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
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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Depression and Diabetes: Prevalence, diagnosis and help-seeking: Influence on depression, glycemic control and quality of life. Depression has been reported to be twice as prevalent and more persistent in individuals with diabetes than in the general population. The current research will investigate the point-prevalence of depression in a large sample of Australian diabetic outpatients using a case-finding instrument (CES-D) and follow-up structured clinical interview where appropriate. Demogr ....Depression and Diabetes: Prevalence, diagnosis and help-seeking: Influence on depression, glycemic control and quality of life. Depression has been reported to be twice as prevalent and more persistent in individuals with diabetes than in the general population. The current research will investigate the point-prevalence of depression in a large sample of Australian diabetic outpatients using a case-finding instrument (CES-D) and follow-up structured clinical interview where appropriate. Demographic, medical, and psychological correlates of depressiono will be investigated. The effects of the screening procedure and diagnosis on help-seeking behaviour, course of the depression, self-care, and glycemic control as well as qualtiy of life will be evaluated after six months.Read moreRead less
Fenofibrate And Microvascular Events In Type 1 Diabetes (FAME 1) Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,883,529.00
Summary
Diabetes is one of the commonest cause of blindness in adults. Vision loss, which is irreversible, is a most feared complication of diabetes. A blood fat lowering drug called fenofibrate, available in Australia, has been shown to reduce eye damage in people with Type 2 diabetes by 35-40%, and to prevent eye damage in Type 1 diabetic animal models. This study will evaluate the potential benefits of fenofibrate in 450 adults with Type 1 diabetes who have early diabetic eye damage.
The overall aim is to improve treatments and outcomes for people with osteoporosis. This will be achieved by better predicting those who are likely to fracture and subsequently those who do well post fracture from those who do poorly. Following an osteoporotic fracture there is an increased risk of re- fracture and of premature death. This research will define those risk factors for fracture, re-fracture and early death in a large group of men and women followed for over 20 years.
Defining the molecular and cellular mechanisms of beta cell dysfunction. This project will investigate the influence of environment in the functional adaptation and maladaptation of pancreatic beta cells in diabetes. The research will define the molecular and cellular mechanisms linking environmental triggers such as obesity, high fatty acid levels and hyperglycaemia to beta cell dedifferentiation and dysfunction.
Discovering Optimal Weight Loss Interventions To Prevent Osteoarthritis In Obesity Through The Lens Of Early Biomarkers: The TANGO Diet Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis, and an obese population increases the disease burden of OA. Weight-loss is the first line management for symptom relief but is unclear whether weight loss can prevent OA changes in the joint. Biological OA markers can pick up early disease changes long before any signs on routine X-ray. My research will look at the effect of weight loss by very low energy diet on early OA biomarker in patients with overweight or obesity.