I have discovered particular factors produced by our white blood cells have the ability to shut down or boost protein production in the gut, pancreas and lung. My vision is to harness these to devise new strategies for treatments for infectious and non-infectious diseases (inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes) that have a high burden on our healthcare system.
The Role Of Lycopene Supplementation In The Management Of Asthma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$332,875.00
Summary
Asthma is a significant and increasing health problem for Australia and is now listed as a National Health Priority Area. There is immense community interest in dietary factors affecting asthma. This project examines the potential for dietary carotenoids to be used to manage asthma. Carotenoids are antioxidants that are found in orange and red fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes, carrots and mangoes. Research suggests that dietary carotenoids may be protective against asthma symptoms and -or ....Asthma is a significant and increasing health problem for Australia and is now listed as a National Health Priority Area. There is immense community interest in dietary factors affecting asthma. This project examines the potential for dietary carotenoids to be used to manage asthma. Carotenoids are antioxidants that are found in orange and red fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes, carrots and mangoes. Research suggests that dietary carotenoids may be protective against asthma symptoms and -or onset. It is also likely that increasing intake of carotenoid-rich foods may be more effective than taking dietary supplements, as the key nutrients or combination of nutrients may not be known. This project will examine whether carotenoids such as lycopene can reduce the tendency of asthmatic airways to overreact to common triggers. It also investigates whether carotenoids can be used to prevent or reduce the severity of asthma attacks. The project will determine whether tomato juice or lycopene capsules are more effective in this role. This work will provide the necessary information to develop a large trial testing the ability of carotenoids to improve quality of life for people with asthma. While there is evidence to suggest that carotenoids may be helpful in asthma, the data to date is inconclusive. This study provides a scientific approach to evaluating the potential for carotenoids to be used as a treatment for asthma.Read moreRead less
Innovative And Multi-disciplinary Treatment Strategies For Secondary Degeneration Following Neurotrauma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$455,452.00
Summary
Following injury to the central nervous system the damage spreads into nearby areas, leading to worse outcomes for the patient. The research conducted during this Fellowship will ensure that promising treatment strategies to prevent spreading damage are used in the best way, and will determine the mechanism of action of these treatments.
To Biochemically Trick P-Glycoprotein (Pgp) To Target Resistance Via Lysosomal Pgp
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$603,848.00
Summary
We have discovered an innovative biochemical strategy whereby our novel compounds exploit and trick a part of the detoxification machinery, that is the transporter, P-glycoprotein, to specifically kill drug resistant cancer cells. Herein, we take advantage of this biochemical mechanism to design novel and safe drugs to selectively target resistant tumours.
Monitoring Oxygen Saturation And Heart Rate In The Early Post Natal Period
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$344,150.00
Summary
In recent years experts have suggested that even a brief exposure to high oxygen concentrations during delivery room (DR) resuscitation is harmful. This has led to a change in our national DR resuscitation guidelines which now advise that 21% oxygen should be considered rather than 100% oxygen for infants of all gestational ages. I aim to develop evidence based guidelines for the use of pulse oximetry in the DR and early post natal period.