Lifestyle and pharmacological regulation of lipoprotein metabolism in the metabolic syndrome [ 2006 - 2008 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Dr Dick Chan (Principal investigator) ,  Prof Gerald Watts ,  Prof Hugh Barrett

Brief description Visceral obesity is an increasing problem in Australia. Elevated blood fat levels are associated with visceral obesity and increased risk for heart disease. Effective management of lipid disorders is important to reduce the risk for heart disease. Fats in the blood originate from dietary sources and from synthesis by the liver. In viscerally obese subjects, the level of blood fats is elevated compared with lean individuals. These abnormalities are partly caused by overproduction of fat in the liver and impaired clearance of fat from the blood. Two particular proteins, called apolipoprotein A and B-100, are important fat carriers responsible for transporting fat in the blood. Viscerally obese subjects have abnormal levels of these apoproteins and we hypothesised that they are responsible for the impaired movement of fat in the blood. Viscerally obese subjects are insulin resistant and are prone to diabetes. This condition will impair the regulation of apolipoproteins A and B-100. In this research project, we will investigate the effect of a fibrate (a regulator of fat production and breakdown) and ezetimibe (a regulator of dietary cholesterol absorption) on the production and clearance rates of apolipoprotein A and B in a group of obese subjects who are on weight loss program . If our hypothesis is correct, these studies will demonstrate new mechanisms of action of the two drugs that will complements the favourable effect of weight loss in the treatment of elevated blood fats and reduction in risk of heart disease in an important groups of subject in the population.

Funding Amount $AUD 504,504.35

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant