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Common Pathways Influencing Osteoporosis And Atherosclerosis Clinical Risk
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$443,090.00
Summary
It is recognised there are strong inherited effects on bone density and bone turnover as well as cardiovascular markers like serum cholesterol and arterial function. The study will examine the relationship between osteoporosis and atherosclerosis risk using the powerful twin model and two established large twin cohorts in Sydney and Melbourne. The work may lead to better prediction of common risk factors for these two important conditions.
An Evaluation Of Bone Density Screening In Premenopausal Women
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$175,046.00
Summary
Fractures due to osteoporosis are a major public health problem. Bone density is one of the major predictors of these osteoporotic fractures and is the result of the amount of bone gained in early life (i.e peak bone mass) and subsequent bone loss. Cigarette smoking, physical inactivity and inadequate calcium intake are widely regarded as risk factors for osteoporosis (as well as for other common diseases). Despite this information being widely available and actively promoted, the prevalence of ....Fractures due to osteoporosis are a major public health problem. Bone density is one of the major predictors of these osteoporotic fractures and is the result of the amount of bone gained in early life (i.e peak bone mass) and subsequent bone loss. Cigarette smoking, physical inactivity and inadequate calcium intake are widely regarded as risk factors for osteoporosis (as well as for other common diseases). Despite this information being widely available and actively promoted, the prevalence of these risk factors in the population remains unacceptably high suggesting that education alone at the public health level is not sufficient to modify these behaviours. In women (mean age 33) taking part in a study of the determinants of bone mass in children, we recently reported substantial change in these behaviours at 12 months follow-up when women received an information leaflet and individualised bone density information. These women were highly selected and it is unclear if this response is representative of all women. The aims of this study are, therefore, to test hypotheses in a random electoral roll sample of 400 women aged 25-44 from metropolitan Hobart relating to the effect of different types of educational programs and low initial bone mass on both lifestyle changes and changes in bone density over two years. This study will lead to accurate information about how best to target osteoporosis prevention programs in the younger age groups. Furthermore, as risk factors for cardiovascular and other diseases are often similar to those for osteoporosis, it is likely to provide insights into the prevention of these diseases and, as a result, have much greater potential for decreasing disease in the community.Read moreRead less
Chemokines are small molecules that are released by a number of cell types, particularly monocytes, when inflammation occurs. Chronic inflammatory disease is associated with severe bone erosion and loss of bone quality. Surprisingly, chemokines control osteoclast development as well as macrophage activation; even if the osteoclast has formed, blocking chemokine signalling prevents bone resorption. Chemokines are a new and exciting target to control osteoclast formation.
The Role Of Tenascin-C In Bone And Joint Pathology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$215,773.00
Summary
Many diseases of bones (e.g.osteoporosis) and joints (e.g. arthritis) result from the abnormal function of cells in these tissues. Factors regulating cell function are, therefore, important in maintaining a healthy skeleton, as well as in the skeleton's response to disease. Tenascin-C is a protein produced by bone and joint cells. The role of tenascin-C in the function of bone-forming cells (osteoblasts) and bone-resorbing cells (osteoclasts) will be investigated. We will investigate whether ten ....Many diseases of bones (e.g.osteoporosis) and joints (e.g. arthritis) result from the abnormal function of cells in these tissues. Factors regulating cell function are, therefore, important in maintaining a healthy skeleton, as well as in the skeleton's response to disease. Tenascin-C is a protein produced by bone and joint cells. The role of tenascin-C in the function of bone-forming cells (osteoblasts) and bone-resorbing cells (osteoclasts) will be investigated. We will investigate whether tenascin-C is required for the bone loss that occurs in female mice when oestrogen is not present. We will also determine the role played by tenascin-C in development and recovery from arthritis. This study will contribute to the understanding of how bone and joint cells function in health and disease.Read moreRead less
Gene Variants Related To Bone Density And Fracture.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$330,375.00
Summary
Bone density and osteoporosis have a genetic component. Identifying genes that are involved in determining bone density may permit advances in controlling osteoporosis. We have identified a variant that is related to bone density high enough to protect individuals four fold against Colle's fracture, the common wrist fracture seen in women. In addition, some people with bone fracture at the hip, or low bone density, have mutations in this gene. The gene is a master regulator of the cells that mak ....Bone density and osteoporosis have a genetic component. Identifying genes that are involved in determining bone density may permit advances in controlling osteoporosis. We have identified a variant that is related to bone density high enough to protect individuals four fold against Colle's fracture, the common wrist fracture seen in women. In addition, some people with bone fracture at the hip, or low bone density, have mutations in this gene. The gene is a master regulator of the cells that make bone: this gives hope that it may be possible to alter bone formation through this master regulator.Read moreRead less