Development of natural herbal medicines for managing metabolic syndrome in order to prevent type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes affects almost 7% of Australia~{!/~}s population. Its incidence continues to grow, as indicated by high rates of metabolic syndrome, a pre-stage of type 2 diabetes. Using novel and bio-molecular techniques, we will evaluate the effects and mechanisms of three natural compounds from anti-diabetic Chinese herbs on cellular and rodent models with metabolic syndrome. This stud ....Development of natural herbal medicines for managing metabolic syndrome in order to prevent type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes affects almost 7% of Australia~{!/~}s population. Its incidence continues to grow, as indicated by high rates of metabolic syndrome, a pre-stage of type 2 diabetes. Using novel and bio-molecular techniques, we will evaluate the effects and mechanisms of three natural compounds from anti-diabetic Chinese herbs on cellular and rodent models with metabolic syndrome. This study will provide scientific evidence as to how and why herbal compounds improve insulin resistance and abnormalities in glucose and lipids metabolism. The outcome of this project will support the development of natural products to manage metabolic syndrome and prevent type 2 diabetes.
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Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0989920
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$750,000.00
Summary
Microbial and Cellular Imaging and Analysis Facility. The Microbial and Cellular Imaging and Analysis Facility will rapidly establish itself as one of Australia's premier science facilities. It will provide the capacity to investigate the structure and molecular dynamics of viruses and microbial, human, animal and plant cells with unprecedented high resolution in both pure and applied research settings, guided by Australia's leading experts in many research strengths. This facility addresses a c ....Microbial and Cellular Imaging and Analysis Facility. The Microbial and Cellular Imaging and Analysis Facility will rapidly establish itself as one of Australia's premier science facilities. It will provide the capacity to investigate the structure and molecular dynamics of viruses and microbial, human, animal and plant cells with unprecedented high resolution in both pure and applied research settings, guided by Australia's leading experts in many research strengths. This facility addresses a current unmet need for scientists in this country and will provide cutting-edge technologies to Australian researchers so they can better detect, understand, and treat human, animal and plant diseases and the environmental impact of climate change.Read moreRead less
The role of SGK-1 and SGK-2 in hypertension and nephropathy in diabetes mellitus. The key objective is to define the suitability of the serum glucocorticoid regulated kinases -1 and -2 (SGK-1, -2) as novel drug discovery targets. A specific inhibitor targeting SGK-1 and -2 will be tested to determine if it reverses the enhanced sodium reabsorption and extracellular matrix production characteristic of progressive renal failure in in vitro models models of renal disease. These inhibitors present a ....The role of SGK-1 and SGK-2 in hypertension and nephropathy in diabetes mellitus. The key objective is to define the suitability of the serum glucocorticoid regulated kinases -1 and -2 (SGK-1, -2) as novel drug discovery targets. A specific inhibitor targeting SGK-1 and -2 will be tested to determine if it reverses the enhanced sodium reabsorption and extracellular matrix production characteristic of progressive renal failure in in vitro models models of renal disease. These inhibitors present an opportunity to control hypertension whilst simultaneously limiting fibrosis in the kidney. Renal failure is steadily increasing and is now the single largest health care cost to the community. These studies will provide the proof of concept required to ultimately bring this novel preventative therapy to the community.Read moreRead less
Individual Nutrition Therapy And Exercise Regime: A Controlled Trial Of Injured, Vulnerable Elderly (INTERACTIVE Trial).
