Exercise As Medicine For Heart Failure: A Novel Intervention To Improve Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$665,585.00
Summary
Heart failure (HF) is a common, debilitating and expensive disease; prognosis remains poorer than for the most cancers. 30,000 Australians are diagnosed every year and 300,000 live with the HF, at an annual cost of ~$1Billion. Exercise training is effective therapy in HF, because it reverses many of the problems that contribute to the reduced lifespan and impaired quality of life of patients with HF. We will test an exciting new type of exercise that promising greater benefit, at lower risk.
The Identification Of Thoracic Targets For Prevention And Intervention In Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$316,449.00
Summary
The persistence of breathing problems from infancy to later life is a complication of premature birth with lifelong consequences. Breathing problems often occur together with lung disease, but prematurity can also affect heart and blood vessel development, and weakness of the main breathing muscle. We will find out how much the heart, lungs and diaphragm contribute to breathing problems in babies; helping us to better predict, diagnose and treat severe breathing problems in babies born preterm.
Novel Approaches To The Prevention And Treatment Of Chronic Heart Disease And Its Co-morbid Complications
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$5,793,580.00
Summary
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its associated additional disorders constitute major public health problems, especially given the rapidly ageing population which is increasingly affected by obesity and diabetes. This Program will explore novel therapies for the treatment of CVD and associated diseases, particularly focussing on chronic kidney disease, translating preliminary laboratory-based findings into clinical trials and then clinical and epidemiological findings into practice and policy.
Identifying The Site/s Of Modification On The Human L-type Ca2+ Channel Protein Isoforms During Oxidative Stress With Reference To Development Of A Therapeutic Target
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$360,369.00
Summary
A rise in calcium and free radicals in the heart are associated with the development of heart disease. We have good evidence that a protein in the heart muscle known as the L-type calcium channel mediates changes in calcium in response to free radicals. This proposal will identify how the channel function is altered by free radicals so that a therapeutic target can be designed to prevent altered channel function and development of heart disease during increases in free radicals.
The END RHD CRE: Developing An Endgame For Rheumatic Heart Disease In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,601,147.00
Summary
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is caused by an abnormal immune reaction to some bacterial infections. Although RHD is rare in developed countries, Indigenous Australians still live with the burden of RHD. The END RHD CRE will explore risk factors for RHD, prevention with antibiotics, management of RHD and the potential for vaccine development. Individuals and communities experiencing RHD are integral partners to this work. The CRE will establish a strategy for ending RHD in Australia.
Innovative Health Programs To Reduce Inequality In Heart Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$876,005.00
Summary
As part of his Senior NHMRC Fellowship, Prof Simon Stewart, a world-renowned health services researcher, will lead an internationally linked team of researchers from a broad range of health disciplines to undertake a program of research designed to improve the lives of those most vulnerable to heart disease and poor health outcomes. His program of research will focus on Indigenous Australians, patients with complex forms of heart disease and urban African communities in economic transition.
Do Exposures Before Conception Influence The Risk Of Asthma In Offspring?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$688,586.00
Summary
Asthma and poor lung function are major causes of public health issues. Emerging evidence suggests adverse exposures even before the conception of a child may cause these conditions. The proposed project is part of an international study across generations to identify these factors. This study will provide novel evidence to guide interventions and identify studies to advance this area further. These original findings will be of great importance both nationally and internationally.
Evaluating The Genetic Contribution To Rheumatic Heart Disease Pathogenesis In Australian Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Communities
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,782,074.00
Summary
Rheumatic heart disease is highly prevalent in Aboriginal people in Australia and leads to early cardiac disease. Despite decades of research, the underlying genetic mechanisms for why it occurs are not well understood. We are conducting a genetic study to better understand why some people are susceptible to RHD and others are not. The study will involve substantial Aboriginal leadership and consultation and will be a model for the conduct of genetic studies in Aboriginal populations.
DYRK1A As A Novel Target For Glioblastoma Therapies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$620,294.00
Summary
Glioblastoma is a form of brain cancer that is currently incurable. We have discovered that switching-off an enzyme called DYRK1A (using ‘DYRK1A inhibitors’) kills glioblastoma cells. This therapeutic advantage is even greater when combined with drugs approved for other cancers. This project will develop new DYRK1A inhibitors and examine a novel combination treatment for glioblastoma patients. This could initiate a novel therapy that could significantly extend patients’ lives.
The health effects of electronic cigarette use are virtually unknown. They have only recently been introduced into widespread use, and as such their effects on human health will not be known for many years. We will use our expertise in exposure models and health outcome measurement to provide timely hard-data on their potential to impact health – data that are urgently required to guide policy makers in this area.