LIFEPATH: Life-course Biological Pathways Underlying Social Differences In Healthy Ageing
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$470,466.00
Summary
Healthy ageing varies across society due to environmental, behavioural and social circumstances that affect peoples’ lives. To improve our ability to change this we will investigate suspected biological mechanisms over the life course. Using repeated blood samples collected during a large prospective study, we will measure a very large number of biological markers and analyse these combined with lifestyle and behavioural information to identify the modifiable predictors of healthy ageing.
Weight And Risk Factor Management And Assessment Of Socioeconomic Status To Assess Impact On AF Progression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$86,117.00
Summary
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart rhythm disorder affecting millions of people worldwide. This disease can begin with short episodes but over time become more long-standing. Risk factors such as obesity have been linked to the burden and progression of the disease. Dedicated clinics focusing on education and management of these risk factors have been shown to reduce patients symptoms and burden of AF. We aim to evaluate these clinics results in halting the progression of AF.
Novel Genes And Protein In Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Potential Basis Of A Serum-based Assessment Of Disease Sta
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$200,000.00
Summary
The most common cause of elevated liver function tests is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NALFD is a spectrum of disease ranging from steatosis, to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a condition associated with the development of fibrosis in the majority of individuals. Approximately 20% and 3% of adults are affected with NAFLD and NASH, respectively, and NAFLD is expected to become the next major liver epidemic facing the western world, far exceeding the prevalence of chronic infe ....The most common cause of elevated liver function tests is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NALFD is a spectrum of disease ranging from steatosis, to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a condition associated with the development of fibrosis in the majority of individuals. Approximately 20% and 3% of adults are affected with NAFLD and NASH, respectively, and NAFLD is expected to become the next major liver epidemic facing the western world, far exceeding the prevalence of chronic infection with the hepatitis C virus. We obtained liver biopsies from patients with NAFLD, 80% of whom had NASH, and determined the expression profile analysis of each subject using 19,200 element microarrays. Our data demonstrates the concordant differential expression of 130 genes, in subjects with NAFLD that were categorizes into 6 major metabolic and regulatory pathways. Many of these genes represented uncharacterised genes. Utilising an extensive bioinformatics approach we have been able to define the genes and their protein product. The use of these proteins as a diagnostic tool for the detection of NAFLD forms the basis of a provisional patent application. However, measurements of protein levels in tissue and sera from patients with NAFLD are needed for the development of a diagnostic method. Such information would also provide significant insight into the pathogenesis of NAFLD. The AIMS are: 1) Production of antibodies against proteins encoded by candidate genes Expression profile of candidate genes 3) Expression of proteins encoded by candidate genes in patients with NAFLDRead moreRead less
The Role Of Allostatic Load As A Mediator Between Chronic Stress And Poor Health For Dementia Caregivers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$237,321.00
Summary
The potential risk to caregivers of dementia patients of poor health outcomes is well documented. The burden imposed by caregiving is most often described in terms of chronic stress. While it is apparent that some stress-relieving social interventions (e.g. respite) may have short-term benefits, it is also clear that many caregivers are unable or unwilling to avail themselves of such programs. The way in which chronic stress leads to poor health is not well understood. Our study of spouse caregi ....The potential risk to caregivers of dementia patients of poor health outcomes is well documented. The burden imposed by caregiving is most often described in terms of chronic stress. While it is apparent that some stress-relieving social interventions (e.g. respite) may have short-term benefits, it is also clear that many caregivers are unable or unwilling to avail themselves of such programs. The way in which chronic stress leads to poor health is not well understood. Our study of spouse caregivers seeks to identify the groups of physiological systems that suffer cumulative wear and tear as a result of chronic stress. This wear and tear is called allostatic load, and is thought to lead to poor health. It is expected that caregivers in our study will have greater allostatic load than people who are not caregivers. Should this be the case, our results will provide the basis for the design of tailored interventions to maintain caregivers in good health. The potential of such preventive health measures is to reduce caregivers' health care costs and reliance on community support, and to help caregivers to continue providing care for their spouses at home.Read moreRead less