Vitamin D And Genetic Susceptibility In Multiple Sclerosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$122,714.00
Summary
Vitamin D3 levels appear to predict clinical status in multiple sclerosis. The reasons for this are unclear, but may be linked to the effect of the Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) on a subset of immune cells. This project aims to identify key genes which are regulated by this receptor, by using specific gene sequencing technologies combined with knowledge of the genes which confer risk of developing MS. This may help to identify the molecular pathways underlying MS and potential treatment strategies.
Investigation Of The Use Of Innate And CD1-mediated Immune Responses As Biomarkers In Tuberculosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$144,836.00
Summary
Tuberculosis and other non-tuberculosis mycobacterial infections are major health problems worldwide. There are multiple challenges facing treatment and identification of active versus latent TB infections currently. This project aims to identify and characterise several aspects of the immune system which may be responsible for people developing active infections, including ones which may enable development of diagnostic tests and to monitor treatment. Such a biomarker may also help hasten new d ....Tuberculosis and other non-tuberculosis mycobacterial infections are major health problems worldwide. There are multiple challenges facing treatment and identification of active versus latent TB infections currently. This project aims to identify and characterise several aspects of the immune system which may be responsible for people developing active infections, including ones which may enable development of diagnostic tests and to monitor treatment. Such a biomarker may also help hasten new drug therapies for tuberculosis.Read moreRead less
This project will investigate the link between vitamin D and falls in people with stroke. It will be the first study to examine associations between vitamin D and falls in people with stroke and establish whether interventions to prevent falls in people with stroke may need to include vitamin D supplementation. This project is a first vital step towards developing an effective falls prevention intervention for the large numbers of Australian stroke survivors, which currently does not exist.
Chronic Kidney Diseases (CKDs) present serious morbidity and mortality in our society. Kidney scarring is the final manifestation of many types of kidney diseases. Recent evidence showed that a reduced ability to generate energy during injuries leads to kidney scarring. My study is looking at how the specific changes in kidney energy production can lead to kidney scarring. The findings of my study can have potential to prevent kidney scarring and change the course of kidney diseases.
Many heart diseases are associated with impairment of energetics of the heart. Improving the heart's energetics can lead to improved survival and long-term outcomes. Perhexiline is a heart medication that works by improving the way the heart uses energy. Although effective, it is associated with long-term toxicities. Better understanding of this medication may lead to less adverse effects and also provide a basis for further investigation of drug development in the future.
There is a link between maternal lipids and newborn weight as well as other adverse pregnancy outcomes. Maternal lipids _ serum level, dietary intake and change in maternal lipids during pregnancy may be important in determining not only immediate pregnancy and newborn outcomes but also longer term problems for mother and child. As yet, we do not know whether altering maternal lipids will change outcomes or how to influence lipid levels in practice or how best to approach this.
Dietary Therapies For The Treatment Of Drug-resistant Epilepsy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$69,757.00
Summary
Epilepsy affects about 225,000 Australians, with 30% of suffers still experiencing seizures despite being on medications. A reduction in seizures can significantly improve the health of people with epilepsy who do not respond to medications. Low carbohydrate, high fat diets are a well-established treatment option in children, but this has not previously been studied in Australian adults. The aim of this research is to evaluate if dietary therapies are an effective treatment in adult epilepsy.
The effects of therapeutic glucocorticoid doses on carbohydrate and energy metabolism and cardiovascular risk have not been fully clarified. This PhD thesis will be based around two studies aiming to: 1.) Define mechanisms underlying the adverse effects of low dose prednisolone in patients with inflammatory rheumatologic disease and 2.) Improve treatment of prednisolone-induced hyperglycaemia in hospitalized patients.
Phosphate And Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 (FGF-23) In Early Chronic Kidney Disease – Their Importance In Bone Mineral Metabolism And As Cardiovascular Risk Factors.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$140,949.00
Summary
In the chronic kidney disease (CKD) population, serum phosphate and fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23), a phosphate regulating hormone, are strongly associated with mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD). This thesis will examine phosphate homeostasis in clinical studies necessary to address this problem, as phosphate and FGF-23 are potential therapeutic targets.
Calcification of the arteries is a ubiquitous finding in patients with end stage renal failure. It is often mirrored by disturbed bone metabolism. Increasing evidence suggests a close relationship between bone and vascular health. This study aims to determine the role of calciprotein particles as a mediator of calcification in bones and arteries. Translating these findings to renal patients will ultimately contribute to providing a scientific basis for developing treatment for these patients.