Neuroimmune Interactions In Functional And Organic Gastrointestinal Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$419,180.00
Summary
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) are chronic, incurable diseases of the lower gastrointestinal tract with unknown causes and poor treatment options. Both the immune and nervous systems are altered in GI disease, but have traditionally been studied in isolation. My research investigates how the neuro-immune axis is altered in these diseases, using animal models and human tissue samples to identify novel treatment options for these debilitating diseases.
Vagal Nerve Stimulation As A Novel Therapy In Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$88,502.00
Summary
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is common exerting a large personal and societal burden to the Australian population. Current medications used to treat IBD are expensive, have many side effects and at times require hospitalisation for their administration. We aim to develop the non invasive and inexpensive technique of vagal nerve stimulation as a novel treatment strategy for IBD.
Muc1 Regulation Of The NLRP3 Inflammasome In The Gastrointestinal Tract
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$444,351.00
Summary
The mucin Muc1 is an important part of the barrier against infection in the gut, and appears to protect against development of bacterial inflammatory disease. We have identified that Muc1 suppresses activation of the inflammasome (a mechanism by which pathogens cause inflammation). We will now examine how Muc1 does this and explore the importance of this effect on inflammatory disease in the intestine. This may identify novel approaches for protecting against gastric and colorectal cancer.
A Novel Multi-gene Marker Blood Test To Increase Community Participation In Colorectal Cancer Screening.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$581,116.00
Summary
Bowel cancer screening programs are vital for early detection and prevention, but participation with the traditional faecal testing mode is less than 35%. Reasons include dislike or unsuitability for faecal testing. These barriers could be overcome and participation could increase using a different sampling mode for the screening test. We have developed a blood test for bowel cancer and will investigate if people who will not screen with the stool test will screen with the blood test instead.
REMEDYING THE NEGLECT OF THE MOST COMMON COMPLICATION OF INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE: INTESTINAL STRICTURES.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$123,368.00
Summary
Inflammatory bowel disease is a significant cause of debility in the Australian community. Some patients develop narrowing of the bowel which can cause intestinal blockages and require surgery. My research in this area will identify predictors of severe disease, allowing doctors to individualise treatment plans for each patient. I will also work to determine the best model of medical treatment and investigate new techniques which have the potential to avoid surgery.
Stricture Definition And Treatment (STRIDENT) Studies: New Diagnostic And Treatment Modalities For Inflammatory Bowel Disease Strictures
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$124,676.00
Summary
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn disease and Ulcerative colitis, is becoming increasingly common in Australia. IBD strictures, which are a narrowing of bowel wall as a result of inflammation, can cause obstruction or blockage of food and liquid contents in the bowel. This results in significant patient morbidity and disease burden. Our research will aim to characterise strictures in IBD and investigate novel medical treatments to significantly improve outcomes in IBD.
Proteomics And Confocal Endomicroscopy In The Evaluation Of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$436,096.00
Summary
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) result in devastating consequences and affect more young Australians than epilepsy or road traffic accidents. Damaged bowel results in loss of the normal gut barrier and flora can enter the tissue and even the blood. This concept of the "leaky gut" has been previously difficult to demonstrate. This can now be seen and measured using two new technologies called proteomics and confocal endomicroscopy. These tests offer new avenues of research for the 61,000 Austra ....Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) result in devastating consequences and affect more young Australians than epilepsy or road traffic accidents. Damaged bowel results in loss of the normal gut barrier and flora can enter the tissue and even the blood. This concept of the "leaky gut" has been previously difficult to demonstrate. This can now be seen and measured using two new technologies called proteomics and confocal endomicroscopy. These tests offer new avenues of research for the 61,000 Australian sufferers of IBD.Read moreRead less
Clinical And Microbiological Studies Of Faecal Microbiota Transplantation In Ulcerative Colitis - A Phase II, Multicentre, Randomised Double Blind, Exploratory Proof Of Concept, Placebo Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$140,949.00
Summary
Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the large bowel. It is the result of a dysfunctional immune system that inappropriately targets and damages the colon. There is increasing evidence that gut bacteria play a crucial role in UC, possibly by stimulating inappropriate activation of immune cells. We believe that by "transplanting" the faeces (and thus gut microbes) of healthy individuals into the colon of UC patients, we may change the bacterial make up and correct ....Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the large bowel. It is the result of a dysfunctional immune system that inappropriately targets and damages the colon. There is increasing evidence that gut bacteria play a crucial role in UC, possibly by stimulating inappropriate activation of immune cells. We believe that by "transplanting" the faeces (and thus gut microbes) of healthy individuals into the colon of UC patients, we may change the bacterial make up and correct the inappropriate immune system activation.Read moreRead less
A Novel Nanoparticulate Iron Supplement And Its Effect On The Gastrointestinal Tract.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$671,995.00
Summary
Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia are major global health issues. Currently available iron supplements can lead to gastrointestinal side effects. We have developed a new type of oral iron supplement that (in animal studies) is as effective as conventional treatments, but without their limitations. In this project we will investigate the effect of this supplement on the gastrointestinal tract to ensure its safety and to provide preliminary data for future clinical trials in humans.