Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is a heart/lung machine that replaces blood CO2 with oxygen, giving organs a chance to rest after injury due to infection or trauma. It saved many lives in the swine flu outbreak. Blood moving across foreign surfaces causes inflammation, cell injury and a need for transfusions. This study aims to identify which part of the ECMO causes injury and how. This will to improve survival rates of the most severe forms of cardiac and respiratory disease.
Improved Gene Therapy Strategies For Primary Pulmonary Hypertension
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$370,517.00
Summary
Many people develop problems with the blood vessels in the lungs, which then leads to a narrowing of these vessels and consequently a back-pressure strain on the heart. These disorders can arise from inherited diseases of the blood vessels themselves, or from accquired lung disease (for example due to smoking or chronic infections). At present there are few treatments which have any benefits for these patients and many must undergo lung or heart-lung transplantation. This project is desigened bo ....Many people develop problems with the blood vessels in the lungs, which then leads to a narrowing of these vessels and consequently a back-pressure strain on the heart. These disorders can arise from inherited diseases of the blood vessels themselves, or from accquired lung disease (for example due to smoking or chronic infections). At present there are few treatments which have any benefits for these patients and many must undergo lung or heart-lung transplantation. This project is desigened both to find out new information about the disease process that affects the lung blood vessels and to offer a strategy for new treatments. The project will use a crippled form of the cold virus to deliver genes to the lining of the lung blood vessels, then see what impact that has on the pressure within the vessels and the ways in which they respond to certain stresses. These studies will be carried out using laboratory animals. If successful, it may be possible to eventually design such viruses to deliver genes which have a helpful therapeutic impact on the disease in patients.Read moreRead less
Functional Characterisation Of Novel Metabolites In Asthma And Identification Of New Biomarkers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$829,922.00
Summary
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that represents a major health burden. Severe asthma represents 10% of those suffering the disease and poses an urgent problem due to exacerbations and resistance to current therapies. We have conducted the first study of the metabolites that are altered in the airways of patients with severe asthma and identified functional metabolites and disease biomarkers. We now aim to assess the function of these molecules in asthma disease models.
We will conduct a survey of respiratory symptoms, lung function, smoking status, occupational exposures, and other risk factors among 3200 people aged 40 years and over living in five Australian communities: Melbourne, Sydney, Tasmania, Busselton (WA), and the Kimberley region (WA). In the Kimberley we will survey 400 Aboriginal people and 400 non-Aboriginal people. We will use a survey methodology that has been developed by an international expert panel and has been implemented in many other co ....We will conduct a survey of respiratory symptoms, lung function, smoking status, occupational exposures, and other risk factors among 3200 people aged 40 years and over living in five Australian communities: Melbourne, Sydney, Tasmania, Busselton (WA), and the Kimberley region (WA). In the Kimberley we will survey 400 Aboriginal people and 400 non-Aboriginal people. We will use a survey methodology that has been developed by an international expert panel and has been implemented in many other countries (in North and South America, Asia, and Europe). This study will provide the first nationally-representative information on the burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the opportunities for health gain by improving the management of this illness. In Australia, COPD is a relatively silent and under-recognised disease but nevertheless is the third most important contributor to the burden of disease and the third leading cause of hospital admission as well as being the underlying cause of 4.2% of all deaths. The information we will collect is needed to form a basis for prevention and disease management interventions to reduce the burden of COPD, particularly among population sub-groups who are disproportionately affected, either due to greater exposure to risk factors (mainly tobacco smoking and occupation), greater susceptibility, under-recognition and under-diagnosis, or inadequate disease management. Importantly, the study will serve to raise awareness about the hazards of smoking for all Australians. By identifying target groups, prevalent exposures and management deficiencies, it will lead the way towards policy-relevant randomised controlled trials testing community-based interventions to prevent COPD and-or manage it more effectively. The information collected will help advance knowledge of the prevalence, burden and treatment of COPD that will be relevant to communities throughout the world.Read moreRead less
The Emerging Problem Of Non-tuberculous Mycobacteria Infection: Understanding Aetiology, Geospatial Epidemiology And Developing Interventions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$988,791.00
Summary
This project will be largest study of non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infection in cystic fibrosis. By combining growing the bacteria with detailed information from the CF patient data registry, geographical location and environmental conditions, this study will provide novel insights into factors associated with NTM. Gene sequencing and airway infection profiling will extend understanding and has the potential to identify novel risk factors and biomarkers for NTM-related airways disease.
The health effects of electronic cigarette use are virtually unknown. They have only recently been introduced into widespread use, and as such their effects on human health will not be known for many years. We will use our expertise in exposure models and health outcome measurement to provide timely hard-data on their potential to impact health – data that are urgently required to guide policy makers in this area.
The Link Between Vitamin D Deficiency And Chronic Lung Disease Is Due To Increased Airway Smooth Muscle
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$644,067.00
Summary
Vitamin D deficiency is a global public health problem. It is becoming increasingly evident that vitamin D deficiency increases the severity of chronic lung disease. In this study we propose to examine a mechanism that we think clearly explains this association. These studies are critical to understanding how deficiencies in key nutrients can impact on chronic lung disease and will provide the data necessary to guide public health policy to reduce the burden of disease in the community.