Iron Overload Mechanisms In Dyserythropoietic Anaemias And Therapeutic Targets At The ERFE Gene Locus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$132,743.00
Summary
Iron overload causes organ dysfunction and morbidity for people who have red blood cell disorders such as thalassemia, or chronic transfusion requirements due to cancer or bone marrow failure. The manner in which a principal controlling compound, erythroferrone, influences iron metabolism is undefined. Our project will use molecular approaches to determine how the erythroferrone gene is involved in causing iron overload in red cell disorders and potentially open better management pathways.
Chronic Kidney Diseases (CKDs) present serious morbidity and mortality in our society. Kidney scarring is the final manifestation of many types of kidney diseases. Recent evidence showed that a reduced ability to generate energy during injuries leads to kidney scarring. My study is looking at how the specific changes in kidney energy production can lead to kidney scarring. The findings of my study can have potential to prevent kidney scarring and change the course of kidney diseases.
Many heart diseases are associated with impairment of energetics of the heart. Improving the heart's energetics can lead to improved survival and long-term outcomes. Perhexiline is a heart medication that works by improving the way the heart uses energy. Although effective, it is associated with long-term toxicities. Better understanding of this medication may lead to less adverse effects and also provide a basis for further investigation of drug development in the future.
How Should Moderate Iron Overload In Haemochromatosis Be Managed?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$113,237.00
Summary
My PhD studies hereditary haemochromatosis which causes iron accumulation in the body which can be treated by removing blood. Whilst those with very high iron levels require treatment, it is not clear if those with only moderately raised iron also need treatment. If this study shows there is no difference in outcomes between the groups treatment to normalise body iron versus those who do not normalise body iron, this will change current practice.
There is a link between maternal lipids and newborn weight as well as other adverse pregnancy outcomes. Maternal lipids _ serum level, dietary intake and change in maternal lipids during pregnancy may be important in determining not only immediate pregnancy and newborn outcomes but also longer term problems for mother and child. As yet, we do not know whether altering maternal lipids will change outcomes or how to influence lipid levels in practice or how best to approach this.
Dietary Therapies For The Treatment Of Drug-resistant Epilepsy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$69,757.00
Summary
Epilepsy affects about 225,000 Australians, with 30% of suffers still experiencing seizures despite being on medications. A reduction in seizures can significantly improve the health of people with epilepsy who do not respond to medications. Low carbohydrate, high fat diets are a well-established treatment option in children, but this has not previously been studied in Australian adults. The aim of this research is to evaluate if dietary therapies are an effective treatment in adult epilepsy.
The effects of therapeutic glucocorticoid doses on carbohydrate and energy metabolism and cardiovascular risk have not been fully clarified. This PhD thesis will be based around two studies aiming to: 1.) Define mechanisms underlying the adverse effects of low dose prednisolone in patients with inflammatory rheumatologic disease and 2.) Improve treatment of prednisolone-induced hyperglycaemia in hospitalized patients.
Phosphate And Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 (FGF-23) In Early Chronic Kidney Disease – Their Importance In Bone Mineral Metabolism And As Cardiovascular Risk Factors.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$140,949.00
Summary
In the chronic kidney disease (CKD) population, serum phosphate and fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23), a phosphate regulating hormone, are strongly associated with mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD). This thesis will examine phosphate homeostasis in clinical studies necessary to address this problem, as phosphate and FGF-23 are potential therapeutic targets.
Calcification of the arteries is a ubiquitous finding in patients with end stage renal failure. It is often mirrored by disturbed bone metabolism. Increasing evidence suggests a close relationship between bone and vascular health. This study aims to determine the role of calciprotein particles as a mediator of calcification in bones and arteries. Translating these findings to renal patients will ultimately contribute to providing a scientific basis for developing treatment for these patients.
Obesity And Its Metabolic Associations In Relation To Bariatric Surgery And Maternal-fetal Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$140,949.00
Summary
My research will examine the effects of maternal obesity, diabetes and smoking on outcomes evidence at birth in the offspring. Bariatric surgery is the most effective means to achieve sustained weight loss in obese patients and may improve metabolic abnormalities and complications. My research will explore the benefits of bariatric surgery in obese patients with type 2 diabetes with or without the addition of a glucose-like peptite-1 (GLP-1) agonist, liraglutide.