Hypertension And Oxidative Stress: Effects Of Antioxidants On Blood Pressure, Endothelial Function And Oxidative Stress
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$329,122.00
Summary
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the most common causes of mortality in Western countries. Hypertension (raised blood pressure) is a major risk factor for CVD, and growing evidence suggests that oxidative stress contributes to raised blood pressure. Oxidative stress occurs when the body's antioxidant defences cannot prevent damage caused by free radicals (oxidants). Free radical damage may lead to impairment of blood vessel function resulting in raised blood pressure. Therefore, we will te ....Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the most common causes of mortality in Western countries. Hypertension (raised blood pressure) is a major risk factor for CVD, and growing evidence suggests that oxidative stress contributes to raised blood pressure. Oxidative stress occurs when the body's antioxidant defences cannot prevent damage caused by free radicals (oxidants). Free radical damage may lead to impairment of blood vessel function resulting in raised blood pressure. Therefore, we will test the hypothesis that hypertension is associated with increased oxidative stress, and that dietary supplementation with water-soluble antioxidants will reduce oxidative stress, improve blood vessel function and lower blood pressure in hypertensives subjects with higher risk of CVD. To date, there is little direct evidence demonstrating that hypertension per se is associated with increased oxidative stress. Therefore, we will undertake a comparison where oxidative stress status will be assessed and compared in hypertensive subjects with and without other risk factors for cardiovascular disease and in normal healthy subjects. If oxidative stress were contributing to high blood pressure then dietary antioxidants would be expected to lower blood pressure in subjects with hypertension. Reduced oxidative stress and improved blood vessel function would also be expected with antioxidant supplementation. Results of population and intervention studies in humans suggest that vitamin C and other water-soluble antioxidants may reduce oxidative stress, improve blood vessel function and lower blood pressure. Therefore, we will study the effects of dietary supplementation with water-soluble antioxidants, including vitamin C and polyphenolic compounds (plant food-derived antioxidants) on these three main endpoints. We will also investigate whether the form in which the antioxidants are provided, tablets versus fruit juice drink, influences the effects observed.Read moreRead less
A Study Of The Relationship Between Vitamin D Status And The Severity And Outcomes Of Chronic Non-cholestatic Liver Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$133,351.00
Summary
Vitamin D deficiency is associated with common and severe conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disease and diabetes. Recent studies suggest that vitamin D deficiency also worsens the severity and prognosis of chronic liver disease and that vitamin D replacement may improve outcomes. This research will further investigate the relationship of vitamin D deficiency to liver disease caused by the common conditions hepatitis B and C and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and th ....Vitamin D deficiency is associated with common and severe conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disease and diabetes. Recent studies suggest that vitamin D deficiency also worsens the severity and prognosis of chronic liver disease and that vitamin D replacement may improve outcomes. This research will further investigate the relationship of vitamin D deficiency to liver disease caused by the common conditions hepatitis B and C and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and the impact of vitamin D replacement.Read moreRead less
Autocrine Vitamin D Metabolism, Activity And Bone Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$459,270.00
Summary
This project will provide the detailed understanding of the activities of vitamin D within the bone microenvironment and offers the exciting prospect of elucidating the mechanistic reasons for maintaining an adequate vitamin D status in relation to the prevention of osteoporotic hip fractures. Thus, this project has great potential to improve community health by being able to recommend vitamin D supplementation made on the basis of maintaining normal bone cell function.
Vitamin D And Genetic Susceptibility In Multiple Sclerosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$122,714.00
Summary
Vitamin D3 levels appear to predict clinical status in multiple sclerosis. The reasons for this are unclear, but may be linked to the effect of the Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) on a subset of immune cells. This project aims to identify key genes which are regulated by this receptor, by using specific gene sequencing technologies combined with knowledge of the genes which confer risk of developing MS. This may help to identify the molecular pathways underlying MS and potential treatment strategies.
The Regulation Of Vitamin D-Dependent Bone Metabolism
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$612,535.00
Summary
This project aims to establish the cellular basis for the importance of vitamin D in bone. This information is necessary to develop public health nutritional recommendations for improving in skeletal health and reducing the incidence of hip factures in the elderly. Furthermore our data have the potential to reveal novel activities of vitamin D that could eventuate as pharmacological targets.
Roles Of Vitamin D In Skeletal Muscle And Satellite Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$380,891.00
Summary
Vitamin D deficiency leads to muscle pain and weakness that are reversible with vitamin D supplementation. However, precise biological effects of vitamin D in skeletal muscle are unclear. In this fellowship, novel mouse models and innovative techniques will be used to examine vitamin D signalling pathways in whole muscle and muscle stem cells. Ultimately, the therapeutic potential of the vitamin D pathway in treatment of muscle disorders and age-related muscle wasting will be explored.