In the last decade there has been a substantial increase in the number of overweight and obese individuals. Obesity is now a major public health issue in Australia and, along with its associated disorders of type 2 diabetes and heart disease, incurs significant health care costs. There is a widespread awareness of the problem, but it has proved difficult to bring this obesity epidemic under control, and unless we can understand the underlying causes, the trend seems set to continue. This researc ....In the last decade there has been a substantial increase in the number of overweight and obese individuals. Obesity is now a major public health issue in Australia and, along with its associated disorders of type 2 diabetes and heart disease, incurs significant health care costs. There is a widespread awareness of the problem, but it has proved difficult to bring this obesity epidemic under control, and unless we can understand the underlying causes, the trend seems set to continue. This research proposal seeks to define the mechanisms which lead to the development of obesity. Evidence from a large range of clinical and population-based studies has shown that infants who are exposed to an increased supply of nutrients before birth have an increased risk of being overweight or obese as children and adults. It is not however, fully understood why this occurs. In normal adults, factors released by fat cells play an important role in the maintenance of energy balance, and changes in the levels of these factors in the fat cell or in the circulation can lead to increased weight gain and the development of poor sensitivity of the body's tissues to the actions of hormones, such as insulin. Fat cells develop before birth, and therefore changes in nutrient supply to the fetus have the potential to alter the functional properties of fat cells for life. In this proposal, we will investigate the effect of being exposed to an increased supply of nutrients in fetal life on the properties of fat cells after birth and define how such changes explain the development of obesity in these individuals. Understanding the mechanisms which link the risk of obesity to events before birth will allow clinicians of the future to provide children who are born to overweight, glucose-intolerant or diabetic mothers with a healthy start to life.Read moreRead less
Targeting Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Biosynthesis To Improve Metabolism
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$844,596.00
Summary
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is a cellular metabolite that regulates many biological processes. NAD levels decline with age and also in obesity and interventions that increase NAD levels produce favourable metabolic effects. In this proposal we will utilise a range of novel experimental models to define the molecular pathways that mediate the beneficial effects of NAD.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects a striking 9-21% of women of reproductive age. PCOS is an important health problem and can affect menstrual cycles, fertility and increase risk of diabetes and mood disorders. There is a lack of longitudinal studies that women with PCOS over time to examine the key determinants of PCOS, long-term impact of obesity and factors contributing to PCOS complications.
Early Retinal Vessel Changes In Diabetes And The Metabolic Syndrome
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$212,500.00
Summary
Diabetes mellitus affects a large proportion of adult Australians. Furthermore, many non-diabetic Australians are at high risk of developing diabetes (e.g., people with lesser glucose abnormalities, and those who are obese, have high blood pressure, or have high lipid levels). It has been suggested that diseases affecting small blood vessels (microvascular disease) in the body is closely related to the development of both diabetes and the pre-diabetes state. The current study will examine the re ....Diabetes mellitus affects a large proportion of adult Australians. Furthermore, many non-diabetic Australians are at high risk of developing diabetes (e.g., people with lesser glucose abnormalities, and those who are obese, have high blood pressure, or have high lipid levels). It has been suggested that diseases affecting small blood vessels (microvascular disease) in the body is closely related to the development of both diabetes and the pre-diabetes state. The current study will examine the relationship of microvascular disease in the retina (at the back of the eye) to diabetes, pre-diabetes status and diabetes complications. We will use a computer-imaging technique to measure the diameters of retinal blood vessel from digital photographs taken in 2,177 participants of the 1999-2000 Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle (AusDiab) Study, a community-based survey of people aged 25 years and older examining risk factors and complications of diabetes. In the proposed study, we aim to answer the following questions: 1) Are changes in the retinal blood vessel diameter (e.g., narrowed or dilated vessels) associated with diabetes and pre-diabetes? 2) Are these retinal vessel changes related to obesity, high blood pressure and high lipid levels? 3) Are retinal vessel changes related to diabetes complications, such as heart disease, kidney disease, nerve problems and foot ulcers? 4) Do retinal vessel diameter changes predict people who will subsequently develop diabetes, irrespective of their risk factor profile? Using this well-characterized population, and existing digital retinal photographs, the proposed study will offer a unique and cost-effective opportunity to address important gaps in our understanding of how diabetes and pre-diabetes develop, and whether they are related to microvascular diseases. This may ultimately lead to new treatment and preventive approaches targeted at the small blood vessels in the body.Read moreRead less
Outcomes In Early Diagnosis And Intervention For Gestational Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$162,876.00
Summary
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common complication of pregnancy with significant maternal and fetal consequences. The benefits of screening and treatment for GDM after 24 weeks’ gestation are well known, however there is little evidence for early screening and intervention for women with high risk for GDM. The primary aim of this study is to determine whether early diagnosis and intervention improves pregnancy outcomes in GDM, specifically fetal overgrowth.