Clinical, Pathological And Genetic Basis Of Familial Valvular Heart Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$133,351.00
Summary
Mitral valve prolapse and bicuspid aortic valve are two common valve syndromes that are characterized by remarkable clinical diversity, ranging from no symptoms to potentially life threatening complications, heart failure and sudden death. Both disorders seem to run in families in a significant proportion of patients and thus are likely to have genetic causes, which remains unknown to date. This project aims to identify the underlying genetic basis of these common familial valve syndromes.
The Influence Of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation On Myocardial Structure And Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$110,218.00
Summary
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation has given options to elderly patients who were previously faced with an open-heart operation. Our research utilises CT scans to determine the anatomical and physiological effects this new technology has on the heart. This research will help to guide the ongoing development and refinement of this technology. The research has the potential to revolutionise how aortic stenosis is assessed and timing of intervention is determined.
(a) Pathogenesis Of Aortic Stenosis : Relationship To Valvular Endothelial Function.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$254,995.00
Summary
In the 21st century, heart disease will continue to be a major cause of disability and death in Western society. However, the relative decline in the frequency of premature death due to coronary disease (such as heart attacks) combined with increases in longevity, will see the emergence of new disease states. Aortic stenosis (AS) is likely to be one of the most important of these: progressive aortic valvular narrowing, culminating in the development of heart failure, and cardiac death. To date, ....In the 21st century, heart disease will continue to be a major cause of disability and death in Western society. However, the relative decline in the frequency of premature death due to coronary disease (such as heart attacks) combined with increases in longevity, will see the emergence of new disease states. Aortic stenosis (AS) is likely to be one of the most important of these: progressive aortic valvular narrowing, culminating in the development of heart failure, and cardiac death. To date, the only established treatment for severe AS is valve replacement. The incidence of AS increases with age: approximately 40% of individuals over the age of 80 have some AS, while 4% have severe AS. Studies to date have revealed that AS is more likely to occur (and to progress rapidly) in patients with impaired kidney function, and that some coronary risk factors (high cholesterol levels and diabetes, for example) also predispose to AS. The planned research will examine the potential role of the (endothelial) cells lining the aortic valve in protecting against the development of AS. In particular, we will try to identify which chemicals interfere with endothelial function, and how this leads to thickening of the valve. The ulitmate objective of this research is to delineate the chemical factors causing AS, in order to help in the development of preventative strategies for this disease.Read moreRead less
Determinants Of Occurrence And Progression Of Aortic Stenosis In Bicuspid And Tricuspid Valves.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$546,394.00
Summary
Aortic stenosis (AS) is a major cause of cardiac failure and mortality in ageing Australians. AS occurs both in bicuspid aortic valves (BAV;0.5-1% of the population) and in anatomically tricuspid valves. There is an associated incremental risk of myocardial infarction. The research will investigate patients with BAV and with early AS in tricuspid valves, in order to examine the potential roles of loss of nitric oxide effect and of oxidant stress as predictors of AS development.
Regulatory Pathways Of Compensatory Left Ventricular Hypertrophy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$309,536.00
Summary
An increase in muscle bulk (hypertrophy) of the major pumping chamber of the heart, the left ventricle, occurs as a compensatory mechanism to maintain cardiac function in a wide variety of common cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension. Nevertheless, this compensatory mechanism appears to be strongly associated with an increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease. Consequently, the prevention or reversal of left ventricular hypertrophy is one of the major goals of the treatment of p ....An increase in muscle bulk (hypertrophy) of the major pumping chamber of the heart, the left ventricle, occurs as a compensatory mechanism to maintain cardiac function in a wide variety of common cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension. Nevertheless, this compensatory mechanism appears to be strongly associated with an increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease. Consequently, the prevention or reversal of left ventricular hypertrophy is one of the major goals of the treatment of patients with cardiovascular disease. This project aims to improve our understanding of the complex chemical messengers in the heart muscle that control the development of hypertrophy to provide a basis for more specific drug treatments to control this process, with the aim of reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with hypertrophy.Read moreRead less
Anatomy, Epidemiology And Aetiology Of Tricuspid Valve Disease And Its Impact On The Development Of Emerging Transcatheter Therapies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$88,662.00
Summary
Tricuspid valve disease is common, associated with poor prognosis and has few available treatment options. The aim of this project is to improve our understanding of the burden of tricuspid valve disease, and the factors that drive its occurrence and progression. We also aim to improve our practice of pacemaker/defibrillator insertion (which can injury the tricuspid valve). Our investigations will help inform improvement in the treatment of this condition, including minimally invasive options.
Improving Cardiac Valve Implant Outcomes With Advanced Computer Simulation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$593,367.00
Summary
This project focuses on improving heart valve procedures, specifically focusing on new transcatheter techniques of heart valve implantation. The research uses advanced imaging and computer simulation techniques to predict the outcome and improve minimally invasive heart procedures.
Interaction Of Angiotensin II And PPARg In Aortic Aneurysm Formation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$427,398.00
Summary
Between 5% to 10% of men and 1% of women over the age of 60 years develop weakening of their main abdominal artery leading to slow dilation of the vessel. If this process continues long term the artery can burst resulting in sudden death. At present the only treatment available for this problem is surgery, either open or minimally invasive. Both these forms of treatment are associated with significant complications and unsuitable for some patients. Thus the development of a drug treatment which ....Between 5% to 10% of men and 1% of women over the age of 60 years develop weakening of their main abdominal artery leading to slow dilation of the vessel. If this process continues long term the artery can burst resulting in sudden death. At present the only treatment available for this problem is surgery, either open or minimally invasive. Both these forms of treatment are associated with significant complications and unsuitable for some patients. Thus the development of a drug treatment which can slow or halt the weakening and dilation of the aorta would have great patient benefits. We have identified an important role for a newly discovered protein in weakening of the abdominal aorta. In this study we investigate the role of a pathway which appears to be fundamental in generating this protein. In particular we will assess the role of drug treatment in blocking this pathway as a basis for medical treatment for artery weakening.Read moreRead less
Role Of Osteoprotegerin In Protecting The Diabetic Aorta From Aneurysm Formation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$299,250.00
Summary
Between 5% and 10% of men over the age of 60 years develop weakening of their main abdominal artery (aorta) leading to slow dilation of the vessel. If this process continues long term the artery can burst resulting in sudden death. At present the only treatment available for this problem is surgery, either open or minimally invasive. Both these forms of treatment are associated with significant complications and unsuitable for some patients. Thus the development of a drug treatment which can slo ....Between 5% and 10% of men over the age of 60 years develop weakening of their main abdominal artery (aorta) leading to slow dilation of the vessel. If this process continues long term the artery can burst resulting in sudden death. At present the only treatment available for this problem is surgery, either open or minimally invasive. Both these forms of treatment are associated with significant complications and unsuitable for some patients. Thus the development of a drug treatment which can slow or halt the weakening and dilation of the aorta would have great patient benefits'. Surprisingly patients with sugar diabetes are less likely to develop this form of artery weakening. This important negative association may form the basis of discovering a new medication to protect arteries from rupture. In this study we investigate the role of a recently discovered protein in protecting the main abdominal artery from weakening in diabetics. This protein is of particular interest for the following reasons: 1. It comes from a group of proteins believed to be important in artery calcium build-up. 2. Artery calcium is common in patients with diabetes who are relatively protected from aortic weakening. 3. It is being used for the treatment of bone weakening, appears to be safe in patients and therefore is a potential therapeutic agent. We believe this work is an important step towards the development of a successful medical treatment for artery weakening.Read moreRead less