Chronic Gastrointestinal Symptoms And Diabetes Mellitus: Risk Factors And Mechanisms
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$271,527.00
Summary
Why many people with diabetes mellitus are afflicted by gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms remains uncertain. Irreversible damage to the nerves controlling the gut (autonomic neuropathy) is often considered to be important. An alternative cause of increased GI symptomatology in diabetics is poor glucose control. Some studies have shown that acute shifts in glucose levels induce changes in the gut relevant to the onset of GI symptoms. For example, high glucose levels acutely cause slower stomach empt ....Why many people with diabetes mellitus are afflicted by gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms remains uncertain. Irreversible damage to the nerves controlling the gut (autonomic neuropathy) is often considered to be important. An alternative cause of increased GI symptomatology in diabetics is poor glucose control. Some studies have shown that acute shifts in glucose levels induce changes in the gut relevant to the onset of GI symptoms. For example, high glucose levels acutely cause slower stomach emptying times, leading to feelings of fullness. Though the effects of chronic glucose levels are yet to be properly explored, population data show that poor control in the long-term is related to an increase in symptoms. The aim of this prospective study is to determine the roles played by both autonomic neuropathy and glucose control in the development of GI symptoms among diabetics. All past research has been cross-sectional, and so cannot tell us if one or both of these factors cause GI problems in diabetes. For example, it is possible that autonomic neuropathy causes an increase in GI symptoms such as nausea and fullness, which in turn induces poor glucose control though lack of appetite or inadequate stomach emptying. Upon study inclusion, all study participants will undergo a series of autonomic tests. At 3 month intervals for a period of 30 months, they will be asked to complete a 2-week diary card detailing their GI symptoms and glucose readings, and also supply blood and urine samples for analysis twice each year. Two years from the study outset, participants will again complete the autonomic test series. Psychiatric co-morbidity will be investigated using the Composite Diagnostic Interview (CIDI-Auto) at the autonomic testing time points. The study will be undertaken at the Gastroenterology Research Unit at Nepean Hospital, in collaboration with the Royal Adelaide Hospital, centres with proven track records in diabetes investigation.Read moreRead less
Anogenital Human Papillomavirus Infection And Its Outcomes In Men
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$333,433.00
Summary
Anal human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is common in homosexual men. Low risk types cause anal warts and high risk types of HPV cause anal cancer. This study will determine incidence and risk factors for HPV infection in a cohort of young homosexual men, the association of anal warts treatment with HIV risk, and the specific association of HPV subtypes with anal cancer. The findings of this research will help delineate the potential benefits of HPV vaccination in this population.
Understanding The Health Effects Of Biomass Smoke In Australian Towns And Cities
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$172,392.00
Summary
Wildfires have become more frequent and severe the world over and the health impacts of the associated air pollution is a major gap in the current evidence. Working with lead agencies in air quality regulation, public health and fire management I will examine and compare the health effects of air pollution from deliberate burns, bushfires, wood heaters and other sources of air pollution. The research will focus on respiratory and heart disease to inform public health and individual patient care.
Metabolic And Hormonal Pathways In Gynecological Cancer - Epidemiological Studies Of Risk And Survival
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$288,275.00
Summary
Metabolic and hormonal factors probably play a role in a womans chance of developing and surviving gynecological cancer, but the exact mechanisms are unclear. This project will use questionnaire information, blood and tumour samples of over 5,000 Australian women to examine the mechanisms leading to cancer development and survival among women with uterine and ovarian cancer, the two commonest female reproductive cancers. Results will help plan primary prevention strategies and care.
David Whiteman is a medical epidemiologist with a special interest in the causes, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of cancer. His work has focussed on melanoma and skin cancer, and more recently, on cancers of the upper gastro-intestinal tract.
Genetic And Environmental Epidemiology Of Early-onset Melanoma In The Australian Melanoma Family Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$412,210.00
Summary
This project will investigate the genetic and environmental causes of melanoma, especially melanoma developing under the age of 40 in Australian families. This project will help to identify which people are at greatest risk of developing melanoma, by identifying the genes involved in melanoma development and the contribution of environmental and lifestyle factors to the disease. We will also determine how much hereditary factors contribute to melanoma risk.