Assessment Of The Mechanisms Involved And Severity Of Arterial Disease In Insulin Resistant States
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$64,631.00
Summary
Type 2 Diabetes is a major risk factor towards atherosclerosis or blood vessel narrowing. This can lead to vascular complications such as heart attacks, strokes and amputations. This research aim to examine the relationship between some of the mechanisms and their contribution towards vascular disease in the progression from normal health, through insulin resistance to diabetes. This understanding will provide diagnostic tools and treatment targets for diabetic vascular disease.
Novel Therapeutic Interventions To Increase Blood Flow To Skeletal Muscle
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$360,750.00
Summary
Over the past decade it has become clear that the cytokine interleukin (IL)-6 is produced in and released from tissues such as fat and muscle to mediate metabolic processes. In this respect, it acts in a hormone like manner. During this period it has also become apparent that the hormone insulin increases blood flow to skeletal muscle. There is emerging evidence that IL-6 plays a role, not only in metabolic and signalling processes within skeletal muscle, but also in blood flow. This project wil ....Over the past decade it has become clear that the cytokine interleukin (IL)-6 is produced in and released from tissues such as fat and muscle to mediate metabolic processes. In this respect, it acts in a hormone like manner. During this period it has also become apparent that the hormone insulin increases blood flow to skeletal muscle. There is emerging evidence that IL-6 plays a role, not only in metabolic and signalling processes within skeletal muscle, but also in blood flow. This project will determine whether the cytokine IL-6 is a viable therapeutic target in the treatment of blood flow disorders in patients with type 2 diabetes. This has major ramifications since type 2 diabetes has reached pandemic levels in Australia and is estimated to cost the community approximately 800 million dollars per year.Read moreRead less
Characterisation Of MiRNAs That Regulate Vascular Leakage.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$167,493.00
Summary
Vascular permeability or leak is a major problem in diseases such as cancer and in cardiovascular diseases . MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small control genes that influence dveleopment and disease. We have identified a miRNA cluster in endothelial cells, the cells that line the blood vessels, that is important in the control of vascular leak. This project is focused on understanding the impact of these miRNAs in disease.