Significance Of Microparticles In The Pathogenesis Of Liver Ischemia Reperfusion Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$643,958.00
Summary
The overall aim of the project is to investigate the significance of microparticles in liver ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI). IRI causes damage to donor livers stored in preparation for liver transplantation. We postulate that microparticles released from the liver are critical in this form of injury. The expected outcomes are novel insights into liver IRI with the aim of developing new approaches to prevent liver damage during liver surgery, transplantation and shock.
Cholestasis And Hepatocyte Injury In Chronic Liver Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$615,967.00
Summary
The aim of this project is to understand the consequences of long-term cholestasis or impaired bile excretion/flow on normal liver cells (hepatocytes) and to test whether specific bile acids can cause irreversible damage to hepatocytes leading to their transformation into pre-malignant cells and hepatocellular carcinoma (primary liver cancer). The results from this project will inform new strategies in screening, prevention and treatment of liver cancer in children and adults with cholestasis.
Manganese is an essential trace element for normal health. However in some medical conditions manganese can build up in the brain and cause a Parkinson's like disease called manganism. Experimental evidence suggests that the liver plays an important role in the development of manganism and this project aims to explore the way the liver handles manganese in health and disease. These studies may assist in understanding how manganism develops.
Targeting The Renin Angiotensin System In Liver Fibrosis And Portal Hypertension
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$643,958.00
Summary
Cirrhosis of the liver due to chronic hepatitis and other common liver diseases is now a major cause of illness and death in Australia. This project will examine how a hormone system called the renin angiotensin system contributes to the development of liver damage in these diseases. We will study whether drugs targeting this system can be used to reduce liver scarring and prevent the development of cirrhosis and its complications.
Investigation Of The Beneficial Arm Of The Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) To Formulate Potential Therapies In Liver Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$71,765.00
Summary
Severe liver damage due to chronic hepatitis and other common liver diseases is now a major cause of illness and death in Australia. This project will examine how a hormone system contributes to the development of liver damage in these diseases. We will study whether drugs targeting this system can be used to reduce liver scarring and prevent the development of severe liver damage and its complication.
Effect Of Liver Pathophysiology On Hepatic Pharmacokinetics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$457,500.00
Summary
The liver is the main organ in the body for the metabolism and biliary excretion of natural and foreign solutes. Various liver diseases such as cirrhosis, alcoholic liver disease, diet and drug induced fatty livers can affect the uptake and metabolism of drugs and their suitability- dosing needs. Some liver diseases such as fatty livers are very common but how rapidly drugs are metabolised in these patients is not well described. The work is important as it may help us better design new drugs an ....The liver is the main organ in the body for the metabolism and biliary excretion of natural and foreign solutes. Various liver diseases such as cirrhosis, alcoholic liver disease, diet and drug induced fatty livers can affect the uptake and metabolism of drugs and their suitability- dosing needs. Some liver diseases such as fatty livers are very common but how rapidly drugs are metabolised in these patients is not well described. The work is important as it may help us better design new drugs and better choose which drugs to give and, if so, in what doses. In addition, many liver diseases require a biopsy for a definite diagnosis of the likely function of the liver. Estimation of liver function is particularly important in estimating whether there will be sufficient reserve on resection of a cancer or deciding if a liver transplant is needed. The liver is also a very complex organ which can trap or breakdown solutes by a range of different systems. Also of importance is how those diseases affect drug disposition in the liver given that an altered hepatic drug disposition may affect systemic response to the drugs and their metabolites. This work seeks to answer these questions.Read moreRead less
The Role Of The Glutamine Transporter SNAT3 In Ion Transport, Cell Signaling And Ammonia Detoxification
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$393,249.00
Summary
Hepatic encephalopathy is a syndrome observed in patients with liver cirrhosis and is caused by increased amounts of ammonia in the blood. The proposed project investigates a transporter that is involved in ammonia and glutamine metabolism in liver and brain. The two organs are critical to the pathology of liver failure and ammonia toxicity resulting from reduced liver function. The transporter thus could become a drug target for a variety of liver diseases.