A Prospective Study Of The Psychiatric & Medical Characteristics Of Post-infective Fatigue & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$500,000.00
Summary
This project forms the central component of a larger set of studies which investigate competing psychiatric, immunological and infective models of the causes of a number of chronic fatigue syndromes, including post-infective fatigue. The study takes place in western NSW where certain viral illnesses (Glandular Fever, Ross River Virus) and a non-viral infection (QF) are common and have been associated with prolonged fatigue states. The study follows patients from laboratory-documented infections ....This project forms the central component of a larger set of studies which investigate competing psychiatric, immunological and infective models of the causes of a number of chronic fatigue syndromes, including post-infective fatigue. The study takes place in western NSW where certain viral illnesses (Glandular Fever, Ross River Virus) and a non-viral infection (QF) are common and have been associated with prolonged fatigue states. The study follows patients from laboratory-documented infections with appropriate infective, immunological and psychological measures throughout the course of their acute illness, the early recovery period and for the next 12 months. These patients are compared with people who present to their doctor with other forms of medically-unexplained fatigue. Very few previous studies have used an appropriate prospective design and followed patients with documented illness from the onset through to the development of specific forms of chronic fatigue. Further, the study is unique in terms of the range of viral and non-viral agents being investigated. It relies on the combined psychiatric, immunological and infective disease expertise of a group of researchers with an international reputation for the successful completion of such multidisciplinary projects. The initial phase of the study has demonstrated that the research team has the capacity to complete this project. Initial results have already demonstrated the potential roles of psychological and immunological factors in causing some cases of prolonged fatigue. Further, the initial results indicate that two key symptom sets (fatigue, psychological distress) can be adequately measured during the recovery phase and are predicted by differing psychological factors. The study will result in the identification of different psychiatric risk factors to chronic fatigue, assist development of clear diagnostic guidelines for post-infective fatigue and guide relevant aetiological and treatment research.Read moreRead less
Ion Channel Dysfunction In The Pathophysiology Of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Diagnostic Biomarkers, Therapeutic Targets And Treatments
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,460,700.00
Summary
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is an illness affecting up to 240,000 Australians. The cause of ME/CFS is not known, and there are currently no diagnostic tests or effective treatments. Research suggests that ion channels that transfer calcium within cells are dysfunctional in ME/CFS. Our research will investigate ion channels and calcium transfer using immune cells to help develop biomarkers for the illness and discover better treatments for these patients.
Exploring The Role Of Nitrogen Metabolism, Energy Metabolism And Mitochondrial Function In The Pathophysiological Mechanisms Of Paediatric ME/CFS.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$784,064.00
Summary
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a disease diagnosed by symptoms. Our extensive research has led to a hypothesis that ME/CFS results from toxic by-products of energy production in their cells. This problem can be caused by many unique ways, which could explain the diversity of the ME/CFS patient population. We propose to test this hypothesis with a novel personalised experimental design to simultaneously produce a plethora of new knowledge for the field of ME/CFS.
Determinants Of The Outcomes From Infectious Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$585,269.00
Summary
This Fellowship will allow Professor Lloyd to continue clinical and laboratory research in two areas: firstly, in relation to prevention of transmission of hepatitis C infection, and scale up of antiviral treatments, particularly amongst prisoners. Secondly, in studies investigating the biological basis of chronic fatigue states following acute infection or cancer treatment, and also in development of effective treatment for chronic fatigue states.
Acute Exercise And Digoxin Effects On Skeletal Muscle Na+,K+ATPase Regulation, K+ Homeostasis And Fatigue In Humans:
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$177,000.00
Summary
This grant investigates the regulation of an enzyme in skeletal muscle referred to as the sodium-potassium pump, since its function is to pump potassium into the cell and sodium out of the cell. This enzyme is vital in enabling the muscles to contract and plays a key role in supporting our capacity to exercise. Our studies have suggested that acute exercise depresses the maximal capacity (activity) of this enzyme, thereby rendering the muscle liable to fatigue. We examine whether a well-defined ....This grant investigates the regulation of an enzyme in skeletal muscle referred to as the sodium-potassium pump, since its function is to pump potassium into the cell and sodium out of the cell. This enzyme is vital in enabling the muscles to contract and plays a key role in supporting our capacity to exercise. Our studies have suggested that acute exercise depresses the maximal capacity (activity) of this enzyme, thereby rendering the muscle liable to fatigue. We examine whether a well-defined exercise leading to fatigue, does inhibit the sodium-potassium pump and whether recovery occurs within 3 hours after exercise. The sodium-potassium pump is comprised of several variations of very similar enzymes, known as isoforms, each under the control of a separate gene and having slightly different functions and regulation. We explore whether exercise causes the genes regulating these isoforms to be activated and whether this results in an increased isoform formation in the muscle cell. We use a drug commonly used in patients with heart failure, called digoxin, which blocks the action of the sodium-potassium pump. In rat muscles this reduces muscular performance, with earlier and more pronounced fatigue. We examine whether a similar detrimental effect occurs in muscles of exercising humans and measure the resultant effects on muscle sodium and potassium levels. Increased knowledge about the effects of a single exercise bout on muscle is important fundamental knowledge. The study will lead to new knowledge about sodium-potassium pump regulation in exercising humans and thus enhance our understanding of muscle fatigue and gene responses to exercise. Understanding exercise effects will assist in development of strategies to counter physical inactivity, which is a major burden on health in Australia. Improved understanding of the actions of digoxin will also benefit patients with heart failure, through modified drug use and development of more specific treatment.Read moreRead less
Determinants Of The Outcomes From Infectious Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$532,630.00
Summary
Professor Lloyd will continue studies of the factors which lead to varied clinical outcomes from common infectious diseases. The outcomes include chronic or persistent illness, rather than prompt recovery. The factors being studied include aspects of the microbes causing the infection; and aspects of the individual suffering from infection, including genetic make-up, immune defences, and treatment responses. The infections studied include common "flu-like" illnesses, as well as hepatitis C.