Maternal Gut Microbiome During Pregnancy Influences Offspring Atopy And Asthma.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$46,622.00
Summary
Allergic diseases such as food allergy and asthma have increased significantly as our exposure to bacteria has reduced. Many studies have explored exposure to bacteria in early life but few have examined the maternal bacteria we are exposed to while we develop in the womb. New studies indicate that we are exposed to many different components of our mothers gut bacteria and this might change our developing immune system and determine whether or not we get diseases like food allergy and asthma.
In Vivo Studies On Ventriculo-vascular Coupling And The Role Of Aortic Pressure Wave Morphology On Coronary Blood Flow
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$137,700.00
Summary
Heart disease is a leading cause of death and disability in Australia. Conditions resulting in reduced blood flow to the heart are particularly common and dangerous. Despite significant progress, we still do not understand exactly how changes in heart function and the aorta (the major artery arising from the heart) affect blood flow to the heart. This study will utilise sophisticated new techniques to look at the interactions between heart function, pressure in the aorta and coronary blood flow
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
Reference Values For Spirometry, Lung Volumes, Diffusing Capacity, And Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide In First Nations Australians
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$83,832.00
Summary
Reference values in lung function tests allow respiratory doctors to accurately interpret results in order to effectively diagnose, treat and manage respiratory disease. Currently, reference values do not exist for First Nations adults. I will recruit 600 healthy First Nations adults from communities in Queensland and the Northern Territory for several lung function tests. Data collected will be submitted to the Global Lung Function Initiative to be incorporated into future guidelines.
Vitamin D And Genetic Susceptibility In Multiple Sclerosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$122,714.00
Summary
Vitamin D3 levels appear to predict clinical status in multiple sclerosis. The reasons for this are unclear, but may be linked to the effect of the Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) on a subset of immune cells. This project aims to identify key genes which are regulated by this receptor, by using specific gene sequencing technologies combined with knowledge of the genes which confer risk of developing MS. This may help to identify the molecular pathways underlying MS and potential treatment strategies.
A Novel Approach To Cytokine Blockade For The Treatment Of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$137,700.00
Summary
Lupus is a disease of the immune system which can cause inflammation and damage to many organs and even death, often affecting young people in their prime of life. Current treatments are limited and often have undesirable side effects. Certain cells and molecules are thought to be responsible for causing lupus. This project will examine the effect of blocking one of these molecules as a means of treating lupus. It will also use gene and protein analysis of samples from lupus patients to see if r ....Lupus is a disease of the immune system which can cause inflammation and damage to many organs and even death, often affecting young people in their prime of life. Current treatments are limited and often have undesirable side effects. Certain cells and molecules are thought to be responsible for causing lupus. This project will examine the effect of blocking one of these molecules as a means of treating lupus. It will also use gene and protein analysis of samples from lupus patients to see if response to treatments can be predicted.Read moreRead less
Effects Of Replacement And Withdrawal Of Testosterone In Human Males On Muscle, Bone And Fat
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$156,682.00
Summary
Male sex hormone or androgen deficiency (AD) is a common, but under-diagnosed condition. AD decreases well being and contributes to muscle weakness, bone fragility and weight gain. Cutting edge technology will be used to help explain how AD may relate to these negative effects, particularly on muscle function. Given the importance of aging, frailty, osteoporosis and obesity, understanding the role of hormones in these conditions may have major implications for prevention and treatment.
CD300f As A Novel Therapeutic Antibody Target In Acute Myeloid Leukaemia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$89,926.00
Summary
This study aims to develop a new antibody therapy for Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML), the most common type of leukaemia in adults. We will study the function of CD300f, a new receptor found on the surface of both healthy blood cells and the cancer cells in AML. We will investigate whether blocking this receptor with a newly developed antibody can be used to kill cancer cells. It is hoped that this study will allow development of this antibody for use in a future clinical trial.
Cognitive And Psychosocial Functioning In Patients With Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$123,143.00
Summary
Children born extremely preterm are at risk of struggling at school and falling behind normal educational milestones, and having emotional problems such as anxiety. This study aims to see whether anxiety affects these children’s ability to learn and use new information. It will also determine whether an intervention targeting these thinking skills is less useful in children with higher levels of anxiety.