Linkage And Association Analyses Of A Locus On Chromosome 4 That Contributes To Population Variation In HDL Cholesterol
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$372,562.00
Summary
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is also known as good cholesterol becuase it helps remove cholesterol from the body. Many studies have shown that the higher one's HDL cholesterol, the less likely is the development of hardening of the arteries and heart attack. The important questions are what controls HDL cholesterol levels and how could we make them higher? We know that lifestyle and genetics are important. Smoking and lack of exercise are known to reduce HDL cholesterol, while mode ....High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is also known as good cholesterol becuase it helps remove cholesterol from the body. Many studies have shown that the higher one's HDL cholesterol, the less likely is the development of hardening of the arteries and heart attack. The important questions are what controls HDL cholesterol levels and how could we make them higher? We know that lifestyle and genetics are important. Smoking and lack of exercise are known to reduce HDL cholesterol, while moderate alcohol intake increases HDL cholesterol. However, genetic factors are very important determinants, but have remained obscure. Through our recent discovery in the Victorian Family Heart Study (VFHS), we located a region on chromosome 4 that influences plasma level of HDL cholesterol. Further testing has confirmed and refined our genetic target - a gene somewhere in this region that controls HDL cholesterol levels. The next step is to find the culprit gene and the DNA sequences that explain why some people have high and others low HDL cholesterol levels. We have the advantage of a large and well characterised group of volunteers and the very latest molecular techniques to track down the gene. Few other groups internationally have our resources or are as advanced in their research. This study will have significant implications for the development of effective and targeted strategies for detection, prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.Read moreRead less
I am a translational, human physiologist which places me in a unique position to address important clinical questions. My current interests centre on: • Identification of novel predictors of unstable coronary heart disease • Novel treatment approaches in:
Novel Metabolic Actions Of HDL With Therapeutic Potential For Type 2 Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$559,471.00
Summary
Our proposal investigates a novel approach to treat type 2 (late onset) diabetes. We have identified an important link between HDL (good) cholesterol and glucose metabolism. The current proposal is to conduct studies in humans to determine whether therapies which increase HDL result in sustained reduction of blood glucose. Given the escalating global prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes, this work is potentially of great significance.
Novel Metabolic Actions Of HDL With Potential Therapeutic Implications For Type 2 Diabetes And The Metabolic Syndrome.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$349,683.00
Summary
There are currently in excess of 170 million patients diagnosed with type 2 (late onset) diabetes in the world and this figure is expected to double by 2030. Almost one in four Australians 25 years and over has either diabetes or a condition of impaired glucose metabolism. These conditions pose significant problems in terms of both individual suffering and economic burden. Poor diet, sedentary lifestyles with resultant weight gain and increased obesity rates underlie the escalating prevalence of ....There are currently in excess of 170 million patients diagnosed with type 2 (late onset) diabetes in the world and this figure is expected to double by 2030. Almost one in four Australians 25 years and over has either diabetes or a condition of impaired glucose metabolism. These conditions pose significant problems in terms of both individual suffering and economic burden. Poor diet, sedentary lifestyles with resultant weight gain and increased obesity rates underlie the escalating prevalence of type 2 diabetes. Our proposal investigates a novel approach to treat these conditions. We have identified an important link between HDL (good) cholesterol and glucose and fat metabolism in human muscle cells. We have shown that HDL increases glucose uptake into muscle cells. This process would be expected to remove glucose from blood vessels where it causes damage which ultimately contributes to heart attack and stroke. Furthermore, we have shown that HDL increases the amount of fat the body uses. HDL may therefore not only remove damaging fat from blood vessels, but also help to reduce body weight. Our study seeks to determine the relevance of these mechanisms in both healthy individuals and patients with type 2 diabetes. At the conclusion of this grant we expect to understand whether HDL raising strategies may be a an effective new therapy for type 2 diabetes. Specifically, we will understand: 1. how HDL exerts its beneficial effects and 2. whether acute and chronic HDL elevation using drugs improves glucose and fat metabolism in humans.Read moreRead less