Neonatal Therapy For Improving Myelination And Long Term Outcome Following Preterm Birth
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$799,883.00
Summary
Preterm birth leads to the early loss of the nurturing uterine environment which supports key developmental processes. This results in behavioural disorders later in life including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and anxiety. Preterm birth leads to loss of support for the maturation of oligodendrocyte cells and myelination which contributes to these disorders. This work will delineate therapies for preterm neonates that restore myelination and improve long-term behavioural outcomes.
Influenza A Viral Infection And Pregnancy Complications
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,346,858.00
Summary
Pregnant women who contract influenza are 5 times more likely to be hospitalised than the general population. Babies of mothers with influenza are also associated with increased perinatal mortality rates. We hypothesise that influenza infection in pregnancy significantly impairs the maternal vascular system resulting in maternal and foetal morbidity. Outcomes from this research may change current treatment modalities to improve maternal and foetal outcomes complicated by influenza infection.
A Novel Interaction Between The Immune And Vascular Systems In Early-onset Preeclampsia; An Opportunity For New Treatments?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$921,623.00
Summary
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication that leads to poor birth outcomes and elevated lifelong cardiovascular disease risk in 4 million women each year. It has no cure and treatments are limited because the causal mechanisms are not understood. We have identified a specialised immune cell in the mother's blood that assists blood vessels to function properly in pregnancy. We will assess whether interventions to enhance these cells can improve poor blood vessel function and pregnancy outcomes.