The Role Of Growth Differentiation Factor 9 (GDF9) In Human Fertility
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$568,811.00
Summary
IVF comes at a substantial financial burden to the Australia health system through Medicare. There is mounting evidence to suggest that egg quality is the key limiting factor in female fertility. The aim of this proposal is to produce a key egg-secreted protein which is critical for the ability of the egg to be fertilized and to develop a diagnostic assay to measure egg quality to improve the treatment of infertility.
Why We Have Two Estrogen Receptors: The Role Of ERbeta In Folliculogenesis.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$576,053.00
Summary
The female hormone estrogen acts via receptors ERalpha and ERbeta. Little is known about the genes and proteins regulated by ERbeta. Ovarian granulosa cells and granulosa cell tumours express ERbeta. By studying the biology of normal and malignant granulosa cells we hope to understand the role that ERbeta plays in granulosa cells. These studies will identify areas for the development of new therapeutics or treatment strategies for a range of female-specific conditions including ovarian cancer.
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is vital for egg development, female fertility and health, and is widely used in assisted reproduction technology. But high levels of FSH are associated with premature infertility and menopause, and may lead to diseases like ovarian cancer. Understanding the biological pathways activated by elevated FSH may lead to new treatments for infertility and ovarian diseases (eg. cancer), as well as advancing new strategies for contraception.
Exertional Dyspnoea With Increased Filling Pressure - Mechanisms And Treatment Strategies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$387,793.00
Summary
Patients with early heart disease often present with shortness of breath with exercise, as myocardial reserve at that stage is usually sufficient to maintain normal function at rest . Indeed, much myocardial dysfunction may originate from the modern lifestyle, including inactivity, obesity, the metabolic syndrome and type II diabetes. The potential benefits of making a definitive early diagnosis are large, because it seems more likely that an impact can be made on the disease process (and theref ....Patients with early heart disease often present with shortness of breath with exercise, as myocardial reserve at that stage is usually sufficient to maintain normal function at rest . Indeed, much myocardial dysfunction may originate from the modern lifestyle, including inactivity, obesity, the metabolic syndrome and type II diabetes. The potential benefits of making a definitive early diagnosis are large, because it seems more likely that an impact can be made on the disease process (and therefore, outcome) than with late stage disease. Current treatment strategies are expensive and because they are directed at end-organ damage (heart failure, heart attacks etc), rather ineffective. This multispecialty, multidisciplinary group will undertake a series of unique studies aimed at identifying early cardiovascular disease. The strategy will involve detection of abnormal filling behaviour at stress echocardiography, with randomization into longterm and short-term trials to examine various therapeutic strategies. Sensitive new cardiovascular imaging techniques will be used to detect preclinical abnormalities in the structure and function of the heart and vasculature, facilitating a mechanistic understanding of the process of increasing filling pressure with exercise.Read moreRead less
A Program Of Research Addressing The Transition From Health To Advanced Cardiovascular Disease.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$13,017,057.00
Summary
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the major cause of death and disability in Australia and worldwide. This burden will increase without new knowledge. We will address knowledge gaps that delay more effective prevention and control. Our team has a strong track record of influencing clinical practice of CVD prevention, treatment and technology transfer. For many, the first indication of a heart problem is sudden heart attack or death. By understanding mechanisms we aim to develop new tests and treat ....Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the major cause of death and disability in Australia and worldwide. This burden will increase without new knowledge. We will address knowledge gaps that delay more effective prevention and control. Our team has a strong track record of influencing clinical practice of CVD prevention, treatment and technology transfer. For many, the first indication of a heart problem is sudden heart attack or death. By understanding mechanisms we aim to develop new tests and treatments that prevent heart attack, heart failure and other serious consequences of atherosclerosis.Read moreRead less
Local Sleep In The Awake Brain: An Underlying Cause Of Neurobehavioural Deficits In Sleep Apnea?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$582,330.00
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder which significantly impacts daytime functioning leading to excessive sleepiness, and problems with attention and thinking. Currently, the causes for cognitive impairment in OSA (including attentional lapses and performance deficits) are poorly understood. In the awake state, groups of neurons can briefly go “offline” as they do in sleep. These periods of “local sleep” may explain impaired task performance in OSA.
The Effect Of CPAP On Erectile And Endothelial Dysfunction In Impotent Men With Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$609,559.00
Summary
Erectile dysfunction is common in men with obstructive sleep apnea, due to vascular damage, which leads to heart attack. CPAP is the preferred treatment for patients with OSA because of its well-proven ability to decrease sleepiness and improve blood pressure control. This study will establish if CPAP can also improve erectile and vascular endothelial dysfunction. These results will shed light on the mechanisms that underpin the relationship between OSA and Erectile Dysfunction.
Investigations Of Mechanisms Underlying Autonomic Cardiovascular Regulation In Medial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$311,860.00
Summary
People with epilepsy often show disturbed cardiovascular function which may increase mortality risk. This may reflect seizure related disturbances in the autonomic circuitry regulation of the cardiovascular system. We apply advanced brain imaging analysis of altered neural structure, circuit connectivity and function within medial temporal lobe and mid brain, combined with clinical assessment of autonomic function to provide important new insights into cardiac disturbances in epilepsy.