Micro-architectural Bone Structure Determined By Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$52,288.00
Summary
Osteoarthritis is the main form of arthritis. Bone metabolism is involved in osteoarthritis, however it is unknown how this relates to knee structures prior to disease onset. Magnetic Resonance Imaging techniques enable measurement of a healthy knee joint to a diseased one. By using the Geelong Osteoporosis Study, we will demonstrate how bone metabolism affects change in knee structure, and the risk of osteoarthritis.
Extension Of The Calcium Intake Fracture Outcome Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$272,025.00
Summary
Osteoporosis is a largely preventable disease yet 1 in 10 Australians have osteoporosis. Every year >64,000 osteoporotic fractures occur, which is one every 8.1 minutes and women are three times as likely to have the disease than men. The Bone and Calcium Research Group at the University of Western Australia, is studying how to prevent osteoporosis in elderly women. This study is called the Calcium Intake Fracture Outcome Study or CAIFOS. During 1998, 1,500 women were recruited to study wheth ....Osteoporosis is a largely preventable disease yet 1 in 10 Australians have osteoporosis. Every year >64,000 osteoporotic fractures occur, which is one every 8.1 minutes and women are three times as likely to have the disease than men. The Bone and Calcium Research Group at the University of Western Australia, is studying how to prevent osteoporosis in elderly women. This study is called the Calcium Intake Fracture Outcome Study or CAIFOS. During 1998, 1,500 women were recruited to study whether a daily calcium supplement for 5 years helps to prevent fractures compared to a diet without a supplement. To do this only half of the women were given calcium supplements and the other half were given matched placebo tablets. Each year the study participants are reviewed and asked whether or not they have broken any bones and have other measurements to monitor their bone health and overall health. The subjects are entering their last year of treatment and will finish the study during 2003. At this appointment all subjects will undergo the same series of measurements that they had at the beginning of the study to determine whether or not they have fractured any bones, improved their bone mass and overall health during the treatment stage. The main outcome of the study is to determine whether calcium is useful as a supplement to prevent osteoporotic fracture in elderly women. If this study finds that fewer women fractured in the calcium treated group compared to the non treated group, given that both groups were similar to begin with, we can say that supplementation with calcium prevents fractures. Thus, public health messages about preventing osteoporosis will be able to direct the community to take supplements to prevent a disease that creates pain and disability in later life. The advantage of this study is that it is studying other aspects of these women health, so we can determine whether the calcium is safe to use and improves people's quality of life.Read moreRead less
N-3 LCPUFA Supplementation In Pregnancy To Reduce Allergies In Early Childhood
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$813,423.00
Summary
Over the last 20 years there has been a dramatic increase in allergic diseases in Australia as well as many other industrialised countries. This may be due to changes in our environment or diet. Over this period of time there has also been an increase in the dietary intake of n-6 fatty acids from vegetable oils and a corresponding decline in the intake of n-3 fatty acids from fish. Studies now indicate that there is a plausible link between these dietary changes and allergic diseases. Furthermor ....Over the last 20 years there has been a dramatic increase in allergic diseases in Australia as well as many other industrialised countries. This may be due to changes in our environment or diet. Over this period of time there has also been an increase in the dietary intake of n-6 fatty acids from vegetable oils and a corresponding decline in the intake of n-3 fatty acids from fish. Studies now indicate that there is a plausible link between these dietary changes and allergic diseases. Furthermore, emerging data suggest that the potential benefits of increasing n-3 fatty acids may be greatest during pregnancy and before allergic responses are established. Our project aims to minimise allergies in children from families where at least one parent has an allergy. We will assess whether dietary n-3 fatty acid supplementation of pregnant women will result in fewer children with allergies at 1 and 3 years of age. If the proposed intervention is successful, it would be a safe, cheap, acceptable and effective strategy to prevent allergies in children at high risk.Read moreRead less