Transgenerational Effects Of Male Obesity - Mechanisms And Interventions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$829,143.00
Summary
Childhood obesity is associated with obesity in either parent, and obese children tend to become obese adults, forming an intergenerational cycle that promotes obesity. We have identified paternal obesity as an important novel target for intervention to stop the progression of the obesity epidemic. This project investigates supplementation of obese fathers with folate to prevent the adverse impact of paternal obesity on subsequent generations.
It has become increasingly evident that damage to the genetic material in cells (DNA) is a fundamental initiating cause of cancer and accelerated ageing. Furthermore it has been shown recently that moderate deficiencies of certain vitamins and minerals can cause damage to DNA at a level that is observed for carcinogenic doses of radiation and toxic chemicals. In addition studies have shown that supplementation with certain vitamins resulted in a reduction of damage to DNA. The aims of this resea ....It has become increasingly evident that damage to the genetic material in cells (DNA) is a fundamental initiating cause of cancer and accelerated ageing. Furthermore it has been shown recently that moderate deficiencies of certain vitamins and minerals can cause damage to DNA at a level that is observed for carcinogenic doses of radiation and toxic chemicals. In addition studies have shown that supplementation with certain vitamins resulted in a reduction of damage to DNA. The aims of this research is to determine whether daily intake of a pill containing certain vitamins and minerals causes a reduction in DNA damage in blood cells. The expected ultimate outcome is a cancer prevention strategy based on reducing the risk of damage to DNA.Read moreRead less
Lipoprotein Oxidation, Antioxidants And Atherosclerosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$281,812.00
Summary
We are studying how major blood vessels harden. This process (called atherosclerosis) is the major underlying cause of heart disease, the major single cause of death of Australians. Our research focusses on the 'Oxidation Theory', one of the most common theories of how atherosclerosis develops. Accordingly, fats in fat-carrying particles (called lipoproteins) penetrate the walls of blood vessels, where they cause disease as a result of going rancid. This is a primary reason for the general publi ....We are studying how major blood vessels harden. This process (called atherosclerosis) is the major underlying cause of heart disease, the major single cause of death of Australians. Our research focusses on the 'Oxidation Theory', one of the most common theories of how atherosclerosis develops. Accordingly, fats in fat-carrying particles (called lipoproteins) penetrate the walls of blood vessels, where they cause disease as a result of going rancid. This is a primary reason for the general public's interest in antioxidant supplements to combat heart disease. However, it is not clear at present whether rancid fats is a cause or consequence of atherosclerosis, and we recently showed that the two processes can be dissociated in an animal model of the disease. This application addresses the question of whether the process of fats going rancid can be generally dissociated from atherosclerosis, using several different animal models of the disease. We will distinguish different chemical pathways that give rise to different types of rancid fats, and between rancid fats and 'rancid' proteins. Such studies have not been carried out to date. Our underlying hypothesis is that the process of lipoprotein fat going rancid is a consequnece rather than a cause of atherosclerosis and heart disease. By testing this hypothesis, we will provide a rationale for whether antioxidant supplements aimed at preventing rancid fats from accumulating are likely of benefit in terms of preventing heart disease. This is of direct interest to public health. Our studies also address the issue of how antioxidants (if not through preventing fats from going rancid) attenuate atherosclerosis. We will focus on a particular synthetic antioxidant for which there is strong evidence that it is beneficial in preventing the re-narrowing of blood vessels in humans undergoing coronary angioplasty. These studies have the potential to provide new clues for the development of novel drugs against heart disease.Read moreRead less
Bone Growth For Healthy Development: Physiology, Pathophysiology, And Regeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$621,458.00
Summary
Musculoskeletal damage is a major burden on individuals and our health care system. My research program will focus on improving bone health in three important areas: (1) children’s growth plate injury and growth defects; (2) bone loss and bone marrow defects from cancer chemotherapy; (3) ensuring that bone grows healthily in early life. The overall intent of this research is to develop new therapies when bone doesn’t grow well, or is damaged.