Prognostic Factors Following A First Episode Of Central Nervous System Demyelination Suggestive Of Multiple Sclerosis.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$719,475.00
Summary
Multiple sclerosis is the second most common cause of neurological morbidity in young Australians after trauma. Knowing who will progress to develop multiple sclerosis after a first attack and at what rate they will progress is an important question as it will allow us to target treatment to those at greatest risk and modify a person's lifestyle to reduce the risk of developing MS or slow their rate of progression.
EFFECT OF EBV AND HHV-6 LATENT INFECTION OR REACTIVATION ON MS ACTIVITY: A PROSPECTIVE CLINICAL COHORT STUDY
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$263,845.00
Summary
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a severely debilitating neurodegenerative disease, affecting over 16,000 Australians. There is a need to examine which factors drive the progression of this disease. We examine the role of two viral infections on MS activity. It has the potential to contribute to antiviral interventions that might prevent relapses and-or decrease the clinical progression of this debilitating disease.
Comprehensive Assessment Of Genetic And Environmental Risk Factors For Melanoma: A Population-based Family Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$150,679.00
Summary
Excessive sunlight can cause melanoma, a serious type of skin cancer. However, there are other factors including a person's genetic make-up that are thought to put some people at higher risk. Many 'healthy' people have small changes in their genes that might make them more likely to develop melanoma. We need to know more about these genetic factors. Our study will investigate how particular small genetic changes influence a person's likelihood of developing melanoma.
The Role Of Past Sun Exposure, Infection History And Other Exogenous Factors In Multiple Sclerosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$92,011.00
Summary
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease of the brain and spinal cord that leads to various degrees of disability. The causes of MS are not yet known, and there is presently no cure. However, there is strong evidence that both an inherited susceptibility and environmental factors are important. This environmental case control study will be conducted in Tasmania and will run concurrent to a genetic project on MS which allows assessment of gene-environment interactions. ....Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease of the brain and spinal cord that leads to various degrees of disability. The causes of MS are not yet known, and there is presently no cure. However, there is strong evidence that both an inherited susceptibility and environmental factors are important. This environmental case control study will be conducted in Tasmania and will run concurrent to a genetic project on MS which allows assessment of gene-environment interactions. It focuses on infections, timing of childhood infections and long term sun exposure. It has been suggested that MS may be due to an immune disturbance following viral infection and that the timing of childhood infections may be initially important. Also, in Australia, there is a sevenfold increase in MS prevalence as one moves from Queensland to Tasmania. This latitudinal gradient might be due to ultra violet radiation, through an influence on immune function. Beside those main focuses, the study will include other environmental factors like chemicals, diet and vaccinations. Hopefully this project will contribute to a better understanding of the causes of MS, which are relevant for preventative strategies and devising optimal treatment.Read moreRead less