Atherosclerosis:Lipoproteins, Cell Biology And Vascular Physiology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$7,274,391.00
Summary
The team comprises internationally recognised experts in basic, clinical and public health applied research in cardiovascular disease, particularly atherosclerosis that is the commonest cause of death in Australia and other developed countries. Over the last decade, improvement in cardiovascular health has been primarily the result of a better understanding on how to control 'bad' (or LDL) cholesterol. The significance of the proposed studies is that, on the one hand, they will provide new infor ....The team comprises internationally recognised experts in basic, clinical and public health applied research in cardiovascular disease, particularly atherosclerosis that is the commonest cause of death in Australia and other developed countries. Over the last decade, improvement in cardiovascular health has been primarily the result of a better understanding on how to control 'bad' (or LDL) cholesterol. The significance of the proposed studies is that, on the one hand, they will provide new information on how 'good' lipoproteins protect us from atherosclerosis. This information can then be used to regulate 'good' cholesterol in a meaningful manner. On the other hand, the proposed studies will provide fundamental insights into how a range of lifestyle factors, physiological processes and pathological conditions relate to both the function of blood vessel-lining cells and susceptibility of individuals to atherosclerosis.Read moreRead less
HMGB1, A Cytokine Linking Inflammation, Lipid Accumulation, And Platelet Activation In Atherosclerosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$519,715.00
Summary
Atherosclerosis, or hardening of large arteries is the underlying cause of up to 50% of deaths in Western communities, primarily from heart attacks and strokes. Today it is considered a chronic inflammatory disease arising from the accumulation of fats such as cholesterol into the inner lining of blood vessels including those supplying vital organs such as the heart and brain. This study focuses on understanding how a major inflammatory factor, HMGB1, influences this disease process.
Apolipoprotein A-I-stimulated Secretion Of Apolipoprotein E By Human Foam Cell Macrophages.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$201,208.00
Summary
Atherosclerosis is the disease which causes narrowings in arteries underlying such serious conditions as heart attack and stroke. A key component of the formation of atherosclerotic narrowings in arteries is the accumulation of fat-filled cells called foam cell macrophages. These foam cells can be stimulated to secrete a special molecule called apolipoprotein E (or apo E), which reduces the amount of atherosclerosis. We have found that we can stimulate foam cells to secrete this protein by addin ....Atherosclerosis is the disease which causes narrowings in arteries underlying such serious conditions as heart attack and stroke. A key component of the formation of atherosclerotic narrowings in arteries is the accumulation of fat-filled cells called foam cell macrophages. These foam cells can be stimulated to secrete a special molecule called apolipoprotein E (or apo E), which reduces the amount of atherosclerosis. We have found that we can stimulate foam cells to secrete this protein by adding to them another molecule called apo A-I. This project will investigate how apo A-I stimulates the foam cells to secrete apo E. In this way we will be able to regulate the secretion of apo E, and be able to increase its secretion. This may result in our being able to treat or prevent atherosclerosis.Read moreRead less
Drugs that block the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), which responds to adrenal hormones, protect against heart disease and hypertension. We have shown that this effect is in part due to MR blockade in inflammatory cells. This novel finding is being explored further to understand the precise role of the MR in inflammatory cells in normal physiology and in disease. An understanding of the role of the MR in different tissues will enable development of tissue specific treatments for heart disease.
Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF): Pathological And Therapeutic Significance In Post- Infarct Inflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$547,577.00
Summary
Ischemic heart injury mediated by the inflammatory response has a significant impact on the prognosis. MIF is a central factor mediating and amplifying the inflammatory response but its role in heart disease remains largely untested. This project will study, for the first time, the crucial role of MIF in ischemic heart disease and will establish important experimental evidence for developing new anti-inflammation therapeutic strategies against ischemic heart injury.