Pharmacological Inhibition Of IRAP As A Novel Antifibrotic Strategy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,036,370.00
Summary
There are very few treatments that can reduce heart stiffening, called fibrosis, which is seen in patients with high blood pressure or in patients who have had a heart attack. This project will test new drugs that we have developed that act by a unique mechanism to reverse or prevent cardiovascular disease in patients with poorly-functioning hearts and blood vessels.
Are Novel Nitric Oxide Mimetics Protective In Vascular Disease?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$634,044.00
Summary
Nitric oxide (NO) is a biologically active gas which controls blood flow and blood pressure. New drugs which mimic the effects of NO show promise in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. This study investigates the ability of NO mimetics to protect blood vessels in disease, by limiting the production of toxic molecules, improving blood flow and preventing blood clot formation. The information gained may lead to the development of new therapies for blood vessel diseases such as stroke.
Stroke is a devastating disease causing mortality and morbidity on a massive scale, and which still has no treatment besides a clot-buster that cannot be used in 90% of patients. This research should provide a better understanding of stroke pathology and identify new therapeutic directions. It will elucidate an unappreciated but crucial role of specific immune cells in brain injury after stroke, and hopefully lead to new ways to limit brain injury and promote recovery from stroke.
M2 Macrophage Polarization As A Cause Of Vascular Fibrosis And Stiffening In Hypertension
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$657,028.00
Summary
Blood vessel stiffening is a hallmark of hypertension (A.K.A. high blood pressure) and is thought to be a major contributor to the clinical complications of the condition, which include heart failure, stroke and renal impairment. Here we will test the novel concept that this stiffening process is caused by certain types of white blood cells (macrophages), which enter the walls of blood vessels and signal the surrounding cells to produce a rigid scaffolding protein called collagen.
Improving Endothelial Dysfunction In Diabetes-associated Vascular Diseases With Nrf2 Activators
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$340,039.00
Summary
Diabetic patients have a greater risk of developing cardiovascular diseases as compared to the general population. This is largely attributed to the impact the diabetic environment has on the endothelium (inner layer of the blood vessel). Indeed, clinical studies have shown that impaired endothelial function occurs prior to the development of cardiovascular diseases. Hence, we propose to study a novel way to improve endothelial function by limiting oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways.
Is Overactive Bladder A 'Bladder Itch'? Identification Of Itch Specific Pathways Within The Bladder
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$720,585.00
Summary
Overactive bladder is a leading cause of nocturia, urgency and incontinence. These symptoms arise from sensory nerve fibres in the bladder. We have identified key irritant mechanisms, including the bile acid receptor TGR5 and Mrgpr family, thought to only exist in the skin, also innervate the bladder. We hypothesis that the clinical entity overactive bladder, is triggered by pathological activation of bladder afferents by such irritants and that overactive bladder is essentially a bladder itch.
Therapeutic Approaches To Circumvent NO• Resistance In The Type 2 Diabetic Heart And Vasculature
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$563,337.00
Summary
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is Australia’s fastest growing chronic disease, affecting almost 2 million Australians (who face poor cardiovascular health outcomes). We have discovered an exciting new avenue that may potentially more effectively counteract heart and blood vessel disorders in T2D patients in an acute cardiovascular emergency, of substantial clinical importance.
Research Fellowship: Protection Of Myocardial Function In Health And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$631,010.00
Summary
Heart failure (HF) is a major cause of death in Australia. A/Prof Rebecca Ritchie heads Heart Failure Pharmacology at Baker IDI. Her research focuses on new drug strategies to maintain heart function in response to diabetes & heart attack, common precursors of HF. Many of the treatments discovered from this work are naturally-occurring antioxidants; enhancing their activity will ultimately reduce progression to HF & death in the >3 million Australians affected by these disorders.
Investigating A Novel Agent To Limit Brain Injury And Post-stroke Complications
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$412,429.00
Summary
Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, but treatment options remain limited. The goal of this research project will be to examine the potential of new agent to protect the brain against stroke and to also treat complications that typically occur after stroke including infection and weight loss. It is anticipated that this project will ultimately lead to the development of an effective stroke therapy.