The Role Of Central Haemodynamics In Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus-related Brain Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$899,704.00
Summary
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is associated with stiffening of major blood vessels which may allow the transmission of harmful pressure to the small vessels of the brain. This may in turn be responsible for damage to brain cells and a greater risk of dementia. This study will use state-of-the art techniques to test this theory. If true, it may open opportunities to reduce the risk of brain disease in diabetes by using therapies to reduce arterial stiffening.
Relaxin Therapy Reverses Large Artery Remodelling And Stiffening In Aged And Hypertensive Models
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$444,973.00
Summary
Hypertension and/or ageing result in morphological changes in large arteries with increased stiffness, which impacts negatively to cardiac function and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Currently there is no drug that can specifically and rapidly reverse the changes in large arteries. We will study a peptide hormone relaxin as a promising candidate drug in this setting. Our recent study strongly indicate the effectiveness of relaxin in softening stiffened large arteries.
Assessment Of The Efficacy Of A Brief Behaviour Intervention Designed To Improve Physical Activity In Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$691,206.00
Summary
The treatment options for patients with poor peripheral blood supply are currently limited. In particular there are limited means to help patients' to change poor health behaviours. This trial assesses the efficacy of a validated means to improve physical activity using motivational interviewing techniques in patients with poor peripheral blood supply.
Physiological Mechanisms Of Experimental Preeclampsia.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$471,862.00
Summary
Defining the sequence of abnormalities of immune system regulation and vascular reactivity would greatly enhance our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of preeclampsia (hypertension in pregnancy) and lead to opportunities for definitive treatment for the mother and baby other than by urgent delivery of the pregnancy. Results from this study may lead to tests in early pregnancy of the hypoxic environment such as cytokine imbalance.
IMPROVE-CKD Study: Impact Of A Phosphate Binder On Cardiovascular Disease In Chronic Kidney Disease.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,596,698.00
Summary
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant health problem and is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease. Vascular calcification and arterial stiffness (stiffening of the blood vessels and arteries) are very common in people with CKD, and are linked to increased death from CV events. This study aims to examine the ways in which treatment with a phosphate binder, Lanthanum Carbonate, may reduce vascular calcification and arterial stiffness to decrease CV events.
Vascular And Neurogenic Determinants Of Hypertension In Chronic Kidney Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$508,142.00
Summary
You are as old as your arteries, and people with kidney disease have arteries that age fast. They also have overactive sympathetic nerves, and it is not clear if the blood vessels or nerves are responsible for the high blood pressure that puts strain on the heart and other organs of these patients. We will use an animal model to determine if therapy for hypertension reduces the stiffness of blood vessels or elevated nerve activity. Our results will enable better treatments for kidney failure.
This project will investigate the factors that regulate the development and maintenance of a recently identified population of white blood cells called MAIT cells. MAIT cells are abundant in humans yet poorly understood. A better understanding of how these cells are regulated, and how they can be targeted in diseases, is necessary if we want to ultimately use these cells for immunotherapy.
Role Of Microvascular Flowmotion In Skeletal Muscle Glucose Metabolism
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$596,971.00
Summary
Obesity and type 2 diabetes are nationally and globally reaching epidemic rates. This project investigates the regulation of blood flow within muscle and its impact on metabolism. Outcomes from the study may lead to diagnostic tools and treatments for cardiovascular disease associated with obesity, hypertension and type 2 diabetes.
An Integrated Approach To Inotropic Support In Preterm Neonates
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$694,449.00
Summary
Poor cardiovascular function in preterm babies can lead to inadequate blood flow to the brain and brain injury. Current treatments to improve heart function are often ineffective. This study will examine the effects of treatment on different parts of the cardiovascular system, and how these effects interact. It will identify reasons for the lack of effectiveness and provide insight which will help to design better treatments for preterm babies.
Selective Isolation And In Vivo Properties Of Dopamine Neurons Generated From Embryonic Stem Cells.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$505,389.00
Summary
This research aims to develop a procedure that allows for the safe and effective use of stem cells as a therapy for Parkinson’s disease. It is based on the concept that new dopamine neurons, generated from stem cells, can be implanted into the brain of the patients in order to replace those lost to the disease, thereby improving motor function.