Novel Genes And Protein In Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Potential Basis Of A Serum-based Assessment Of Disease Sta
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$200,000.00
Summary
The most common cause of elevated liver function tests is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NALFD is a spectrum of disease ranging from steatosis, to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a condition associated with the development of fibrosis in the majority of individuals. Approximately 20% and 3% of adults are affected with NAFLD and NASH, respectively, and NAFLD is expected to become the next major liver epidemic facing the western world, far exceeding the prevalence of chronic infe ....The most common cause of elevated liver function tests is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NALFD is a spectrum of disease ranging from steatosis, to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a condition associated with the development of fibrosis in the majority of individuals. Approximately 20% and 3% of adults are affected with NAFLD and NASH, respectively, and NAFLD is expected to become the next major liver epidemic facing the western world, far exceeding the prevalence of chronic infection with the hepatitis C virus. We obtained liver biopsies from patients with NAFLD, 80% of whom had NASH, and determined the expression profile analysis of each subject using 19,200 element microarrays. Our data demonstrates the concordant differential expression of 130 genes, in subjects with NAFLD that were categorizes into 6 major metabolic and regulatory pathways. Many of these genes represented uncharacterised genes. Utilising an extensive bioinformatics approach we have been able to define the genes and their protein product. The use of these proteins as a diagnostic tool for the detection of NAFLD forms the basis of a provisional patent application. However, measurements of protein levels in tissue and sera from patients with NAFLD are needed for the development of a diagnostic method. Such information would also provide significant insight into the pathogenesis of NAFLD. The AIMS are: 1) Production of antibodies against proteins encoded by candidate genes Expression profile of candidate genes 3) Expression of proteins encoded by candidate genes in patients with NAFLDRead moreRead less
Non-invasive Measurement And Imaging Of Hepatic Iron Concentrations Using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$341,210.00
Summary
Iron overload diseases such as genetic haemochromatosis and thalassaemia affect up to 0.5% of the world's population. These diseases result in deposition of dangerously high concentrations of iron in tissues of the body. Organs such as the liver and heart are at particular risk of being damaged. In order to manage a patient's condition optimally, a knowledge of their tissue iron concentrations is required. Currently the most direct and reliable way of achieving this is to remove a small sample o ....Iron overload diseases such as genetic haemochromatosis and thalassaemia affect up to 0.5% of the world's population. These diseases result in deposition of dangerously high concentrations of iron in tissues of the body. Organs such as the liver and heart are at particular risk of being damaged. In order to manage a patient's condition optimally, a knowledge of their tissue iron concentrations is required. Currently the most direct and reliable way of achieving this is to remove a small sample of the patient's liver for chemical analysis. Apart from the fact that the procedure is unpleasant and carries some risk, the measurement made by this method has some uncertainty because the liver iron concentration can vary significantly from place to place within the liver. The aim of this project is to test the validity of a new non-invasive method of measuring and imaging the liver iron concentrations of a patient. In addition, the potential to use the new technology for detecting and imaging liver cirrhosis in iron overloaded patients will be evaluated. If successful, the project may lead to a more accurate method of measuring tissue iron concentrations and eliminate the need for invasive procedures.Read moreRead less