Mechanism Of Action And Targeting Of Hexokinase II In Glioblastoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$643,607.00
Summary
Deaths from the brain cancer, glioblastoma, are as common as from the skin cancer in Australia. For most patients diagnosed with glioblastoma there is no realistic possibility of cure or even survival beyond a few years. We propose to understand and target glioblastomas aberrant metabolism of glucose, which may lead to better treatments for this devastating cancer.
Intermittent Fasting Versus Daily Energy Restriction For Improved Human Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$987,048.00
Summary
Intermittent fasting (IF) is a nutritional strategy consisting of a period where food is freely available, followed by periods where food is withheld. This proposal will build on our past findings and assess the long term effects of IF on metabolic health, and weight in individuals with pre-diabetes. This study will have significant implications for informing current dietary practice, and provide a legitimate strategy to managing the metabolic sequelae of obesity.
Sugars and non-caloric sweeteners are detected in the gut via a common sensor, which may control sugar uptake into the blood. We showed this sensor was defective in type 2 diabetic patients, which could worsen their disease. We will test if high intake of non-caloric sweeteners worsens gut control of blood glucose in healthy volunteers, and if a blocker of this sensor improves control in patients. Deep testing of this sensor will then be used to identify new drugs for managing type 2 diabetes.
Hormonal Regulation Of NPY Neurons In The Arcuate Nucleus Of The Hypothalamus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$589,677.00
Summary
Obesity is a serious medical concern affecting the social, medical and economic capabilities within Australia. This proposal examines the hormonal regulation of cells in the brain inducing appetite. By understanding how these hormones influence appetite-inducing cells, we hope to identify effective targets to treat food intake and body weight gain.
A Factorial Randomised Trial Of Intensive Blood Pressure Lowering And Glucose Control In Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$303,330.00
Summary
People with diabetes are well known to be at high risk of developing major health problems earlier in life than people without diabetes. In particular, people with diabetes are more likely to suffer from heart attacks, stroke, blindness, kidney failure and leg ulcers that may lead to amputation. Studies of diabetics have shown that if blood pressure levels or glucose levels are uncontrolled, the risk of complications is much higher. Careful management of these two risk factors is therefore now a ....People with diabetes are well known to be at high risk of developing major health problems earlier in life than people without diabetes. In particular, people with diabetes are more likely to suffer from heart attacks, stroke, blindness, kidney failure and leg ulcers that may lead to amputation. Studies of diabetics have shown that if blood pressure levels or glucose levels are uncontrolled, the risk of complications is much higher. Careful management of these two risk factors is therefore now a cornerstone of diabetic care and there are well-established guidelines for treatment. However, there is new evidence to suggest that tighter control of blood pressure and glucose levels than is currently recommended might result in even greater benefits. ADVANCE (Action in Diabetes and Vascular Disease) is a large new study that has been designed by Australian researchers based at the Institute for International Health in Sydney. The aim of ADVANCE is to see if treatment to control blood pressure and glucose levels more tightly than usual reduces the risk of complications among adult diabetics. The study will include 10,000 individuals recruited from about 20 countries worldwide that will be followed for an average of 4.5 years. The first participants will be enrolled in April 2001 and the study results should be available by the end of 2006. There are presently about 300 million people in the world with diabetes and this number is increasing rapidly. The results of ADVANCE will therefore influence the care of a very large number of people. If the findings of the study were positive, implementation of the new treatments could be expected to prevent many tens of thousands of premature heart attacks and strokes around the world each year.Read moreRead less
Does Loss Of Melanocortin Glucose Sensing Contribute To Obesity Induced Diabetes?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$617,531.00
Summary
Diabetes is a failure to properly regulate blood glucose levels. Escalating rates of diabetes are a major health problem. Melanocortin neurons in the brain detect blood sugar levels and usually regulate glucose production and utilization, but in obese animals they do not. We have developed a possible therapeutic, which appears to reverse the glucose insensitivity, and rapidly reduces blood glucose in diabetic mice. This project will determine how melanocortins act to regulate glucose levels
This study will provide highly reliable information about the use of tight blood glucose control in critically ill patients. It involves an international collaboration between opinion leaders in this field and uses sophisticated statistical methods to combine data from all the clinical trials in this area. The study will clarify many of the current clinical questions about tight glucose control during critical illness, informing practice guidelines in Australia and around the world.