Development And Application Of A Novel Ultrasensitive LC-MS Estradiol Assay
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$240,400.00
Summary
This project will develop a new ultrasensitive method using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to measure extremely low level of circulating estrogens in the bloodstream especially in mice. This will allow for the first time the ability to study the natural regulation of fertility in mice and other sub-primate mammals for which the present assay methods are not adequate.
Women's Hormones And Health Across The Adult Life Span
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$951,005.00
Summary
Sex hormones are important in younger and older women’s health. However, normal levels of sex hormones for women of different ages and the extent to which sex hormones are associated with common health outcomes are yet to be established. These issues will be systematically studied in comprehensive, community-based studies of younger and older Australian women. The findings will be immediately translated into clinical practice guidelines and community education.
The Role Of Urotensin II In Diabetes-Associated Atherosclerosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$405,594.00
Summary
People with diabetes most commonly die from stroke or heart attack and we need to determine what makes them more prone to these problems. The recently discovered UII system is increased in people with diabetes and has been found in diseased parts of blood vessels. Thus, the aim of this project is to characterise the UII system in the setting of diabetes using 2 unique genetically altered mice and a blocker a to study the effects of high cholesterol, diabetes and a deletion of UII.
Obesity And Its Metabolic Associations In Relation To Bariatric Surgery And Maternal-fetal Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$140,949.00
Summary
My research will examine the effects of maternal obesity, diabetes and smoking on outcomes evidence at birth in the offspring. Bariatric surgery is the most effective means to achieve sustained weight loss in obese patients and may improve metabolic abnormalities and complications. My research will explore the benefits of bariatric surgery in obese patients with type 2 diabetes with or without the addition of a glucose-like peptite-1 (GLP-1) agonist, liraglutide.
Alpha-2-Macroglobulin And The Transport And Uptake Of The Hormone, Hepcidin
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$533,541.00
Summary
Hepcidin is a peptide hormone that is a major regulator of iron metabolism. It has been suggested that hepcidin is free in the blood. However, we recently identified that hepcidin binds with alpha-2-macroglobulin (a2-M) in the plasma and this increases the efficacy of this peptide. The demonstration that a2-M plays a role in hepcidin biology will lead to a better understanding of hepcidin physiology, the development of methods for its measurement and improved treatment of iron related diseases.
Sex Steroids Modulate The Neuronal Control Of Bone Formation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$620,647.00
Summary
It is well recognised that changes in sex hormones are pivotal to the development of osteoporosis in both men and women. Our group has been instrumental in identifying a novel and powerful system regualting bone mass and strength by neural activity. Recent findings indicate critical interactions between these two pathways in the control of bone formation. Greater understanding of these interactions could lead to therapies capable of controlling this extremely common disease.