The Beta-blocker To LOwer CArdiovascular Dialysis Events (BLOCADE) Feasibility Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$597,811.00
Summary
The BLOCADE Feasibility Study aims to find out what is needed for a study to see if the drug carvedilol reduces heart disease events in people who need kidney dialysis. Carvedilol is widely used to treat the types of heart disease that are common in people on dialysis but the nature of dialysis may lead to more side effects or to less benefit. A Feasibility Study must be done first to properly plan a large study of carvedilol in people on dialysis that answers this important question.
Insulin Regulated Aminopeptidase: A New Cardiovascular Target
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$672,650.00
Summary
Cardiovascular disease, leading to heart attack or stroke is the largest cause of death in Australia. We have evidence that inhibition of a newly described enzyme (IRAP) by angiotensin IV is protective in a model of atherosclerosis. Excitingly we have preliminary data indicating that mice deficient in IRAP have better vascular function therefore we will further investigate this as well as the effectiveness of newly developed IRAP inhibitors in preventing development of cardiovascular disease.
POISE-2: A Large, International, Placebo-controlled, Factorial Trial To Assess The Impact Of Clonidine And Aspirin In Patients Undergoing Noncardiac Surgery Who Are At Risk Of A Perioperative Cardiovascular Event
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,197,914.00
Summary
At least 5 million patients annually worldwide suffer a heart attack or die after noncardiac surgery. Despite the magnitude of this problem, there are no good treatments to prevent these complications. Previous studies suggest that the drugs clonidine and aspirin may minimize the risk of heart attack after surgery. The POISE-2 trial will study 10,000 patients having noncardiac surgery to determine if clonidine and aspirin improve outcomes. This trial will influence the treatment of patients havi ....At least 5 million patients annually worldwide suffer a heart attack or die after noncardiac surgery. Despite the magnitude of this problem, there are no good treatments to prevent these complications. Previous studies suggest that the drugs clonidine and aspirin may minimize the risk of heart attack after surgery. The POISE-2 trial will study 10,000 patients having noncardiac surgery to determine if clonidine and aspirin improve outcomes. This trial will influence the treatment of patients having surgery around the world.Read moreRead less
INFLAMMASOMES AND INTERLEUKIN-18 SIGNALLING: NOVEL BIOMARKERS AND THERAPEUTIC TARGETS FOR KIDNEY DISEASE
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,003,340.00
Summary
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major health problem. There is no cure for CKD and current therapies merely slow its progression. Thus for many patients, dialysis or kidney transplant is an inevitable outcome. We have evidence that a protein called interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a key mediator of kidney damage in CKD. Here we will explore how IL-18 causes kidney damage and whether IL-18 may be used as a diagnostic for early detection of CKD, and a target for more effective therapies to treat CKD.
Mechanisms Underlying Increased Cardiac And Renal Noradrenaline Spillover During Heart Failure
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$492,681.00
Summary
Heart failure is associated with increased release of the neurotransmitter noradrenaline from sympathetic nerves to the heart and the kidney. The raised levels of this neurotransmitter in the heart and the kidney are harmful and lead to reduced survival in heart failure patients. This project will increase our understanding of the mechanisms that control noradrenaline release and may lead to better treatment paradigms to target the detrimental increase in release in heart failure.
Small Molecule Modulators Of Complement In Metabolism And Obesity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$682,820.00
Summary
We have discovered that certain inflammatory proteins in the blood that are produced in the immune response to infection are involved in regulating the storage and burn off of fat in adipose tissue in the abdomen. These proteins bind to the surfaces of both fat and immune cells. We will study the effects of new drugs that compete with these blood proteins for the surfaces of these cells, since our experiments indicate that such drugs can potentially prevent and reverse fat deposition in rats fed ....We have discovered that certain inflammatory proteins in the blood that are produced in the immune response to infection are involved in regulating the storage and burn off of fat in adipose tissue in the abdomen. These proteins bind to the surfaces of both fat and immune cells. We will study the effects of new drugs that compete with these blood proteins for the surfaces of these cells, since our experiments indicate that such drugs can potentially prevent and reverse fat deposition in rats fed a high-fat, high-carbohydrate, diet.Read moreRead less
Does Inhibition Of Myeloperoxidase Attenuate Atherosclerosis?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$572,659.00
Summary
This project examines whether inhibition of a protein that produces bleach and is part of the immune system inhibits the stiffening of arteries, i.e. the major cause of cardiovascular disease that leads to heart attack and stroke. The project uses a pharmacological approach, employing a new class of chemical compounds. If successful, the project will contribute to the establishing of a novel therapeutic target to combat cardiovascular disease.
A Novel Pathway For The Regulation Of Vascular Tone
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$596,550.00
Summary
The regulation of blood pressure is complex involving the nervous system, kidneys and local pathways that generate blood vessel relaxing and constricting factors. We recently discovered a novel local pathway that becomes induced during inflammation and generates a relaxing substance from the amino acid tryptophan. The present project will identify the active substance and characterize how it causes blood vessel relaxation and thus contributes to the regulation of blood pressure.
Pharmacology Of Potential Anti-Tumour Agents: Iron And Copper Chelators Of The ApT, BpT And DpT Classes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$647,137.00
Summary
Cancer cells take up more of the essential nutrients copper and iron than normal cells. Increased metabolism of these metals is linked to tumour growth progression. Our laboratory has developed compounds that bind these metals in tumours. Our studies suggest our novel compounds display a novel tumour targeting strategy which may explain their ability to also overcome drug resistance. This unique mechanism of action is crucial to understand for the development of novel anti-cancer agents.
Melanotransferrin: A “Missing Link” And A Novel Pharmacological Target For Treatment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$613,848.00
Summary
Despite >30 years of research, the precise function of the protein, melanotransferrin (MTf), is unknown. However, we have breakthrough evidence that MTf stimulates WNT signalling as a major driver in cancer progression. We will investigate this hypothesis, which will underpin new cancer therapies. Indeed, we designed a new class of drugs that target the WNT pathway via up-regulating the WNT inhibitor, NDRG1. This drug (DpC) inhibits MTf expression to block tumour cell growth and metastasis.