Role Of Chromatin Remodelling In Diabetic Renal And Vascular Complications: In Vivo Studies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$474,618.00
Summary
Even after diabetics return to improved blood glucose levels after a period of poor blood glucose control, the kidney and blood vessel complications progress. The cause of this metabolic memory remains unexplained. This proposal focuses on sustained changes as a result of prior glucose levels in proteins called histones that are part of the wrapping of DNA. Using a new technique called carrier ChIP we will study histone modifications in the blood vessels and kidneys in diabetes.
The Role Of The Cytoplasmic Domain Of Tissue Factor In Maintenance Of The Glomerular Filtration Barrier.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$487,066.00
Summary
This research aims to understand mechanisms of normal kidney function and the development of chronic kidney damage associated with diseases such as nephritis and diabetes. These diseases represent a significant burden of illness in Australia.
A Randomised Controlled Trial Of High Dose Folic Acid To Slow The Progression Of Atheroma In Renal Failure (194246)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$326,980.00
Summary
The Atherosclerosis and Folic Acid Supplementation Trial (ASFAST) is examining the effect of high dose folic acid supplementation on the development of desease of the heart and blood vessels in people with kidney failure. Subjects in the study take 15mg folic acid daily or a dummy tablet for 3 to 5 years. Folic acid is known to reduce the levels of a substance called homocysteine which is elevated in people with kidney disease. Homocysteine has been associated with disease of the heart and blood ....The Atherosclerosis and Folic Acid Supplementation Trial (ASFAST) is examining the effect of high dose folic acid supplementation on the development of desease of the heart and blood vessels in people with kidney failure. Subjects in the study take 15mg folic acid daily or a dummy tablet for 3 to 5 years. Folic acid is known to reduce the levels of a substance called homocysteine which is elevated in people with kidney disease. Homocysteine has been associated with disease of the heart and blood vessels and these diseases occur very commonly in people who also have kidney failure. I t is hoped that by using folic acid to reduce the levels of homocysteine, we can reduced the amounbt of heart and blood vessel disease in people with kidney failure.Read moreRead less
RCT Of Aspirin And Fish Oil For The Prevention Of Thrombosis In Arterio-venous Fistulae For Dialysis Access
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,869,190.00
Summary
This randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial aims to determine whether the anti-platelet agents aspirin and fish oil, either alone or in combination, will effectively reduce the risk of early thrombosis (blood clots) in arterio-venous fistulae (AVF) that are used for accessing the circulatory system in dialysis. The trial is to be conducted by the Australasian Kidney Trials Network (AKTN). 1200 patients requiring haemodialysis who are scheduled to undergo creation of an AVF and are not cur ....This randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial aims to determine whether the anti-platelet agents aspirin and fish oil, either alone or in combination, will effectively reduce the risk of early thrombosis (blood clots) in arterio-venous fistulae (AVF) that are used for accessing the circulatory system in dialysis. The trial is to be conducted by the Australasian Kidney Trials Network (AKTN). 1200 patients requiring haemodialysis who are scheduled to undergo creation of an AVF and are not currently taking anti-platelet agents will be recruited over 3 years. AVF is the accepted standard for haemodialysis patients because it utilises the patient's own artery and vein to allow repeated access to the vascular system with a minimal risk of complications. Failure of the AVF means the use of inferior permanent venous catheters or arterio-venous artificial grafts. These devices are more costly to insert, and have an increased risk of failure due to infection and thrombosis. Reducing this rate of failure by simple, cheap and readily available interventions has the potential to reduce these problems. Aspirin has been chosen because of its well-established anti-thrombosis effects. Fish oil has a number of biological effects which make it an attractive agent for the prevention of vascular access thrombosis. Study treatment will be aspirin 100 mg per day or matching placebo, and fish oil 4 gm daily or matching placebo, both commencing on the day prior to surgery and continued for 3 months. If the trial demonstrates a positive effect of either or both agents, this will lead to a reduction in thromboses, quicker time to working dialysis access, and less need for surgery.Read moreRead less
The Role Of Tissue Factor In Renal Ischaemia-Reperfusion Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$268,500.00
Summary
Reestablishment of blood flow to an organ (reperfusion) following temporary cessation or obstruction is essential for survival and recovery of the organ. However while essential for organ survival reperfusion results in damage to the organ in a number of cases, including heart, brain, kidney, and gastrointestinal tract, with important implications for patient morbidity and mortality. In the kidney lack of blood flow can result in acute kidney failure that is a costly condition to manage often re ....Reestablishment of blood flow to an organ (reperfusion) following temporary cessation or obstruction is essential for survival and recovery of the organ. However while essential for organ survival reperfusion results in damage to the organ in a number of cases, including heart, brain, kidney, and gastrointestinal tract, with important implications for patient morbidity and mortality. In the kidney lack of blood flow can result in acute kidney failure that is a costly condition to manage often requiring admission to an intensive care unit and is still associated with a significant risk of death. Reperfusion injury that occurs during renal transplantation is currently thought to be an important contributor to delayed establishment of kidney function following transplantation that in turn may increase the incidence of acute and chronic rejection. The studies outlined in this proposal will investigate how molecules involved in the blood clotting system may contribute to the inflammatory response that occurs upon reperfusion of the kidney following prior obstruction of blood flow. We will study a mouse model of kidney reperfusion injury and using genetically modified mice determine the role of various blood clotting-related proteins in subsequent inflammation and organ damage. The approach to be employed will provide a powerful method to determine the role of various molecules and pathways in contributing to kidney damage after reperfusion injury. Interventions that may reduce the incidence or severity of renal damage following kidney reperfusion injury have the potential to be of major benefit to patients and to reduce health care costs.Read moreRead less