Predicting Renal, Ophthalmic And Heart Events In The Aboriginal Community: The PROPHECY Diabetes Multi-Omics Cohort Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,955,505.00
Summary
Diabetes is at epidemic levels in Indigenous Australians, impairing quality of life, and contributing to poor health. This is a result of rapid development of kidney, heart and eye complications. We have established a large long-term population study among Aboriginal communities within South Australia and will explore the burden, natural history and the social, psychological, environmental, clinical and genomic predictors of diabetes and its complications.
A NOVEL MOUSE MODEL TO INVESTIGATE THE MECHANISMS OF VIRUS-INDUCED ARTHRITIS
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$336,000.00
Summary
We have developed a novel animal model by which to study arthritic disease caused by insect-transmitted viruses known as arboviruses. The existence of this model and novel reagents provides an excellent opportunity to further explore the basic mechanisms of infectious disease in a complete functioning animal, rather than specific cultured cells. The study will use modern approaches in molecular and cellular biology to achieve this goal. The production by our immune systems of soluble mediators ( ....We have developed a novel animal model by which to study arthritic disease caused by insect-transmitted viruses known as arboviruses. The existence of this model and novel reagents provides an excellent opportunity to further explore the basic mechanisms of infectious disease in a complete functioning animal, rather than specific cultured cells. The study will use modern approaches in molecular and cellular biology to achieve this goal. The production by our immune systems of soluble mediators (cytokines-chemokines) and antibodies is an overwhelming positive aspect of our physiological response to infection by microbes. Protection from disease by these immune compounds can happen naturally, or the body's ability to produce these factors can be exploited to our benefit via the administration of vaccines. However, these factors can also be detrimental to the host contributing to severe disease. For instance, work performed almost 40 years ago showed for the first time that under particular conditions, antibodies against viruses can enhance infection, instead of inhibiting infection as normally seen. In the intervening years work by scientists all over the world has associated antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) of infection to many types of viruses; ADE is even thought to be a risk factor to serious disease with dengue virus, and has been shown in vitro for the AIDS virus and Ebola virus. We have recently discovered a molecular mechanism which explains how antibody enhances viral infection in vitro. In studies on immune cells infected with Ross River Virus (RRV) we found that infection helped by antibody resulted in the specific disruption to the production of cellular chemicals which are toxic to viruses. Are these mechanisms of antibody-enhanced infection also found in animals? Will such mode of infection cause enhanced disease and tissue pathology (arthritis) in animals?Read moreRead less
Predicting Renal, Ophthalmic, And Heart Events In The Aboriginal Community – THE PROPHECY Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,574,486.00
Summary
Up to 30% of adult Aboriginal people have diabetes yet our knowledge of the causes and predictors of complications remain incomplete. We have established the PROPHECY Study to assess the levels of complications in Aboriginal people with diabetes; to understand the way that these complications occur, and identify what clinical, social and genetic factors could predict who will get those complications to guide clinical management and prevention.
Understanding And Overcoming Cardiovascular And Diabetes Inequalities In Indigenous Australians
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$707,370.00
Summary
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders experience the highest rates of heart disease and diabetes of all Australians. The reasons for this large disparity is not yet fully understood. I propose to investigate the patterns, causes, complications and links between heart disease and diabetes in Indigenous populations to identify better ways of managing and preventing chronic disease in high risk communities.
Testosterone Intervention For The Prevention Of Diabetes Mellitus In High Risk Men: A Randomised Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$5,054,654.00
Summary
Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is increasingly common, costly and deadly. Some men at risk of T2DM have low testosterone (T) levels. Our preliminary data suggests that T treatment may prevent the development of T2DM, and improve cardiovascular and sexual function, body composition and bone density, and mood. This remains to be fully tested in a randomized placebo-controlled trial, and this project will do so in a 2-year study of T treatment compared to placebo in men at risk of T2DM participating in a l ....Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is increasingly common, costly and deadly. Some men at risk of T2DM have low testosterone (T) levels. Our preliminary data suggests that T treatment may prevent the development of T2DM, and improve cardiovascular and sexual function, body composition and bone density, and mood. This remains to be fully tested in a randomized placebo-controlled trial, and this project will do so in a 2-year study of T treatment compared to placebo in men at risk of T2DM participating in a lifestyle program.Read moreRead less
AusDiab 3: Emerging Risk Factors For And Long-term Incidence Of Cardio-metabolic Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,616,397.00
Summary
This study will track 11,000 Australian adults over 12 years to determine how many develop diabetes, obesity, kidney and heart disease. The study will develop ways to best predict those who are going to develop these conditions before they have arisen, and will explore a range of novel risk factors to better understand these conditions.
The Treatment Of BOoking Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Study: The TOBOGM Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,197,280.00
Summary
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) related pregnancy complications are reduced with treatment from 24-28 weeks pregnant. Many women are diagnosed/treated earlier without evidence of benefit and possible risk of harm. In TOBOGM women under 20 weeks pregnant with mildly raised blood glucose will be allocated by chance to either immediate treatment, or awaiting a repeat diabetes test at 24-28 weeks pregnant to decide treatment. Harmful and beneficial effects on mother and baby will be compared.
A Multi-setting Intervention To Reduce Sedentary Behaviour, Promote Physical Activity And Improve Childrens Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$860,343.00
Summary
Sedentary behaviours and physical inactivity play a major role in the rising prevalence of obesity among children in Australia. This intervention study will take place in the school and family settings which play a critical role in shaping children's health behaviours. The objective is to determine whether a 2-year behavioural intervention reduces sedentary behaviour and promotes physical activity and results in improved health among 8-9 year old children.
TELEPHONE COUNSELLING FOR MAINTENANCE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, WEIGHT LOSS And GLYCAEMIC CONTROL IN TYPE 2 DIABETES
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,285,894.00
Summary
Regular exercise, a healthy diet and weight loss are key to managing type 2 diabetes, yet these are major challenges for most people with diabetes. This study will evaluate the impact of a telephone counselling program to assist people with type 2 diabetes to exercise, eat a healthy diet and lose weight, with the goal of helping them to sustain these changes over the long-term. It is expected that these lifestyle changes will also result in improved blood glucose control and quality of life.
Reducing Prolonged Workplace Sitting Time In Office Workers: A Cluster-randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$524,613.00
Summary
Groundbreaking Australian research shows that sitting for too long, which is routine for most office workers, contributes to overweight and to a greater risk of developing diabetes and heart disease. In over 300 desk-bound office workers, this world-first study will assess the effectiveness of an innovative workplace program aimed at reducing and breaking up sitting time. It will identify practical ways for Australian office workers to minimise unhealthy effects of sitting too much at work.