Cellular Localisation Of Mineralocorticoid Receptor-mediated Vascular Inflammation And Cardiac Fibrosis.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$476,264.00
Summary
Cardiovascular disease is a major health and economic burden throughout the world, especially in developed countries and is the leading cause of death and disability in Australia, claiming the lives of over 50,000 Australians each year. Heart failure accounts for many of these deaths and the incidence continues to increase. Two recent large scale clinical trials have shown a 30-35% improvement in patient outcome when a blocker for the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) is included in current best p ....Cardiovascular disease is a major health and economic burden throughout the world, especially in developed countries and is the leading cause of death and disability in Australia, claiming the lives of over 50,000 Australians each year. Heart failure accounts for many of these deaths and the incidence continues to increase. Two recent large scale clinical trials have shown a 30-35% improvement in patient outcome when a blocker for the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) is included in current best practice therapy for either heart failure or after a heart attack. The mechanisms underlying these benefits remain to be identified. We have shown that the hormone aldosterone and its receptor, the MR, not only play an important role in the development of high blood pressure but also the progression of cardiac disease. Our most recent studies have shown that blocking the MR not only prevents cardiac fibrosis and vascular damage, but also reverses this process. To understand the mechanisms that translate MR signalling into blood vessel damage and cardiac fibrosis we wish to use mice who have the MR gene inactivated in specific cells only. In this way we can identify those cells critical to the disease process and focus our investigations to these cell types. Understanding the cell specific regulatory mechanisms for the MR may enable the development of heart-specfic blockers of the MR that have minimal, if any side effects.Read moreRead less
Characterisation Of CFAE Wavefront Propogation In Human Persistent AF
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$418,612.00
Summary
Atrial fibrillation can be eliminated by a relatively new treatment called catheter ablation, which involves modification of the electrical properties of the heart using thin wires (catheters) passed up from the leg. Targeting areas where catheters record abnormal electrical activity improves results of catheter ablation, although it is uncertain what these recordings represent. The aim of this study is to characterize these abnormal electrical signals in an attempt to improve ablation outcomes.
Restoring Microcirculatory Perfusion In ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction: The RESTORE MI Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,274,537.00
Summary
Current heart attack treatments have focussed on re-opening the blocked coronary artery but despite this, many patients still suffer significant heart damage because of inadequate blood flow to the heart muscle due to damage to the small blood vessels - the microcirculation. This study seeks to identify heart attack patients with damage to the microcirculation and will conduct a randomised trial of clot busting medications to reduce microcirculation damage and to improve heart function.
Examination Of A Novel Pathway For Artery Weakening
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$698,300.00
Summary
Approximately 5% of men and 1% of women aged over 60 years develop weakening of the main abdominal artery. Currently the management of artery weakening is focused on surgery with no effective medications available. In this study we will assess the role of a novel pathway in artery weakening. Improved understanding of the mechanisms causing artery degeneration is crucial to target the development of better ways to treat this common problem.
Quantifying The Burden Of Atrial Fibrillation: Impact Of Existing And New Treatments And The Potential For Prevention
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$398,395.00
Summary
Atrial fibrillation (AF) causes considerable morbidity and burden to the Australian economy. We will quantify the prevalent burden and costs of hospitalised AF, ascertain the risk of major events associated with AF and the impact of existing treatments, and determine the population-attributable risk for AF due to emerging risk factors. Our data will inform clinicians and health policy makers regarding the most effective allocation of expensive health care resources to minimise the burden of AF.
Blocking The Factor XII- Kallikrein Pathway To Limit Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$686,995.00
Summary
Artery weakening is present in 2-5% of older adults and is an important cause of sudden death. The investigators have generated substantial preliminary data from a previous NHMRC project implicating the contact pathway in the process of artery weakening. In the current project the investigators will examine the ability of agents which are currently available or being developed for patient use in limiting the process of artery degeneration using established pre-clinical models.
The Role Of The Clotting Cascade In Aortic Aneurysm And Associated Cardiovascular Events
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$651,173.00
Summary
Weakening of the main abdominal artery is responsible for approximately 1000 deaths/ year in Australia. Most weakened arteries are identified at an early stage but there is no current therapy which limits the progression of artery weakening. There is also no model which predicts the complications associated with weakened arteries. In the current project we propose the importance of clot in progression and complications of weakened arteries. We will undertake studies to identify new therapies and ....Weakening of the main abdominal artery is responsible for approximately 1000 deaths/ year in Australia. Most weakened arteries are identified at an early stage but there is no current therapy which limits the progression of artery weakening. There is also no model which predicts the complications associated with weakened arteries. In the current project we propose the importance of clot in progression and complications of weakened arteries. We will undertake studies to identify new therapies and a predictive model for weakened arteries.Read moreRead less
A Trial To Assess A New Therapy For Artery Weakening
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,105,894.00
Summary
Approximately 5% of men and 1% of women aged over 60 years develop weakening of the main abdominal artery. Currently the management of artery weakening is focused on surgery with no effective medications available. In this trial we will examine the value of a promising drug therapy. If proved effective this medication could reduce the requirement for surgery by controlling artery weakening at an early stage in its development.
Substrate Mapping And Ablation Of Ventricular Tachycardia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$444,129.00
Summary
Sudden death is a tragic occurrence and can afflict Australians of all ages, racial and ethnic backgrounds. This research will aim to understand abnormalities in the heart muscle that cause dangerous heart rhythm abnormalities, which is the most common cause of sudden death. We will study ways to improve the technology of keyhole cardiac procedures so that it can be used to prevent these arrhythmias from occurring in the first place, and in improving the chance of long-term successful cure.
Control Of Cardiac And Skeletal Contractility By Luminal Calcium Store Load In Health And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$415,138.00
Summary
Disorders affecting skeletal muscle and the heart can have life threatening effects and lead to impaired mobility and sudden cardiac death. This project will uncover the mechanisms of disorders which lead to skeletal muscle fatigue, chemotherapy induced toxicity in the heart and heart failure. Understanding these mechanisms may lead to successful gene therapy treatment and to the design of a new range of drug therapies to treat these devastating disorders.