A Novel Device To Improve Renal Blood Flow In Cardiorenal Syndrome
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$198,900.00
Summary
The aim of this project is to assist in the development of a novel device to treat poor delivery of blood to the kidneys in conditions such as heart muscle weakness (chronic heart failure, CHF). Specifically we aim to build a prototype and test the device in a relevant animal model of CHF. Chronic heart failure is a major public health problem affecting >10% of the adult population over the age of 60 years. It is associated with high morbidity, mortality, frequent hospitalisation and major co ....The aim of this project is to assist in the development of a novel device to treat poor delivery of blood to the kidneys in conditions such as heart muscle weakness (chronic heart failure, CHF). Specifically we aim to build a prototype and test the device in a relevant animal model of CHF. Chronic heart failure is a major public health problem affecting >10% of the adult population over the age of 60 years. It is associated with high morbidity, mortality, frequent hospitalisation and major cost burden on the public health system. Weak heart muscle results in poor delivery of blood to the kidneys. Poor delivery to the kidneys activates circulating hormones which in turn further impair cardiac function by adverse effects on the heart. We have developed and patented a novel catheter based system for improvement of renal function via a purpose built device. Proof-of-concept studies have shown that the device should improve kidney blood flow in the setting of CHF. Given the huge public health problem of heart failure and the importance of the kidney in this setting, the commercial potential for a simple device that can be positioned via a catheter-based approach, permanently implanted is large. The device is currently being constructed by the Monash University Department of Engineering where expertise exists with regard to biomedical devices and materials engineering. A series of proof-of-concept studies will then be performed in sheep, as the vasculature of the sheep roughly approximates the dimensions of man. Sheep with CHF will have the device inserted percutaneously into the aorta. Measurements will be made of renal artery flow, relevant circulatory hormones and ultrasound of the heart at baseline (pre-deployment) and following deployment. We believe the above studies (should they be successful) will be sufficient to constitute definitive proof-of-concept and thus allow the device to be commercialised, most likely by a licensing arrangement with a device company.Read moreRead less
CKD-FIX: A Randomised, Controlled Trial Of Allopurinol In The Slowing Of Kidney Disease Progression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,917,147.00
Summary
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health problem affecting over 1.5 million Australians and is associated with increased risk of death, heart disease and progression to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Current treatments to slow progression to ESKD are limited. The CKD-FIX trial aims to find out whether treatment with allopurinol, a commonly used drug for gout prevention, safely and effectively slows CKD progression. This could lead to significant health and economic benefits.
UTILITY OF NOVEL BIOMARKERS IN THE PREDICTION OF MAJOR COMPLICATIONS OF TYPE II DIABETES MELLITUS
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$510,639.00
Summary
Diabetes is increasingly common. It can cause a variety of complications, the most serious being heart and kidney disease. The reasons why some patients develop such complications are not fully understood so it is difficult to predict who will be affected. The current project will use samples from a large international study of patients with diabetes to assess whether levels of specific markers in the blood help to predict major complications and clarify why they occur.
The kidneys of infants born preterm continue to develop after birth. However, preterm infants are exposed to high oxygen levels which may impact on ongoing development. In a rodent model of oxygen exposure, the blood vessels of the kidney and the numbers of stem cells will be assessed; additionally, further stem cells will be administered in order to try and prevent any impairment. It is expected that the findings of this study will help to explain the effects of preterm birth on the kidney.
Nephro-protective Effects Of L-amino Acids In Critically Ill Patients: A Multi-centre Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$863,209.00
Summary
More than 60,000 Australians become critically ill each year with up to one third of these patients developing Acute Kidney Injury during their illness. Acute Kidney Injury leads to longer recovery times, may require lifelong dialysis and results in a significantly increased chance of dying as a result of the original critical illness. The purpose of this clinical trial is to determine if a simple and cheap amino acid infusion can reduce the onset of Acute Kidney Injury during critical illness.
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.
Role Of Endothelial Vasodilator Mechanisms In Cardiovascular Control During Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$225,500.00
Summary
Cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and heart attack are the greatest killers in developed societies such as Australia. We now know that a number of metabolic disorders, and genetic and lifestyle factors, can increase the likelihood of individuals developing cardiovascular disease later in life, such as obesity, diabetes, and smoking. In many cases, individuals with these risk factors also have high blood pressure, which is a known cause of stroke and heart attack. This seems to be a particul ....Cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and heart attack are the greatest killers in developed societies such as Australia. We now know that a number of metabolic disorders, and genetic and lifestyle factors, can increase the likelihood of individuals developing cardiovascular disease later in life, such as obesity, diabetes, and smoking. In many cases, individuals with these risk factors also have high blood pressure, which is a known cause of stroke and heart attack. This seems to be a particular problem in patients with diabetes, a condition that currently affects around 150 million people worldwide. Indeed, almost 70% of patients that develop diabetes in later life, also develop high blood pressure. The aim of the studies outlined in this application is to increase our understanding of the way diabetes affects blood pressure. High blood pressure often accompanies established diabetes, but we have recent evidence that suggests that a gas (nitric oxide) made by the cells that line blood vessels (endothelial cells) and in nerve cells, protects the cardiovascular system from hypertension during the onset of diabetes. Our experiments will show whether the 'protective' nitric oxide comes from nerves or the endothelial cells, and how it affects various blood pressure control mechanisms in diabetes. Our experiments will also show whether this protective action of nitric oxide is eventually lost as the organ damage that occurs in diabetes proceeds. This information should help in the design of new drug treatments and other therapies aimed at reducing the occurrence of high blood pressure, and hence cardiovascular disease, in diabetes.Read moreRead less
Is Sympathetic Activation Beneficial Or Detrimental In Septic Shock?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$458,755.00
Summary
Septic shock is a major cause of death in intensive care units. It is associated with large increases in sympathetic nerve activity to the heart and kidneys, which have both beneficial and harmful effects. This project will determine the responses to the increased sympathetic activity in septic shock, the causes of it and whether blocking this activation has an overall beneficial effect. This knowledge is essential before drugs that block sympathetic activation are examined in clinical studies.