Renal failure is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in persons with diabetes mellitus and accounts for the majority of renal disease worldwide. Renal fibrosis is the end result of progressive kidney disease. The proposed research aims to identify a new strategy by targeting specific channels in kidney cell membranes to arrest the development of enal fibrosis and hence progressive kidney disease caused by diabetes mellitus.
Randomised Controlled Trial To Determine Efficacy And Safety Of Prescribed Water Intake To Prevent The Progression Of Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (PREVENT-ADPKD)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$746,751.00
Summary
Increasing the daily intake of water is well known to reduce the risk of developing kidney stones but there is growing evidence that it may also benefit other kidney diseases, particularly autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). This study will determine if adequate hydration can slow the progression of ADPKD, and could provide a relatively simple and cheap treatment for preventing the onset of kidney failure due to this disease.
A Novel And Unique Protein I-body For The Treatment Of Chronic Kidney Disease Through Targeting CXCR4
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$768,340.00
Summary
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide public health problem, with adverse outcomes of kidney failure, cardiovascular disease, and premature death. Kidney transplantation and dialysis are the only options for the management of CKD, which results in a significant burden on the health system. The central aim of this project is to develop a novel therapeutic strategy to limit/reverse CKD, which will lead to a researcher-industry partnership in discovery of novel therapeutic agent.
Long Term Sequelae Of Acute Kidney Injury: Identifying The Optimal Model Of Care And Intervention To Enhance Patient Outcome
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$128,224.00
Summary
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with significant morbidity, mortality and health care costs. It is increasingly recognised as a key driver of progressive kidney disease, and no intervention has been shown to improve the long-term outcome of AKI survivors. This project identifies risk factors for chronic kidney disease, dialysis dependence and death after an episode of AKI, and examines the feasibility, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of early nephrology review in high risk individuals.
TOWARDS IMPROVING EARLY PERITONEAL DIALYSIS OUTCOMES
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$189,384.00
Summary
The burden of kidney disease requiring dialysis is substantial in Australia. Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) is a cost effective method of performing dialysis, which provides greater quality of life and patient satisfaction than Haemodialysis (HD). Unfortunately PD is underused and has a high discontinuation rate among patients. This program of research will target important areas of PD practice aimed at improving the uptake and continuation of PD for patients with kidney disease requiring dialysis.
The Effects Of Maternal Health On Fetal Kidney Development And Its Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$297,338.00
Summary
There is an epidemic of renal disease among Australian aborigines. While much of this could have been prevented by effective control of Group A streptococcal skin infections, there is also evidence that the high susceptibility to end-stage renal disease is related to poor intrauterine development of the kidney as low- birth weight is a predisposing factor. Mothers, whose renal function is impaired, tend to have babies which are low birth weight. There is no knowledge about the effects of materna ....There is an epidemic of renal disease among Australian aborigines. While much of this could have been prevented by effective control of Group A streptococcal skin infections, there is also evidence that the high susceptibility to end-stage renal disease is related to poor intrauterine development of the kidney as low- birth weight is a predisposing factor. Mothers, whose renal function is impaired, tend to have babies which are low birth weight. There is no knowledge about the effects of maternal renal dysfunction on development of the fetal kidney. We have recently developed an animal model in which we can study the effects of maternal renal dysfunction on the development of the kidney of her offspring. Human beings form 60% of the functional units (nephrons) in the kidney in the last trimester. Sheep, like human beings (and unlike rats), completely form all the nephrons that they will ever have, during intrauterine life. While the fetal kidneys play an essential role in the formation of amniotic fluid, regulation of fetal fluid and electrolyte homeostasis depends on maternal renal function via transplacental transfer. If maternal renal function is reduced, it is likely that the fetal kidneys will be exposed to a greater volume and solute load through transplacental equilibration. This may have a profund effect on renal development especially if coupled with an inadequate maternal diet and a high maternal salt intake. Under these conditions we predict that development of the fetal kidney will be impaired and renal capacity after birth, reduced. This means that the kidney will 'age' more rapidly. Thus the affected individual would be predisposed to renal disease in adult life. In our animal model we will study the effects and interactions of maternal renal insufficiency, poor fetal nutrition and a high maternal salt intake on fetal kidney development and function.Read moreRead less
Targeting The Inflammasome To Treat ANCA Associated Glomerulonephritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$122,686.00
Summary
Anti neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) vasculitis is a type of kidney disease which causes significant morbidity and mortality in the Australian population. Current treatments are toxic and are associated with significant side-effects. This research focusses on a pathway of immune activation which is of emerging importance, called the inflammasome, which may be a target for future therapies in this disease.
The Pathogenesis Of PR3-ANCA Associated Vasculitis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$128,224.00
Summary
ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a rare but severe cause of autoimmune renal disease, which can lead to renal failure and death. Our research and understanding of AAV until now has been largely limited to MPO-AAV. This proposal provides a unique opportunity to further understand PR3-AAV by utilising a new mouse model of the disease. This knowledge will inform further research regarding therapeutic targets, thereby improving care of patients affected by PR3-AAV.