Potential Novel Pharmacological Strategies To Prevent Atherosclerotic Plaque Rupture
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,584,568.00
Summary
Most heart attacks are the consequence of the acute rupture of plaques in arteries that supply our heart with oxygen and nutrients. Current standard tests cannot distinguish plaques that likely rupture from plaques that do not rupture. Similarly, little is known about the processes that determine whether a plaque is vulnerable to rupture or stable. The current project examines the involvement of two processes - either alone or in combination - in determining plaque stability/vulnerability.
The Unstable, Rupture-prone Atherosclerotic Plaque: Innovative Methods For Its Detection And Stabilisation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$748,447.00
Summary
Heart attacks and strokes are most often caused by rupture of unstable atherosclerotic plaques resulting in clotting and vessel occlusion and ultimately irreversible damage of the heart or brain. We have generated a mouse model that reproduces these plaques as seen in humans. Based on this model and human unstable plaques 1) we have discovered/developed imaging technologies that can identify these dangerous plaques and 2) we will develop drugs that prevent plaque rupture.
A Study Of The Plaque-modifying Actions Of Colchicine In Stable And Unstable Atherosclerosis: From Mouse Models To Clinical Imaging.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,198,460.00
Summary
Inflammation causes the plaques in arteries that cause heart attacks and strokes. There is major interest in developing drugs that reduce this inflammation for patients with heart disease. We are studying the effects of colchicine, an anti-inflammatory drug used to treat the joint disease, gout, in order to see whether it also prevents the build up of plaques and their progression to heart attacks and strokes.
Delivering Nanoparticles To Prevent Rupture Of Unstable Arterial Plaques
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$613,652.00
Summary
The aim of this project is to develop an immune-mediated ‘smart bomb’ concept of drug delivery into atherosclerotic plaques for the prevention of plaque rupture. An overwhelming majority of fatal heart attacks and sudden death all over the world result from plaque rupture; making this research highly important in finding a bio-technologically advanced way of preventing heart attacks and sudden death in patients with coronary artery disease.
The Genetic And Environmental Determinants Of Amyloid Deposition In Older Individuals: An Amyloid Imaging Study Using The Twin Design
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$643,267.00
Summary
Alzheimer’s disease is characterised by the deposition of amyloid plaques in the brain. We don’t fully understand how amyloid deposition occurs and what contribution is made by genetic and environmental factors. Amyloid deposition in the brain can now be quantified during life using positron emission tomography. In this study, we will examine brain amyloid in twins, which will determine what proportion of the pathology is attributable to environmental factors that may be modifiable.
METABOLOMIC INSIGHTS INTO THE PATHOGENESIS AND RISK ASSESSMENT OF UNSTABLE CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$876,896.00
Summary
Atherosclerosis (AS) is the single most common cause of cardiovascular disease and is the major contributor to the development of angina, heart attacks, coronary heart disease and stroke. Early identification and characterisation of the disease, is critical for effective treatment. In this project we will develop a new test to identify those individuals with unstable disease that are at greatest risk of a coronary event (heart attack).
Does Pneumococcal Vaccination Protect Against Cardiovascular Disease? A Randomised Placebo-controlled Double Blind Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,849,245.00
Summary
Australian researchers have set up a novel multi-centre trial to investigate the effects of the pneumococcal vaccination in reducing heart attacks and stroke. People aged 55 to 61 from 6 sites around Australia will be invited to participate in the study. The selected participants will attend a clinic in their area and will be randomly given the pneumococcal vaccine or a placebo vaccine. Outcomes on the expected 6000 participants will be ascertained by health record linkage with government databa ....Australian researchers have set up a novel multi-centre trial to investigate the effects of the pneumococcal vaccination in reducing heart attacks and stroke. People aged 55 to 61 from 6 sites around Australia will be invited to participate in the study. The selected participants will attend a clinic in their area and will be randomly given the pneumococcal vaccine or a placebo vaccine. Outcomes on the expected 6000 participants will be ascertained by health record linkage with government databases after 4 years.Read moreRead less
Novel 18F And 64Cu Labelled Targeted Nanoparticles For Molecular Positron Emission Tomography: A Means For Early And Sensitive Detection Of Thrombosis, Inflammation And Vulnerable, Rupture-prone Atherosclerotic Plaques
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$572,931.00
Summary
The aim of this project is to develop novel targeted positron emission tomography imaging agents that seek out specific markers for various states of cardiovascular disease. These agents would provide a method for detecting the presence and level of atherosclerosis and thrombotic events. The targeted nanoparticles may provide a unique opportunity to detect very early plaques and the vulnerability of existing plaques.