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$572,542.00
Summary
Hip fractures are a common and growing problem for older Australians. Unfortunately recovery is incomplete in most people. In this study two factors believed to be important for recovery will be investigated - exercise and nutrition. After a hip fracture the ability to walk is severely compromised, as are appetite and dietary intake. These factors are likely to contribute to the loss of muscle mass and strength frequently observed amongst this patient group. There is considerable evidence to sug ....Hip fractures are a common and growing problem for older Australians. Unfortunately recovery is incomplete in most people. In this study two factors believed to be important for recovery will be investigated - exercise and nutrition. After a hip fracture the ability to walk is severely compromised, as are appetite and dietary intake. These factors are likely to contribute to the loss of muscle mass and strength frequently observed amongst this patient group. There is considerable evidence to suggest that this loss has serious consequences in terms of ability to return to pre-injury levels of function, restriction in independence and ultimately transfer into a hostel or nursing home. Given these facts it makes sense that an exercise program incorporating strength and functional activities, and a nutrition program aimed at achieving nutritional requirements, will improve ability to walk, but there is no conclusive evidence that this is so. Only a small number of studies have tested whether an exercise program improves recovery after a hip fracture and these have mostly commenced weeks or months after the injury when it is likely that there has been irreversible decline in muscle mass and strength. In contrast, most of the nutrition studies commence soon after the injury but provide protein and calories insufficient to meet requirements, provide supplements that patients find difficult to drink or provide the supplements for only a short duration. This study will use the best quality research methods to test whether providing a 6-month individualised exercise and nutrition program to hip fracture patients soon after injury improves walking and other important health outcomes. Patients will be followed for 12 months to determine what difference the exercise and nutrition programs make. If they help then health services will have the evidence they need to recommend this type of program to the growing number of older Australians that suffer a hip fracture.Read moreRead less
Client Centred Palliative Rehabilitation: An Evaluation Of Its Efficacy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$90,570.00
Summary
�I don�t want to sit here waiting to die�. Many people towards end of life want their palliative care to continue to be rehabilitative as well as supportive, yet no study to formally evaluate the effectiveness of a patient-centred palliative rehabilitation program has been conducted in Australia. This study aims to identify patient and carer-centred rehabilitation goals such as independence in self care, and develop, trial and evaluate a rehabilitation program to address these goals. The program ....�I don�t want to sit here waiting to die�. Many people towards end of life want their palliative care to continue to be rehabilitative as well as supportive, yet no study to formally evaluate the effectiveness of a patient-centred palliative rehabilitation program has been conducted in Australia. This study aims to identify patient and carer-centred rehabilitation goals such as independence in self care, and develop, trial and evaluate a rehabilitation program to address these goals. The program would be transfer stage conditions such as cancer, cardiac or renal failure.Read moreRead less
Participation following traumatic brain injury in rural, regional and remote areas. The results of this project will lead to improved rehabilitation programs and better outcomes for people with brain injury, especially in regional, rural and remote areas, by targeting the ultimate goal more directly: participation - getting people back into their home, work and community roles. Participation is associated with improved social networks, wellbeing, independence and quality of life, so health care ....Participation following traumatic brain injury in rural, regional and remote areas. The results of this project will lead to improved rehabilitation programs and better outcomes for people with brain injury, especially in regional, rural and remote areas, by targeting the ultimate goal more directly: participation - getting people back into their home, work and community roles. Participation is associated with improved social networks, wellbeing, independence and quality of life, so health care burdens and costs are reduced, and people can lead more productive lives. The project's emphasis on country areas will benefit rural health care, and also help specialist metropolitan brain injury services to understand the specific rehabilitation issues facing people from the bush.Read moreRead less
Gene therapy to enhance auditory prosthesis performance for cochlear implants. The cochlear implant is the most effective neural prosthesis, restoring hearing to the deaf. The research aims to develop a new type of implant compatible with delivery of therapeutic genes to the cells lining the cochlea. Gene therapy DNA constructs will be developed that will enhance neural survival and growth, improving cochlear implant performance. The research will provide advances in understanding how to tran ....Gene therapy to enhance auditory prosthesis performance for cochlear implants. The cochlear implant is the most effective neural prosthesis, restoring hearing to the deaf. The research aims to develop a new type of implant compatible with delivery of therapeutic genes to the cells lining the cochlea. Gene therapy DNA constructs will be developed that will enhance neural survival and growth, improving cochlear implant performance. The research will provide advances in understanding how to transfer genes into cochlear tissue, as well as development of gene cassettes for effective neural repair. The work will advance the field of bionics, an area where Australia is establishing international preeminence.Read moreRead less