Evaluating The Genetic Contribution To Rheumatic Heart Disease Pathogenesis In Australian Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Communities
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,782,074.00
Summary
Rheumatic heart disease is highly prevalent in Aboriginal people in Australia and leads to early cardiac disease. Despite decades of research, the underlying genetic mechanisms for why it occurs are not well understood. We are conducting a genetic study to better understand why some people are susceptible to RHD and others are not. The study will involve substantial Aboriginal leadership and consultation and will be a model for the conduct of genetic studies in Aboriginal populations.
Rheumatic Fever Follow-up Study (RhFFUS) _ Determining The Optimal Clinical Response For Minor Heart Valve Abnormalities In An Indigenous Australian Setting
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,394,792.00
Summary
Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) are a major health issue for Indigenous Australians. In a previous study heart ultrasounds in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children frequently showed suspicious but not diagnostic changes. RhFFUS (Rheumatic Fever Follow-Up Study) aims to see if these changes are associated with a higher risk of ARF and progression to RHD. If this is the case these high risk children could be identified earlier and offered regular antibiotics ....Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) are a major health issue for Indigenous Australians. In a previous study heart ultrasounds in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children frequently showed suspicious but not diagnostic changes. RhFFUS (Rheumatic Fever Follow-Up Study) aims to see if these changes are associated with a higher risk of ARF and progression to RHD. If this is the case these high risk children could be identified earlier and offered regular antibiotics to prevent this cause of heart disease.Read moreRead less
Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) are a major problem for Australian Indigenous people. Accurate diagnosis of ARF allows for early preventive therapy with long acting penicillin, which can prevent RHD from developing or worsening. The aim of this study is to recruit a cohort of children and young people with ARF and apply the latest technologies to their blood samples, with the aim of developing a diagnostic test and open leads for potential new treatments.
A Targeted Molecular Approach To Treating Scabies And Associated Bacterial Infections.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$518,334.00
Summary
Chronic infestation of human skin with parasitic scabies mites is a severe health burden in Australian Indigenous communities and other disadvantaged communities around the world. Secondary infections with bacteria exacerbate this skin problem, with long-term, systemic and often fatal consequences including rheumatic heart disease. Analyses of the scabies mite genome and associated bacteria will accelerate biomedical research toward improved treatment and control of this neglected disease.
Improving Delivery Of Secondary Prophylaxis For Rheumatic Heart Disease: A Stepped-wedge, Community-randomised Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,913,074.00
Summary
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a major health problem in Indigenous communities. Continued progress in controlling RHD requires an understanding of how to improve delivery of regular injections of penicillin - secondary prophylaxis (SP). We will evaluate a systems-based approach to improving delivery of SP, using a stepped-wedge trial in 12 communities in NT and Qld. If successful, this model will provide a practical and transferable model.
Development Of A Preventive Strategy For Rheumatic Heart Disease Using An Experimental Model
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$370,846.00
Summary
Based on animal studies, we aim to demonstrate that the worsening of heart damage seen in patients with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is due to repeated infections with bacteria (group A streptococci: GAS). The heart damage is caused by continual immune damage to the heart and valves and this has adverse effects on heart function. We will also investigate a novel way to prevent the development of RHD.
Burden Of Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) And Impact Of Prevention Strategies: Comprehensive Evidence To Drive The RHD Endgame
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$960,655.00
Summary
Rheumatic heart disease is chronic damage to the heart valves caused by repeated bouts of acute rheumatic fever. Both are preventable, yet rates among Indigenous Australians are of the highest recorded. We propose to undertake the first multi-jurisdictional study of these conditions to determine trends in occurrence and evaluate the impact of existing interventions in Australia. Findings will be used to inform the development of a roadmap to remove RHD as a public health problem in Australia.
Novel Strategies To Boost Tristetraprolin Function: A Critical Anti-inflammatory Protein In Asthma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$547,216.00
Summary
Asthma is a chronic disorder where airways are remodelled, resulting in poor lung function. Airway remodelling is a consequence of long-term inflammation. As current treatments halt some, but not all, aspects of airway remodelling, new therapeutic approaches are urgently required. In this grant, our aim is to devise novel strategies to boost the function of a critical anti-inflammatory protein - TTP - to reduce inflammation in asthma.
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.
Inflammation And Oxidative Stress In Emerging Psychotic And Mood Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$432,619.00
Summary
We are conducting four large clinical trials testing anti-inflammatory treatments like ?-3 PUFAs and aspirin in young people who are at high-risk for psychosis or have depression. This proposal adds an important component to this research by investigating inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. We aim to determine if the investigated biomarkers predict the course of illness and response to treatments. The findings will facilitate early intervention and targeted treatment.