I am a lipid biochemist with extensive experience in the design and conduct of randomised controlled trials. The interventions are normally food based and I am working to see healthier food choices available to consumers to help close the Agriculture - He
The Effect Of Dietary Fatty Acids On Cellular Calcium Handling Mechanisms In Cardiac Muscle
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$275,765.00
Summary
A major health problem in the developed countries is cardiovascular disease, which is manifest as high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack and abnormalities of heart rhythm, or cardiac arrhythmias. A western diet, ie. one high in animal fat, or saturated fats, may be to blame. Human epidemiological studies have shown that consumption of a diet high in saturated fats is correlated with a propensity to arrhythmias while a diet high in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) can confer protection from ....A major health problem in the developed countries is cardiovascular disease, which is manifest as high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack and abnormalities of heart rhythm, or cardiac arrhythmias. A western diet, ie. one high in animal fat, or saturated fats, may be to blame. Human epidemiological studies have shown that consumption of a diet high in saturated fats is correlated with a propensity to arrhythmias while a diet high in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) can confer protection from coronary heart disease and cardiac arrhythmias. The mechanisms underlying these effects are not fully understood. The contraction of the heart depends on changes in calcium inside the individual muscle cells. Abnormalities of the way calcium is handled in the cells leads to abnormalities of contraction and to a certain types of arrhythmia. Over the last 5 to 10 years, technological developments have enabled us to examine changes in calcium in living heart cells at microscopic level. It is possible to fill individual living cells with a fluorescent dye which changes either the magnitude or the wavelength of its fluorescence according to the ambient calcium concentration. Cells filled with these dyes are examined with a laser scanning confocal microscope, in which a very tightly focussed laser beam excites the dye and the resulting fluorescence is gathered by a computer controlled image analysis system. In this way we can measure the calcium concentration within the cells with a spatial resolution of about 1-1000 of a millimetre, and a time resolution of about 1-100 of a second. Using these techniques, we have found that supplementing the diet of rats with either PUFAs or saturated fats produces a dramatic change in the way that calcium is stored and released in their heart cells. This effect of dietary fats has not been reported before, and it may represent an important clue as to how these substances protect against many cardiac arrhythmias.Read moreRead less
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Mimetics With Anti-inflammatory Properties
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$481,500.00
Summary
Autoimmune diseases are responsible for a high incidence of morbidity and mortality in our community. Immunosuppressive drugs-anti-inflammatory agents have played important roles in treatment of these diseases as well as in helping to prevent rejection of transplanted tissues-organs. There is an ongoing search by the medical community for better immunosuppressive drugs and agents for use for these purposes. Based on studies conducted in the last few years, we have partially identified structural ....Autoimmune diseases are responsible for a high incidence of morbidity and mortality in our community. Immunosuppressive drugs-anti-inflammatory agents have played important roles in treatment of these diseases as well as in helping to prevent rejection of transplanted tissues-organs. There is an ongoing search by the medical community for better immunosuppressive drugs and agents for use for these purposes. Based on studies conducted in the last few years, we have partially identified structural elements on polyunsatrated fatty acids (PUFA) which are responsible for specific biological functions. Using this information, we have synthesized a large panel of previously unavailable PUFA which we can use to target T lymphocytes and drive the biological activity of these compounds, preferentially towards immunosuppression. By conducting the research outlined in this project, we are likely to either identify a lead immunosuppressive compound or generate new information for further synthesis of PUFA-based compounds for further examination as potential immunosuppressive agents.Read moreRead less
Regulation Of TNF Receptor Expression By Omega-6 And Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$226,320.00
Summary
This project looks at two major molecules which our body generates in trying to combat infections, a protein called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and a fatty acid called arachidonic acid. In some cases the persistent production of elevated amounts of these molecules leads to highly crippling and debilitating diseases , such as rheumatoid arthritis, which pose a huge burden to our community. To develop medication to combat these diseases be it either vaccination or antiinflammatory drugs, there is ....This project looks at two major molecules which our body generates in trying to combat infections, a protein called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and a fatty acid called arachidonic acid. In some cases the persistent production of elevated amounts of these molecules leads to highly crippling and debilitating diseases , such as rheumatoid arthritis, which pose a huge burden to our community. To develop medication to combat these diseases be it either vaccination or antiinflammatory drugs, there is a need to clearly define key components of the inflammatory response. Since TNF acts through a receptor we propose that a critical issue in the regulation of this inflammatory response is the changes in the expression of these receptors on cells of the immune system. Our preliminary work suggests that lipid molecules such as arachidonic acid (omega-6 fat) interacts with phagocytic cells and causes drammatic changes to the expression of this receptor. Our research proposal will look at this in more detail and place the observation into perspective in terms of parameters of the inflammatory reaction and associated diseases. Furthermore this concept will be examined in relation to the protective effects which the omega-3 fats found in fish oil have on these inflammatory diseases.Read moreRead less
