Examining The Role Of Extracellular Myeloperoxidase In The Pathogenesis, Identification And Treatment Of High-risk Unstable And Ruptured Atherosclerotic Plaque
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$103,356.00
Summary
Vascular inflammation has emerged as a key driver and therapeutic target for stroke and heart attack. Existing diagnostic techniques and treatments do not target inflammation so that residual inflammatory risk remains. There is a need to identify patients with active inflammation who may benefit from treatment. Myeloperoxidase is an inflammatory enzyme abundant in plaque at risk of rupture and subsequent stroke or heart attack and presents as a potential diagnostic tool and therapeutic target.
The Impact Of CPAP Treatment On Carotid Artery Atherosclerosis In Heavy Snoring And Mild Sleep Disordered Breathing
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$697,512.00
Summary
Mild sleep disordered breathing, including habitual snoring, is a very common problem in the adult population, with a prevalence of between 20-40%. Increasingly it is now recognised that habitual snoring may be an independent risk factor for the development of stroke. In this proposal we will explore the hypothesis that treatment for snoring will slow or stop the development of carotid artery atherosclerosis.
Prevention Of Stroke Caused By Carotid Atherosclerosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$200,062.00
Summary
Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability and a huge drain on health resources in Australia and worldwide. Carotid artery atherosclerosis (vascular disease) is an important cause of stroke. Currently surgery (with a significant risk of stroke-death) is commonly performed to prevent carotid stroke. My aim is to show that current best practice medical intervention is superior to surgery and to identify high risk patients for whom additional stroke prevention strategies may be justified.
A Randomised, Controlled Trial Of 10% Dextran 40 In The Prevention Of Stroke Complicating Carotid Endarterectomy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$200,667.00
Summary
The operation to remove blockages in the carotid arteries (carotid endarterectomy) is of proven benefit in the prevention of stroke. The procedure itself, however, unfortunately carries approximately a 1 in 20 risk of immediate and early postoperative stroke. Most strokes are caused by blood clots forming at the operation site, breaking off and travelling to the brain (embolism). The up front operative risk is usually accepted by most patients in order to achieve the significantly greater long t ....The operation to remove blockages in the carotid arteries (carotid endarterectomy) is of proven benefit in the prevention of stroke. The procedure itself, however, unfortunately carries approximately a 1 in 20 risk of immediate and early postoperative stroke. Most strokes are caused by blood clots forming at the operation site, breaking off and travelling to the brain (embolism). The up front operative risk is usually accepted by most patients in order to achieve the significantly greater long term benefits of future stroke risk reduction. This study is designed to test a medication (dextran) thought to possibly prevent stroke associated with the operation. Dextran acts in part, by preventing blood clots forming at the operation site . In a pilot study undertaken by the researchers, dextran significantly reduced the downstream shedding of small blood clots (microemboli) detected by monitoring brain arteries using specialised ultrasound techniques. It remains to be proven, however, whether this effect on microemboli actually translates into the prevention of stroke complicating surgery. The DICE (Dextran In Carotid Endarterectomy) Trial aims to assess whether dextran can reduce the risk of stroke associated with carotid surgery by 50% or more. It has important implications for the increasing numbers of Australians being offered this operation (5,000-6,000 each year). If the therapy is proven effective there will be the potential to prevent 350-450 strokes and stroke related deaths each year.Read moreRead less
The Role Of Snoring Vibrations In The Pathogenesis Of Early Carotid Artery Atherosclerosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$593,833.00
Summary
Habitual snoring is a very common problem in the adult population, with a prevalence of between 20-40%. Increasingly it is now recognised that snoring may be an independent risk factor for the development of stroke. In this proposal, we will explore the hypothesis that chronic snoring transmits a pressure wave through the tissues of the neck to the carotid artery which may damage the artery wall and subsequently lead to stroke. This may lead to new strategies to treat habitual snoring.
Atherosclerotic Plaque Imaging With High Resolution MRI / Multi-Detector CT / PET
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$64,631.00
Summary
Diseased blood vessels often involve build up of cholesterol plaques that cause blockages or poor blood flow. This can lead to strokes and heart attacks. Our research aims to investigate the properties of diseased vessels in the neck with the latest scanning technologies to identifying individuals who are at risk of strokes. We hope to show that the inflammatory activity and composition of the plaques play important roles in leading to the development of strokes.