The sphincter of Oddi is a valve-like structure, which regulates the flow of bile and pancreatic juice into the gut. The sphincter of Oddi is under complex control involving nerves and hormones. We know that abnormal sphincter of Oddi function (sphincter of Oddi dysfunction) is associated with a number of human diseases including acute pancreatitis. We are able to recognise abnormal sphincter activity, but we do not know what causes it. One possible reason may be that the nerves going to the sph ....The sphincter of Oddi is a valve-like structure, which regulates the flow of bile and pancreatic juice into the gut. The sphincter of Oddi is under complex control involving nerves and hormones. We know that abnormal sphincter of Oddi function (sphincter of Oddi dysfunction) is associated with a number of human diseases including acute pancreatitis. We are able to recognise abnormal sphincter activity, but we do not know what causes it. One possible reason may be that the nerves going to the sphincter along the bile duct (which carries bile from the liver and gallbladder) may be damaged due to the passage of gallstones or during surgery on the bile ducts or gallbladder. We know that the main bile duct is able to sense pressure changes within and communicate this information (via nerves) to the sphincter which inturn alters its activity to relieve the pressure. Where these nerves are located and the chemical messages they use, are unknown. The aim of this project is to gain some of this information. This knowledge may allow us to design different surgical procedures or develop drugs to prevent or manage the abnormal sphincter of Oddi.Read moreRead less
Interactions Between Excretory-secretory Proteins Of The Carcinogenic Liver Fluke And Host Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$489,122.00
Summary
Throughout East Asia, there is a strikingly high prevalence of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA - cancer of the bile ducts) in regions where the human liver fluke is endemic. How the parasite casues cancer is multi-factorial, but one suspected mechanism is via the secretion of parasite proteins that enter bile duct cells and cause them to proliferate. We aim to understand this process and ultimately develop new control strategies to reduce the prevalence or the infection and CCA.
Exploiting The Pharmacokinetic And Pharmacodynamic Properties Of Bile Acid Receptor Agonists To Treat Liver Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$653,952.00
Summary
We have generated preliminary data suggesting that chemicals made by the liver, called bile acids, act on fat cells to release a hormone called adiponectin. In liver disease adiponectin has favorable effects, including reducing liver inflammation and fibrosis (scarring). By using drugs that mimic the action of bile acids we expect that adiponectin production by fat cells can be increased, creating a new way to treat patients with chronic liver diseases.