Monitoring Bone Loss And Response To Therapy Through Bone Material And Structural Composition
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$696,111.00
Summary
Millions of scripts are filled for treatment of osteoporosis. However, there is no way of knowing if these drugs are right for these individuals, if it improves bone strength or are actually doing harm. Bone density measurement is of limited value. We have developed a new analysis method that measures changes in bone structure that tell us if the treatment is or is not working so alternative treatment can be used. The aim of this study is to test this new method.
Prediction Of Adverse Outcomes Following A Fragility Fracture
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$148,426.00
Summary
Individuals with an existing fracture are at increased risk of adverse outcomes such as re-fracture and premature mortality, but it is not clear why. We propose to evaluate risk factors, and prognostic models, for predicting the risk of adverse outcomes. We also propose to develop a quantitative risk-benefit framework for evaluating the clinical utility of such prognostic models and help ensure that therapies appropriately address real-life experience of osteoporotic patients.
Bisphosphonate Therapy With Zoledronate Or Tenofovir Switching To Improve Low Bone Mineral Density In HIV-Infected Adults: A Strategic, Randomised Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$716,300.00
Summary
Most HIV+ Australians receive tenofovir, a ‘preferred’ drug in all HIV treatment guidelines, and may do for decades, as HIV therapy is lifelong and because there are very few new HIV drugs. 40% of HIV+ adults have low bone density and HIV+ adults experience more fractures. Of all HIV drugs, tenofovir causes the most bone loss. This trial compares two approaches: a drug to improve bone density and switching tenofovir to another drug. This ‘treat versus switch’ approach is a world-first for HIV.
The Effect Of Antiepileptic Medication On Indices Of Bone Health And Risk Factors For Falls And Fractures
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$469,605.00
Summary
Epilepsy is a common brain disorder and most patients with epilepsy take anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) for many years. These patients have high rates of bone fractures, but the reasons are uncertain. Earlier studies identifying an association between AED use and bone disease were performed on institutionalised patients, and more recent studies on outpatient populations have been conflicting. A better understanding of this problem is critical for designing potential preventive measures and treatmen ....Epilepsy is a common brain disorder and most patients with epilepsy take anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) for many years. These patients have high rates of bone fractures, but the reasons are uncertain. Earlier studies identifying an association between AED use and bone disease were performed on institutionalised patients, and more recent studies on outpatient populations have been conflicting. A better understanding of this problem is critical for designing potential preventive measures and treatments. One important additional mechanism by which AEDs may increase fracture risk is impairment of gait and balance, leading to a high risk of falls. We have novel data demonstrating the power of a Twin and Matched Sibling approach to study this important problem. This study showed that chronic AED use was associated with significant deficits in bone mineral density (BMD), a key predictor of the risk of fractures. The proposed project will ask the following questions: 1. Is BMD and estimated bone strength lower in the bones most at risk for fracture in women and men chronically taking AEDs? 2. Is the loss of bone in measurements over time greater in patients continuing to take AEDs? 3. Is the risk of bone loss greater for certain types of AEDs, and is the risk influenced by length of exposure, age and menopausal status? 4. How does AED treatment lead to reductions in BMD and bone strength? 5. Are measures of muscle strength, gait and balance impaired in patients taking AEDs compared with matched people not taking AEDs? The proposed study will utilise twins and pairs of siblings to investigate the effects of the long-term use of AEDs for epilepsy on measures of bone mass and strength, indices of bone turnover, vitamin D status, calcium regulating hormones, mineral levels, sex hormone levels, and measures of muscle strength, gait and balance function. In addition, a group of patients newly commencing AED treatment for epilepsy will be studied over 2 years.Read moreRead less
Does Teriparatide Reverse Osteonecrosis Of The Jaw In Patients With Cancer? A Randomised, Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$137,700.00
Summary
Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is a debilitating bone condition involving damage and suboptimal healing of bone involving the jaw. This has been associated with bisphosphonate therapy, which is commonly used for the treatment of both cancer and osteoporosis. My research aims to investigate the role of recombinant parathyroid hormone in the stimulation of bone formation and healing and, thus, its potential to reverse ONJ.
Regulation Of Bone Resorption And Formation In Health And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$5,596,183.00
Summary
Bone is continually being formed and broken down, and these two processes are critical forthe maintenance of a normal skeleton. These processes are dependent upon communication between the bone building and degrading cells, and the hormones growth factors and cytokines that are present in the circulation or produced in bone. The tightly regulated processes of bone formation and degradation need to remain equal, and are essential for the achievement and maintenance of skeletal strength and form. ....Bone is continually being formed and broken down, and these two processes are critical forthe maintenance of a normal skeleton. These processes are dependent upon communication between the bone building and degrading cells, and the hormones growth factors and cytokines that are present in the circulation or produced in bone. The tightly regulated processes of bone formation and degradation need to remain equal, and are essential for the achievement and maintenance of skeletal strength and form. Osteoporosis results from an excess of bone breakdown over formation, and our Program aims to identify the factors that regulate these processes, and develop new therapies that can modify them. We will also determine what it is about bone cell properties that make some cancers, especially those of breast and prostate, particularly prone to spread to bone.Read moreRead less
The Effect Of Androgen Replacement Therapy On Bone And Muscle Health In Men With Chronic Kidney Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$122,714.00
Summary
Low testosterone (T) levels are common in men with poor kidney function. Low T is known to cause reduced energy, decreased strength and low libido. Normal T is also needed for healthy bones and muscles. Men with kidney disease are already at risk of fractures, poor strength and quality of life. However, there are few studies that look at replacing T to men with kidney failure. We will investigate how low T affects bone and muscle and assess how giving T can benefit bone, muscle and function.