The Role Of Vasoactive Hormones In The Pathogenesis Of Hepatic Fibrosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$271,320.00
Summary
One of the most important consequences of chronic liver disease is the development of progressive liver fibrosis or scarring. This process is responsible for many of the life-threatening complications of liver disease, however, the mechanisms responsible are not completely understood and there are no established treatments. The aetiologies of cirrhosis, or scarring of the liver, are many and vary from viral hepatitis to inherited and autoimmune disorders. Regardless of the cause, it appears that ....One of the most important consequences of chronic liver disease is the development of progressive liver fibrosis or scarring. This process is responsible for many of the life-threatening complications of liver disease, however, the mechanisms responsible are not completely understood and there are no established treatments. The aetiologies of cirrhosis, or scarring of the liver, are many and vary from viral hepatitis to inherited and autoimmune disorders. Regardless of the cause, it appears that fibrosis develops down a common pathway leading to eventual cirrhosis. We will study the pathways that are thought to be involved in the stimulation of liver scarring, in particular, focusing on those that lead to its activation and perpetuation. It is hypothesised that these pathways will prove to be potential targets for the treatment and prevention of liver fibrosis.Read moreRead less
A Novel Approach To Streamlining The Diagnosis Of Primary Aldosteronism
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$269,463.00
Summary
This study will assess a new clinical test used to diagnose a potentially curable form of high blood pressure called primary aldosteronism (PA). If successful, the test will greatly streamline and simplify the diagnosis of this condition, with the potential for enormous cost savings and a markedly increased rate of diagnosis of patients with PA who can then benefit from optimal treatment and improved quality of life.
Determinants Of Tissue- And Ligand-Specific Responses At The Mineralocorticoid Receptor
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$668,485.00
Summary
The steroid hormone aldosterone controls salt balance and hence, blood pressure. It also has been shown to have a significant role in cardiac failure. Although drugs that block the aldosterone receptor are beneficial in the treatment of heart failure, they are limited by potassium retention in the kidney. In order to develop tissue-specific blockers of the aldosterone receptor, it is necessary to identify mechanisms by which the receptor can be activated and/or blocked in specific tissues.
Targeting Aldosterone Receptors In Cerebrovascular Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$857,712.00
Summary
Stroke represents a major health (accounting for 6% of all deaths) and economic (costs Australia $2.14 billion per year) burden on society, thus clearly more effective treatments are needed. This project will investigate the role of two substances produced in the body – angiotensin II and aldosterone – in stroke outcome, and whether targeting their receptor(s) may prevent poor outcomes following stroke.