Molecular Characterization Of Unique Recognition Sites On The Surface Of Human Spermatozoa
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$212,036.00
Summary
Developing an understanding of the molecular mechanisms that regulate human sperm function is central to the clinical management of male infertility, attempts to develop novel forms of male contraception and strategies for the introduction of transgenes into the male germ line. Defective sperm function is the largest single defined cause of human infertility. Despite the prevalence of this condition we have no idea how most cases of male infertility arise nor, in a vast majority of patients, do ....Developing an understanding of the molecular mechanisms that regulate human sperm function is central to the clinical management of male infertility, attempts to develop novel forms of male contraception and strategies for the introduction of transgenes into the male germ line. Defective sperm function is the largest single defined cause of human infertility. Despite the prevalence of this condition we have no idea how most cases of male infertility arise nor, in a vast majority of patients, do we understand which particular aspect of sperm biochemistry is defective. As a consequence we have not been able to develop sensitive biochemical diagnostic tests for the infertile male nor do we have any rational methods of treatment that address the cause of this condition. Similarly no new methods of male fertility regulation have been introduced since vasectomy despite the major advances that have been made in the field of female contraception over the same period of time. Clearly if we are to develop sensitive methods for the diagnosis of defective sperm function, introduce protocols for the treatment and prevention of male infertility and discover novel approaches to male contraception, we must first understand the cellular mechanisms that enable these highly specialized cells to perform their unique function. In this study we shall focus on one of the most important attributes of sperm function the capacity of these cells to recognize the egg. Once the biochemical basis of this fundamental recognition process is understood, it should pave the way for the development of clinical applications that target this signaling system with implications for a range of disciplines including reproductive toxicology, occupational medicine, family planning, infertility and biotechnology.Read moreRead less
The Relationship Between Airborne Particle Exposure, Incident Respiratory Symptoms And Decline In Lung Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$315,497.00
Summary
Air pollution has been consistently identified as the environmental health problem of greatest concern to the general public in Australia. Yet hard evidence of adverse health effects from air pollution in Australian cities and towns is limited to date. It has been estimated that high levels of particles in urban air could be responsible for as many as 2,400 deaths nationally, costing approximately $4,300 million each year. This study will follow two groups of young Melbourne adults recruited som ....Air pollution has been consistently identified as the environmental health problem of greatest concern to the general public in Australia. Yet hard evidence of adverse health effects from air pollution in Australian cities and towns is limited to date. It has been estimated that high levels of particles in urban air could be responsible for as many as 2,400 deaths nationally, costing approximately $4,300 million each year. This study will follow two groups of young Melbourne adults recruited some years ago for studies of respiratory health. They will be a sent a questionnaire by mail and invited back to our laboratory for breathing tests. We will obtain routinely collected air quality data and measure fine particles < 2.5 thousandths of a mm in outdoor air. A subgroup of 100 subjects will also participate in some measurements of indoor air pollution. The analysis will look for relationships between particles in the air, new symptoms and changes in lung function over time. Comparisons will also made with other centres doing a very similar study in Europe. Reviews commissioned by the National Environment Protection Council have highlighted the lack of Australian data to assist in setting standards for particulate air pollution. The proposed study would provide some of the necessary local data and assist in the development of new health based environmental protection measures for fine particles. Once these measures have been implemented, we would expect to see an improvement in the respiratory health of the Australian population.Read moreRead less
Impaired Bone Remodelling Leads To Failure Of Orthopaedic Prostheses
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$515,917.00
Summary
The failure of bone prostheses is becoming a major health problem. More than 26,000 hip, and an equal number of knee, replacements were performed in Australia in 2002 with the number increasing between 5%-10% each year for the previous 10 years. Disturbingly, the incidence of revision hip surgery in Australia is now more than 15%, meaning that, despite the impressive success of joint replacement surgery, a significant number of arthroplasties fail. It is becoming more common for young, active in ....The failure of bone prostheses is becoming a major health problem. More than 26,000 hip, and an equal number of knee, replacements were performed in Australia in 2002 with the number increasing between 5%-10% each year for the previous 10 years. Disturbingly, the incidence of revision hip surgery in Australia is now more than 15%, meaning that, despite the impressive success of joint replacement surgery, a significant number of arthroplasties fail. It is becoming more common for young, active individuals to receive joint replacement surgery to improve their quality of life. This, combined with increasing life expectancy, and the known higher rate of failure of joint replacements in younger patients, means that the morbidity of a failed replacement, and the mobidity and associated mortality of revision surgery, will become an increasingly important health issue, with a major impact upon health budgets. The overwhelming majority of hip and knee prostheses have metal or ceramic on polyethylene bearing surfaces. It is now apparent that most implants fail due to bone loss around them leading to loosening, and evidence is accumulating that polyethylene wear particles are a major contributing factor to this process. It is therefore vital that we obtain better understanding of the causes of implant failure in order to extend the life of these implants and this project is designed to do so.Read moreRead less
RNA Binding Protein Musashi: Role In Folliculogenesis And Oocyte Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$419,223.00
Summary
Women in Australian have opted for social and economic reasons to delay both marriage and childbirth. Both infertility and congenital abnormality is associated with advancing maternal age as the ovarian pool of oocytes declines in number and quality. In this project we aim to gain an understanding of the molecular mechanisms underpinning healthy oocyte development. Insights gained have the potential to alleviate miscarriage, infertility and congenital abnormalities in Australian families.
Xenobiotics - Oxidative Stress In The Mammalian Ovary
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$377,922.00
Summary
Synthetic chemicals called xenobiotics in the environment are capable of interfering with female fertility. Xenobiotics can trigger oocyte depletion of the ovary and infertility. Exhaustion of the oocyte population results in the menopause, loss of ovarian hormones and profoundly affects female health through increasing susceptibility to heart and bone disease. This research will characterise xenobiotic effects on the ovary and will lead to significant advances in reproductive healthcare.