Reducing Cardiovascular Risk In Children Born With Poor Fetal Growth: The Small Baby Omega-3 (SO3) Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$999,791.00
Summary
Poor fetal growth affects about 10% of people, and is a risk factor for high blood pressure and heart disease in adults. There is no current treatment to reduce the increased risk of heart disease due to poor fetal growth. This study will determine whether taking fish oils during infancy reduces arterial wall thickness, a sign of the disease that causes the majority of heart attacks, and lowers blood pressure in children who had poor fetal growth.
The Effects Of Omega-3 Fatty Acids On Novel Anti-Inflammatory Metabolites And Telomere Length In Early And Later Life: Potential Implications For Long-Term Cardiovascular Risk
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$870,091.00
Summary
Exciting new effects of omega-3 fats from fish oil have recently been discovered which actively reduce inflammation and help prolong cell life. These mechanisms are relevant to the risk of complications of obesity and cardiovascular disease. We will study the effects of fish oil given in pregnancy, infancy and later in life, with a view to using omega-3 fatty acid supplements for both early prevention and later treatment of obesity and cardiovascular disease.
Structural And Functional Characterisation Of The Killer Cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptor (KIR) Family Of Natural Killer Cell Receptors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$348,070.00
Summary
Natural Killer (NK) cells are an important component of the immune response to cancer and infection. This project will define the molecular targets that are recognised by NK cells. This knowledge can then be used to guide in the selection of bone marrow donors in the treatment of leukemias as well as understanding how we fight off infections.
Efficacy And Safety Of Omega-3 DHA Supplementation In Preterm Infants: Childhood Follow-up Of The N3RO Trial.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$713,218.00
Summary
Giving babies born 3 to 4 months prematurely the omega-3 DHA has been thought to improve their mental development. But we don’t yet know if this is indeed so. In this follow-up study, we will be able to find out the important longer-term effects at 5-years of age of extra DHA in the first months of life by assessing the children’s mental development.
Does N-3 LCPUFA Supplementation In Pregnancy Reduce Asthma And Allergies In School Age Children?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$443,833.00
Summary
We will determine whether supplementing the diets of pregnant women with fish oil can have long term effects on the development of the childÍs immune system and reduce the prevalence of asthma and allergies at early school age. The outcomes of our project will inform nutritional guidelines for pregnant women and, if successful, has the potential to significantly lower the costly burden of childhood asthma and allergies to families and the healthcare system.
The Aboriginal Cardiovascular Omega-3 Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,090,119.00
Summary
CVD is the primary contributor to life expectancy differentials between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Even when cardioprotective therapies are optimally used, residual risk of adverse events is often observed. Testing of additional therapies that improve survival among Indigenous people with CVD is required. Omega 3 fatty acids can improve multiple atherogenic pathways. This trial will assess the impact of Omega 3 in Aboriginal patients with CVD.
A Selective Prevention Trial Using Novel Pharmacotherapies In An Older Age Cohort At Risk For Depression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$975,259.00
Summary
The study will examine whether omega-3 fatty acids or antidepressants prevent the onset of depression in a group of older community participants who have previously been identified as being "at risk" of depression. The study will incorporate sophisticated brain scanning methods, as well as tests of brain functioning to determine acute brain changes, reduction in cognitive decline and prevention of depression over a one-year period.
The Unique Nature Of Gamma Delta T Cell Recognition Resolved Through Interaction With H2-Q10
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$699,031.00
Summary
The liver is important for both digestion and immunity. Given these opposing functions, the liver must exert control points that prevent the immune system from recognising food products. We have now identified a new molecular target that controls the development of immune cells in the liver.
Unraveling The Link Between HLA B27 And Autoimmunity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$746,102.00
Summary
Ankylosing spondylitis and related diseases cause significant morbidity in up to 0.25% of the population. Current treatments have limited efficacy and often debilitating side effects. More targeted peptide antigen based therapies will have fewer side effects and would be of major clinical importance to this group of diseases. This project seeks to identify peptide antigens that could be used in targeted immunotherapy. We also seek to understand how some of the idiosyncratic properties of HLA B27
The liver is an important organ in terms of immune responses. Owing to its exposure to many antigens, it is required to maintain a form of immune tolerance. This ensures that overt immune responses which would damage the liver do not occur. One means by which tolerance occurs is through silencing killer cells through the regulation of molecules of Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC). This project will explore the role of a soluble form of MHC which is expressed only in the liver.