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The prevalence of type 2 diabetes in increasing worldwide, the International Diabetes Federation predicting 435 million will have diabetes in 2030. The major driver of the diabetes epidemic is obesity. There is strong evidence linking type 2 diabetes and obesity to an increased risk of cancer. However, the exact mechanism promoting cancer development in obese and diabetic individuals is not clear. This project will examine the effects of high insulin levels on cancer development and progression.
The Relationship Between Osteoporosis And Diabetes: Exploring The Bone-metabolism Interface
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$124,676.00
Summary
Osteoporosis and diabetes are two common conditions that affect many Australians. Diabetes patients have an increased risk of fractures, however the underlying mechanisms for this increased fracture risk is unknown. We hypothesise that there are changes in the bone remodelling as a result of increased insulin levels (as seen in type 2 diabetes) and will explore the factors that contribute to the increased fracture risk and examine how treatments can reduce fracture rates.
Adipose Distribution, Hepatic Lipid Partitioning And Pathogenesis Of Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$133,601.00
Summary
The rising prevalence of obesity and diabetes has led to increase incidence of fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a form of liver damage that can result in cirrhosis and liver cancer. Currently, approximately 30% people store fat poorly, resulting in increased waist circumference and higher risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and NASH. Animal studies are now underway to determine the switch which turns “good fat” to “bad fat”, to identify ways of preventing diabet ....The rising prevalence of obesity and diabetes has led to increase incidence of fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a form of liver damage that can result in cirrhosis and liver cancer. Currently, approximately 30% people store fat poorly, resulting in increased waist circumference and higher risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and NASH. Animal studies are now underway to determine the switch which turns “good fat” to “bad fat”, to identify ways of preventing diabetes, NASH and other adverse outcomes of obesity.Read moreRead less
Explaining The Causal Effect Of Obesity On Colorectal And Postmenopausal Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$51,834.00
Summary
With rising rates in Australia and globally, obesity is fast surpassing smoking to become the biggest preventable cause of cancer. While losing weight might reduce the risk of cancer, most people find this hard to do. In this project, possible mechanisms linking obesity to bowel and postmenopausal breast cancer will be studied to work out how important they are for each cancer. Ultimately, the goal is to help design strategies for prevention and early detection of cancers caused by obesity.
The Relationship Between Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease And Type 2 Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$133,351.00
Summary
Non alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) threatens to become a major public health problem. Its increasing prevalence is associated with parallel increases in obesity and diabetes. This study aims to understand the mechanisms involved in progression to liver failure and liver cancer in the setting of diabetes and the impact of NAFLD on blood sugar levels and diabetes complications (esp. cardiovascular). Using a recently developed animal model of type 2 diabetes and fatty liver, it will better d ....Non alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) threatens to become a major public health problem. Its increasing prevalence is associated with parallel increases in obesity and diabetes. This study aims to understand the mechanisms involved in progression to liver failure and liver cancer in the setting of diabetes and the impact of NAFLD on blood sugar levels and diabetes complications (esp. cardiovascular). Using a recently developed animal model of type 2 diabetes and fatty liver, it will better define a novel therapeutic agent.Read moreRead less
Does Dietary Modulation Of The Colonic Microflora Attenuate The Effects Of Advanced Glycation Endproducts?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$125,913.00
Summary
This research aims to determine whether the daily consumption of a prebiotic (fibre) supplement can encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria living in the human colon. Substances produced by these friendly bacteria may help to reduce inflammation, insulin resistance and harmful levels of Advanced Glycation Endproducts (AGEs), which can increase the risk of diabetets in susceptible individuals.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Insulin Resistance And Obesity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$105,325.00
Summary
Research to be undertaken will focus on the impact of excess weight on insulin action in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is the most common hormone condition in women of reproductive age, with significant long-term health implications. Identification of key metabolic and lifestyle associated factors in PCOS and the long term impact of these on health outcomes will assist in enabling earlier detection and intervention to optimise management and minimise long-term sequelae.
Do The Mitochondrial Sirtuin Enzymes, SIRT3 And SIRT5, Affect Insulin Action In Skeletal Muscle?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$92,314.00
Summary
Metabolic disorders such as obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes are characterised by inappropriate handling of nutrients. Mitochondria are the primary site for nutrient oxidation in cells. Sirtuins such as SIRT3 and SIRT5 are abundant in mitochondria and may affect mitochondrial function and insulin action in skeletal muscle. Understanding the biochemical pathways involved in energy metabolism in skeletal muscle is crucial in the development of therapies for insulin resistance and ty ....Metabolic disorders such as obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes are characterised by inappropriate handling of nutrients. Mitochondria are the primary site for nutrient oxidation in cells. Sirtuins such as SIRT3 and SIRT5 are abundant in mitochondria and may affect mitochondrial function and insulin action in skeletal muscle. Understanding the biochemical pathways involved in energy metabolism in skeletal muscle is crucial in the development of therapies for insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.Read moreRead less
Investigating Role Of Insulin Resistance And Sympathetic Nervous System In Metabolic Features Of PCOS
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$150,468.00
Summary
PCOS affects 9-18% of Australian reproductive aged women. Whilst reproductive features are prominent, PCOS has major psychological and metabolic consequences. Emerging data implicate the involvement of the sympathetic nervous system in PCOS. The aim of this PhD is to investigate the role of the sympathetic nervous system in insulin resistance and other metabolic features of PCOS and determine whether modification of this system's activity will favorably influence the metabolic consequences assoc ....PCOS affects 9-18% of Australian reproductive aged women. Whilst reproductive features are prominent, PCOS has major psychological and metabolic consequences. Emerging data implicate the involvement of the sympathetic nervous system in PCOS. The aim of this PhD is to investigate the role of the sympathetic nervous system in insulin resistance and other metabolic features of PCOS and determine whether modification of this system's activity will favorably influence the metabolic consequences associated with PCOS.Read moreRead less