An Essential Role For Skeletal Muscle FoxO1 In Protecting Against Obesity-induced Insulin Resistance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$593,888.00
Summary
Skeletal muscle is the largest organ in the human body and accounts for approximately 80% of glucose disposal after a meal. We have identified a transcription factor, namely FoxO1, that appears protect against obesity-induced insulin resistance by promoting energy consumption. This project will examine whether skeletal muscle specific activation of FoxO1 is a possible therapeutic target for the treatment of obesity-induced insulin resistance.
Novel Interplay Of Oestrogen And Growth Hormone In Regulating Lipid Metabolism
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$673,045.00
Summary
These studies provide insights into the mechanisms and role of oestrogen in regulating whole body and liver fat metabolism. Oestrogen-related medications that modify the action or tissue availability of oestrogen are widely used therapeutics and can predispose to obesity and fat accumulation in the liver. Whether the effect is direct or through interplay with other metabolic hormones is unknown. This proposal examines their metabolic consequences and impact on obesity and liver health.
Short-term Effects Of Overfeeding On Metabolic Risk In Humans
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$417,196.00
Summary
The prevalence of obesity is rapidly increasing in Australia and other parts of the world. Obesity is closely associated with insulin resistance and plays a role in the development of type 2 diabetes. However, the effects of short-term periods of over nutrition in humans remain unclear. In the proposed study, we will investigate the effects of short-term weight gain by high fat feeding in lean subjects, in subjects who are overweight and in subjects who are genetically more likely to develop dia ....The prevalence of obesity is rapidly increasing in Australia and other parts of the world. Obesity is closely associated with insulin resistance and plays a role in the development of type 2 diabetes. However, the effects of short-term periods of over nutrition in humans remain unclear. In the proposed study, we will investigate the effects of short-term weight gain by high fat feeding in lean subjects, in subjects who are overweight and in subjects who are genetically more likely to develop diabetes (due to strong family history). The aims are to distinguish physiological and endocrine characteristics of individuals who store more fat in response to overfeeding. We will identify differences between these individuals and whether they have defects in upregulating machinery involved in fat oxidation and energy production in skeletal muscle that may help them adapt during to energy excess. We will look for changes in type 2 diabetes risk and we will have the potential to identify defects in factors that are involved in this response. We will also re-examine indivudals again after calorie restriction and weight loss. We also plan to confirm the role of the candidate genes involved in fat oxidation that have been identifieid in human studies by in vivo gene transfer technology in rodents. This study will determine whether overweight and lean subjects behave similarly when faced with an overfeeding challenge. We expect that individuals with a genetic predisposition for T2DM will become more IR, due to metabolic inflexibility and a decreased ability to upregulate machinery involved in fatty acid oxidation and mitochondrial function. By characterising the physiological and endocrine responses to overfeeding, we will establish quantifiable markers allowing us to distinguish those at risk and identify new targets for pharmacological or lifestyle intervention.Read moreRead less
Control Of Neuropeptide FF Receptors On Appetite And Energy Homeostasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$609,281.00
Summary
Despite the alarming obesity epidemic, there currently exists no effective long-term treatment for obesity. Neuropeptide FF and its receptor NPFF2R have an emerging role in regulating food intake and body fat stores. Results from this study will show whether NPFF2R plays an important role in regulating appetite, metabolic rate, body weight and fat stores, thus help to identify whether NPFF2R-targeted therapeutics would confer significant benefit for the long-term treatment of obesity.
Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptors: A Role In The Promotion Of Mammary Gland Carcinogenesis By Dietary Fat.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$188,702.00
Summary
Breast cancer is a leading cause of death in Australian women. While some women have a hereditary predisposition to breast cancer, for most women a variety of factors are responsible for their disease. One thing that appears to be important as a cause of breast cancer is our diet. There are many components of the diet that may play a role. One important factor is the amount and type of fat that we consume. Just how dietary fat causes an increase in breast cancer is not known. What this project a ....Breast cancer is a leading cause of death in Australian women. While some women have a hereditary predisposition to breast cancer, for most women a variety of factors are responsible for their disease. One thing that appears to be important as a cause of breast cancer is our diet. There are many components of the diet that may play a role. One important factor is the amount and type of fat that we consume. Just how dietary fat causes an increase in breast cancer is not known. What this project aims to achieve is an understanding of how dietary fat and breast cancer are related. If we can understand this then we can rationally design treatments or a preventative strategy.Read moreRead less