Bisphosphonate Use, Oral Flora, Saliva, Gingival Crevicular Fluid And Bone Markers In Patients With Jaw Osteonecrosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$121,751.00
Summary
Bisphosphonates are used in patients with bones that break easily due to conditions such as osteoporosis. Recent research suggests a possible association between these drugs and jaw bone breakdown called jaw osteonecrosis - a devastating condition with no current effective treatment. It is unclear why this condition affects only jaw bones. This study seeks to investigate if bacteria in the mouth, gum disease and saliva are involved in jaw osteonecrosis, which can then help to improve management.
Squamous Cell Carcinomas Of The Head And Neck: Exploring The Role Of Human Papillomavirus Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$217,213.00
Summary
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the major cause of cervical cancer and the cause of 5% of all human cancers. HPV has recently also been associated with oral cancer, especially in patients younger than 50 years of age. In this project we will investigate how common HPV infection is in oral cancers in Australia. In these patients we will also investigate mutations in genes that have been found to play a critical role to clear persistent HPV infections and how cells respond to HPV infection.
Determining How Genetic And Environmental Factors Influence The Developing Oral Microbiota And Drive Disease In Early Childhood
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$397,064.00
Summary
Children’s oral health is in a dire state, with dental decay being the most common chronic disease. We will determine how an individuals’ environment and their genetic makeup drive variation in the composition of the oral microbiota to produce childhood decay, by genetically analysing dental plaque from an Australian twin cohort. Our study will be used to identify high decay risk individuals and direct treatment approaches by discovering anti-decay agents among the oral microbiota.
The Role Of The Alimentary Microbiome In The Development Of Mucositis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$302,123.00
Summary
Mucositis is a debilitating side effect of cancer treatment, which is currently not treatable or preventable, due to a lack of understanding of how mucositis develops. Previous research has shown that microbes are involved in the development of mucositis in animal models. This project will determine if bacteria in the mouth and intestine play a role in the development of mucositis in patients, and if changes are easily detected, to allow for a more 'personalised' approach to manage mucositis.
Characterization Of A Novel Secretion System Necessary For Porphyromonas Gingivalis Virulence.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$596,412.00
Summary
In this study we will characterize a novel bacterial secretion system that we have discovered. This sytem mediates the secretion of proteins from the bacterial cell and their attachment to the cell surface. This system is essential for the virulence of Porphyromonas gingivalis, a bacterium associated with chronic periodontitis. The chacterization of this system may offer opportunities for the development of new treatments to target this disease.
The Aetiology Of Dental Caries - The Role Of Longitudinal Changes In The Oral Microbiome
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$288,637.00
Summary
This study will examine the association between changes in the composition of the oral bacteria over time and the development and progression of dental decay in Australian children.
A Mechanism For Regulation Of Oral And Gut Microflora By Interaction Of Salivary Metabolites With Breast Milk
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$616,687.00
Summary
Saliva "lacks the drama of blood, the sincerity of sweat & the emotional appeal of tears". But spit has important roles for the mouth & digestion. Now researchers in Brisbane have found baby dribble has natural chemicals that form ‘nucleotides’ in cells. They are testing the theory that the nucleotides encourage friendly bacteria in the mouth & gut. When baby saliva mixes with breast milk it also makes natural antibiotics called 'oxidative radicals' that stop bad bacteria. This may be part of th ....Saliva "lacks the drama of blood, the sincerity of sweat & the emotional appeal of tears". But spit has important roles for the mouth & digestion. Now researchers in Brisbane have found baby dribble has natural chemicals that form ‘nucleotides’ in cells. They are testing the theory that the nucleotides encourage friendly bacteria in the mouth & gut. When baby saliva mixes with breast milk it also makes natural antibiotics called 'oxidative radicals' that stop bad bacteria. This may be part of the mechanism ensuring "Breast is best" for babies.Read moreRead less
Oral Human Papillomavirus Infection In Head And Neck Cancers And The General Population.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$422,800.00
Summary
Mucosal cancers of the head and neck are the sixth most common type of cancer worldwide and are increasing in Australia. Human papillomaviruses (HPV), which are the major cause of cervical cancer and the cause of 5% of all human cancers, have recently also been implicated as a cause of some types of head and neck cancer, especially in patients younger than 50 years. In this project we will investigate how HPV infection regulates the expression of key genes in cancers of the head and neck, and ho ....Mucosal cancers of the head and neck are the sixth most common type of cancer worldwide and are increasing in Australia. Human papillomaviruses (HPV), which are the major cause of cervical cancer and the cause of 5% of all human cancers, have recently also been implicated as a cause of some types of head and neck cancer, especially in patients younger than 50 years. In this project we will investigate how HPV infection regulates the expression of key genes in cancers of the head and neck, and how that affects prognosis of this disease.Read moreRead less
The CCRE for Oral Health will focus on the prevention and treatment of oral diseases and disorders and their clinical consequences. Research will emphasise three areas of clinical care that are critical to the management of oral health, systemic health and general well-being: 1.Primary prevention to prevent disease onset 2. Diagnosis and risk prediction for oral conditions 3. Clinical intervention
Caries Initiation Across Childhood To Adulthood By Exposure To Water Fluoridation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$198,297.00
Summary
This research program is expected to contribute to filling significant gaps in the understanding of factors determining the oral health of Australian children and young adults. The purpose of the project is to develop a better understanding of the outcome of long-term exposure to fluoridated water among young adults.