Heart Foundation announces funding for two CCRG biomedical projects
Two CCRG projects have today been announced as recipients of Vanguard Research Grants from the Heart Foundation. The projects, two of the four Queensland-based recipients, aim to further our research into mitochondrial transplantation and pulsatile mechanical heart therapy.
CCRG’s Professor David McGiffin will lead investigations into mitochondrial transplantation as a supplementary therapy to improve the function of donor hearts.
“This project involves the application of some very unique biology to help us better understand ways to reduce or prevent mitochondrial damage during heart transplantation, and improve the function of these hearts for their new recipients.”
“The mitochondrion is the energy powerhouse of the cell. Recent studies have shown that ischemia can cause mitochondrial damage which can impair the function of donor hearts post-transplantation. This study, made possible with funding from the Heart Foundation, will generate proof-of-concept evidence to demonstrate the potential of mitochondrial transplantation to improve donor heart function, ultimately saving more lives,” said Professor McGiffin.
The second project will address deficiencies of current extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy by introducing innovative pulsatile flow technology.
CCRG Director Professor John Fraser explains “Cardiogenic shock (CS) is a life-threatening condition where the heart fails to deliver enough blood to vital organs to keep them alive. In patients with severe CS, ECMO is used to restore blood flow. The currently used devices are pulseless, providing a non-physiologic blood flow to organs, however the lack of pulse has been linked to severe complications. So, to improve outcomes, we propose a return to biology by adding a pulse to the mechanical heart.”
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Heart Foundation’s donors, hard working mums and dads, for believing in what we do. For 20 years, the Critical Care Research Group has worked hard to ensure that money entrusted to us is used as efficiently as possible, to translate today’s research into tomorrow’s treatments and pave the way for the next era of medical breakthroughs. This funding will allow us to progress our research into ways to restore blood flow after heart attacks and cardiogenic shock.”
Heart Foundation CEO David Lloyd said that the generosity of donors during the past 12 months had ensured the organisation could continue to help support vital cardiovascular research.
“These 73 innovative projects build on the Heart Foundation’s strong legacy of supporting cardiovascular research since 1959,” he said.
“The Heart Foundation supports research right across the spectrum: from work in fundamental biology that aims to discover the basic mechanisms of disease, to clinical research, to work in health services and public health - and it’s pleasing to see that spread continues with this year’s funding outcomes.
“Our support is only possible with thanks to the generosity of everyday Australians who want to live in a world where cardiovascular disease is no longer a threat to them or their loved ones. It’s a cause championed by the Heart Foundation too, as we strive to realise our long-term vision of making the generation that turns 50 in 2050 the nation’s healthiest ever.”
More than four million Australians are living with a cardiovascular disease and nearly 44,000 deaths are attributed to one, with coronary heart disease continuing to be the leading single cause of disease and death in Australia — accounting for more than 17,300 deaths each year.