Pharmacological Development Of A Stable Cytochrome P450-mediated Omega-3 Fatty Acid Epoxide Analogue As A Novel Anti-metastatic Agent
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$599,847.00
Summary
Dietary ?-3 fatty acids decrease the risk of cancer metastasis. We have found that a certain ?-3 fatty acid metabolite inhibits tumour cell migration but is too unstable to be a useful drug. We have now prepared a stable version of this metabolite for in vivo use as a potential anti-metastatic drug. In this project we will define the mechanism of action of this novel agent and evaluate how it may be best used in patient treatments by testing in a range of in vivo animal models of metastasis.
Control Of Anabolic And Catabolic Pathways By AMPK
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$946,402.00
Summary
This project focuses on the role of the metabolic stress-sensing enzyme AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in the control of glucose and fat metabolism. AMPK has been linked to the regulation of exercise capacity, longevity and the control of insulin sensitivity. This is important for our understanding of the metabolic dimensions of our Nations most important health problems including, type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, neurodegeneration as well as other age onset diseases.
Role Of AMPK Signaling In Metabolic Control During Exercise
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$566,288.00
Summary
It is well recognized that sedentary life styles are associated with increased incidence of obesity, Type 2 diabetes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The medical, social and financial costs of these diseases are growing rapidly and represent a major health care challenge. Exercise is beneficial for maintaining health in patients at risk of developing these diseases and for this reason we are interested in understanding how exercise capacity is regulated.
What happens when viruses infect cells? How do they control the cells they infect? How do the make the cells do the things the virus wants? These are the questions that we aim to address within this research proposal. Primarily we hope to identify how viruses are able to replicate in cells and avoid immune detection. We believe these processes are related.
Liver Lipotoxicity And NASH: Mechanistic Roles Of Free Cholesterol, Saturated FFA, JNK1 And TLR4
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$429,712.00
Summary
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) occurs in overweight people, diabetes and with high blood pressure and raised cholesterol. This research is about how cholesterol in liver cells interacts with long chain fatty acids to cause injury and inflammation (steatohepatitis, NASH) in NAFLD.
Does N-3 LCPUFA Supplementation In Pregnancy Reduce Asthma And Allergies In School Age Children?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$443,833.00
Summary
We will determine whether supplementing the diets of pregnant women with fish oil can have long term effects on the development of the childÍs immune system and reduce the prevalence of asthma and allergies at early school age. The outcomes of our project will inform nutritional guidelines for pregnant women and, if successful, has the potential to significantly lower the costly burden of childhood asthma and allergies to families and the healthcare system.
Mechanisms Of Impaired Bronchodilator Response Associated With Fatty Acid Intake In Obese Asthma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$694,365.00
Summary
Obese asthmatics typically have a high dietary fat intake, which reduces the efficacy of their asthma medications. We will determine which types of dietary fat affect asthma medications. We will also determine which asthma medications are affected by a high fat load. Finally, we will examine the mechanisms by which fatty acids affect the efficacy of asthma medications. This is will inform new treatment options for managing the many obese asthmatics who are not able to achieve weight loss.
Erythrocyte Membrane Fatty Acid Concentrations And Myelin Integrity In Young People At Ultra-High Risk Of Psychosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$406,831.00
Summary
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) play an important role in many physiological processes in all organisms. Myelination is the process by which a fatty layer, called myelin, accumulates around nerve cells enabling nerve cells to transmit information faster. PUFAs are essential for myelination, and there is evidence documenting decreased PUFA concentrations and brain white matter (myelin) pathology in people with schizophrenia. The mechanisms underlying these abnormalities are not understood.
Impaired Respiratory Tolerance In Obesity - The Link With Asthma?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$667,294.00
Summary
Australia has one of the highest obesity rates in the world, placing a major strain on health budgets. Obesity increases the risk of numerous diseases, including asthma. Asthma is prevented in healthy people by the immune system. This project will investigate whether obesity-related dietary factors and/or gut microbes impair this immune-mediated mechanism. Outcomes will increase understanding of the effects of diet and obesity on asthma development, and lead to novel asthma therapies.
Treating Hyperglycaemia In Diabetes With Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Analogues
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$602,260.00
Summary
Diabetes, characterised by elevated blood glucose, has a major impact on affected children, their families and the community. Our preliminary evidence suggests that a newly developed polyunsaturated fatty acid normalises blood glucose levels in an experimental diabetes model. This research will attempt to provide evidence that we have discovered a fat which has insulin like action and which may be taken orally once every 3-4 days to treat the elevated blood glucose.