Hypospadias, is a common defect, in which the urethra opens abnormally along the shaft of the penis not at the tip. It affects 1 in every 125 boys born in Victoria each year. However, the cause(s) of over two-thirds of these cases cannot be explained. Our studies using marsupials show that this process is mediated by a hormone (5alpha-androstanediol), with previously undetermined physiological function. This study will provide novel data on the interactions of the genes and hormones that result ....Hypospadias, is a common defect, in which the urethra opens abnormally along the shaft of the penis not at the tip. It affects 1 in every 125 boys born in Victoria each year. However, the cause(s) of over two-thirds of these cases cannot be explained. Our studies using marsupials show that this process is mediated by a hormone (5alpha-androstanediol), with previously undetermined physiological function. This study will provide novel data on the interactions of the genes and hormones that result in defects of penile development.Read moreRead less
Activin And Its Binding Protein, Follistatin Regulate Functions Of The Epididymis And Vas Deferens
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$612,736.00
Summary
Male reproductive disease is a serious health issue for many men and their partners. Worldwide, malformations of the male reproductive organs are increasing, infections and chronic inflammation of the genitourinary tract beset sexually active men and aging men, and infertility afflicts one in seven couples desiring children. The causes underlying these conditions are not well-understood. These studies are intended to identify new approaches for preventing and treating these conditions.
Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators - A New Adjunctive Treatment For Men With Schizophrenia?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$816,603.00
Summary
One-third of people with schizophrenia do not respond well to antipsychotic medication treatment.There is an urgent need to develop new treatments.We have conducted world-first studies showing that estrogen treatment is highly successful in treating women with schizophrenia.Our research is a trial of SERM (selective estrogen receptor modulator), a new form of “brain estrogen” in men with persistent schizophrenia. We hope to reduce the disability caused by persistent psychotic symptoms.
Health Impacts Of Sleep Apnea In Australian Men- A Longitudinal Population Study.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$312,056.00
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is very common, seen in 60-70% of men over 40 years old. OSA is linked to a number of serious conditions, e.g. heart disease and diabetes. However, we don't know which men are at risk of long term complications from OSA. Our aim is to follow-up men from a community sample of 1000 men who had sleep studies in 2010 to help identify who is at risk of poor health from OSA.
Prenatal Origins And Health Outcomes Of Male Reproductive Congenital Anomalies Diagnosed At Birth And Testicular Cancer In Adulthood
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$234,343.00
Summary
There is growing concern in increasing male reproductive congenital anomalies diagnosed at birth & testicular cancer in adulthood. Research suggests these conditions share a common origin due to disruption in the release of male hormones in early pregnancy. This study will use a novel method of record-linkage to investigate maternal and infant risk factors and their combined effect on male reproductive disorders at birth and later in life; & assess long-term health and fertility of these males.
In-depth Association And Functional Studies Assessing The Role Of Novel Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms In PSA And Other Kallikrein Genes In Prostate Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$607,336.00
Summary
The number of men diagnosed with prostate cancer varies substantially between races, indicating a role of genetics in prostate cancer development. Recently, we demonstrated that the genetic variations in the PSA gene are related to prostate cancer risk. We aim to elucidate the molecular mechanism of this correlation and to systematically investigate the association of novel genetic variations in other PSA related genes with prostate cancer risk in a search of sensitive clinical biomarkers for pr ....The number of men diagnosed with prostate cancer varies substantially between races, indicating a role of genetics in prostate cancer development. Recently, we demonstrated that the genetic variations in the PSA gene are related to prostate cancer risk. We aim to elucidate the molecular mechanism of this correlation and to systematically investigate the association of novel genetic variations in other PSA related genes with prostate cancer risk in a search of sensitive clinical biomarkers for prostate cancer diagnosis and prognosis.Read moreRead less
KLK4 Is A Master Regulator Of Tumour Microenvironment Remodelling In Prostate Cancer And Bone Metastasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$596,305.00
Summary
The current biomarker for prostate cancer, PSA, belongs to a large family of related proteins called KLK enzymes. We have evidence that one of these enzymes, KLK4, regulates many different pathways involved in tumour spreading especially to bones. This project will determine the specific components involved with a view to finding better biomarkers of tumour spread and bone metastasis and designing better treatments for these aspects of the disease.
Explaining Social Preferences For Priority Setting In The Health Sector
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$235,218.00
Summary
This project looks at whether the views of the public regarding the allocation of society's limited health care resources are well-informed and carefully considered. A series of focus groups will be conducted where members of the public can think about the ethical issues involved, discuss them with others, and ask questions. This approach has the potential to improve the legitimacy of health policy decisions by contributing to a better understanding of the values of the public.
Determining The Best Outcome Measures For Assessing Cost-Effectiveness Of Interventions For Childhood Mental Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$473,837.00
Summary
The aim of this study is to evaluate which are the best outcome measures to use to assess the cost-effectiveness of interventions and services for children with mental disorders. The study will have great policy and practice relevance as it will help ensure that only services and interventions which work and provide good-value-for money are offered to children with such problems.
The Forgotten Generation: Understanding Health Trajectories In Aboriginal Adolescents And Youth
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,095,283.00
Summary
This study will establish a cohort of 2250 young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from urban, rural and remote communities aged 10 to 24 years. The study will provide longitudinal data on the health status and health trajectories of this group of young Australians who experience poorer health outcomes compared with other young Australians. The proposed study will explored the determinants of health status, how these factors change over time and opportunities for prevention.