Novel therapeutic interventions to increase blood flow to skeletal muscle [ 2005 - 2007 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Mark Febbraio (Principal investigator) ,  Natalie Hiscock ,  Prof Michael Clark ,  Prof Michael Hill ,  Prof Stephen Rattigan

Brief description Over the past decade it has become clear that the cytokine interleukin (IL)-6 is produced in and released from tissues such as fat and muscle to mediate metabolic processes. In this respect, it acts in a hormone like manner. During this period it has also become apparent that the hormone insulin increases blood flow to skeletal muscle. There is emerging evidence that IL-6 plays a role, not only in metabolic and signalling processes within skeletal muscle, but also in blood flow. This project will determine whether the cytokine IL-6 is a viable therapeutic target in the treatment of blood flow disorders in patients with type 2 diabetes. This has major ramifications since type 2 diabetes has reached pandemic levels in Australia and is estimated to cost the community approximately 800 million dollars per year.

Funding Amount $AUD 360,750.00

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant