Dietary Modulation Of Maternal Gut Flora With Oligosaccharides In Pregnancy As A Novel Allergy Prevention Strategy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,681,512.00
Summary
Declining intake of dietary fibre is a major factor implicated in the changing profile of healthy gut bacteria, and the associated increase in many inflammatory diseases including childhood allergy. This clinical trial aims to confirm findings in animal studies that increased dietary fibre in pregnancy can prevent allergy in the offspring, by favourably influencing metabolism and immune function during pregnancy.
Diet And The Gut Microbiota As The Basis For Food Allergies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$669,091.00
Summary
Diet and the composition of the gut microbiota represent new avenues to prevent or treat human diseases. We propose that allergies in western countries result from altered gut homeostasis. This application seeks to understand all the molecules involved, and to discover new bacteria that associate with, or protect from allergies.
Elucidation Of Mechanisms By Which Fibre Promotes Or Protects From Colorectal Tumorigenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$196,527.00
Summary
In a carefully controlled animal model of colon cancer development, dietary fibre can increase or decrease the likelihood of colon cancer development. It depends upon the type of fibre being fed to the animal. The mechanisms by which fibres can increase or decrease the likelihood of colon cancer developing are, however, poorly understood. In this proposal, we will attempt to elucidate at least some of the mechanisms. We plan to define whether animals consuming fibres that increase cancer develop ....In a carefully controlled animal model of colon cancer development, dietary fibre can increase or decrease the likelihood of colon cancer development. It depends upon the type of fibre being fed to the animal. The mechanisms by which fibres can increase or decrease the likelihood of colon cancer developing are, however, poorly understood. In this proposal, we will attempt to elucidate at least some of the mechanisms. We plan to define whether animals consuming fibres that increase cancer development have factors in their faeces that affect the health of the cells that line the colon (the ones that form the cancers). This will be examined in both the test tube and in healthy rats. Whether fibres influence the access of these factors to the lining cells by sequestering or hiding the factors in the jelly-like consistency some fibres produce in the colon will also be examined. The results will help identify conditions in the faeces that alter the susceptibility of colons to developing cancer. By identifying these conditions, we can then apply our knowledge to human subjects, so that we might be able to identify those at a higher or lower risk of developing colon cancer and we can advise and (subsequently prove) ways of modifying diet to reduce the risk of colon cancer.Read moreRead less
Identifying Why Some People Consume Excess Dietary Fat. A Twin Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$365,462.00
Summary
Obesity is a significant public health problem, yet some individuals are less susceptible to the development of obesity. High fat eating patterns are commonly associated with overweight/obesity. The taste system is the gatekeeper of digestion and the sense of taste responds to fat, and that the fat taste response is associated with obesity. Using twins as subjects to disentangle the influences of 'nature and nuture', in this project we will identify the mechanisms responsible for linking fat tas ....Obesity is a significant public health problem, yet some individuals are less susceptible to the development of obesity. High fat eating patterns are commonly associated with overweight/obesity. The taste system is the gatekeeper of digestion and the sense of taste responds to fat, and that the fat taste response is associated with obesity. Using twins as subjects to disentangle the influences of 'nature and nuture', in this project we will identify the mechanisms responsible for linking fat taste response to development of obesity.Read moreRead less
Should You Be Eating That? Food-derived Bacteria And Their Role In Treating Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,405,182.00
Summary
The clinical application of medicines based on the microbes that exist as part of microbiomes is now a reality. Despite these rapid advances understanding how the bacteria are transmitted and recolonise after disruption is essential. Our preliminary data suggests that the average Australian adult consumes over 10 million bacteria per day in their diet. This project seeks to understand these relationships and how they can be exploited to develop the next generations of microbiome based medicine.
Efficacy And Cost Effectiveness Of Varying Levels Of Technology-delivered Personalised Feedback On Dietary Patterns In Motivating Young Australian Adults To Improve Diet Quality And Eating Habits: The Advice, Ideas And Motivation For My Eating Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$592,756.00
Summary
This project will test efficacy and cost-effectiveness of technology based tools in helping young adults to improve their dietary patterns and nutrition related health. Major challenges faced by young adults include lack of access to personalised information and advice about usual dietary intakes, being effectively engaged and cost. The project results will be translated and scaled up strategically by working in partnership with the Young and Well CRC and key organisations.
The Role Of Microbiome Activity In Diet-disease Relationships: Anthocyanins, Flavanols And Hypertension
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$366,252.00
Summary
By clarifying the role that intestinal bacteria play in the blood pressure lowering effect of anthocyanins and flavanols, this project will unravel potential ways that we can use bacteria to improve the effectiveness of dietary interventions for the prevention of high blood pressure, and ultimately, cardiovascular disease and stroke.