Dissecting Associations Of Estradiol And Testosterone With Cardiovascular Outcomes.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$435,082.00
Summary
Controversy persists over whether falling testosterone (T) levels in ageing men increase risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). T is converted by the enzyme aromatase into estradiol (E2). We will assess whether men with abnormal E2 levels are at risk of CVD, more so than men with low T. We will assess whether differences in the aromatase gene which alter E2 levels also influence the risk of CVD. The results will clarify the importance of hormones to CVD and guide new approaches to its treatment.
Treating and preventing painful fractures could be improved by strengthening cortical bone – the hard outer shell of all bones in the skeleton. We don’t know how cortical bone forms, but if we did, we could improve its strength. We have found that a brain-like network of cells inside the skeleton, called osteocytes, use a specific signal, called SOCS3, to make strong cortical bone. This study will find out how SOCS3 works and find new ways to make cortical bone strong and healthy.
Development And Application Of A Novel Ultrasensitive LC-MS Estradiol Assay
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$240,400.00
Summary
This project will develop a new ultrasensitive method using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to measure extremely low level of circulating estrogens in the bloodstream especially in mice. This will allow for the first time the ability to study the natural regulation of fertility in mice and other sub-primate mammals for which the present assay methods are not adequate.
Trajectories Of Circulating Testosterone And Estradiol And Implications For The Health Of Ageing Men.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$235,033.00
Summary
Older men with low testosterone levels have more ill-health. However, it is unclear whether age causes testosterone levels to fall, predisposing to disease, or whether changes in hormone levels result from pre-existing illness. We previously measured sex hormone levels in older men in Western Australia in 2001-04. By measuring hormone levels in new samples from 1400 of these men taken in 2011-12, we will clarify trajectories of sex hormone levels and their relationship to healthy ageing.
Understanding The Role Of Sex Hormones In Mental Illness
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$419,180.00
Summary
Evidence suggests that the female hormone, estrogen, protects against schizophrenia, although the exact mechanism of action underlying this effect is unclear. We believe that by measuring estrogen-induced changes in the levels of genes in the brain, we will identify the way that estrogens protect against the symptoms of schizophrenia and improve antipsychotic treatment response.