Studies Into Myeloperoxidase-Induced Cardiovascular Disease And Its Treatment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$924,596.00
Summary
During cardiovascular disease an inflammatory protein called myeloperoxidase (MPO) becomes abnormally released into the circulating blood and is transported into diseased blood vessels. Our studies show for the first time that increasing circulating levels of MPO promotes both atherosclerosis and aortic aneurysm. This project will study how MPO promotes inflammatory artery disease and test new drugs for their ability to inhibit this damaging protein and protect against cardiovascular disease.
Addressing Residual CV Risk In Diabetes: Focus On Lp(a) Metabolism
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$367,864.00
Summary
High postmeal lipid levels and fatty liver occurs commonly in Type 2 Diabetes and is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition to the standard risk factors of triglycerides and cholesterol, other factors, including a small protein called Lp(a) increase cardiovascular disease risk. Few therapies reduce Lp(a) and this study will examine the effect of niacin on reducing the concentration of this protein. A positive result may expand treatment choices for diabetics in red ....High postmeal lipid levels and fatty liver occurs commonly in Type 2 Diabetes and is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition to the standard risk factors of triglycerides and cholesterol, other factors, including a small protein called Lp(a) increase cardiovascular disease risk. Few therapies reduce Lp(a) and this study will examine the effect of niacin on reducing the concentration of this protein. A positive result may expand treatment choices for diabetics in reducing the risk of heart disease.Read moreRead less
Early Pharmacological Intervention In An Animal Model Of Schizophrenia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$438,857.00
Summary
The symptoms of schizophrenia do not appear until late adolescence/early adulthood. Some adolescents may be at “high risk” of progressing to clinical psychosis. There is now intense interest in using antipsychotic drugs (APDs) to delay symptoms in these patients. APD use in adolescents however is controversial. This project seeks to clarify the structural, neurochemical and functional implications of APD use in a well described animal model of schizophrenia, developmental vitamin D deficiency.
Ion Channel Dysfunction In The Pathophysiology Of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Diagnostic Biomarkers, Therapeutic Targets And Treatments
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,460,700.00
Summary
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is an illness affecting up to 240,000 Australians. The cause of ME/CFS is not known, and there are currently no diagnostic tests or effective treatments. Research suggests that ion channels that transfer calcium within cells are dysfunctional in ME/CFS. Our research will investigate ion channels and calcium transfer using immune cells to help develop biomarkers for the illness and discover better treatments for these patients.
Investigating The Effects Of Macrolides On Excessive Synthesis And Secretion Of Airway Mucins Using Novel Ex Vivo And In Vivo Approaches
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$520,821.00
Summary
Many people have difficulty breathing because the airway tubes that move air in and out of their lungs are blocked by excessive amounts of sticky mucus. Our project will use new techniques developed in our laboratories to investigate whether a group of medicines called “macrolides” can prevent the excessive production and release of mucus in the airways, and thus be beneficial in treating asthma, and potentially other lung diseases.
Randomised Controlled Trial Of Early Use Of A Simplified Treatment Regimen Incorporating A Half-dose, Three-in-one Blood Pressure Lowering Pill Vs. Usual Care For Improving Hypertension Control In India.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,095,201.00
Summary
Hypertension affects a large proportion of the Indian population. Effective medications exist to lower blood pressure (BP) and the adverse effects of hypertension. However, complex medication regimes and the need to take multiple drugs can affect patient adherence to drugs, making it difficult to achieve good BP control. This research will investigate whether use of a simplified treatment protocol including a three-in-one BP lowering pill can improve BP control in Indians with hypertension.
A Double Blind Placebo Randomised Controlled Trial Of Sativex In The Management Of Cannabis Withdrawal
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$245,626.00
Summary
Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug in Australia with an estimated 300,000 individuals with cannabis use disorder in Australia. Treatment presentations for cannabis have more than doubled over the last 10 years, yet there is still no medication to help with withdrawal. This proposal will test pure active ingredients in cannabis in a preparation sprayed in the mouth, to wean individuals from cannabis. This will assist them to complete cannabis withdrawal.
Stroke is Australia's second single greatest killer and a leading cause of disability, with high blood pressure associated with a greater risk of stroke occurring. We have evidence of a possible new target, the angiotensin type 2 receptor that is protective in stroke. This proposal involves elucidating the mechanisms underlying this protective effect which may lead to new therapeutic strategies in treating stroke.
Novel Therapeutic Interventions For The Orthopaedic Complications Of Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1).
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$628,422.00
Summary
Children with the genetic disease NF1 can develop fractures that fail to unite and this can lead to amputation. We have advanced models of NF1-deficient bone cells and fracture healing that we will use to test new pharmaceutical treatments for NF1.
Formyl Peptide Receptor Biased Agonists As Novel Cardioprotection From Myocardial Infarction
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$948,291.00
Summary
Heart attack is caused by a blocked heart blood vessel. Current therapy focuses on rapid reopening of the vessel, to allow blood supply to return. However, even if this is successful, affected patients are often left with impaired heart muscle pumping function, ultimately progressing to heart failure. We have discovered an exciting new mechanism to protect heart muscle from injury and preserve its function, and we plan to develop new drugs for heart attack based on this mechanism.