Development Of A Preventive Strategy For Rheumatic Heart Disease Using An Experimental Model
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$370,846.00
Summary
Based on animal studies, we aim to demonstrate that the worsening of heart damage seen in patients with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is due to repeated infections with bacteria (group A streptococci: GAS). The heart damage is caused by continual immune damage to the heart and valves and this has adverse effects on heart function. We will also investigate a novel way to prevent the development of RHD.
A Population-based Birth Cohort Study Of The Development Of Atherosclerosis In Early Life
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$780,067.00
Summary
Cardiovascular disease (heart attack and stroke) are leading causes of death and illness in adults in Australia. The changes in blood vessels that lead to these conditions begin before birth. This project investigates the factors that contribute to these early changes from birth onwards, and will facilitate development of targeted prevention in high-risk groups to reduce cardiovascular disease in later life.
Long-term Surgical And Socioeconomic Outcomes Following Aortopulmonary Septal Defect Repair In Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$89,197.00
Summary
About 2% of heart defects are due to communication between the 2 main arteries exiting the heart (truncus arteriosus and aortopulmonary window). If untreated, up to 30% of children die in the first year of life. With surgery many patients are now surviving into adulthood. The long-term outcomes are unknown. This study will review all patients with this defect across Australian and New Zealand. Results from this study will allow us to best manage these patients in the short and long-term.
The Access Project - Assessment Of Coronary Artery Disease Using CT Effectively For Stable Symptoms
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$754,369.00
Summary
Invasive Coronary Angiography (ICA) provides x-ray visualisation of coronary disease (CAD) that is essential for coronary surgery/balloon angioplasty. However many patients undergo this procedure without requiring these therapies despite the associated severe complications. The ACCESS Project screens patients scheduled for ICA, identifying those unlikely to have CAD and referring them for non-invasive CT angiography. This strategy reduces procedure complications and result in major cost savings.
Evaluating Coronary Stents Using High-resolution Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging In Patients With Coronary Artery Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$217,274.00
Summary
A stent is a device made of metal that is placed inside an artery to prop it. Recently, the applicant introduced into Australia a novel technology to examine these stents once inside the body. This information may help make stents safer for patients
Redefining The Role Of Macrophages In Atherosclerosis: Macrophage Subset Role In Plaque Stability
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$509,190.00
Summary
Vascular disease is a major cause of death and disability through events such as heart attack and stroke. A blood cell, called a macrophage, plays a major detrimental role. However, we have identified the presence of an alternate form of this cell in vascular disease that we propose may play an opposing, beneficial role. We will thus re-define the role of the macrophage in vascular disease and predict that we will be able to demonstrate an alternate healing role. This will provide a new therapeu ....Vascular disease is a major cause of death and disability through events such as heart attack and stroke. A blood cell, called a macrophage, plays a major detrimental role. However, we have identified the presence of an alternate form of this cell in vascular disease that we propose may play an opposing, beneficial role. We will thus re-define the role of the macrophage in vascular disease and predict that we will be able to demonstrate an alternate healing role. This will provide a new therapeutic approach for treatment of atherosclerosis.Read moreRead less
Y Chromosome Mechanisms In Coronary Artery Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$369,076.00
Summary
The Y chromosome determines sex in men and until recently was not thought to contribute to heart disease. We previously found a specific type of Y chromosome that does contribute to heart disease. In the current project we plan to find the exact gene and mechanism in the search as a therapeutic target.
A Dual Antigen Synthetic Peptide Subunit Vaccine Approach To Prevent Streptococcal Associated Cardiovascular Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$604,017.00
Summary
Infection with streptococcus is responsible for causing more than 500,000 deaths each year, the majority of which are due to rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease, which contributes to cardiovascular disease. Our research is aimed at the development of a vaccine to prevent heart disease and involves targeting multiple molecules present on the bacterial surface. We will use a novel vaccine delivery system developed in the laboratory, which will enable the vaccine to be delivered nasally.
Biochemistry And Functional Significance Of Glycosylation Of Apolipoprotein E
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$485,000.00
Summary
Apolipoprotein E (apoE) is an important molecule which affects our risk of atherosclerosis- coronary disease and of Alzheimer's disease. We know that apoE's functions are very much affected by its structure. One aspect of tis structure which has been neglected is the attachment of sugar molecules . These are very likely to regulate how apoE interacts with other molecules, with cells, and is metabolised in the body and will be investigated in this project.