Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one of the most common complications of obesity and is independently associated with a reduced quality of life and cardiovascular disease. This project aims to identify the underlying factors linking obesity with OSA by examining how weight loss surgery can improve these factors. These important findings will contribute greatly to our understanding of OSA pathophysiology and are necessary to find better treatments for obesity-associated OSA.
Mechanisms Underlying The Efficacy Of Bariatric Surgery – Insights From Rat Models Of Sleeve Gastrectomy And The Adjustable Gastric Band
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$868,472.00
Summary
Bariatric surgery is the only effective treatment for morbid obesity. In order to better understand the mechanistic bases of two such procedures, the adjustable gastric band and sleeve gastrectomy, we have developed rodent models. Here we use these models to better understand the physiology and pathophysiology of these surgeries and extend these findings to inform part of a RCT aimed at identifying the basis for effective joint surgical and medicinal treatments of obesity.
Macrophages: A Therapeutic Target In Peritoneal Dialysis-induced Fibrosis?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$593,888.00
Summary
Fibrosis (scar tissue) in the abdominal cavity is a common side-effect of peritoneal dialysis (a treatment for kidney failure), and results in a life-threatening loss of dialysis function. The cells causing the fibrosis are uncertain. This project asks: Are inflammatory cells (macrophages) the source of peritoneal scar tissue? What regulates the fibrotic process? Answers may lead to strategies to prevent fibrosis induced by peritoneal dialysis, abdominal surgery or other causes.
Role Of The Tissue Kallikrein-kinin System In Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Formation And Progression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$457,779.00
Summary
Up to 5% of people over 60 years develop weakening of their aorta leading to slow dilation of the vessel, which may burst resulting in sudden death. The only treatment is surgery, which has complications and is unsuitable for some patients. Drugs which slow the disease would be invaluable. We have identified a role for kinins in aneurysms. We will investigate how these molecules contribute to aortic disease and if blocking them can be used as a basis for medical treatment of artery weakening.
In Vivo Evaluation Of The Safety And Efficacy Of A Novel Chitosan Gel In The Reduction Of Adhesions Following Abdominal Surgery In Both Animal And Human Models
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$532,076.00
Summary
Up to 95% of abdominal surgery patients will develop adhesions within the abdomen, with nearly 1 in 5 requiring hospital readmission for pain, reduced gastrointestinal function and bowel obstruction. Newly developed Chitodex gel has been shown to be effective in the control of bleeding and the reduction of adhesions following sinus surgery. These projects will now explore its use in abdominal surgery. Chitodex gel has the potential to benefit millions of patients each year and drastically lessen ....Up to 95% of abdominal surgery patients will develop adhesions within the abdomen, with nearly 1 in 5 requiring hospital readmission for pain, reduced gastrointestinal function and bowel obstruction. Newly developed Chitodex gel has been shown to be effective in the control of bleeding and the reduction of adhesions following sinus surgery. These projects will now explore its use in abdominal surgery. Chitodex gel has the potential to benefit millions of patients each year and drastically lessen the burden on our health system.Read moreRead less
Economic Evaluation And Optimisation Of Services For The Preoperative Assessment And Management Of High Risk Surgical Patients
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$399,406.00
Summary
Medical co-morbidities in surgical patients affect post-surgical recovery, resulting in higher health service costs and poorer patient outcomes. Preliminary data indicate reduced post-surgical length of stay for patients with modifiable risk factors who attended a specialist preoperative clinic. This project will analyse existing data to identify patient sub-groups with the greatest capacity to benefit from specialist preoperative assessment, and evaluate new service pathways for these patients.
Developing Improved Management For Peripheral Artery Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$569,219.00
Summary
~1 million Australians have peripheral artery disease. The current application is for a Practitioner Fellowship to support my research aimed at improving care of artery disease. The aim of the work is to develop improved management approaches for patients with blocked and weakened arteries. This work is particularly important given the recognised management deficiencies for patients with artery disease and the relative little research being undertaken in this area.
The Haemodynamic Effects Of Cardiac Compression By Large Hiatal Hernia And The Relationship To Exercise Impairment.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$117,270.00
Summary
Large hiatal herniae (HH) often cause debilitating exercise intolerance - the mechanism of which is unknown. This project will define the functional and haemodynamic significance of cardiac compression in patients with large HH, providing new insights into the mechanism of exercise impairment in these patients as well as clinical tools for pre-operative selection of patients likely to benefit most from surgical repair.
A Trial To Assess A New Therapy For Artery Weakening
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,105,894.00
Summary
Approximately 5% of men and 1% of women aged over 60 years develop weakening of the main abdominal artery. Currently the management of artery weakening is focused on surgery with no effective medications available. In this trial we will examine the value of a promising drug therapy. If proved effective this medication could reduce the requirement for surgery by controlling artery weakening at an early stage in its development.