PRE CLINICAL TRIAL WITH FETAL PIG INSULIN-PRODUCING CELLS
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$292,416.00
Summary
If fetal pig cells are to be of value in normalizing blood glucose levels in diabetic people once transplanted, they must survive and mature after being grafted. The pre-clinical study proposed will examine several novel issues that are of direct relevance to future clinical trials. The diabetic pig will be used as recipient to address when the fetal cell matures after it is transplanted, how long the grafted cells will maintain normal blood glucose levels, and at which site it is most appropria ....If fetal pig cells are to be of value in normalizing blood glucose levels in diabetic people once transplanted, they must survive and mature after being grafted. The pre-clinical study proposed will examine several novel issues that are of direct relevance to future clinical trials. The diabetic pig will be used as recipient to address when the fetal cell matures after it is transplanted, how long the grafted cells will maintain normal blood glucose levels, and at which site it is most appropriate to transplant the cells. The baboon will be used as recipient to address the safety of transplanting the pig cells, especially from the pig endogenous retrovirus, and whether the immunosuppressive regime proposed for use in humans will prevent cellular rejection. The diabetic baboon will be used in the final experiment step to determine if normalization of blood glucose levels can be achieved in this xenografted animal just as it can in the diabetic pig.Read moreRead less
Many new therapies are being developed to treat stroke and prevent its recurrence. While a number of these have been successfully introduced, there is a puzzling gap between evidence of efficacy in animal models and humans. One of the main reasons may be lack of an integrated approach between the basic sciences and clinical researchers. By assembling a team with skills in both areas and a structure to maximise communication between groups this team plan to incrementally introduce new therapies i ....Many new therapies are being developed to treat stroke and prevent its recurrence. While a number of these have been successfully introduced, there is a puzzling gap between evidence of efficacy in animal models and humans. One of the main reasons may be lack of an integrated approach between the basic sciences and clinical researchers. By assembling a team with skills in both areas and a structure to maximise communication between groups this team plan to incrementally introduce new therapies into clinical practice.Read moreRead less
Molecular Determinants Of UDP Glucuronosyltransferase Expression In The Gastrointestinal Tract
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$447,750.00
Summary
The gastrointestinal tract is a major portal of entry for dietary chemicals and drugs taken orally or as suppositories. Enzymes resident in the gastrointestinal tract have an essential role in preventing these chemicals from reaching other organs and target tissues in the body and in protecting the gastrointestinal tract per se from their effects. The levels of these enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract varies quite extensively between individuals. In this project we will determine how these en ....The gastrointestinal tract is a major portal of entry for dietary chemicals and drugs taken orally or as suppositories. Enzymes resident in the gastrointestinal tract have an essential role in preventing these chemicals from reaching other organs and target tissues in the body and in protecting the gastrointestinal tract per se from their effects. The levels of these enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract varies quite extensively between individuals. In this project we will determine how these enzymes are regulated and what causes the large differences in their levels between individuals. This will help us to predict those individuals who are more at risk from the adverse effects of drugs taken orally or as suppositories and from the toxic effects of chemicals in the diet. The project will also help us identify therapies that can increase the levels of these protective enzymes to help reduce the effects of exposure to toxic chemicals .Read moreRead less