Targeting The Sympathetic Nervous System To Reduce The Burden Of Fatty Liver Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$728,152.00
Summary
The metabolic syndrome is characterised by abdominal obesity, high blood pressure and an increased risk of diabetes development. It is clear from our own observations that the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is important in the generation of obesity-related illness and, through its stimulation of the liver, plays an important role in the development of obesity-related liver disease. We will target the SNS in order to reduce the burden of obesity-related liver disease.
Long Term Persistence Of HIV In The Liver And The Clinical Impact On HIV-HBV Co-infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,393,245.00
Summary
This grant will address a major question in HIV cure research - the role of the liver as an HIV reservoir and the impact of HIV persistence in HIV-infected patients on suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART) on liver disease, in the setting of HIV-HBV co-infection. We will trial a novel intervention to reduce HIV infection of the liver that could potentially reduce chronic liver disease in this setting.
Novel Vasoactive Pathways In Liver Disease; Experimental And Clinical Studies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$535,333.00
Summary
Cirrhosis of the liver due to chronic hepatitis and other common liver diseases is now a major cause of illness and death in Australia. This project will examine how a hormone system called the renin angiotensin system contributes to the development of liver damage in these diseases. We will study whether drugs targeting this system can be used to reduce liver scarring and prevent the development of cirrhosis and its complications.
Asthma is a National Health Priority in Australia. This project follows the major international study of asthma and allergic diseases in adults. We will re-examine people who have taken part in previous studies in Melbourne. The project also surveys people of the same age currently living in the same area. Participants complete a short postal questionnaire. In the follow-up group, responders complete a more extensive questionnaire and come to our laboratory for clinical assessments.
Studies On The Effects Of Endogenous And Exogenous Opioids In Modulating Exercise-induced Dyspnoea In People With Moderate / Severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Two Double-blind Randomised, Placebo Controlled Trials.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$197,086.00
Summary
There is evidence that morphine-like chemicals made by the body itself help reduce breathlessness. It is not clear whether this response is because of the effects of these morphine-like chemicals on the brain, in the lung or both. This study will help understand where these chemicals act to reduce breathlessness in people with emphysema during exercise. Subsequently, it will also help to understand whether small, regular doses of morphine safely further reduce breathlessness during exercise.
A Randomised Controlled Trial Of A Nurse-led Intervention For Less Chronic Heart Failure: The NIL-CHF Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,166,160.00
Summary
The overall aim of the unique NIL-CHF Study is to examine the benefits of applying a specialist nurse-led, home and clinic-based intervention to optimise the care of recently discharged hospital patients with heart disease. Involving 950 patients, it will explore whether more flexible and individualised care to apply the best possible medical treatments is able to PREVENT the most deadly and disabling form of heart disease (chronic heart failure - CHF) and save money in the process.
An Interdisciplinary Model Of Care For Early Detection Of Lung Damage, Smoking Cessation Support, And A Home-based Exercise/self-management Program
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$448,381.00
Summary
An interdisciplinary model of care comprising screening of long-term smokers for early detection of lung damage, smoking cessation support, and a home-based exercise/self-management program will be implemented and evaluated. This model could potentially reduce the burden of smoking, improve lung health and maintain health-related quality of life.
My research focuses on allergies and chronic respiratory disease in children, teenagers and adults. My goal is to identify the factors, which cause these conditions and also the factors, which can stop these conditions from getting worse. I will work with health professionals and the community to make sure the results of my research are used by doctors to improve the care of people with allergies and chronic respiratory diseases.
Targeting Oxidant-dependent Pathways To Improve Stroke Outcomes In COPD
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,069,574.00
Summary
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a major incurable global health burden and is the 4th largest cause of death worldwide. Patients with COPD are at increased risk for stroke and this is even higher in the weeks following a lung viral infection. The reason for this is unknown so the aim of this study is to determine why people with COPD are at increased risk for stroke and then develop novel treatments to prevent or reduce stroke in COPD patients.