The discoveries made to date and the proposed studies point to an intrinsic role for vitamin D compounds in skin in providing protection from sun damage. As a result of sun exposure, increased concentrations of vitamin D compounds in skin will be generated and this is likely to provide protection against further UV damage, in much the same way as increased pigmentation and increased thickness of the outer layer of skin. Furthermore, the studies are designed to test whether vitamin D compounds wh ....The discoveries made to date and the proposed studies point to an intrinsic role for vitamin D compounds in skin in providing protection from sun damage. As a result of sun exposure, increased concentrations of vitamin D compounds in skin will be generated and this is likely to provide protection against further UV damage, in much the same way as increased pigmentation and increased thickness of the outer layer of skin. Furthermore, the studies are designed to test whether vitamin D compounds which have minimal effects on serum calcium, could nevertheless be used topically in association with a sunscreen or moisturizer to add to sun protection. As Australia has the highest skin cancer rates in the world, this would be of significant health and economic value.Read moreRead less
Thalassaemia is the most common blood disorder worldwide. In severe cases, life-long blood transfusions are needed to survive but complications including iron overload and bone disease can occur. Deferasirox, a drug used to treat iron overload has been linked to kidney stones and bone loss in these patients through increased loss of calcium in the urine. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether bone loss can be reversed by using a diuretic or an alternative iron chelator.
Type 2 Diabetic Renal Complications And Microvascular Injury: Novel Predictors Of Onset And Progression, Mechanisms Of Association With Cardiovascular Disease And The Benefits Of Fenofibrate.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$84,448.00
Summary
We will investigate the mechanisms of diabetic complications related to kidney and blood vessel disease, focusing on identifying people at greater risk and ways to improve or prevent these complications. In addition, we will look at how diabetic kidney disease affects non-kidney related problems like heart disease and examine the benefit of fenofibrate on both. This greater understanding will aid further drug development in kidney and cardiovascular diseases.
Is CYP11A1 Critical For The Vitamin D Photoprotective System In Skin?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$517,567.00
Summary
Sunlight produces DNA damage. When inadequately repaired, this damage produces skin cancer. The vitamin D system in skin helps protect against this skin damage, but the vitamin D compounds involved and how they work is unclear. Recent data shows new vitamin D compounds with photoprotective activity and that vitamin D compounds increased expression of DNA repair proteins. These studies may enable pharmacological enhancement of protection from sunlight.
Diabetes affects over one million Australians and is an increasing health problem in Australia and worldwide. Diabetes can damage small blood vessels, harming the kidneys and eyes and large blood vessels leading to heart attack, stroke and leg amputation. The research team leading this Centre for Clinical Research Excellence (CCRE) has wide experience in diabetes research and includes experts in diabetes management in hospitals and in the community setting of general practice. There is special e ....Diabetes affects over one million Australians and is an increasing health problem in Australia and worldwide. Diabetes can damage small blood vessels, harming the kidneys and eyes and large blood vessels leading to heart attack, stroke and leg amputation. The research team leading this Centre for Clinical Research Excellence (CCRE) has wide experience in diabetes research and includes experts in diabetes management in hospitals and in the community setting of general practice. There is special expertise in eye disease and in dietary management of diabetes. The research team will conduct research into diabetes, both type 1 diabetes, which usual starts in childhood, and type 2 diabetes that generally affects middle aged or older people, although increasingly is occurring in younger adults as the population becomes more obese. We will focus on the complications, which are common to both types of diabetes, looking for ways to detect them early and prevent them. Our studies will involve groups of up to 10,000 people with diabetes, sometimes followed over 5 or more years. Indigenous Australian groups will be included in the studies as they have a high rates of diabetes and its complications. We will also study ways in which people with type 2 diabetes can be more involved in improving the management of their illness. An exciting part of the study program will involve patients having transplants of insulin producing human islet cells. Although this treatment will be available for only a few patients, it is an important advance towards future treatments using human cells. The CCRE will have a very strong focus on recruiting and training the next generation of doctors and other clinicians involved in diabetes research, including nurses, dietitians and optometrists.Read moreRead less