I am a rheumatologist and epidemiologist who concentrates on epidemiological studies understanding the causes and treatment of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.
The Effects Of A Two Year Randomised Exercise Intervention On Markers Of Bone Turnover In Postmenopausal Women
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$43,573.00
Summary
Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones become more fragile and can break more easily. In Australia after age 60, three out of every five women and three out of every ten men will fracture a bone. When people fracture a hip they lose their independence and become much less mobile. Exercise is one lifestyle approach which may help in preventing osteoporosis by slowing bone loss and keeping the muscles strong. Previous research has not been able to clearly demonstrate the usefulness of exercis ....Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones become more fragile and can break more easily. In Australia after age 60, three out of every five women and three out of every ten men will fracture a bone. When people fracture a hip they lose their independence and become much less mobile. Exercise is one lifestyle approach which may help in preventing osteoporosis by slowing bone loss and keeping the muscles strong. Previous research has not been able to clearly demonstrate the usefulness of exercise due partly to the difficulty in getting people to exercise for a least one year, which is how long bone studies must be carried out for. We have conducted two large research studies in women past the menopause where they have done weight training exercises. In the previous study we showed the greatest increase in bone mass occurred in those women lifting the heaviest weights. In a recently completed two year study in 126 woman, which forms the basis of this proposal, we found a weight training program was effective at increasing the bone mass at the hip, a common fracture site. The fitness group did not show any increase. So although we have been able to show this type of exercise helps increase bone mass we don't know how the bone is able to respond to this. The question we wish to address with this proposal is does exercise slow the breakdown of bone or does it help form new bone? The best way to be able to answer this question is by measuring certain products in blood, known as bone markers. Bone is continually turning overthese markers are released from bone into the blood. By studying these bone markers in blood samples taken from the subjects over two years it will helps us determine how exercise is affecting bone. From our previous studies we know that weight training can help slow bone loss. By measuring the bone markers we will then be able to make recommendations to people on how exercise will help prevent bone loss.Read moreRead less
Fragility Fractures: The Neglected Role Of Cortical Porosity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$865,474.00
Summary
We just discovered that bone lost with age occurs mostly from pores within the cortex (outer shell) of the bone; These pores become larger (porosity) making bones fragile. This process is poorly detected by bone density (currently used tool) so that most people with weak bones are missed. To address this issue, we have for the first time, develop a technology to accurately quantify porosity in living peoples. With teams around the world, we aim here to fill this gap in the diagnosis.
I am a clinican-scientist and rheumatologist studying genetic determinants of common chronic human musculoskeletal diseases. My research aims are to define for key genes how specific genotypes promote diease phenotypes, using in vitro and in vivo approac
Fractures, in particular femoral neck (FN) fractures, are a huge public health problem resulting in disabilities, mortality and financial cost to the community. The prevention of these fractures is based on estimation of bone strength. The decision whether someone needs treatment, or the effectiveness of a treatment can only be judged by estimating bone strength. The bottom line is that currently we cannot correctly estimate bone strength. Present methods such as bone mineral density (BMD) perfo ....Fractures, in particular femoral neck (FN) fractures, are a huge public health problem resulting in disabilities, mortality and financial cost to the community. The prevention of these fractures is based on estimation of bone strength. The decision whether someone needs treatment, or the effectiveness of a treatment can only be judged by estimating bone strength. The bottom line is that currently we cannot correctly estimate bone strength. Present methods such as bone mineral density (BMD) perform poorly. Most people who fracture are not detected by BMD because their BMD is either normal or high, and many people with low BMD never fracture. The main aim of this grant application is to develop new tools to allow doctors and scientists worldwide to better estimate FN strength. To develop new methods to replace BMD, scientists need to make use of the 3D aspects of the bone such as size, shape and internal architecture. Presently, these 3D aspects (structure) have not been adequately studied and scientists incorrectly approximate them. As a result new methods are not any better. A good quantification of structure is needed. Another reason for the failure to accurately estimate the strength of bones is that estimates are based on a single parameter whereas the bone, like any architectural structure (e.g. building), comprises many components acting together to maintain its strength. To determine the strength based on density alone is incorrect; the size, the shape and things inside the structure need to be considered as a whole. After quantifying correctly the structure and components of bone strength, we will determine how they can be used individually and together to better estimate the strength of the FN in men and women. Tools generated will be used to better determine people likely to fracture and needing treatment; to better tailor and monitor treatments. A better understanding of the causes and epidemiology of fractures will ensue.Read moreRead less