Of Mice And Men: Assessing Dietary Proteins Role On Appetite Regulation, Obesity And Cardiovascular Risk
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$86,521.00
Summary
While the challenge of understanding and managing the global obesity epidemic is well recognised, the role that nutrition plays is more complex than at first glance. Dietary protein may be of central importance in managing weight and small changes in protein consumption may lead to large changes in energy intake and weight. We propose to look at the effects of dietary protein on appetite, its hormonal regulation, and on the risk of developing metabolic diseases such as diabetes.
I am an academic endocrinologist and clinician. I lead a large research program that investigates the links between hormones and diseases of ageing in women. Thus my research program addresses the contribution of changes in adrenal and ovarian steroids in
The Assessment And Treatment Of Cardiovascular Risk Factors,diabetes And Insulin Resistance In Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$304,047.00
Summary
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and Type II Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) are major health burdens in Australia. T2DM is increased and CVD may be increased in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition present in 10% of women and 30% of obese reproductive aged women. We aim to explore risk factors for CVD and T2DM in women with PCOS and to assess the effect of treatment strategies on metabolic and reproductive features in PCOS. This is crucial for reducing disease risk in this common condition.
Prediction Of Microvascular Complications In Type 1 Diabetes Using Novel Retinal Vascular Imaging Techniques
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$396,818.00
Summary
Children with type 1 diabetes face the risk of developing severe complications later in life involving their eyes (retinopathy), kidneys (nephropathy) and nerves (neuropathy). This study aims to determine if subtle, early changes seen in the retinal blood vessels, as measured from new computer imaging techniques, predict the subsequent development of these diabetes complications in children-adolescents with type 1 diabetes.
MALE OSTEOPOROSIS: A POPULATION-BASED STUDY IN GEELONG
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$432,645.00
Summary
Osteoporosis is a term used to indicate that bones have become thin and fragile. During the ageing process bone fragility increases and fractures occur more easily and more often. Fractures may also occur during normal daily activities, with fractures of the spine, forearm and hip being common. However, many other sites may fracture. This is a serious problem because fractures cause pain, disability and, sometimes, death. Although previously overshadowed by its effect in women, osteoporosis is i ....Osteoporosis is a term used to indicate that bones have become thin and fragile. During the ageing process bone fragility increases and fractures occur more easily and more often. Fractures may also occur during normal daily activities, with fractures of the spine, forearm and hip being common. However, many other sites may fracture. This is a serious problem because fractures cause pain, disability and, sometimes, death. Although previously overshadowed by its effect in women, osteoporosis is increasingly being recognised in men. In Australia, 39% of all fractures occur in men and prognosis for fracture in men is worse than in women. A consequence of increasing male longevity is that osteoporosis will affect a growing number of Australian men. It is anticipated that between 1996 and 2051, the number of men with fracture will double, with a 4-fold increase in the number of male hip fractures. Unless the problem of osteoporosis in men is addressed and effective interventions are implemented, the substantial health burden imposed by age-related fractures will continue to escalate. In this case-control study of fracture risk in men, men with fractures (cases) will be identified prospectively for 3 years from radiological reports. Controls will be selected concurrently, at random from electoral rolls. Anticipated number of cases and controls are 800 and 1400, respectively. Cases and controls will be characterised for risk factors for fracture: bone density and bone geometry will be measured, serum samples collected, and diet, lifestyle and medical history documented by questionnaire. The advantage of this type of data is that information from patients with fracture will be used to tell us about the risk of fracture in healthy, unaffected men and about the characteristics of the Australian male population at risk for fracture. The information can be used in decision making for the individual and in policy making for the whole population.Read moreRead less
Novel Approaches To Risk Stratification In Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$508,838.00
Summary
75% of the mortality in adults with Type 2 diabetes is due to a cardiac event. Early detection and treatment of cardiac disease is paramount in improving health outcomes. An echocardiogram is an accurate and non-invasive identification of cardiac dysfunction. We will assess the prognostic value of echocardiography and novel plasma markers in patients with diabetes. Our results may lead to new management and screening guidelines for heart disease in diabetes.
Investigating The Origin Of Obesity-induced Dyslipidaemia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$332,798.00
Summary
This project will investigate a possible mechanism to explain why it is that obese and diabetic individuals often have a typical type of abnormal fats in the blood particularly elevated triglycerides. If this theory is confirmed it may lead to new targets for improving abnormal lipids in these conditions.
Gene Variants In Adiponectin And Its Receptors As Risk Factors For Metabolic And Cardiovascular Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$534,107.00
Summary
Obesity has a major impact on the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS), type 2 diabetes (T2D), and cardiovascular disease (CVD). It is important to identify the molecular links between obesity and these conditions. Adiponectin, an adipocyte-specific hormone, is a likely molecular candidate because of its pleiotropic metabolic actions. We will investigate the role of adiponectin, the variants within its gene ADIPOQ, and that of its two receptors, in the development of MetS, T2D, and CVD.