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Investigating Role Of Insulin Resistance And Sympathetic Nervous System In Metabolic Features Of PCOS
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$150,468.00
Summary
PCOS affects 9-18% of Australian reproductive aged women. Whilst reproductive features are prominent, PCOS has major psychological and metabolic consequences. Emerging data implicate the involvement of the sympathetic nervous system in PCOS. The aim of this PhD is to investigate the role of the sympathetic nervous system in insulin resistance and other metabolic features of PCOS and determine whether modification of this system's activity will favorably influence the metabolic consequences assoc ....PCOS affects 9-18% of Australian reproductive aged women. Whilst reproductive features are prominent, PCOS has major psychological and metabolic consequences. Emerging data implicate the involvement of the sympathetic nervous system in PCOS. The aim of this PhD is to investigate the role of the sympathetic nervous system in insulin resistance and other metabolic features of PCOS and determine whether modification of this system's activity will favorably influence the metabolic consequences associated with PCOS.Read moreRead less
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects a striking 9-21% of women of reproductive age. PCOS is an important health problem and can affect menstrual cycles, fertility and increase risk of diabetes and mood disorders. There is a lack of longitudinal studies that women with PCOS over time to examine the key determinants of PCOS, long-term impact of obesity and factors contributing to PCOS complications.
Early Retinal Vessel Changes In Diabetes And The Metabolic Syndrome
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$212,500.00
Summary
Diabetes mellitus affects a large proportion of adult Australians. Furthermore, many non-diabetic Australians are at high risk of developing diabetes (e.g., people with lesser glucose abnormalities, and those who are obese, have high blood pressure, or have high lipid levels). It has been suggested that diseases affecting small blood vessels (microvascular disease) in the body is closely related to the development of both diabetes and the pre-diabetes state. The current study will examine the re ....Diabetes mellitus affects a large proportion of adult Australians. Furthermore, many non-diabetic Australians are at high risk of developing diabetes (e.g., people with lesser glucose abnormalities, and those who are obese, have high blood pressure, or have high lipid levels). It has been suggested that diseases affecting small blood vessels (microvascular disease) in the body is closely related to the development of both diabetes and the pre-diabetes state. The current study will examine the relationship of microvascular disease in the retina (at the back of the eye) to diabetes, pre-diabetes status and diabetes complications. We will use a computer-imaging technique to measure the diameters of retinal blood vessel from digital photographs taken in 2,177 participants of the 1999-2000 Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle (AusDiab) Study, a community-based survey of people aged 25 years and older examining risk factors and complications of diabetes. In the proposed study, we aim to answer the following questions: 1) Are changes in the retinal blood vessel diameter (e.g., narrowed or dilated vessels) associated with diabetes and pre-diabetes? 2) Are these retinal vessel changes related to obesity, high blood pressure and high lipid levels? 3) Are retinal vessel changes related to diabetes complications, such as heart disease, kidney disease, nerve problems and foot ulcers? 4) Do retinal vessel diameter changes predict people who will subsequently develop diabetes, irrespective of their risk factor profile? Using this well-characterized population, and existing digital retinal photographs, the proposed study will offer a unique and cost-effective opportunity to address important gaps in our understanding of how diabetes and pre-diabetes develop, and whether they are related to microvascular diseases. This may ultimately lead to new treatment and preventive approaches targeted at the small blood vessels in the body.Read moreRead less
The Effect Of Androgen Replacement Therapy On Bone And Muscle Health In Men With Chronic Kidney Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$122,714.00
Summary
Low testosterone (T) levels are common in men with poor kidney function. Low T is known to cause reduced energy, decreased strength and low libido. Normal T is also needed for healthy bones and muscles. Men with kidney disease are already at risk of fractures, poor strength and quality of life. However, there are few studies that look at replacing T to men with kidney failure. We will investigate how low T affects bone and muscle and assess how giving T can benefit bone, muscle and function.
Mechanisms Of The Insulin-sensitising Effects Of AMPK Activation In Liver And Muscle.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$454,500.00
Summary
Type 2 diabetes represents an escalating global health problem. In Australia 7.5% of the population has diabetes and another 16% insulin resistance (impaired action of insulin). Insulin resistance is closely associated with obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases (Syndrome X) as well as diabetes. A high caloric intake (particularly with a high fat content) and a sedentary lifestyle are extremely important environmental contributors to Syndrome X and diabetes. One of the m ....Type 2 diabetes represents an escalating global health problem. In Australia 7.5% of the population has diabetes and another 16% insulin resistance (impaired action of insulin). Insulin resistance is closely associated with obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases (Syndrome X) as well as diabetes. A high caloric intake (particularly with a high fat content) and a sedentary lifestyle are extremely important environmental contributors to Syndrome X and diabetes. One of the most exciting developments in the past few years has been the discovery that an enzyme, AMP kinase (AMPK), normally activated by exercise, may be involved in its beneficial effects. We have contributed to this exciting field by showing in an animal model that one dose of AICAR, a chemical agent which can activate AMPK, ameliorates the effects of insulin resistance in muscle and liver. Further very recent work has linked AMPK with various drugs (particularly glitazones and metformin) and hormones which can enhance insulin sensitivity. The goal of the experiments in this project is to determine the overall mechanism by which AMPK has ameliorating effects on counteracting insulin resistance. We hypothesize that the mechanism for this involves an effect of AMPK to reduce fat molecules accumulating within muscle and liver cells, and our studies will examine this hypothesis. Our studies should lead to a better understanding of how exercise and pharmacological activators of AMPK help in management of diabetes and insulin resistant states. In addition because AMPK activation enhances glucose metabolism by a separate pathway to insulin, it offers promise of developing compounds able to bypass metabolic steps impaired by insulin resistance. Our studies should help in the design of new therapeutic agents which can counteract insulin resistance.Read moreRead less
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Insulin Resistance And Obesity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$105,325.00
Summary
Research to be undertaken will focus on the impact of excess weight on insulin action in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is the most common hormone condition in women of reproductive age, with significant long-term health implications. Identification of key metabolic and lifestyle associated factors in PCOS and the long term impact of these on health outcomes will assist in enabling earlier detection and intervention to optimise management and minimise long-term sequelae.