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Characterisation Of Alterations In The Androgen Signalling Axis That Contribute To Treatment Failure In Prostate Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$559,157.00
Summary
Prostate cancer is a major health problem in Western Countries including Australia, where it is the most common newly diagnosed invasive cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men. Although there have been improvements in the diagnosis of prostate cancer, many men are still diagnosed with disease that already has or will spread to other sites such as bone (ie metastatic disease). For those men with metastatic disease, reduction in testicular androgens by surgical or medical mean ....Prostate cancer is a major health problem in Western Countries including Australia, where it is the most common newly diagnosed invasive cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men. Although there have been improvements in the diagnosis of prostate cancer, many men are still diagnosed with disease that already has or will spread to other sites such as bone (ie metastatic disease). For those men with metastatic disease, reduction in testicular androgens by surgical or medical means (ie androgen ablation) is the only effective treatment option available. While androgen ablation is initially effective, treatment failure is common, resulting in a very poor overall survival rate. Evidence from our studies and others suggest that, the androgen receptor, which mediates the growth regulatory effects of androgens is often defective in prostate tumour cells. These altered or mutant receptors are activated inappropriately by other sex hormones such as estradiol and even agents used in the treatment of prostate cancer whereas the normal receptor is activated only by testicular androgens. This mechanism may explain why treatment fails in a subset of men with advanced prostate cancer. The major objective of our current studies is to define how these mutant androgen receptors cause treatment failure and facilitate prostate tumour growth. In addition, the current studies will evaluate a novel approach to treatment of prostate cancer which, based upon our preliminary results, has the potential to be effective even if alterations are present in the androgen receptor. The current studies therefore will provide a better understanding of factors controlling the growth of prostate tumours, and develop improved treatment approaches for advanced prostate cancer.Read moreRead less
I am a clinician-scientist, with specialist training in neurology and geriatrics, and am internationally-recognised as an epidemiologist and clinical trialist researcher. My work is dedicated to generating highest quality evidence to improve the preventio
Leptin And The Regulation Of Substrate Partitioning
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$349,876.00
Summary
The prevalence of obesity is increasing with currently 18% of adult Australians being classified as obese. Obesity, particularly abdominal obesity, is associated with high blood lipid levels and blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. In Australia, the cost of obesity is estimated to be $830 million per year. The ultimate aim of any obesity treatment programme is to reduce body fatness by burning off fat and to prevent further fat storage and so studies which focus on developing strategies to achie ....The prevalence of obesity is increasing with currently 18% of adult Australians being classified as obese. Obesity, particularly abdominal obesity, is associated with high blood lipid levels and blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. In Australia, the cost of obesity is estimated to be $830 million per year. The ultimate aim of any obesity treatment programme is to reduce body fatness by burning off fat and to prevent further fat storage and so studies which focus on developing strategies to achieve these goals are very important. We have found that subjects who fail to keep weight off after being on a weight-reducing diet are bad fat burners. These people also have low levels of leptin, a hormone made by fat cells which helps to regulate food intake. The first aim of this study is to show that leptin increases the burning of fat by regulating the production and activity of factors which decide whether fat is used for energy or is stored in the body. The second aim is to find ways in which leptin levels can be changed so that fat burning is increased. Some of the ways in which we will change leptin levels are by changing the fat content of the diet, or by drugs, or by giving leptin itself. These studies will be performed in animal models of obesity and will help us to develop strategies for the treatment and prevention of obesity in humans.Read moreRead less
Development Of New Anti-fibrotic Drugs For Prevention Of Diabetic Nephropathy.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$133,800.00
Summary
Diabetic kidney disease is the leading cause of kidney failure in the developed world. Currently there is no treatment that reduces the excessive scarring that leads to kidney failure. This project aims to test whether a series of novel compounds that have been specifically designed to reduce scarring can prevent diabetic kidney disease.
Effect Of Oral Glutamine On GLP-1 And Insulin Secretion And Glycaemia In Humans.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$397,444.00
Summary
Diabetes is an ever increasing problem with serious complications. We will investigate whether glutamine, one of the most common amino acids (protein building blocks) in the body, has a beneficial effect on blood glucose and insulin levels in the body in people who have type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes. If so, glutamine supplementation may represent a novel, cheap and palatable way of improving outcomes and preventing the development of complications in people with type 2 diabetes.
Hormonal Predictors Of Cardiovascular Outcomes And Mortality In Ageing Men: The Role Of Androgens And The IGF System.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$125,035.00
Summary
As men age levels of testosterone and growth hormone fall while ill health increases. We do not know if low hormone levels directly cause heart disease. We will measure testosterone and IGF1, which reflects growth hormone, in 4,200 older men, and relate hormone levels to the future risk of ill health especially heart disease, stroke and large artery blockages. This will clarify whether low hormone levels increase risk of ill health, and the value of studies to test hormone therapy in older men.
Osteoblast Control Of Mesenchymal Progenitor Cell Differentiation: The Role Of Glucocorticoids And Wnt Signalling.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$443,131.00
Summary
Osteoporosis is an important and growing health issue. Reduced ability to make new bone is an important cause of osteoporosis. In this project we will study how the immature cells which eventually make bone are recruited and controlled. In particular, we will study how genes coding for important growth factors are regulated so that the proper signals are sent to young cells to induce them to become bone-making rather than fat-making cells.
Glycaemia And Cardiovascular Disease Outcomes In Patients With Diabetes And CKD: Methodology, Relationship And
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$143,661.00
Summary
Diabetes is increasing and now the primary cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD). At present the care of people with diabetes and CKD aims to achieve normal blood glucose levels in the safest possible way in order to prevent acute and chronic complications and improve outcomes and quality of life. In this project we will examine the best means by which to measure, monitor and treat blood glucose levels in such people and explore the effect of intensive blood glucose control.
I am an academic clinician who has a principal interest in all aspects of diabetes, especially treatment and complications, and who is also involved in studies of antimalarial pharmacology.