Polyunsaturated Fat As A Protective Agent In The Dietary Management Of Early Overweight
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$383,750.00
Summary
This study adds significantly to our knowledge of the effect of diet composition on weight management. It builds on animal model studies demonstrating the effects of different types of fat on obesity development, and on our research in people with diabetes, where we found a higher proportion of polyunsaturated fats in a low fat diet resulted in greater body fat loss. Our proposed research will demonstrate whether this same dietary profile can reduce visceral fat in people who are overweight but ....This study adds significantly to our knowledge of the effect of diet composition on weight management. It builds on animal model studies demonstrating the effects of different types of fat on obesity development, and on our research in people with diabetes, where we found a higher proportion of polyunsaturated fats in a low fat diet resulted in greater body fat loss. Our proposed research will demonstrate whether this same dietary profile can reduce visceral fat in people who are overweight but not diabetic, and whether we need to reduce calories or not to achieve this end. It may be that the effect is due to a higher level of fat used as fuel, a higher metabolic rate, or a reduction in appetite. We will be able to determine these effects, and add to the scientific knowledge base of dietary components and energy balance. Having this knowledge is important if we are to develop dietary advice for weight management that is more specific and effective than general statements on eating well. One of the great strengths of this study is that the food guidance system is fully developed. Not only will we will prove the targeted nutrient composition of the diet is achieved, the food guidance system provides for people to chose foods under free living conditions. Thus the link to this research and clinical practice models will be assured. The impact of this research may then be assessed in terms of more effective clinical strategies for the management of obesity, a major public health concern.Read moreRead less
Effects Of N-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids On Post Surgical Atrial Fibrillation: A Prospective Randomised Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$536,529.00
Summary
Consumption of fish and fish oil has been associated with protective effects for deaths from heart disease in many studies. The effects are consistent and quite strong and appear to be unrelated to blood cholesterol levels. The effects are more likely due to the possibility that fish oil, which contains n-3 fats, can suppress abnormal heart rhythms which can cause 'sudden cardiac death'. This has been shown in animal studies, and recently we have shown that they can also suppress abnormal heart ....Consumption of fish and fish oil has been associated with protective effects for deaths from heart disease in many studies. The effects are consistent and quite strong and appear to be unrelated to blood cholesterol levels. The effects are more likely due to the possibility that fish oil, which contains n-3 fats, can suppress abnormal heart rhythms which can cause 'sudden cardiac death'. This has been shown in animal studies, and recently we have shown that they can also suppress abnormal heart rhythms in humans. Patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery are particularly susceptible to abnormal heart rhythms in the upper chambers of the heart in the days immediately following surgery. While these abnormal rhythms are rarely life threatening, they can result in increased post-surgical complications and a longer hospital stay with associated increased costs to the health system. In this study we will determine whether providing high dose fish oil for 3 weeks immediately preceding coronary bypass surgery, will result in a reduction in the proportion of patients experiencing post-surgical abnormal heart rhythms. We will also examine the effects of n-3 fats on the incidence of other complications following bypass surgery and also the length of hospital stay. In addition, we will gather data which will provide insight into the mechanisms by which n-3 fatty acids produce their well documented benefits to patients with cardiovascular disease. The significance of this study is its ability to provide a protective strategy in heart disease in which the mechanism is understood, which is effective, and importantly, which will have the potential to provide savings to the health care system through a reduction in hospital stay.Read moreRead less
Does N-3 LCPUFA Supplementation In Pregnancy Reduce Asthma And Allergies In School Age Children?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$443,833.00
Summary
We will determine whether supplementing the diets of pregnant women with fish oil can have long term effects on the development of the childÍs immune system and reduce the prevalence of asthma and allergies at early school age. The outcomes of our project will inform nutritional guidelines for pregnant women and, if successful, has the potential to significantly lower the costly burden of childhood asthma and allergies to families and the healthcare system.
