Altered Protein Secretion Links The Fatty Liver To Metabolic Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$415,797.00
Summary
The liver secretes proteins to alter metabolism in other tissues of the body. Fatty liver is a major feature of obesity and type 2 diabetes. This project aims to understand how fatty liver changes protein secretion and how this impacts on metabolic processes. The outcomes of this project will be the identification of protein biomarkers of fatty liver and the prediction of insulin resistance development in other tissues of the body.
Dietary Fats As Drivers Of Obesity-related Inflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$336,767.00
Summary
Obesity leads to diabetes and heart disease but not all body fat seems to be bad. Increased fat around the waist (especially the visceral fat around the intestine and internal organs) is particularly bad. Visceral fat secretes a lot of inflammatory molecules. This research aims to understand how visceral fat becomes inflamed and how we might use diet and other methods to reduce both the amount of visceral fat and its level of inflammation; thus reducing both obesity and its health consequences.
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
HFE-associated Steatohepatitis: Mechanisms And Therapies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$650,813.00
Summary
Iron and fat alter normal iron metabolism and cause more severe disease in combination. In this study we will study the relationship between liver disease caused by increased body iron and the consumption of excess fat and the causal mechanisms. We will then examine new therapies for the treatment of iron-associated fatty liver disease.
The Role Of Endocannabinoids In Chronic Hepatitis C
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$563,002.00
Summary
Hormones related to cannabis help to regulate fat stores in the human body. CB1 antagonists are a new class of drugs that block these hormones and are being tested for the treatment of obesity and fatty liver. We discovered that Hepatitis C makes the liver more sensitive to these hormones, helping the hepatitis C virus to replicate. This project will determine the mechanisms by which CB1 antagonists prevent hepatitis C virus replication and their potential as a novel therapy for this disease.
The AGE/RAGE Pathway In Chronic Liver Disease; A Novel Target For Prevention And Treatment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$461,822.00
Summary
Cirrhosis of the liver due to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis and other liver diseases is now a major cause of illness and death in Australia. This project will examine how advanced glycation end products (AGEs), compounds formed in the body and also derived from our diet, contributes to the progression of liver scarring in these diseases. We will study whether drugs targeting these compounds can be used to reduce liver scarring and prevent the development of cirrhosis.
IMPAIRED REGULATION OF CYTOCHROMES P450 DURING THE EVOLUTION OF HEPATIC STEATOSIS
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$186,740.00
Summary
The accumulation of fat in liver is a common problem in early liver injury caused by alcohol, certain drugs and diseases like diabetes. When this occurs the fats can change the amounts of a number of genes and proteins in liver. Cytochrome P450 proteins insert an activated form of oxygen into chemicals, including drugs and fats. In the process, however, some of these activated chemicals can damage surrounding tissues. This project will study the details of how the levels of cytochromes P450 are ....The accumulation of fat in liver is a common problem in early liver injury caused by alcohol, certain drugs and diseases like diabetes. When this occurs the fats can change the amounts of a number of genes and proteins in liver. Cytochrome P450 proteins insert an activated form of oxygen into chemicals, including drugs and fats. In the process, however, some of these activated chemicals can damage surrounding tissues. This project will study the details of how the levels of cytochromes P450 are altered when fat accumulates in liver. The findings may suggest ways in which normal levels of cytochromes P450 can be restored and how to minimise the injurious effects of activated chemicals in liver.Read moreRead less
The Alternate Renin Angiotensin System; A Novel Target For The Prevention And Treatment Of Liver Fibrosis And Portal Hypertension
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$693,950.00
Summary
Cirrhosis of the liver due to chronic hepatitis and other common liver diseases is now a major cause of illness and death in Australia. This project will examine how a hormone system called the renin angiotensin system contributes to the development of liver damage in these diseases. We will study whether drugs targeting this system can be used to reduce liver scarring and prevent the development of cirrhosis and its complications.