Research

Discovered world-first treatment for severe high blood pressure 

A world-first breakthrough in the treatment of high blood pressure pioneered at Baker IDI is expected to revolutionise treatment options for patients suffering severe and resistant hypertension. Research demonstrated a remarkable improvement in blood pressure levels for participants in a clinical trial that used a new catheter-based treatment for life-threatening high blood pressure. High blood pressure is a major health burden in Australia and around the world, and is the cause of many debilitating health problems and even sudden death. It is estimated that 30-40 percent of the population suffer from high blood pressure and of that group, 15 percent are resistant to traditional therapies.

New insight into the role of good cholesterol in diabetes

A new insight into the role of good cholesterol in diabetes was discovered by researchers in the Metabolic and Vascular Physiology Laboratory, headed by Professor Bronwyn Kingwell. The group demonstrated that HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) has an important role in glucose and fat metabolism. This work represents a paradigm shift from HDL being a bystander to an active player in glucose intolerance of the metabolic syndrome, and is critical to the rising epidemic of diabetes and its dramatic impact on cardiovascular disease. Continuing research will examine whether prolonged HDL elevation produces a sustained benefit on blood glucose control which may translate to a new therapeutic approach in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Identified important link between prolonged TV viewing and mortality

A stark warning - not just for couch potatoes but even those who exercise regularly - that the risk of death increases the longer people spend in front of the television. A pioneering study led by Baker IDI's Head of Physical Activity research, Associate Professor David Dunstan found that watching television for prolonged periods can be bad for your health, with each hour spent in front of the television each day associated with an 11 per cent increased risk of death from all causes; a 9 per cent increased risk of cancer death; and an 18 per cent increased risk of cardiovascular diseaserelated death. The results are supported by an emerging field of research that demonstrates how prolonged periods of inactivity affect the body's processing of fats and other substances that contribute to heart risk. The research has broader health implications for other types of sedentary behaviour such as sitting in front of a computer, reading a book, driving or sitting on public transport.

Developing test to screen for heart disease before symptoms appear

A new test to identify people who will suffer heart disease years before they die of a heart attack is being developed by Baker IDI researchers. The test has the potential to screen for heart disease long before symptoms appear by pin-pointing patterns in proteins contained in urine. Currently, there are no tests to screen for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease - which is responsible for 80 per cent of heart conditions - and the first sign of illness for many people is a fatal or near-fatal heart attack. Researchers, led by Professor Karlheinz Peter, developed a urine test with the German biotech company, Mosaiques and the University of Freiburg. Early diagnosis of coronary artery disease would allow preventative measures such as lifestyle improvements and medical treatments to save millions of lives around the world.

Playing a pivotal role in developing national health guidelines

The specialised clinical skills of Baker IDI staff have been recognised, with a successful tender led by our Adelaide facility to review and update four national guidelines relating to type 2 diabetes. The four areas are in foot disease and secondary prevention and management of cardiovascular disease (lipid control, hypertension and macrovascular disease). The guidelines are national and will be endorsed by the National Health and Medical Research Council in 2011 and 2012. The team is headed by Associate Professor Jonathan Shaw and is a collaboration with The George Institute and the University of Adelaide.

Commercialisation of intellectual property delivering benefits around the world

The success of Baker IDI's spin-off company, Osprey Medical Inc, founded by Professor David Kaye and his colleagues has continued to go from strength to strength. Osprey Medical, now based in Minneapolis in the United States, is focused on developing innovative catheter systems to address clinical needs. Osprey has raised a further US $4M in funding to progress with a pivotal study for the prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy (toxicity to the kidneys as a result of the use of contrast agents for coronary angiograms).

A successful feasibility study of 40 patients was recently completed by Professor Kaye and his colleagues, with Osprey now looking to undertake a large clinical trial and seek regulatory approval in Europe and the United States.