Molecular Determinants Of UDP Glucuronosyltransferase Expression In The Gastrointestinal Tract
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$447,750.00
Summary
The gastrointestinal tract is a major portal of entry for dietary chemicals and drugs taken orally or as suppositories. Enzymes resident in the gastrointestinal tract have an essential role in preventing these chemicals from reaching other organs and target tissues in the body and in protecting the gastrointestinal tract per se from their effects. The levels of these enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract varies quite extensively between individuals. In this project we will determine how these en ....The gastrointestinal tract is a major portal of entry for dietary chemicals and drugs taken orally or as suppositories. Enzymes resident in the gastrointestinal tract have an essential role in preventing these chemicals from reaching other organs and target tissues in the body and in protecting the gastrointestinal tract per se from their effects. The levels of these enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract varies quite extensively between individuals. In this project we will determine how these enzymes are regulated and what causes the large differences in their levels between individuals. This will help us to predict those individuals who are more at risk from the adverse effects of drugs taken orally or as suppositories and from the toxic effects of chemicals in the diet. The project will also help us identify therapies that can increase the levels of these protective enzymes to help reduce the effects of exposure to toxic chemicals .Read moreRead less
Are The Energy Expenditures Of Household And Garden Chores Of Sufficient Intensity To Confer Health Benefits?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$322,110.00
Summary
Participation in regular moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity reduces risk for cardiovascular disease, non-insulin dependent diabetes, osteoporosis and some cancers. Recent epidemiological recommendations are that 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity (e.g. brisk walking at 4.8-6.4 km-hr) on most days is sufficient to confer these significant health benefits. However, many Australians spend substantial amounts of time engaged in household chores and gardening - yardwork ....Participation in regular moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity reduces risk for cardiovascular disease, non-insulin dependent diabetes, osteoporosis and some cancers. Recent epidemiological recommendations are that 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity (e.g. brisk walking at 4.8-6.4 km-hr) on most days is sufficient to confer these significant health benefits. However, many Australians spend substantial amounts of time engaged in household chores and gardening - yardwork activities but it is unknown whether the intensities of these activities are sufficient to confer the aforementioned health benefits. The aims of this study are therefore to: 1. Measure directly the energy cost of self-paced common household chores and gardening - yard activities. 2. Provide data that are required to estimate accurately the prevalence of 'adequate' levels of physical activity among adults. 3. Identify indirect methods (such as heart rate, motion and breathing frequency) which, in combination, are suitable for use in large scale surveys of activity levels. The outcomes of this study will be: 1. A greatly improved understanding of whether energy expenditure associated with self-paced household chores and gardening - yard activities is adequate to confer health benefits. 2. Our results will be used in key public health interventions which are aimed at modifying the physical activity levels of Australians. 3. If the public health message encourages some of the ~30% of sedentary Australians to undertake regular moderate intensity physical activity then this will: reduce the cost of the health care system, substantially reduce the premature loss of life and decrease morbidity and disability. 4. Our results will help public health epidemiologists to monitor the percentage of Australians who are adequately physically active.Read moreRead less
The Role Of Transcription Factors In Regulating The First Round Of Gene Expression In The Early Embryo.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$348,931.00
Summary
Assisted reproductive technologies result in a high incidence of multiple births. This is and adverse outcome that requires correction. It stems from the common transfer of several embryos due to the low chance of an individual embryo made by IVF resulting in a baby. This project will determine the normal pattern of gene expression in the embryo and define: (1) how it is adversely changed as a consequence of IVF; and (2) the extent that these changes are a cause of the low embryo viability.