Developing A Sustainable Community Based Response To Asbestos-related Diseases In Aboriginal Communities
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$623,155.00
Summary
Asbestos-related disease in remote Aboriginal communities where asbestos mining has occurred over many decades is an under-recognised problem. In contrast to many occupationally-exposed groups, little is known or published on the burden of disease affecting these communities and health program responses based on good science are underdeveloped. This project will support two Aboriginal community-controlled primary health care services to: estimate the number of people affected in local communitie ....Asbestos-related disease in remote Aboriginal communities where asbestos mining has occurred over many decades is an under-recognised problem. In contrast to many occupationally-exposed groups, little is known or published on the burden of disease affecting these communities and health program responses based on good science are underdeveloped. This project will support two Aboriginal community-controlled primary health care services to: estimate the number of people affected in local communities; find the best way to diagnose and manage lung and asbestos disease and prevent complications; advocate for affected individuals, families and communities. Rather than the usual 'in-out' health survey, this research project will build the capacity of local communities and health service to implement and sustain holistic responses.Read moreRead less
Dust-related Disease In WA: Asbestos, Silica And Diesel Exposures, Lifestyle Factors And Genetic Predisposition.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$567,226.00
Summary
This multi-factorial project will extend the follow-up of 4 large, established groups of people who have experienced significant exposure to asbestos, silica or diesel, either through their jobs, or environmentally. Mesothelioma, lung cancer and prostate cancer are common among these groups. The study will provide important information on the effects of different levels of exposure to these three cancer-causing agents, as well as their effects on chronic respiratory diseases such as asbestosis, ....This multi-factorial project will extend the follow-up of 4 large, established groups of people who have experienced significant exposure to asbestos, silica or diesel, either through their jobs, or environmentally. Mesothelioma, lung cancer and prostate cancer are common among these groups. The study will provide important information on the effects of different levels of exposure to these three cancer-causing agents, as well as their effects on chronic respiratory diseases such as asbestosis, silicosis, asthma and tuberculosis. Ways in which these diseases may be prevented through the diet and other lifestyle habits (including smoking, alcohol consumption and exercise), will be closely examined. This study will also help to identify the genes which may place some people at a higher risk than others.Read moreRead less
HOUSE DUST MITES, BACTERIA AND ASTHMA: THE POTENTIAL MODULATORY ROLE OF GRAM-POSITIVE BACTERIAL PAMPS
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$518,210.00
Summary
Asthma continues to be a socio-economically important disease with an increasing prevalence. In this regard, allergy to the house dust mite appears to predispose children to the development of the disease although the reasons are unclear. Recently, we discovered and characterised a bacteriolytic enzyme which had previously only been described in pathogenic bacteria, particularly Mycobacteria. In an attempt to determine the origin of the lytic enzyme, we demonstrated that mites also contained a d ....Asthma continues to be a socio-economically important disease with an increasing prevalence. In this regard, allergy to the house dust mite appears to predispose children to the development of the disease although the reasons are unclear. Recently, we discovered and characterised a bacteriolytic enzyme which had previously only been described in pathogenic bacteria, particularly Mycobacteria. In an attempt to determine the origin of the lytic enzyme, we demonstrated that mites also contained a diverse array of Gram-positive bacteria in contrast to Gram-negative bacteria within their guts. Interestingly, the same spectrum of bacterial species were found in carpet and mattress dust from children with asthma. A variety of data suggest exposure to products from Gram-positive organisms may enhance allergic diseases including asthma. In contrast, exposure to products from Gram-negative bacteria is thought to be protective for asthma development. The reasons for the association between Gram-positive bacteria and asthma have not been explored in detail but one potential mechanism that will be explored in this application is the the role of the cell wall constituents which demarcate Gram-positive organisms from Gram-negative organisms as well as sectreted products. The underlying mechanisms involved are likely to reflect a differential ability of the two types of organisms to stimulate the release of divergent immunomodulatory cytokines from cells known to play a role in asthma such as epithelial cells, fibroblasts, T cells and dendritic cells. Data from such studies are likely to greatly increase our understanding of the development of asthma and, therefore, contibute to the development of new treatment modalities with consequent benefit to the community.Read moreRead less