Inflammometry In Stable COPD; A Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$743,351.00
Summary
COPD is a common condition associated with many clinical consequences that negatively impact on quality of life. The burden of illness from COPD remains high despite current treatment. There is an urgent need to improve management of COPD and we propose that individualized management targeted to airway and systemic inflammation will do this. This study will examine the effect of targeted anti-inflammatory treatment in patients with COPD and will examine the role of a simple blood test to assess ....COPD is a common condition associated with many clinical consequences that negatively impact on quality of life. The burden of illness from COPD remains high despite current treatment. There is an urgent need to improve management of COPD and we propose that individualized management targeted to airway and systemic inflammation will do this. This study will examine the effect of targeted anti-inflammatory treatment in patients with COPD and will examine the role of a simple blood test to assess and manage COPD.Read moreRead less
Identifying And Preventing The Epithelial Triggers Of Neutrophilic Inflammation In Cystic Fibrosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$961,124.00
Summary
We have identified aberrant immune responses to viruses and bacteria as potential triggers of damaging airway inflammation soon after children are diagnosed with cystic fibrosis after newborn screening. We will investigate the mechanisms underlying these responses and develop therapies with the potential to reduce inflammation and prevent lung disease.
Impaired Respiratory Tolerance In Obesity - The Link With Asthma?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$667,294.00
Summary
Australia has one of the highest obesity rates in the world, placing a major strain on health budgets. Obesity increases the risk of numerous diseases, including asthma. Asthma is prevented in healthy people by the immune system. This project will investigate whether obesity-related dietary factors and/or gut microbes impair this immune-mediated mechanism. Outcomes will increase understanding of the effects of diet and obesity on asthma development, and lead to novel asthma therapies.
This application will allow me to restructure my work to provide sufficient time to do full justice to the current and planned commitments of our Respiratory Research Group. Our research programme includes the immunopathology of chronic airway diseases; the epidemiology of respiratory disease (TAHS); clinical physiology technology to service these studies; respiratory clinical pharmacology; microbe-host interactions in CF and COPD; and EBM in chronic respiratory disease self-management .
Using Influenza Vaccination To Understand And Improve Anti-viral Immunity In COPD
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,316,597.00
Summary
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Lung infections often make those afflicted by COPD very unwell. We have recently shown that influenza vaccination induces a poor antibody response in many COPD patients. This study will examine why this is the case, and what can be done to restore normal immune function. In the final year of the Project, we will assess whether doubling the dose of influenza vaccination is helpful.
Targeting The Defective Airway Macrophage Function In Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A New Therapeutic Approach
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$710,928.00
Summary
COPD/emphysema is smoking-related, incurable and a leading cause of death. New treatments are urgently needed. We have reported that airway phagocyte dysfunction and inflammation in COPD or smoke-exposed mice can be improved by novel treatments including lectins and macrolide antibiotics. We now show that these effects can be greatly improved by low-dose aspirin. We will further investigate these therapies and also novel antibiotics that have been modified to lose their anti-bacterial activity
What Triggers Complex Regional Pain Syndrome After Minor Injury?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$958,898.00
Summary
Most people recover from minor trauma but some develop very disabling, difficult to treat, costly pain syndromes. We can identify those at high risk of developing such a syndrome after wrist fracture. By comparing inflammation, immune system function, stress, brain function and behaviour between high and low risk patients, we will take a major step towards understanding, preventing and treating these syndromes.
Understanding Early Life Risk Factors For Inflammation In The Rising Predisposition For NCDs
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$568,892.00
Summary
In 2011 the UN General Assembly identified the rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as a major global threat, and prioritized preventive strategies against diseases like obesity, diabetes, heart disease, allergy and asthma. Common risk factors for these inflammatory diseases begin early in life, the most logical time for prevention. Our international interdisciplinary network aims to improve health and prevent NCDs by early interventions that reduce inflammation over the life-course.
Improving The Immediate And Longer-Term Health Outcomes Of Preterm Infants
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,661,088.00
Summary
Premature babies develop health problems that persist throughout life and impact on mental, physical and social well-being. As all body systems are immature at birth, premature babies can develop one or many different health problems. Many factors before, during and after birth may influence the baby’s response to different treatments. Our collaborative research program seeks to understand the big picture, to help us design better treatments that improve long term outcomes after preterm birth.