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Effects Of N-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids On Post Surgical Atrial Fibrillation: A Prospective Randomised Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$536,529.00
Summary
Consumption of fish and fish oil has been associated with protective effects for deaths from heart disease in many studies. The effects are consistent and quite strong and appear to be unrelated to blood cholesterol levels. The effects are more likely due to the possibility that fish oil, which contains n-3 fats, can suppress abnormal heart rhythms which can cause 'sudden cardiac death'. This has been shown in animal studies, and recently we have shown that they can also suppress abnormal heart ....Consumption of fish and fish oil has been associated with protective effects for deaths from heart disease in many studies. The effects are consistent and quite strong and appear to be unrelated to blood cholesterol levels. The effects are more likely due to the possibility that fish oil, which contains n-3 fats, can suppress abnormal heart rhythms which can cause 'sudden cardiac death'. This has been shown in animal studies, and recently we have shown that they can also suppress abnormal heart rhythms in humans. Patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery are particularly susceptible to abnormal heart rhythms in the upper chambers of the heart in the days immediately following surgery. While these abnormal rhythms are rarely life threatening, they can result in increased post-surgical complications and a longer hospital stay with associated increased costs to the health system. In this study we will determine whether providing high dose fish oil for 3 weeks immediately preceding coronary bypass surgery, will result in a reduction in the proportion of patients experiencing post-surgical abnormal heart rhythms. We will also examine the effects of n-3 fats on the incidence of other complications following bypass surgery and also the length of hospital stay. In addition, we will gather data which will provide insight into the mechanisms by which n-3 fatty acids produce their well documented benefits to patients with cardiovascular disease. The significance of this study is its ability to provide a protective strategy in heart disease in which the mechanism is understood, which is effective, and importantly, which will have the potential to provide savings to the health care system through a reduction in hospital stay.Read moreRead less
The Effects Of Omega-3 Fatty Acids On Novel Anti-Inflammatory Metabolites And Telomere Length In Early And Later Life: Potential Implications For Long-Term Cardiovascular Risk
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$870,091.00
Summary
Exciting new effects of omega-3 fats from fish oil have recently been discovered which actively reduce inflammation and help prolong cell life. These mechanisms are relevant to the risk of complications of obesity and cardiovascular disease. We will study the effects of fish oil given in pregnancy, infancy and later in life, with a view to using omega-3 fatty acid supplements for both early prevention and later treatment of obesity and cardiovascular disease.
The Impact Of Omega-3 Fatty Acids On The Inflammatory Mediators Of Heart Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$48,028.00
Summary
Fish oils are consumed widely for their omega-3 fatty acids, which have multiple health benefits. Despite the benefits of fish oil for cardiovascular disease seen in early studies, recent studies have not shown a protective effect. Hence, we are studying the effects of omega-3s on the development of atherosclerosis (fatty plaque build up in arteries) by investigating their role in inflammation in the blood vessel wall and in fatty tissue. This is using cells, animals and human studies
Reducing Cardiovascular Risk In Children Born With Poor Fetal Growth: The Small Baby Omega-3 (SO3) Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$999,791.00
Summary
Poor fetal growth affects about 10% of people, and is a risk factor for high blood pressure and heart disease in adults. There is no current treatment to reduce the increased risk of heart disease due to poor fetal growth. This study will determine whether taking fish oils during infancy reduces arterial wall thickness, a sign of the disease that causes the majority of heart attacks, and lowers blood pressure in children who had poor fetal growth.
The Aboriginal Cardiovascular Omega-3 Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,090,119.00
Summary
CVD is the primary contributor to life expectancy differentials between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Even when cardioprotective therapies are optimally used, residual risk of adverse events is often observed. Testing of additional therapies that improve survival among Indigenous people with CVD is required. Omega 3 fatty acids can improve multiple atherogenic pathways. This trial will assess the impact of Omega 3 in Aboriginal patients with CVD.
Lipotoxicity, Mitochondrial Dysfunction And The Pathogenesis Of Heart Failure
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$454,358.00
Summary
Heart failure (HF) is the most common basis for hospitalisation or cardiac death despite improved treatment options. Impaired energy generation within heart muscle is important in causing HF, but little is known about this process. I plan to investigate the effects of fatty acid overload, as occurs in obesity and/or diabetics, on cardiac energy generation. Then, I'll explore the benefits of limiting fatty acids during heart surgery, in order to help in understanding the causes of HF, and the ben ....Heart failure (HF) is the most common basis for hospitalisation or cardiac death despite improved treatment options. Impaired energy generation within heart muscle is important in causing HF, but little is known about this process. I plan to investigate the effects of fatty acid overload, as occurs in obesity and/or diabetics, on cardiac energy generation. Then, I'll explore the benefits of limiting fatty acids during heart surgery, in order to help in understanding the causes of HF, and the benefits of new, energy-conserving treatmentsRead moreRead less
Prof Trevor Mori has held an NH&MRC Research Fellowship during 2008-2012. This grant will enable him to continue his research program into 2013-2017. Prof Mori is a biomedical research scientist. His research examines the role of diet and lifestyle on risk factors for cardiovascular disease. He also leads the cardiometabolic team examining risk factors in the Western Australian Pregnancy (Raine) Study.
Clinical trials and experimental investigations have demonstrated that a diet rich in fish oil, containing high levels of omega 3 fatty acids, provides protection against arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death associated with heart failure. Surprisingly little is known about how these dietary omega 3 lipids alter the electrical and mechanical function of cardiac muscle cells when incorporated into the membrane of these cells. The goal of this study is to examine how experimental omega 3 diet treat ....Clinical trials and experimental investigations have demonstrated that a diet rich in fish oil, containing high levels of omega 3 fatty acids, provides protection against arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death associated with heart failure. Surprisingly little is known about how these dietary omega 3 lipids alter the electrical and mechanical function of cardiac muscle cells when incorporated into the membrane of these cells. The goal of this study is to examine how experimental omega 3 diet treatment can modify the heart muscle cell structure and function. In particular we will determine which cellular mechanisms may be important in conferring selective benefit of dietary intervention on pre-failing heart function. For this study we will use mice which exhibit signs of heart failure induced by hormone overproduction (angiotensin II) and by elevation of blood pressure (by surgical constriction). Mice will be fed omega-3 and omega-6 diets and experiments to investigate cardiac muscle cell structure and function will be carried out using a variety of electrical recording, microscopic and molecular biology techniques. Diet-induced changes in the capacity of the heart cells to regulate calcium will be investigated using cells loaded with fluroescent indicators. Single cell electrical recording techniques (patch clamp) will also be used in combination with ECG measurement to evaluate how arrhythmic activity arising from electrically and mechanically unstable cells can be suppressed by omega-3 diet intervention. Finally we will take the first step towards validating the rodent experimental findings in a clinical setting with measurements of calcium transporters and channel expression in human specimens from cardiac surgery patients.Read moreRead less
Many heart diseases are associated with impairment of energetics of the heart. Improving the heart's energetics can lead to improved survival and long-term outcomes. Perhexiline is a heart medication that works by improving the way the heart uses energy. Although effective, it is associated with long-term toxicities. Better understanding of this medication may lead to less adverse effects and also provide a basis for further investigation of drug development in the future.