Mechanics Of Normal And Disordered Gastric Emptying Studied Using Simultaneous Ultrasound And High Resolution Manometry
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$145,626.00
Summary
Optimal digestion and absorption relies on the stomach breaking down food and delivering it to the small intestine at an optimal rate. Abnormalities in the processes controlling the stomach's processing of food may lead to malnutrition, gastrointestinal symptoms or unpredictable drug absorption, and are commonly seen in patients with diabetes mellitus, gastrointestinal reflux disease and nonulcer dyspepsia, or following stomach surgery. Currently our understanding of the way the stomach empties ....Optimal digestion and absorption relies on the stomach breaking down food and delivering it to the small intestine at an optimal rate. Abnormalities in the processes controlling the stomach's processing of food may lead to malnutrition, gastrointestinal symptoms or unpredictable drug absorption, and are commonly seen in patients with diabetes mellitus, gastrointestinal reflux disease and nonulcer dyspepsia, or following stomach surgery. Currently our understanding of the way the stomach empties food is incomplete, and there is little information as to the mechanisms by which diseases cause abnormal stomach emptying. Recent developments in recording methods mean that we can now simultaneously measure stomach contractions, the pressures these generate and flow from the stomach. This information is synchronised and displayed for analysis using computer techniques. In this project these novel methods will be used initially to examine the normal processes by which meals with a variety of compositions and consistencies empty from the stomach. This will provide information as to which aspects of the way the stomach functions are important for breaking down food into particles, and which aspects control the flow of food from the stomach into the intestine. The mechanisms by which the rate of emptying of the stomach is controlled by feedback signals caused by the presence of foodstuffs in the small intestine will be investigated by examining the effects of infusing nutrients into the intestine on the motions of the stomach wall, pressures within the stomach and the passage of stomach contents into the small intestine. The mechanism of action of drugs and diseases which slow stomach emptying will then be examined by measuring the movements, pressures and emptying of the stomach in subjects receiving the drug, or in patients with dibetes, and comparing this information with the processes observed during normal stomach emptying.Read moreRead less
Understanding The Relationship Of Incretin Hormones, Gastric Emptying And Reactive Hypoglycaemia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$132,743.00
Summary
Low blood glucose levels following a meal occur frequently in otherwise healthy people and those who have had surgery for weight loss. It affects quality of life adversely and current management is unsatisfactory. The proposed studies will use sophisticated techniques to evaluate the roles of the rate of stomach emptying and the so-called 'incretin' hormones which stimulate the release of insulin after a meal. The outcomes will have major implications for more rational management.
Pathophysiology Of Functional Dyspepsia: Integration Of Upper Gut Function, Inflammation And A Systems Biology Approach.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$748,593.00
Summary
Functional dyspepsia (FD) is an extremely common and costly problem with no cure. We and others have found that inflammation and immune activation play a role in FD but to date no studies have linked these findings with well known diseases markers including disordered sensory and motor function or psychiatric comorbidity. This study will explore the interrelationships between inflammatory and immune mechanisms, disease markers as well as the microbiome. This study could unravel the cause of FD.
Modulating Gastrointestinal Function For Control Of Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$883,469.00
Summary
It is now recognized that gastrointestinal function, particularly the rate that meals empty from the stomach, and the secretion of hormones from the small intestine in response to nutrients, is fundamental to blood glucose control in people with diabetes. This project seeks to understand how these processes can best be modified by dietary or pharmaceutical means to improve blood glucose control and thereby prevent complications in type 2 diabetes
Effects Of Dietary Amino And Fatty Acids On Energy Intake And Glycaemia - Implications For Novel Approaches To The Management Of Obesity And Type 2 Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$584,032.00
Summary
Current obesity treatments are limited in efficacy or have adverse effects. Our research has shown that specific fatty acids and amino acids markedly suppress energy intake and reduce blood glucose, without adverse effects. The goal of the proposed work is to evaluate the translational potential of these discoveries in obese diabetic patients. Ultimately, we hope to develop the findings from this research into novel, nutrient-based strategies for the management/prevention of obesity/diabetes.
Causes And Management Of Abnormally Elevated Blood Glucose Concentrations In The Critically Ill
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$430,770.00
Summary
Increased glucose concentrations occur commonly in ICU patients and are associated with increased mortality and morbidity. There is a need to improve the understanding of the causes underlying so-called 'critical illness induced hyperglycaemia' as well as new therapies to reduce blood glucose in this group. The proposed studies will focus on the potential role of incretin hormones, which have the capacity to stimulate insulin without increasing the risk of abnormally low blood glucose levels.
Molecular Characterisation Of The Glucagon-like Peptide 1 Receptor
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$681,953.00
Summary
The glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor is a major target for treatment of Type 2 diabetes and obesity. However, the development of drugs for this receptor is challenging due to limited understanding of potential sites of drug interaction and how individual drugs may differentially change signalling from the receptor. This project will address these critical knowledge gaps, which may allow for improved therapeutic outcomes.