Molecular Determinants Of UDP Glucuronosyltransferase Expression In The Gastrointestinal Tract
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$447,750.00
Summary
The gastrointestinal tract is a major portal of entry for dietary chemicals and drugs taken orally or as suppositories. Enzymes resident in the gastrointestinal tract have an essential role in preventing these chemicals from reaching other organs and target tissues in the body and in protecting the gastrointestinal tract per se from their effects. The levels of these enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract varies quite extensively between individuals. In this project we will determine how these en ....The gastrointestinal tract is a major portal of entry for dietary chemicals and drugs taken orally or as suppositories. Enzymes resident in the gastrointestinal tract have an essential role in preventing these chemicals from reaching other organs and target tissues in the body and in protecting the gastrointestinal tract per se from their effects. The levels of these enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract varies quite extensively between individuals. In this project we will determine how these enzymes are regulated and what causes the large differences in their levels between individuals. This will help us to predict those individuals who are more at risk from the adverse effects of drugs taken orally or as suppositories and from the toxic effects of chemicals in the diet. The project will also help us identify therapies that can increase the levels of these protective enzymes to help reduce the effects of exposure to toxic chemicals .Read moreRead less
Characterization Of Novel Human UDP Glycosyltransferases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$417,750.00
Summary
Our defense against the toxic effects of small organic molecules is mediated by families of enzymes found in the internal membranes of cells, predominantly in the liver and gastrointestinal tract. Many small organic molecules, such as environmental pollutants, carcinogens and therapeutic drugs, are fat-soluble and will accumulate in the body to toxic levels unless they are modified by the addition of water-soluble groups. The modified chemical, in the majority of cases, is less toxic and readily ....Our defense against the toxic effects of small organic molecules is mediated by families of enzymes found in the internal membranes of cells, predominantly in the liver and gastrointestinal tract. Many small organic molecules, such as environmental pollutants, carcinogens and therapeutic drugs, are fat-soluble and will accumulate in the body to toxic levels unless they are modified by the addition of water-soluble groups. The modified chemical, in the majority of cases, is less toxic and readily removed from the body. One aim of this project is to identify and characterize newly discovered enzymes in the family that uses sugar residues to modify and eliminate fat-soluble chemicals. Their involvement in the detoxification process and how they are controlled in the cell will be determined. These are the final enzymes in this family remaining to be characterized in humans. In addition to foreign chemicals and toxins, this enzyme family also regulates the intracellular concentrations of signalling molecules such as steroid hormones and chemicals that bind to gene regulatory proteins. Defects and-or variations in these enzymes may alter the levels of these signalling molecules and lead to uncontrolled cell growth (cancer) or cell death. A second aim of this project is to determine whether these novel enzymes are involved in controlling signal concentrations and to determine whether inherited variations in these enzymes will alter the signalling process.Read moreRead less
A Comparison Of Arthroscopic Synovial Biopsy Based Targeted Biologic Therapy Versus Conventional Therapy In Rheumatoid Arthritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$133,351.00
Summary
This proposed study will investigate if treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) based on biopsy of affected joints’ lining is better than standard therapy (not based on the results of biopsy). Current strategies to treat RA not infrequently result in incomplete disease suppression with potentially resultant joint damage, in part because of lack of definite guidelines to individualise treatment. We propose that therapy on the basis of the analysis of biopsy of joint lining will lead to better dise ....This proposed study will investigate if treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) based on biopsy of affected joints’ lining is better than standard therapy (not based on the results of biopsy). Current strategies to treat RA not infrequently result in incomplete disease suppression with potentially resultant joint damage, in part because of lack of definite guidelines to individualise treatment. We propose that therapy on the basis of the analysis of biopsy of joint lining will lead to better disease control than the currently prevalent approach.Read moreRead less
Microbial Restoriation In Crohn's Disease: A Randomised Trial Of Faecal Microbial Transplanatation In Crohn's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$487,123.00
Summary
Crohn's disease causes inflammation and damage to the digestive tract. Compelling evidence suggests that the bacteria in the gut play an important role in the onset of disease. Changing the gut bacteria through the administration of healthy stool to a patient, faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), is safe and may be effective. This placebo controlled trial will determine whether FMT (delivered via capsule) can control inflammation in Crohn's. Results will change current treatment paradigms.
A La CaRT: Australasian Laparoscopic Cancer Of The Rectum Trial. A Phase III Prospective Randomised Trial Comparing Laparoscopic-assisted Resection Versus Open Resection For Rectal Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$599,054.00
Summary
The major treatment for rectal cancer is surgical removal of tumour with a large cut through the abdomen. There is a newer, less invasive procedure known as laparoscopic resection which enables the same surgery to be performed using a scope inserted in the abdomen and another smaller incision for removal of the tumour. This study is being conducted to determine whether the newer procedure is as safe and effective as the current procedure. Patients on the trial will be given either laparoscopi