Vagal Nerve Stimulation As A Novel Therapy In Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$88,502.00
Summary
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is common exerting a large personal and societal burden to the Australian population. Current medications used to treat IBD are expensive, have many side effects and at times require hospitalisation for their administration. We aim to develop the non invasive and inexpensive technique of vagal nerve stimulation as a novel treatment strategy for IBD.
Clinical And Microbiological Studies Of Faecal Microbiota Transplantation In Ulcerative Colitis - A Phase II, Multicentre, Randomised Double Blind, Exploratory Proof Of Concept, Placebo Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$140,949.00
Summary
Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the large bowel. It is the result of a dysfunctional immune system that inappropriately targets and damages the colon. There is increasing evidence that gut bacteria play a crucial role in UC, possibly by stimulating inappropriate activation of immune cells. We believe that by "transplanting" the faeces (and thus gut microbes) of healthy individuals into the colon of UC patients, we may change the bacterial make up and correct ....Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the large bowel. It is the result of a dysfunctional immune system that inappropriately targets and damages the colon. There is increasing evidence that gut bacteria play a crucial role in UC, possibly by stimulating inappropriate activation of immune cells. We believe that by "transplanting" the faeces (and thus gut microbes) of healthy individuals into the colon of UC patients, we may change the bacterial make up and correct the inappropriate immune system activation.Read moreRead less
Individualising Care For Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C: Predicting Side Effects And Treatment Response Using Genomic And Proteomic Approaches.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$55,575.00
Summary
Patients undergoing treatment for hepatitis C must endure a treatment characterized by unpredictable treatment side effects and uncertainty about the likelihood of cure. This project will investigate genetic predictors of treatment related side-effects and protein markers to predict treatment response. Better definition of the risks and benefits of therapy, may facilitate patients and clinicians to make more informed decisions about treatment, thus individualising treatment and potentially impro ....Patients undergoing treatment for hepatitis C must endure a treatment characterized by unpredictable treatment side effects and uncertainty about the likelihood of cure. This project will investigate genetic predictors of treatment related side-effects and protein markers to predict treatment response. Better definition of the risks and benefits of therapy, may facilitate patients and clinicians to make more informed decisions about treatment, thus individualising treatment and potentially improving the safety and efficacy of therapy.Read moreRead less
REMEDYING THE NEGLECT OF THE MOST COMMON COMPLICATION OF INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE: INTESTINAL STRICTURES.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$123,368.00
Summary
Inflammatory bowel disease is a significant cause of debility in the Australian community. Some patients develop narrowing of the bowel which can cause intestinal blockages and require surgery. My research in this area will identify predictors of severe disease, allowing doctors to individualise treatment plans for each patient. I will also work to determine the best model of medical treatment and investigate new techniques which have the potential to avoid surgery.
Discovering New Biomarkers In Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$122,714.00
Summary
Liver cancer is a leading cause of cancer death with increasing rates and a high mortality. The project will develop new methods to predict liver cancer risk and outcomes using circulating samples rather than invasive biopsies. Our data shows that tissue and cells shed specific blebs into the circulation and these can contain unique information about the tissue of origin. We propose a series of experiments to show that these circulating samples are able to predict risk and outcomes with liver
A Dietary Intervention For Sarcopenia In Cirrhosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$128,224.00
Summary
Patients with chronic liver failure, or cirrhosis, suffer many complications. Sarcopenia, the loss of muscle and muscle weakness, is one of these. It is associated with reduced survival. Patients with cirrhosis have low levels of branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) which are used as building blocks for protein and energy in muscle. We aim to explore how oral supplements of BCAAs might improve muscle in this population. If this improves muscle mass, we also expect it may improve other outcomes.
Appendicitis, Protection Again Colitis And The Role Of Colonic Regulatory T Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$67,381.00
Summary
The appendix has been regarded as a useless organ, however, there are evidence showing its removal reduces the risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease. We have shown that this may be due to altered intestinal immune regulation. The project plans to explore the mechanisms responsible for this altered immune regulation. With knowledge of specific elements of disease causation gained from these studies, more effective and targeted treatment options will become available.
Clinical And Microbiological Predictors Of Post-operative Crohn's Disease Recurrence
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$120,253.00
Summary
The multi-centre randomised controlled POCER (Post-Operative Crohn’s Disease Recurrence) trial has shown that following “curative” surgery, the anti-tumour necrosis factor drug adalimumab prevents recurrent disease in almost all patients. I will examine the multiple factors that contribute to disease recurrence including assessment of mucosal microbiota, faecal biomarkers and serological antibody markers in patients with Crohn's disease. Results will improve clinical outcomes and change internat ....The multi-centre randomised controlled POCER (Post-Operative Crohn’s Disease Recurrence) trial has shown that following “curative” surgery, the anti-tumour necrosis factor drug adalimumab prevents recurrent disease in almost all patients. I will examine the multiple factors that contribute to disease recurrence including assessment of mucosal microbiota, faecal biomarkers and serological antibody markers in patients with Crohn's disease. Results will improve clinical outcomes and change international practice.Read moreRead less
The Epidemiology And Burden Of Liver Disease In Australia With An Emphasis On Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$151,143.00
Summary
Non alcoholic fatty liver disease is now the commonest cause of abnormal liver function in Australia due to its close association with the obesity epidemic. It is likely to become the leading cause of liver failure and liver cancer over the next few decades. Despite this, the prevalence in Australian populations is unknown. The aim of this project is to assess how common this disorder is, the burden it places on the healthcare system and the effectiveness of treatment for liver cancer caused by ....Non alcoholic fatty liver disease is now the commonest cause of abnormal liver function in Australia due to its close association with the obesity epidemic. It is likely to become the leading cause of liver failure and liver cancer over the next few decades. Despite this, the prevalence in Australian populations is unknown. The aim of this project is to assess how common this disorder is, the burden it places on the healthcare system and the effectiveness of treatment for liver cancer caused by advanced non alcoholic fatty liver disease.Read moreRead less
Adipose Distribution, Hepatic Lipid Partitioning And Pathogenesis Of Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$133,601.00
Summary
The rising prevalence of obesity and diabetes has led to increase incidence of fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a form of liver damage that can result in cirrhosis and liver cancer. Currently, approximately 30% people store fat poorly, resulting in increased waist circumference and higher risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and NASH. Animal studies are now underway to determine the switch which turns “good fat” to “bad fat”, to identify ways of preventing diabet ....The rising prevalence of obesity and diabetes has led to increase incidence of fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a form of liver damage that can result in cirrhosis and liver cancer. Currently, approximately 30% people store fat poorly, resulting in increased waist circumference and higher risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and NASH. Animal studies are now underway to determine the switch which turns “good fat” to “bad fat”, to identify ways of preventing diabetes, NASH and other adverse outcomes of obesity.Read moreRead less