ProbioticTreatment Of Diarrhoeal Disease And Malnutrition In Top End Aboriginal Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$332,036.00
Summary
Aboriginal children in the Top End of Australia have high rates of hospital admission for diarrhoea and malnutrition. We have discovered that underlying small intestinal damage in these children is an important contributor to the high complication rates and longer lengths of stay in hospital compared to non-Aboriginal children. This research proposes to continue our work on small intestinal damage by using two non-invasive tests of gut function, namely a sugar absorption test and novel breath te ....Aboriginal children in the Top End of Australia have high rates of hospital admission for diarrhoea and malnutrition. We have discovered that underlying small intestinal damage in these children is an important contributor to the high complication rates and longer lengths of stay in hospital compared to non-Aboriginal children. This research proposes to continue our work on small intestinal damage by using two non-invasive tests of gut function, namely a sugar absorption test and novel breath test. The sugar permeability test involves the children drinking a solution of the two sugars lactulose and rhamnose, and measuring their absorption into the blood 90 minutes later using a sophisticated measuring instrument called HPLC, which can measure minuscule amounts of sugars and is set up at Royal Darwin Hospital. The breath test involves children drinking another sugar solution with a special non-radioactive marker called a stable isotope of carbon, and measuring changes in the amount of this marker in carbon dioxide from the breath at timed periods after drinking the sugar solution. The breath is analysed in Adelaide using another sophisticated instrument. These tests are being used to measure abnormal sugar absorption due to intestinal damage, which is particularly common in Aboriginal children during the weaning period of 4-18 months. Our hypothesis is that treatment with 'healthy germs' (probiotics) like those in certain yoghourts will colonise the gut, stimulate immunity and reduce the presence of 'nasty germs' (pathogenic bacteria) in the intestines of Aboriginal children which contribute to the need for their hospitalisation with diarrhoea and malnutrition. If this hypothesis is correct, then this research will provide the best kind of evidence for reducing the need for hospital treatment by treating all cases of diarrhoea with these probiotics and possibly even decreasing the gut damage of children in the weaning period by including probiotics in their dietsRead moreRead less
Uncovering Sex Specific, Epigenetic Biomarkers Of Healthy Ageing For Targeted Exercise Interventions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,449,800.00
Summary
The aged population accounts for a significant, and increasing, amount of Australia’s health budget. We aim to uncover novel molecular biomarkers that slow the ageing process and maintain good health for longer. We will use innovative DNA and protein analysis to study the molecular ‘clocks’ of young and old populations and to test whether exercise can slow the ageing process. This will underpin the development of evidence-based biomarkers to be used in personalised health interventions.
Type 2 diabetes is a health crisis in Australia. In this project, we will investigate the mechanisms whereby high glucose and fat impair pancreatic beta-cell function leading to type 2 diabetes. We will establish how endoplasmic reticulum stress and the protein Id1 are linked with loss of beta-cell gene expression and function. The information gained will further our understanding of the basic mechanisms regulating insulin secretion and provide new therapeutic targets for diabetes treatment.
Role Of UBL-5 In Mitochondrial Function And Glucose Metabolism
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$647,539.00
Summary
Type 2 diabetes is caused by insulin resistance, a condition that is characterised by the inability of insulin to elicit its normal function to lower blood sugar levels. The cause of insulin resistance is not known. In this study we will determine the role of a novel gene called UBL-5 to elicit insulin resistance in muscle and fat by generating genetically-induced models in which this gene has been deleted. By understanding the role of UBL-5 in insulin resistance, better therapeutic strategies c ....Type 2 diabetes is caused by insulin resistance, a condition that is characterised by the inability of insulin to elicit its normal function to lower blood sugar levels. The cause of insulin resistance is not known. In this study we will determine the role of a novel gene called UBL-5 to elicit insulin resistance in muscle and fat by generating genetically-induced models in which this gene has been deleted. By understanding the role of UBL-5 in insulin resistance, better therapeutic strategies can be developed to treat Type 2 diabetes.Read moreRead less
How Intra-abdominal Transplantation Of Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue Prevents High-fat Diet-induced Insulin Resistance And Obesity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$358,465.00
Summary
In obese humans, storing excess fat within the abdomen is associated with the development of adult-onset diabetes and cardiovascular disease. However, the mechanisms linking intra-abdominal fat accumulation with these diseases are not well understood. We have studied intra-abdominal fat accumulation in mice using a transplant model, and we have found that transplanting subcutaneous fat intra-abdominally prevents diet-induced obesity and glucose intolerance. We aim to investigate the underlying m ....In obese humans, storing excess fat within the abdomen is associated with the development of adult-onset diabetes and cardiovascular disease. However, the mechanisms linking intra-abdominal fat accumulation with these diseases are not well understood. We have studied intra-abdominal fat accumulation in mice using a transplant model, and we have found that transplanting subcutaneous fat intra-abdominally prevents diet-induced obesity and glucose intolerance. We aim to investigate the underlying mechanisms.Read moreRead less
How Does Paternal Obesity Influence Offspring Glucose Tolerance?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$503,398.00
Summary
Obesity and diabetes are closely related to these conditions in either parent, but how the father contributes is unclear. We have shown that normal females mated with obese fathers consuming high fat diet, produce offspring who develop glucose intolerance and impaired insulin secretion. This work will examine the mechanisms underlying this effect in the rat, testing a novel role for environmental factors in the father on disease in offspring that may be relevant to the growing obesity epidemic.
Impact Of Sleep In Pregnancy On Maternal And Child Weight-related Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
The project aims to reduce obesity in future generations by understanding the link between sleep in pregnancy and weight-related health outcomes (diet, weight gain, body composition, glucose tolerance). Results will enable the development of sleep guidelines for pregnancy and an intervention to optimise health. This will inform pregnant women, health professionals and future obesity prevention policies on the effects of poor sleep on diet, metabolism and adiposity during pregnancy and beyond.