N-3 LCPUFA Supplementation In Pregnancy To Reduce Allergies In Early Childhood
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$813,423.00
Summary
Over the last 20 years there has been a dramatic increase in allergic diseases in Australia as well as many other industrialised countries. This may be due to changes in our environment or diet. Over this period of time there has also been an increase in the dietary intake of n-6 fatty acids from vegetable oils and a corresponding decline in the intake of n-3 fatty acids from fish. Studies now indicate that there is a plausible link between these dietary changes and allergic diseases. Furthermor ....Over the last 20 years there has been a dramatic increase in allergic diseases in Australia as well as many other industrialised countries. This may be due to changes in our environment or diet. Over this period of time there has also been an increase in the dietary intake of n-6 fatty acids from vegetable oils and a corresponding decline in the intake of n-3 fatty acids from fish. Studies now indicate that there is a plausible link between these dietary changes and allergic diseases. Furthermore, emerging data suggest that the potential benefits of increasing n-3 fatty acids may be greatest during pregnancy and before allergic responses are established. Our project aims to minimise allergies in children from families where at least one parent has an allergy. We will assess whether dietary n-3 fatty acid supplementation of pregnant women will result in fewer children with allergies at 1 and 3 years of age. If the proposed intervention is successful, it would be a safe, cheap, acceptable and effective strategy to prevent allergies in children at high risk.Read moreRead less
Docosahexaenic Acid (DHA) From Dairy. How Dietary Omega-3 Fats From Dairy Can Increase DHA Levels To Improve
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$427,887.00
Summary
A high level of the omega-3 fat DHA in the blood is related to good health and has benefits on neural development in breastfed infants. Infant formulas have been enriched with preformed DHA but are expensive and may be environmentally unsustainable. Dairy contains DPA, a direct precursor of DHA. I aim to identify DPA-rich dairy sources, produce a safe and inexpensive nutritional powder and validate its efficacy in an animal model and a human infant clinical trial. Based on research outcomes, thi ....A high level of the omega-3 fat DHA in the blood is related to good health and has benefits on neural development in breastfed infants. Infant formulas have been enriched with preformed DHA but are expensive and may be environmentally unsustainable. Dairy contains DPA, a direct precursor of DHA. I aim to identify DPA-rich dairy sources, produce a safe and inexpensive nutritional powder and validate its efficacy in an animal model and a human infant clinical trial. Based on research outcomes, this powder will be safe and inexpensive and have the potential to be marketed as a Infant Formula Supplement.Read moreRead less
Clinical Feasibility Study Of Omega-3 PUFA Therapy For The Reduction Of Post-cardiac Surgery Atrial Arrhythmias
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$442,092.00
Summary
The aim of this study is to determine the molecular and clinical impact of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) pre-treatment 2 weeks before cardiac surgery in 150 patients. The outcome of this proposal will indicate proof of molecular concepts, clinical feasibility and specific design elements of a future, large scale, placebo controlled, prospective randomised trial of oral therapy with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Recently, omega-3 PUFA via fish diet was reported to be li ....The aim of this study is to determine the molecular and clinical impact of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) pre-treatment 2 weeks before cardiac surgery in 150 patients. The outcome of this proposal will indicate proof of molecular concepts, clinical feasibility and specific design elements of a future, large scale, placebo controlled, prospective randomised trial of oral therapy with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Recently, omega-3 PUFA via fish diet was reported to be linked to low incidence of AF. The main aim is to provide a cheap and safe preventative therapy against post-operative atrial fibrillation (AF), a key heart rhythm disorder that occurs in at least 1 in 4 patients after heart surgery and increases post-operative complications, limits recovery and increases hospital stay and cost. Biochemical study elements are important to gain valuable insight into the molecular mechanisms (directly in human heart) that underlie post-operative heart rhythm disorder and may delineate new more precise molecular targets for therapy. No previous clinical study has ever examined whether omega-3 PUFA therapy prevents post-operative heart rhythm disorder. Use of 3g-day omega-3 PUFA pre-treatment in the surgical setting has been shown to be safe in a number of small studies, including our own. Our preliminary data indicates that therapy increases heart and blood content of omega-3 PUFA ~2-fold, and reduces the incidence of AF. Post-operative AF is an expensive resource burden in all cardiothoracic surgery units of Australian hospitals and targets key health priorities. Due to the non-patentable nature of omega-3 PUFA, significant industry based support for clinical research is limited. A positive outcome would rapidly pave the way for widespread use in elective surgery. Reduced length of hospital stay, cost-savings, and the increase in productivity as healthy individuals return to their communities would nationally repay the investment many fold.Read moreRead less