Knee osteoarthritis (OA) affects about 30% of Australians over the age of 65, but also at younger ages. It causes joint pain and stiffness, especially on exercise. The cause is unknown but it results in loss of joint cartilage. There are few treatments available to stop the progression, which can finally result in need for an artificial joint. Most treatments such as paracetamol and non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce pain but have no effect on cartilage. NSAIDs can have serious ....Knee osteoarthritis (OA) affects about 30% of Australians over the age of 65, but also at younger ages. It causes joint pain and stiffness, especially on exercise. The cause is unknown but it results in loss of joint cartilage. There are few treatments available to stop the progression, which can finally result in need for an artificial joint. Most treatments such as paracetamol and non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce pain but have no effect on cartilage. NSAIDs can have serious side effects such as stomach ulcers and increased cardiovascular events (such as heart attacks). Fish oil has possible benefits in OA as it decreases pain and inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA, another type of arthritis with joint inflammation and swelling), less use of NSAID in patients with RA, and in laboratory experiments may reduce cartilage breakdown in OA. It is likely that fish oil will have few side effects and decrease blood cholesterol. Many people with OA are already taking fish oil, however, there is no studies to know if it is effective in OA. The aim of this proposal is to study the effect of fish oil on pain and progression of knee OA, by doing a randomised clinical trial. Participants with knee OA will be given either high dose fish oil or similar oil with low levels of fish oil. The study will run for 2 years and during that time, we will measure pain and blood levels of fatty acids (part of the fish oil) and cholesterol. At the beginning and end of the study, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee, a knee xray, and bone density testing will be done. The outcomes of the study will be to determine if fish oil affects pain and function (measured by questionnaires) and progression of OA (measured by cartilage changes on MRI). If fish oil is shown to reduce pain and disability and cartilage loss in OA, it will provide Australians with OA an alternative treatment that is low in side effects with positive effects on cardiovascular disease.Read moreRead less
Strategies To Improve Vascular Access Outcomes In Haemodialysis Patients
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$102,345.00
Summary
This project explores strategies to improve vascular access outcomes in haemodialysis patients. It involves analysis of the FAVOURED (Fish oil and Aspirin in Vascular access OUtcomes in REnal Disease) trial, the largest randomized controlled trial investigating whether fish oil will reduce failure rates of newly created arteriovenous fistulae (a surgically created connection between artery and vein) and a systematic review and meta-analysis on fish oil to prevent vascular access failure.
The Impact Of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids On Cardiovascular Events In The Endstage Kidney Disease Dialysis Population
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,076,284.00
Summary
Patients with kidney failure who require dialysis are at high risk for cardiovascular (CV) disease. Small studies suggest fish oil supplementation may protect dialysis patients against CV events such as heart attacks and strokes. We will study the impact of fish oil supplementation on reducing CV events in dialysis patients. If proven beneficial, it represents an easily accessible and inexpensive novel therapy to improve the lifespan of dialysis patients.
A HEALTH PROMOTION PROGRAM INCORPORATING FISH FOR WITHDRAWAL OF ANTIHYPERTENSIVE DRUGS IN OVERWEIGHT, HYPERTENSIVES
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$616,996.00
Summary
Obesity is the major lifestyle factor predisposing to high blood pressure and abnormal blood fat levels. Weight reduction and omega-3 fatty acids from fish meals and fish oils have been shown independently to reduce blood pressure and improve blood fats in subjects with high blood pressure. We have previously shown that in treated hypertensive patients on a daily fish meal as part of a weight-reducing regimen, substantial blood pressure reduction was achieved over a 4 month period. We now aim to ....Obesity is the major lifestyle factor predisposing to high blood pressure and abnormal blood fat levels. Weight reduction and omega-3 fatty acids from fish meals and fish oils have been shown independently to reduce blood pressure and improve blood fats in subjects with high blood pressure. We have previously shown that in treated hypertensive patients on a daily fish meal as part of a weight-reducing regimen, substantial blood pressure reduction was achieved over a 4 month period. We now aim to assess in overweight, men and women, who are taking medication for high blood pressure, the effects of a health promotion program which focuses on improved dietary education and includes increased dietary omega-3 fatty acids from fish. The program will also incorporate increased physical activity, quitting smoking and moderation of alcohol consumption. The primary aim is to reduce blood pressure and enable antihypertensive therapy to be withdrawn. It is proposed the program improve blood fats, blood glucose and insulin, and components of the clotting system. The results should have important implications for public health given the high prevalence of hypertensive cardiovascular disease. 190 men and women, 40-70 years, who are receiving treatment for high blood pressure, will be recruited from the general community. Patients will be randomly allocated to either: 1) continue their usual diet and usual care, or 2) commence a health promotion program which includes information on improved dietary habits, increased physical activity, moderation in alcohol consumption, as well as quitting smoking. These subjects will be given an individual dietary program to reduce caloric intake and they will also be asked to include fish meals as part of their diet on at least 4 days of the week. Subjects in the usual care group (control group) will be provided with literature from the National Heart Foundation and will be offered weight control counselling at the end of the study.Read moreRead less
Postprandial Lipid Metabolism In Familial Hypercholersterolaemia: Mechanisms And Effects Of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Ethyl Esters
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$616,344.00
Summary
Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is the most common genetic condition known to cause premature coronary heart diseaseis (CHD). The increasd CHD risk in FH may be in part due to accumulation of fat in blood. Fish oil supplementation may be a new target, additional to standard best therapy, for reducing CHD risk in FH. Our results will add value to the science behind and clinical therapy for lipid disorders in FH, and will establish a key role for fish oils.