How Does Paternal Obesity Influence Offspring Glucose Tolerance?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$503,398.00
Summary
Obesity and diabetes are closely related to these conditions in either parent, but how the father contributes is unclear. We have shown that normal females mated with obese fathers consuming high fat diet, produce offspring who develop glucose intolerance and impaired insulin secretion. This work will examine the mechanisms underlying this effect in the rat, testing a novel role for environmental factors in the father on disease in offspring that may be relevant to the growing obesity epidemic.
Mechanisms Responsible For Hypertension Caused By Perinatal Omega-3 Fatty Acid Deficiency
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$280,650.00
Summary
Does the nourishment we receive as babies, or even before birth, affect our adult health? The recent findings from Barker, Meaney, Langley-Evans and their co-workers, has established that intra-uterine and early post-natal factors, particularly nutrition, influence adult neural development and cardiovascular function. It appears that the dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids in early life may be a critical factor in the development of hypertension. We reported (Nature Medicine 2001, 7: 258-259) ....Does the nourishment we receive as babies, or even before birth, affect our adult health? The recent findings from Barker, Meaney, Langley-Evans and their co-workers, has established that intra-uterine and early post-natal factors, particularly nutrition, influence adult neural development and cardiovascular function. It appears that the dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids in early life may be a critical factor in the development of hypertension. We reported (Nature Medicine 2001, 7: 258-259) for the first time that the essential omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), supplied in the early developmental period, affects blood pressure later in life. The work showed that moderate omega-3 fatty acid deficiency in the perinatal period resulted in hypertension, despite reversal of the deficiency at a time months before the assessment of blood pressure. These findings are suggestive of a critical period, during which time the development of normal blood pressure control mechanisms appears, at least partially, dependent upon the supply of omega-3 fatty acids. These findings suggest that omega-3 deficiency early in life may affect fatty acid metabolism, transport or uptake systems, such that re-feeding of the nutrients is functionally ineffective. Alternatively, deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids early in life may arrest development of one or more of the key signalling pathways in the control of blood pressure, such as the Brain Angiotensin System. The influence of dietary omega-3 fatty acid supply, relative to the critical period, on expression of genes involved in the control of blood pressure as well as in fatty acid metabolism, will be defined. Also, the role of the brain angiotensin system in omega-3 fatty acid deficiency-induced hypertension will be determined. We expect that the results of this study will profoundly affect hypertension research, as well as nutrition, particularly that for infants.Read moreRead less
Pathophysiology And Therapeutics Of Lipoprotein Disorders In Humans
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$451,716.00
Summary
Lipid disorder is the major casual factor that contributes to the development of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in Australia. My research has provided new knowledge that has significant impact upon the treatment strategy of lipid disorder and cardiovascular risk. My vision for the next four years is to develop a comprehensive program in understanding lipid transport and translating the knowledge into clinical practice.
Circadian Rhythm Disruption And Metabolic Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$626,018.00
Summary
Shiftwork is an under-researched risk factor for obesity and diabetes. Because shiftwork disrupts hormonal and sleep rhythmicity, eating patterns and light exposure, abnormal rhythmicity may be a causal factor in metabolic disease. Direct evidence for the link is lacking and the underlying mechanisms responsible are unknown. This project aims to understand how shiftwork may lead to diabetes and obesity, knowledge essential for the design and testing of potential interventions.
The Consequences Of Simulated Shift Work Exposure During Gestation On The Metabolic Health Of The Adult Offspring.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$555,892.00
Summary
Shiftwork is associated with increased risk for preterm birth & spontaneous abortion. In an animal model simulated shiftwork exposure during pregnancy increases fat deposits & reduces glucose tolerance in the adult offspring, suggesting exposure during pregnancy has lifelong health consequences for the progeny. This project will investigate the impact of shiftwork during gestation on the metabolic health of the offspring, & determine the stage of pregnancy most susceptible.
Senior Research Fellowship In Lipoprotein Metabolism
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$804,106.00
Summary
A physiologist describing metabolic pathways and mechanisms that regulate lipoprotein metabolism in in vitro and in vivo systems. My research uses complex tracer studies and mathematical modelling to identify and quantitate pathways of lipid metabolism in normal and diseased states prior to and following lifestyle and/or pharmacological interventions. The focus of my research is on cardiovascular disease risk reduction.
Lifestyle And Pharmacological Regulation Of Lipoprotein Metabolism In The Metabolic Syndrome
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$504,504.00
Summary
Visceral obesity is an increasing problem in Australia. Elevated blood fat levels are associated with visceral obesity and increased risk for heart disease. Effective management of lipid disorders is important to reduce the risk for heart disease. Fats in the blood originate from dietary sources and from synthesis by the liver. In viscerally obese subjects, the level of blood fats is elevated compared with lean individuals. These abnormalities are partly caused by overproduction of fat in the li ....Visceral obesity is an increasing problem in Australia. Elevated blood fat levels are associated with visceral obesity and increased risk for heart disease. Effective management of lipid disorders is important to reduce the risk for heart disease. Fats in the blood originate from dietary sources and from synthesis by the liver. In viscerally obese subjects, the level of blood fats is elevated compared with lean individuals. These abnormalities are partly caused by overproduction of fat in the liver and impaired clearance of fat from the blood. Two particular proteins, called apolipoprotein A and B-100, are important fat carriers responsible for transporting fat in the blood. Viscerally obese subjects have abnormal levels of these apoproteins and we hypothesised that they are responsible for the impaired movement of fat in the blood. Viscerally obese subjects are insulin resistant and are prone to diabetes. This condition will impair the regulation of apolipoproteins A and B-100. In this research project, we will investigate the effect of a fibrate (a regulator of fat production and breakdown) and ezetimibe (a regulator of dietary cholesterol absorption) on the production and clearance rates of apolipoprotein A and B in a group of obese subjects who are on weight loss program . If our hypothesis is correct, these studies will demonstrate new mechanisms of action of the two drugs that will complements the favourable effect of weight loss in the treatment of elevated blood fats and reduction in risk of heart disease in an important groups of subject in the population.Read moreRead less