Appendicitis, Protection Again Colitis And The Role Of Colonic Regulatory T Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$67,381.00
Summary
The appendix has been regarded as a useless organ, however, there are evidence showing its removal reduces the risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease. We have shown that this may be due to altered intestinal immune regulation. The project plans to explore the mechanisms responsible for this altered immune regulation. With knowledge of specific elements of disease causation gained from these studies, more effective and targeted treatment options will become available.
Regulation Of Extrinsic Death Pathways In Neutrophils
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$84,656.00
Summary
During infection, the lifespan of neutrophils normally increases despite an abundance of neutrophil death signals in inflamed tissues. Altered lifespan of neutrophils has been reported in diseases associated with influenza, Streptococcus, RSV and cytomegalovirus infection. Our research has discovered a relationship between the two dominant death pathways in neutrophils, indicating that alterations in one death pathway protect the neutrophil from death signals from the second death pathway.
Early Origins Study Of Cystic Fibrosis-related Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$128,188.00
Summary
Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic condition that causes recurrent lung infections and early death. Some patients also develop diabetes which causes a more rapid decline. Many young children with CF have “pre-diabetes” but guidelines do not recommend screening high glucose in this group. In order to intervene early, this study aims to determine if “pre-diabetes” in very young children with Cystic Fibrosis causes poorer growth, lung function or an increase in bacterial infections to.
Determinants Of Cardiovascular Health Over The Lifecourse In A Population-based Cohort Study Of Australian Families
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$92,161.00
Summary
This unique project will examine the heart health of roughly 3500 11-12 year olds in Australia's only nationally-representative children's study. It will then examine factors that may contribute to differing heart disease progression. We will characterise established factors (such as cholesterol, blood pressure and diabetes), as well as measures of infection burden and inflammation to examine the innovative theory that childhood infection and/or its treatment contribute to poorer heart health.
The Role Of Th1 Immune Responses & Inflammatory Cytokines On Cardiovascular Disease & Arterial Function In End-Stage Renal Disease & Their Response To Different Dialysis Modality
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$48,787.00
Summary
The immune system and inflammatory molecules are important factors in cardiovascular disease in the general population. These inflammatory molecules are also present in patients with end-stage kidney disease, a condition in which cardiovascular disease is excessively prevalent and the leading cause of death. We aim to use laboratory, animal and clinical studies to demonstrate the role of inflammation in cardiovascular disease in patients with kidney failure, and their response to dialysis.
Evaluating The Anti-inflammatory, Anti-oxidant And Wound-healing Properties Of Australian Native Stingless Bee Cerumen From Trigona Carbonaria, And The Effects Of Bee Foraging Behaviours On Cerumen Bioactivity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$95,313.00
Summary
I have a keen interest in evaluating the potential of natural products to promote wound-healing in humans. Cerumen, a resinous material produced by Australian native stingless bees, is easily obtained; however, the medicinal properties of this natural product have not been widely investigated. Therefore, the proposed PhD project aims to investigate the anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and wound-healing properties of Australian native stingless bee cerumen.
Analysis Of Effect Of Different Treatment Targets On Maternal And Child Health Outcomes In Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), Review Of Specific Treatments And Development Of Clinical And Biochemical Predictors.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$122,686.00
Summary
This research aims to analyse newly proposed treatment targets for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) and the effect this will have on maternal and child health outcomes, via comparison of data from two large Australian health services using the traditional and newly proposed critiera. The research will also investigate current effective interventions for GDM, including the impact of early antenatal lifestyle interventions, and formulation of a clinical and biochemical risk prediction model.
Cell Type Specific Mechanisms Of Mineralocorticoid Mediated Renal Injury In Glomerulonephritis And Diabetic Nephropathy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$103,582.00
Summary
Mineralocorticoid exists normally in the human body to maintain fluid and salt balance. However, it is also implicated in diseases affecting the heart and the kidneys. My research aims to further our understanding on how mineralocorticoids contribute to kidney disease, and in particular, to investigate the role of specific kidney cells on mediating kidney injury. Ultimately this research may facilitate development of treatments allowing cell specific blockade of mineralocorticoids, which may red ....Mineralocorticoid exists normally in the human body to maintain fluid and salt balance. However, it is also implicated in diseases affecting the heart and the kidneys. My research aims to further our understanding on how mineralocorticoids contribute to kidney disease, and in particular, to investigate the role of specific kidney cells on mediating kidney injury. Ultimately this research may facilitate development of treatments allowing cell specific blockade of mineralocorticoids, which may reduce kidney diseases such as diabetic nephropathy.Read moreRead less
The Impact Of Omega-3 Fatty Acids On The Inflammatory Mediators Of Heart Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$48,028.00
Summary
Fish oils are consumed widely for their omega-3 fatty acids, which have multiple health benefits. Despite the benefits of fish oil for cardiovascular disease seen in early studies, recent studies have not shown a protective effect. Hence, we are studying the effects of omega-3s on the development of atherosclerosis (fatty plaque build up in arteries) by investigating their role in inflammation in the blood vessel wall and in fatty tissue. This is using cells, animals and human studies