Vascular Endothelial Dysfunction In Prenatal Life Predisposes To Hypertension In Adult Life
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$190,007.00
Summary
An intact endothelial lining in the vascular system is important for the normal development and functioning of the cardiovascular system. Nitric oxide is a substance produced by the endothelium which acts on smooth muscle cells to cause relaxation. Recently, nitric oxide has been shown to play an important role in development of the cardiovascular system. This proposal aims to study the impact a dysfunctional endothelial lining, in particular a reduction in nitric oxide synthesis, has on develop ....An intact endothelial lining in the vascular system is important for the normal development and functioning of the cardiovascular system. Nitric oxide is a substance produced by the endothelium which acts on smooth muscle cells to cause relaxation. Recently, nitric oxide has been shown to play an important role in development of the cardiovascular system. This proposal aims to study the impact a dysfunctional endothelial lining, in particular a reduction in nitric oxide synthesis, has on development and control of the cardiovascular system. It is known that a reduction in nitric oxide synthesis, results in an increase in arterial blood pressure and an alteration in development of the smooth muscle cells of vessels. Studies in human populations have shown that individuals of low birth-weight, which is indicative of poor intrauterine development, are predisposed to developing cardiovascular diseases as adults. This study will investigate the impact reduced nitric oxide synthesis in the fetal period has on adult blood pressure. This study will investigate the mechanisms-factors which contribute to altered control and-or structure of heart and blood vessels in the fetus, newborn and adult after inhibition of the nitric oxide synthesis. The major outcomes of this proposal are that a disruption in nitric oxide synthesis during fetal life predisposes the individual to elevated blood pressure in adult life and an increased probability to becoming hypertensive if they are fatter or have a high salt intake.Read moreRead less
While we need to consume salt, too much can be harmful and is in fact directly linked to ~5% of deaths annually in Australia. We have identified a system in the brain that regulates salt intake. Going forwards we will fully elucidate the pathway(s) implicated in regulation of salt intake, thereby identifying strategies to reduce excessive salt consumption.
Role Of AMP-activated Protein Kinase In Salt Excretion And Hypertension
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$133,351.00
Summary
High blood pressure is a significant health problem and may result from the kidneys not being able to get rid of salt properly. The mechanisms underlying this are unclear. I will investigate the role of a kidney protein, called AMPK, in salt excretion in mice. I will also look at the effects that diabetes and obesity have on the function of this protein. The overall aim is to improve the understanding of what causes high blood pressure which will ultimately aid the development of new treatments ....High blood pressure is a significant health problem and may result from the kidneys not being able to get rid of salt properly. The mechanisms underlying this are unclear. I will investigate the role of a kidney protein, called AMPK, in salt excretion in mice. I will also look at the effects that diabetes and obesity have on the function of this protein. The overall aim is to improve the understanding of what causes high blood pressure which will ultimately aid the development of new treatments for it.Read moreRead less
Developing A National Salt Reduction Program For India
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$93,626.00
Summary
While the scientific evidence base providing the rationale for salt reduction in controlling hypertension is very strong, the data required to translate those scientific insights into policy and reduced population salt intake are mostly absent. Few countries, India included, have the data required to develop, implement and evaluate salt reduction programs tailored to their national circumstances. The overall goal of this 3-year project is to develop the evidence base required to formulate a nati ....While the scientific evidence base providing the rationale for salt reduction in controlling hypertension is very strong, the data required to translate those scientific insights into policy and reduced population salt intake are mostly absent. Few countries, India included, have the data required to develop, implement and evaluate salt reduction programs tailored to their national circumstances. The overall goal of this 3-year project is to develop the evidence base required to formulate a national salt reduction program for India.Read moreRead less
International Strategies To Reduce Population Salt Intake
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$428,065.00
Summary
Effective, sustainable and scalable strategies to reduce salt are needed so countries can achieve the global target to reduce salt by 30% by 2025. This research program will support the optimal development of such strategies through trials and intervention research projects, supplemented through a series of systematic reviews and feasibility and cost-effectiveness assessments. The main outcome will be new evidence on the effectiveness of different interventions to support translation globally.
Salt (sodium) is an essential electrolyte. Our convincing and complementary findings provide compelling evidence for a link between evolutionarily ancient “instincts” and substance abuse. This proposal is translational, including studies in opiate dependent humans. Our studies will establish how and where in the brain endogenous opioids are implicated in the gratification of salt appetite, how salt appetite is altered in opiate dependency and if salt appetite recovers following opiate withdrawal
VicHealth, is going to implement a 3-year ‘Salt Action Challenge’ with the goal of reducing the average salt consumption of Victorians by 1g by June 2018. This research will test whether this objective is achieved, identify which actions were most important and calculate the health gains achieved for Victoria.