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VULNERABILITY OF THE INTRAUTERINE GROWTH RESTRICTED HEART AND KIDNEY TO ELEVATIONS IN BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVELS IN ADULTHOOD
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$58,288.00
Summary
It is proposed that the hearts and kidneys of subjects that were born small for gestational age are particularly vulnerable to the pathophysiological changes induced by hyperglycemia, even when blood glucose levels are only mildly elevated. In the present project, this concept will be investigated. The outcomes of this study will be particularly relevant to the Australian Aboriginal population, as they have a higher incidence than normal of low birth weight and impaired glucose metabolism.
Optimising The Bone And Cardiovascular Response To Dietary Calcium: A Physiological Approach In Experimental Models
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$35,670.00
Summary
We aim to identify a variable calcium diet that optimises bone mass, density and strength as well as blood pressure in a rat model of intrauterine growth restriction. We propose that a moderate calcium diet followed by a high calcium diet is beneficial for bone and heart health. This is based on the physiological effect of reduced calcium intake stimulating intestinal calcium absorption. This represents a novel research approach to improving calcium intake, bone as well as heart health.
I am a physiologist working to understand how disturbances during pregnancy can alter fetal development and increase the risk of developing adult onset diseases such as cardiovascular disease, renal disease and diabetes. In particular I am interested in how alterations in kidney development may play a crucial role in disease development.
Developmental Stages Of Cardiovascular Risk Factors And Their Public Health Impact: A Life Course Perspective
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$380,558.00
Summary
Using a life course approach, the aims of this study are to (a) investigate the developmental stages (pre-natal, childhood and adolescence) of cardiovascular (CVD) risk factors in young adulthood; (b) identify what is influencing these developmental stages either directly or indirectly and (c) quantify the public health burden of these stages and individual factors. Findings will enhance our understanding of the developmental stages of CVD and their public health burden.
Impact Of Fetal Growth Restriction On Skeletal Muscle Development, Mitochondrial Biogenesis And The Effect Of Exercise.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$58,182.00
Summary
Being born small is associated with the development of adult diseases. Mitochondria generate energy within cells and impaired function is implicated in disease development. This project aims to define the impact of fetal growth restriction on skeletal muscle development and mitochondrial function in early life and the responsiveness to lifestyle interventions such as improved nutrition and exercise. The outcomes could provide the rationale for clinical and subsequent intervention trials.
Leptin And Development: A Role In The Transition At Birth
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$100,380.00
Summary
A series of epidemiological studies have demonstrated that life expectancy and the risk of developing a range of adult diseases such as heart disease, diabetes mellitus and obesity, are related to weight and size at birth. It appears that genetic and environmental factors interact during pregnancy to determine the growth rate of the embryo and fetus and result in a permanent programming of the development of fetal organs and tissues which may result in the onset of disease in adult life. It is w ....A series of epidemiological studies have demonstrated that life expectancy and the risk of developing a range of adult diseases such as heart disease, diabetes mellitus and obesity, are related to weight and size at birth. It appears that genetic and environmental factors interact during pregnancy to determine the growth rate of the embryo and fetus and result in a permanent programming of the development of fetal organs and tissues which may result in the onset of disease in adult life. It is well established that babies born to mothers who develop diabetes in pregnancy are bigger at birth and are at greater risk of developing obesity in childhood. Paradoxically several major studies of human populations exposed to deprivation during pregnancy have shown that children born to mothers who experience undernutrition in pregnancy may also develop obesity in adult life. A new hormone has recently been identified which acts as a signal of fat mass and which plays a major role in the regulation of body weight and energy expenditure in the adult. We propose to define the role of this hormone before birth and to determine whether its production or action is altered by an increase or a decrease in fetal nutrition. In particular, we will investigate whether perturbations in the metabolic environment of the fetus program an increased production of this hormone or resistance to its actions after birth. These studies will increase our understanding of what adaptive changes before birth may relate to an increased likelihood of obesity after birth.Read moreRead less
Single Nephron GFR And Tubuloglomerular Feedback Before And After Birth.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$402,428.00
Summary
In this project we want to study the forces responsible for the filtration of plasma by the kidney during development. This process is the first step in urine production. It is important to understand kidney function because abnormalities in kidney function can result in high blood pressure and chronic renal disease (requiring dialysis or transplant) in later life. It is reported that up to 40% of the population is salt sensitive i.e. their blood pressure increases when they are on a high salt d ....In this project we want to study the forces responsible for the filtration of plasma by the kidney during development. This process is the first step in urine production. It is important to understand kidney function because abnormalities in kidney function can result in high blood pressure and chronic renal disease (requiring dialysis or transplant) in later life. It is reported that up to 40% of the population is salt sensitive i.e. their blood pressure increases when they are on a high salt diet. The cause of this salt sensitivity is unknown but we believe that it could be due to abnormalities in kidney function during fetal life. Alterations in function occuring during development can have life long effects through a process called fetal programming.Read moreRead less
Can Exercise And Improved Nutrition Normalise Rat Skeletal Muscle Mitochondrial Biogenesis Following Growth Restriction?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$338,128.00
Summary
Being born small is associated with the development of adult diseases such as insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Mitochondria are responsible for generating energy within all cells and impaired mitochondrial function is implicated in the development of these diseases. We have exciting preliminary data demonstrating that being born small impairs the synthesis of mitochondria in adult rat skeletal muscles. This project will determine if lifestyle interventions such as ....Being born small is associated with the development of adult diseases such as insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Mitochondria are responsible for generating energy within all cells and impaired mitochondrial function is implicated in the development of these diseases. We have exciting preliminary data demonstrating that being born small impairs the synthesis of mitochondria in adult rat skeletal muscles. This project will determine if lifestyle interventions such as exercise and improved nutrition after birth in rats that were born small can normalise the molecular signals responsible for mitochondrial synthesis in muscle. Understanding these mechanisms responsible for mitochondrial function will provide insight into early life interventions that may lessen the adverse consequences of being born small. This research will increase the likelihood that practical public health interventions can be developed to improve adult health.Read moreRead less