Neurocircuitry Of A Novel Gastrointestinal-circulatory Reflex
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$515,625.00
Summary
The gastrointestinal tract receives about one third of the blood pumped around the body by the heart. This implies that the gut circulation plays a major role in blood pressure control. Gut blood flow changes according to the demands imposed by altered behavioural activity. Engagement in physical exercise results in increased blood flow to the working muscles of the limbs and diversion away from the gut. Alternatively, food consumption promotes an increase in blood flow to the gut to aid digesti ....The gastrointestinal tract receives about one third of the blood pumped around the body by the heart. This implies that the gut circulation plays a major role in blood pressure control. Gut blood flow changes according to the demands imposed by altered behavioural activity. Engagement in physical exercise results in increased blood flow to the working muscles of the limbs and diversion away from the gut. Alternatively, food consumption promotes an increase in blood flow to the gut to aid digestion. While this is a normal bodily process, there are also adverse implications of the re-distribution of blood flow: in the elderly compensation for these changes is often impaired and can result in low blood pressure and fainting. In addition, the incidence of angina-related heart pain is greater after food consumption and this may be associated with re-distribution of blood flow to the gut. Cholecystokinin (CCK), a hormone which is released from special cells that line the intestine, plays a role in the control of blood flow to the gut. We have developed the hypothesis that CCK acts on nerves which send a signal to the brain which, in turn, acting through other nerves, produces an increase in the flow of blood to the gut. This project is designed to study the nerve pathways in the brain which control this novel mechanism. We will record the activity of specific brain cells and nerves which are involved in the control of the blood supply to the gut. We will also examine which chemicals the brain cells and nerves use for communication with each other and so build up a model of the brain areas which are involved in gut blood flow control. This project will shed new light on the mechanisms of gut blood flow control and identify the associated brain pathways. The information will be of importance in the treatment of diseases of the circulation and food consumption-related cardiovascular changes in the elderly and obese as well as in sufferers of angina.Read moreRead less
A Temporal Profile Of Signaling Via Phosphorylation During Myocardial Ischemia - Reperfusion Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$369,641.00
Summary
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the major cause of death in Australians and sequelae post-myocardial ischemia - reperfusion (I-R) are responsible for the greatest proportion of CVD-related mortality. Despite this burden, there is little known of the molecular events that mediate I-R. This project will utilize cutting-edge technology to elucidate the molecular signaling events that lead to I-R injury, as well as determine the basis for protection afforded by clinical pre- and post-conditioning.
Cognitive Impairments And Post Traumatic Stress Symptoms In Children With Traumatic Brain Injury: A Longitudinal Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$482,250.00
Summary
Traumatic brain injury in children is common with more than 2000 new cases a year in Queensland and Victoria alone. Many children who experience a brain injury go on to have long-term difficulties such as significant educational and social problems. Post-traumatic stress occurs in children following traumatic physical injury. However it is not clear to what extent this is so for children who have received a traumatic brain injury. Furthermore, when there is a traumatic brain injury and traumatic ....Traumatic brain injury in children is common with more than 2000 new cases a year in Queensland and Victoria alone. Many children who experience a brain injury go on to have long-term difficulties such as significant educational and social problems. Post-traumatic stress occurs in children following traumatic physical injury. However it is not clear to what extent this is so for children who have received a traumatic brain injury. Furthermore, when there is a traumatic brain injury and traumatic stress, it is not clear how these interact, how they influence long-term outcomes, and what factors such as pre-injury functioning and family support and distress mediate outcomes. These issues are very important since effective rehabilitation of children following traumatic brain injury is essential to maximise long-term functioning and minimise disability. To be effective, rehabilitation must be guided by the knowledge about key factors that determine the recovery process. This study aims to provide answers to these questions by following two cohorts of children (aged 6-14) over 18 months after receiving a traumatic brain injury. In total 240 children will be recruited from Brisbane and Melbourne hospitals. They will be assessed at three, six, twelve and eighteen months post-injury using measures of cognitive, psychological and social functioning. Information on parent distress and behaviours will also be obtained. The information obtained will provide the basis for the development of a specific rehabilitation strategy for children with traumatic brain injury, including information on strategies to help prevent any confounding impact of post-traumatic stress on recovery.Read moreRead less
Clinical Feasibility Study Of Omega-3 PUFA Therapy For The Reduction Of Post-cardiac Surgery Atrial Arrhythmias
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$442,092.00
Summary
The aim of this study is to determine the molecular and clinical impact of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) pre-treatment 2 weeks before cardiac surgery in 150 patients. The outcome of this proposal will indicate proof of molecular concepts, clinical feasibility and specific design elements of a future, large scale, placebo controlled, prospective randomised trial of oral therapy with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Recently, omega-3 PUFA via fish diet was reported to be li ....The aim of this study is to determine the molecular and clinical impact of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) pre-treatment 2 weeks before cardiac surgery in 150 patients. The outcome of this proposal will indicate proof of molecular concepts, clinical feasibility and specific design elements of a future, large scale, placebo controlled, prospective randomised trial of oral therapy with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Recently, omega-3 PUFA via fish diet was reported to be linked to low incidence of AF. The main aim is to provide a cheap and safe preventative therapy against post-operative atrial fibrillation (AF), a key heart rhythm disorder that occurs in at least 1 in 4 patients after heart surgery and increases post-operative complications, limits recovery and increases hospital stay and cost. Biochemical study elements are important to gain valuable insight into the molecular mechanisms (directly in human heart) that underlie post-operative heart rhythm disorder and may delineate new more precise molecular targets for therapy. No previous clinical study has ever examined whether omega-3 PUFA therapy prevents post-operative heart rhythm disorder. Use of 3g-day omega-3 PUFA pre-treatment in the surgical setting has been shown to be safe in a number of small studies, including our own. Our preliminary data indicates that therapy increases heart and blood content of omega-3 PUFA ~2-fold, and reduces the incidence of AF. Post-operative AF is an expensive resource burden in all cardiothoracic surgery units of Australian hospitals and targets key health priorities. Due to the non-patentable nature of omega-3 PUFA, significant industry based support for clinical research is limited. A positive outcome would rapidly pave the way for widespread use in elective surgery. Reduced length of hospital stay, cost-savings, and the increase in productivity as healthy individuals return to their communities would nationally repay the investment many fold.Read moreRead less