates the mechanisms be ....After caesarean delivery of a baby most women will require analgesia. Traditionally anti-inflammatory medications (eg.diclofenac) have been given. Evidence exists that this medicine may increase the mother�s blood pressure. This can result in a longer hospital stay, blood pressure medications and exposure to the risks of high blood pressure (eg.stroke and increased bleeding). This study examines the effect of diclofenac on the mother�s blood pressure, analgesia and investigates the mechanisms behind the increased blood pressure.Read moreRead less
Role Of Placental Retroviral Protein Syncytin Carried On Exosomes In Mediating Vulnerability Of Pregnant Women To Influenza
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$645,145.00
Summary
50% of the women who died due to swine flu were pregnant. This project will examine if factors produced by the placenta make the pregnant woman more susceptible to influenza.
Characterisation Of Novel AGE Binding Proteins: Implications For Diabetic Vascular Complications.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$210,990.00
Summary
This project will explore a process known as advanced glycation and in particular how this may lead to organ injury in diabetes. Diabetes is characterised by sustained elevation of blood glucose levels which interact with proteins to generate products known as advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). These AGEs bind to other proteins some of which have been isolated and are considered receptors. Our own group has identified a new family of proteins known as ERM proteins which bind to AGEs. This i ....This project will explore a process known as advanced glycation and in particular how this may lead to organ injury in diabetes. Diabetes is characterised by sustained elevation of blood glucose levels which interact with proteins to generate products known as advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). These AGEs bind to other proteins some of which have been isolated and are considered receptors. Our own group has identified a new family of proteins known as ERM proteins which bind to AGEs. This is a highly novel finding which now needs to be examined in more detail. The ERM proteins which include ezrin, radixin and moiesin are found at many sites of diabetic complications including the kidney, retina and blood vessel wall. They have a number of functions including effects on cell adhesion and cell structure. This is important in diabetes where changes in cells including altered structure have been observed. This grant will characterise the interactions between AGEs and ERM proteins at the molecular and cellular level. It will define how AGEs influence cells via interactions with ERM proteins. These studies have the potential to lead to treatments that may modulate the AGE-ERM interactions, thereby retarding or preventing diabetic vascular complications. These complications are of important clinical significance since they are the major cause of morbidity and mortality in the diabetic population. Furthermore, diabetes is a major cause of premature atherosclerosis in our community, diabetic kidney disease is the leading cause of end-stage renal failure in the Western world and diabetic retinopathy (eye disease) is the main cause of blindness in the working age population.Read moreRead less
Severe Malaria In Children In Papua New Guinea: A Longitudinal Study Of Pathophysiology, Management And Outcome
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$484,808.00
Summary
The features of severe infection in children living in tropical countries may not allow differentiation between malaria and bacterial-viral causes. This can create significant problems with deciding on appropriate management. In addition, the main complications of malaria such as coma, increased acid levels in the blood and anaemia are not well understood. We plan to characterise infections in Papua New Guinean children in detail and explore mechanisms behind important malarial complications.
Combination Methotrexate And Gefitinib To Cure Ectopic Pregnancies: Phase I-II Clinical Trials
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$235,875.00
Summary
Ectopic pregnancies are dangerous emergencies that can cause fatal bleeding. Most require surgery. We plan to test a novel medication-based treatment that could be used to cure most ectopics. If successful, it could revolutionise current management.
NOX Isoforms In Diabetes Associated Vascular Injury: Implications For Therapeutic Strategies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$441,511.00
Summary
These studies will investigate the role of oxidative stress and enzymes involved in oxidative stress production in diabetes associated blood vessel injury and kidney damage, leading to heart attacks, stroke and kidney failure. We will use unique knockout animal models and novel drug treatments. Ultimately, we aim to develop novel treatments to better treat and prevent diabetes related complications.
Role Of Epigenetic Mechanisms In Diabetic Vascular Complications
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$438,520.00
Summary
Diabetic complications including heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease and blindness appear to be related to the high glucose (sugar) level but how glucose itself induces end-organ injury remains to be fully determined. In this proposal it is suggested that the long-term damaging effects of glucose relate to its ability to damage the regulation of genes by directly affecting DNA and its covering known as histones. Specifically glucose, possibly by altering certain biochemical pathways called ox ....Diabetic complications including heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease and blindness appear to be related to the high glucose (sugar) level but how glucose itself induces end-organ injury remains to be fully determined. In this proposal it is suggested that the long-term damaging effects of glucose relate to its ability to damage the regulation of genes by directly affecting DNA and its covering known as histones. Specifically glucose, possibly by altering certain biochemical pathways called oxidation pathways, interferes with enzymes which affect the structure of DNA and related molecules resulting in altered expression of many proteins. One of these proteins known as NF kappa B is activated in diabetes, probably by mechanisms involving regulation of these enzymes which play a central role in modifying gene structure. By clarifying the exact mechanisms at a molecular level that mediate the effect of glucose on genes and proteins it will be possible to target these molecules and develop new treatments to prevent, retard or reverse the blood vessel complications that are so common in diabetes.Read moreRead less