The Role Of Th1 Immune Responses & Inflammatory Cytokines On Cardiovascular Disease & Arterial Function In End-Stage Renal Disease & Their Response To Different Dialysis Modality
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$48,787.00
Summary
The immune system and inflammatory molecules are important factors in cardiovascular disease in the general population. These inflammatory molecules are also present in patients with end-stage kidney disease, a condition in which cardiovascular disease is excessively prevalent and the leading cause of death. We aim to use laboratory, animal and clinical studies to demonstrate the role of inflammation in cardiovascular disease in patients with kidney failure, and their response to dialysis.
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.
Vascular Risk Factors For Incident Dementia And Brain Ageing
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$395,389.00
Summary
Dementia is a debilitating disease associated with the progressive loss of brain volume, cognitive ability and independence. The proposed study aims to define vascular factors associated with the risk of dementia in a large cohort of adults from the Framingham Heart Study, USA. As vascular risk factors can be lowered with already available interventions, it is hoped that results may lead to improved primary prevention guidelines, ultimately reducing the global burden of dementia.
Chronotherapy Of Hypertension In Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$232,738.00
Summary
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is linked with excess cardiovascular disease, and this is partly attributed to increased high blood pressure (hypertension). Understanding how both conditions exacerbate hypertension and whether blood pressure control can be improved by altering the time that medication is taken will lead to improvements in health.
Cardiometabolic Changes After Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Treatment For Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$82,421.00
Summary
CPAP is the preferred treatment for patients with OSA because of its well-proven ability to decrease sleepiness and improve blood pressure control. This study will definitively establish if CPAP can also improve markers of cardio-metabolic health, such as visceral fat, insulin sensitivity, central blood pressure and arterial stiffness. The results of the study will shed light on the broader health consequences of OSA and contributes to the development of more targeted treatment strategies.
Metabolic And Neurobiological Changes After Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Treatment For Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$503,497.00
Summary
CPAP is the preferred treatment for patients with OSA because of its well-proven ability to decrease sleepiness and improve blood pressure control. This study will definitively establish if CPAP can also improve markers of cardio-metabolic health, such as visceral fat, insulin sensitivity, central blood pressure and arterial stiffness. The results of the study will shed light on the broader health consequences of OSA and contribute to the development of more targeted treatment strategies.
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.
Chronotherapy For Hypertension In Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$253,229.00
Summary
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a common cause of hypertension, however treatment of OSA only results in a modest improvement in blood pressure (BP) and patients who are unable to tolerate treatment must rely on pharmacotherapy to control their BP. This study will definitively establish if altering the time of taking medication can improve BP control over 24 hours. The results will conribute to the development of more targeted treatment strategies for hypertension in people with OSA.