Weight Loss Programs And Subsequent Fertility Rates In An In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) Program
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$28,067.00
Summary
Compared with normal weight women, obese women have lower fertility both in natural and IVF cycles. Obesity is a risk factor for many maternal and fetal morbidities. This study will be the first randomised controlled trial aimed at demonstrating the effect on pregnancy rates of a prior weight loss program for obese women undertaking IVF treatment. A 12 week weight loss program including dietary, exercise, education and psychological factors will be initiated in the treatment arm.
Characterisation Of Cumulus Cell Molecular Mediators Of Oocyte Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$451,896.00
Summary
Many women are poorly fertile because of poor egg quality due to age, disease and lifestyle. IVF can assist, but requires large doses of hormone, which can lead to significant health risks. IVM is an alternative lab technique to IVF, but has very poor success. We discovered that synthetic proteins copied from recently discovered egg proteins can be added to the egg and substantially increase IVM success. Answering why will further will aid treatment for infertile women
Generation Of Human Intestinal Stem Cells By Direct Reprogramming
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$630,391.00
Summary
Intestinal stem cells (ISCs) can give rise to mini guts in vitro with exciting applications for drug screening and cell based regenerative medicine. However, currently the establishment of mini gut cultures requires an invasive procedure. By taking advantage of a revolutionary new predictive algorithm (Mogrify) we will generate ISC directly from somatic and pluripotent cell sources.
Quantitative In Vitro-in Vivo Extrapolation: Realising The Promise
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$529,509.00
Summary
Most drugs are 'broken down', or metabolised, in the body by enzymes which are located mainly in liver. Knowing the efficiency of drug metabolism in patients is important for the discovery of new drugs and for the rational use of established drugs. This project will develop in vitro, or test-tube, approaches that predict how well a drug is metabolised in humans and whether it will interact with coadminsitered drugs. In turn, this allows prediction of drug dosage and frequency of administration.
Embryo implantation is a critical step in establishing pregnancy, requiring stable attachment of an embryo to the uterus. For this to occur, the embryo must be implantation competent and the uterus must be receptive. However, to date, little is known about the interactions between the two that determine a successful implantation in the human. This project will investigate a novel embryo-derived enzyme that drives human implantation. These studies are important to improve infertility treatment.