The Role Of Insulin Hypersecretion In Beta Cell Dysfunction In Type 2 Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,622.00
Summary
The treatment of diabetes involves the use of drugs that stimulate the release of insulin from the pancreas to reduce the high blood sugar levels. However, we believe that while in the short term this is a good strategy, in the long-term it damages the cells that produce insulin leading to a worsening state of diabetes. It is the aim of this application to understand the mechanisms by which the insulin producing cells are damaged when forced to oversecrete insulin.
Dysfunction of the nervous system plays an important role in the symptoms of many respiratory diseases. For example, excessive non-productive coughing, elevated mucous secretion, reduced airway patency and hyperreactivity are all characteristic symptoms of diseases such as asthma and all involve over-activity of the nervous system. This research aims to understand the neural circuitry that is involved in controlling the airways and the mechanisms that underlie how this circuitry can become dysfu ....Dysfunction of the nervous system plays an important role in the symptoms of many respiratory diseases. For example, excessive non-productive coughing, elevated mucous secretion, reduced airway patency and hyperreactivity are all characteristic symptoms of diseases such as asthma and all involve over-activity of the nervous system. This research aims to understand the neural circuitry that is involved in controlling the airways and the mechanisms that underlie how this circuitry can become dysfunctional.Read moreRead less
Diet And Mental Health: Translating New Knowledge Into Innovative Prevention And Treatment Strategies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$463,652.00
Summary
I have pioneered the development of a robust body of evidence demonstrating the important role of diet in mental health and I am now recognised internationally as a research leader in this new field. The next important step is to translate this knowledge into new prevention and treatment strategies in order to address the substantial global burden of illness attributable to mental disorders.
Randomised Controlled Trial Of Early Intervention To Improve Sexual And Couple Functioning After Prostate Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$405,000.00
Summary
Treatment for localised prostate cancer has a long term negative impact on the sexuality, quality of life, and relationship quality of Australian men and their intimate partners. This study will trial a remote access couples based sexuality intervention for this patient and carer group that has potential for broader translation into community and acute health care settings. This approach will also have broader application for chronic disease self management for other health conditions.
Mechanisms Controlling Sympathetic Nerve Activity To The Heart
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$101,220.00
Summary
In heart failure there is a large increase in sympathetic nerve activity to the heart and the kidney that has detrimental effects which is related to mortality in patients. The areas in the brain causing the increased nerve activity to the heart are unknown. We will investigate the role of two key brain areas in mediating this increase. In addition we will also focus on local mechanisms that are responsible for the increase in noradrenaline spillover.
Characterisation Of Sub-clinical Cardiac Dysfunction Using Novel Cardiac Exercise Imaging
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$429,552.00
Summary
Heart failure is caused by heart muscle weakness and is associated with reduced quality of life and survival. Identification of heart failure in its earliest stages provides clinicians with an opportunity to institute preventative measures and prevent patients from developing symptoms. This project utilises novel ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging techniques performed during exercise to identify heart muscle weakness at its earliest stage.
Novel Single-chain Antibody-targeted Nanoparticles For Diagnosis Of Vascular Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$380,558.00
Summary
The aim of this project is to develop targeted imaging agents that seek out specific markers for various states of cardiovascular disease. These agents would provide a method for detecting the presence and level of atherosclerosis, fatty tissue build up in the vessel wall. The nanoparticles may provide a unique opportunity to detect very early plaques, the vulnerability of existing plaques and difficult-to-diagnose vessel blockages such as clots in lung vessels (pulmonary embolism).