Protective Role Of The Depressor Arm Of The Renin-angiotensin System During Pregnancy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$633,384.00
Summary
The motivation for unveiling the normal hormonal and molecular mechanisms involved in the extraordinary vasodilatation associated with pregnancy is that understanding these fundamental processes may provide novel insights into the pathophysiology of preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction, as well as potential therapeutic strategies for not only the treatment of these pregnancy specific conditions but also cardiovascular and renal diseases in non-pregnant women and men.
Molecular Mechanisms In Pregnancy-indcuded Hypertension
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$649,668.00
Summary
Approximately 5-10% of pregnancies are complicated by hypertension with associated health risks for both mother and child. To keep blood pressure at normal levels during pregnancy requires active regulation, but underlying processes are not yet fully understood. We have identified a molecule which crucially controls blood pressure during pregnancy. In this proposal we will study how the molecule remodels blood vessels in pregnant females to optimize pharmacological intervention and pregnancy out ....Approximately 5-10% of pregnancies are complicated by hypertension with associated health risks for both mother and child. To keep blood pressure at normal levels during pregnancy requires active regulation, but underlying processes are not yet fully understood. We have identified a molecule which crucially controls blood pressure during pregnancy. In this proposal we will study how the molecule remodels blood vessels in pregnant females to optimize pharmacological intervention and pregnancy outcomes in humans.Read moreRead less
Preeclampsia (PE) is the most common serious medical disorder of human pregnancy and leads to life-threatening problems for both mother and baby. Currently, the only cure for PE is delivery of the baby, even if the baby is not ready for birth. My research focuses on understanding how PE develops. Understanding how PE develops will help us to treat this disease and thereby improve outcomes for mothers and babies.
Non-invasive Assessment Of Vascular Health In Maternal-fetal And Other Susceptible Populations
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$402,679.00
Summary
The research in this application focuses on the development and refinement of non-invasive techniques for assessing subclinical atherosclerosis, and cross-disciplinary application of these techniques to identify cardiovascular risk factors and ‘at-risk’ individuals. Emerging and poorly understood risk factors of public health importance are a priority, and include: * Maternal-fetal health * Obesity * Indigenous health
Associate Professor Kate Denton is an internationally recognised cardiovascular researcher. A focus of Dr Denton’s research is to find out why women do not respond to current treatments as well as men, and how factors in pregnancy (nutrition, stress, alcohol) drive the development of cardiovascular disease in offspring. Dr Denton is also leading research to understand why a new high blood pressure treatment (blocking nerves to the kidney) is proving more effective than expected.