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 computer-based decision support tools using population pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic models. Diabetes is an epidemic that presents an enormous burden to health systems of both developed and developing nations. Australia spends an estimated $35 billion on the condition annually, with costs set to rise with increasing diagnosis rates. Additionally, the burden of diabetes is more prominent in indigenous Australians. We intend to improve management of this disease in non-indigenous ....Development of computer-based decision support tools using population pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic models. Diabetes is an epidemic that presents an enormous burden to health systems of both developed and developing nations. Australia spends an estimated $35 billion on the condition annually, with costs set to rise with increasing diagnosis rates. Additionally, the burden of diabetes is more prominent in indigenous Australians. We intend to improve management of this disease in non-indigenous and indigenous Australians by development of a user-friendly computer-based decision support tool for doctors. Once established, this tool will have applications in other fields of health care where support is needed to make informed dosing decisions for critical medications and have the potential to reduce financial and social impacts of chronic disease.Read moreRead less