I am a vascular surgeon. My research is centred on the following problems relevant to my patients: 1. The management of aortic aneurysm. 2. The management of occlusive atheroma, particularly unstable atheroma, aortic calcification, intermittent claudicati
In Vivo Studies On Ventriculo-vascular Coupling And The Role Of Aortic Pressure Wave Morphology On Coronary Blood Flow
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$137,700.00
Summary
Heart disease is a leading cause of death and disability in Australia. Conditions resulting in reduced blood flow to the heart are particularly common and dangerous. Despite significant progress, we still do not understand exactly how changes in heart function and the aorta (the major artery arising from the heart) affect blood flow to the heart. This study will utilise sophisticated new techniques to look at the interactions between heart function, pressure in the aorta and coronary blood flow
Novel Apolipoprotein A-I Mimetic Peptides: A Research Tool And A Therapeutic Agent To Study And Treat Atherosclerosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$266,387.00
Summary
Drugs affecting lipid metabolism have revolutionized the treatment of heart diseases. There is, however, an urgent need for further reduction of high remaining risk. A most promising direction is increasing levels of _good cholesterol�. A new type of such therapy are simple compounds mimicking structure of good cholesterol. We have synthesized new such compounds that are even more active than good cholesterol. Now we will test these compounds in animals and in clinical trial.
Atherosclerosis: Molecular Action And Suppression Of NKT Cell Subsets
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$458,815.00
Summary
Atherosclerosis, or hardening of large arteries, is the underlying cause of up to 50% of deaths in Western communities from heart attacks and strokes. Today it is considered a chronic inflammatory disease arising from the influx of fats such as cholesterol into the inner liming of arteries that provide blood supply to organs such as the heart and the brain. However, the exact role that inflammation plays in the development of this blood vessel disease is poorly understood. This study is directed ....Atherosclerosis, or hardening of large arteries, is the underlying cause of up to 50% of deaths in Western communities from heart attacks and strokes. Today it is considered a chronic inflammatory disease arising from the influx of fats such as cholesterol into the inner liming of arteries that provide blood supply to organs such as the heart and the brain. However, the exact role that inflammation plays in the development of this blood vessel disease is poorly understood. This study is directed towards understanding the role of a subset of while blood cells known as NKT cells in the inflammatory process. In particular we will examine whether the activity of NKT cells in promoting atherosclerosis can be controlled either by the administration of drugs that deprive them of molecules that stimulate their activity and-or by the injection of another population of white blood cells known as regulatory T cells that may to limit their activity. Our preclinical study of atherosclerosis in mice has potential for extension to the control of atherosclerosis in humans. Successful translation in this way can be expected to provide a significant health benefit.Read moreRead less