Gene Mining For Novel Molecular Determinants Of The Skeleton
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$633,447.00
Summary
Musculoskeletal conditions affect over 6 million Australians and research has shown that genetic background strongly influences development of these disorders. This project will identify genes that have a role in controlling bone and joint architecture. Identification of these genes will assist in the development of treatments targeting bone disorders and allow screening for these genes to provide an opportunity for people to take preventative action to improve bone and joint health.
Fractures And Bisphosphonates: Reviving Osteoporosis Treatment Uptake By Identifying The Genetic, Material, And Microstructural Risk Factors Of Atypical Femur Fractures.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,053,094.00
Summary
Atypical femoral fractures (AFF) are uncommon, but catastrophic, complications of antiresorptive osteoporosis treatments including bisphosphonates. We will identify patients at risk of AFF by determining changes in their bone structure and quality, and identifying genes that increase the risk of these fractures. In this way, cheap and effective antiresorptive treatments can be targeted to patients at the lowest risk of AFF and alternative treatments to those at highest risk.
Maintenance Of Bone Strength In Aged Rats: The Vitamin D Requirement
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$543,301.00
Summary
Hip fracture remains the most devastating of the osteoporotic fractures particularly in women in whom the incidence increases to about 3% per annum by the ninth decade. This incidence is bound to increase as the population ages with increasing longevity. Supplementation of diets of elderly female nursing home residents with vitamin D and calcium has been shown to reduce the risk of hip fracture by 30% in two years. However we do not know how much vitamin D is necessary to maintain optimal bone s ....Hip fracture remains the most devastating of the osteoporotic fractures particularly in women in whom the incidence increases to about 3% per annum by the ninth decade. This incidence is bound to increase as the population ages with increasing longevity. Supplementation of diets of elderly female nursing home residents with vitamin D and calcium has been shown to reduce the risk of hip fracture by 30% in two years. However we do not know how much vitamin D is necessary to maintain optimal bone strength. This project will determine the level of vitamin D required to maintain optimal bone strength in aged rats using a simple blood test which could then be used to screen the elderly and identify those at risk of hip fracture from low vitamin D levels. The project will also investigate the effects of vitamin D on the bone cells that maintain optimal skeletal architecture. This information is essential for comparison with the current knowledge of other biochemical bone markets in blood and vitamin D status in the elderly, in order to develop nutritional recommendations to reduce the incidence of hip fracture.Read moreRead less
Hip fracture remains the most devastating of the osteoporotic fractures particularly in women, in whom the incidence increases to about 3% per annum by the ninth decade. This incidence is bound to increase as the population ages with increasing longevity. Supplementation of diets of elderly female nursing home residents with vitamin D and calcium has been shown to reduce the risk of hip fracture by 30% in two years. However we do not know how much vitamin D is necessary to maintain optimal bone ....Hip fracture remains the most devastating of the osteoporotic fractures particularly in women, in whom the incidence increases to about 3% per annum by the ninth decade. This incidence is bound to increase as the population ages with increasing longevity. Supplementation of diets of elderly female nursing home residents with vitamin D and calcium has been shown to reduce the risk of hip fracture by 30% in two years. However we do not know how much vitamin D is necessary to maintain optimal bone strength. This project will determine the level of vitamin Drequired to maintain optimal bone strength in adult and senescent rats using a simple blood test which could then be used to screen the elderly and identify those at risk a hip fracture from low vitamin D levels. The project will also investigate the effects of vitamin D on bone cells which is necessary to maintain optimal skeletal architecture. This information is essential for comparison with the current knowledge of other biochemical bone markers in blood and vitamin D status in the elderly, in order to develop nutritional recommendations to reduce the incidence of hip fracture.Read moreRead less