Identification Of A Gene That Increases Risk Of MS Via A Pathway Involving UV Exposure
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$111,000.00
Summary
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an auto-immune disease of the central nervous system that affects over 10 000 Australians. It is a progressive debilitating disease that affects predominantly young adults and current therapies are expensive, only moderately effective and are associated with significant side effects. The biological processes leading to this disease are not well understood and there is a need to identify new ways of treating the disease or preventing it. One of the known factors associa ....Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an auto-immune disease of the central nervous system that affects over 10 000 Australians. It is a progressive debilitating disease that affects predominantly young adults and current therapies are expensive, only moderately effective and are associated with significant side effects. The biological processes leading to this disease are not well understood and there is a need to identify new ways of treating the disease or preventing it. One of the known factors associated with MS is the striking association of increased MS incidence with cooler climates and reduced sun exposure. A study conduced by the Menzies Centre has recently provided evidence that increased childhood sun exposure is significantly associated with reduced risk of MS. This project aims to study those genes involved in the body's response to sun exposure as we propose that if sun exposure influences risk of MS then those genes may interact with sun exposure to modify risk of MS.Read moreRead less
Novel Retinal Architectural Vascular Signs And Risk Of Cardiovascular Disease: The AusDiab Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$754,254.00
Summary
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes are major health problems. Identifying 'people at risk' is critical to design preventative strategies. We have developed new computer software to measure detailed characteristics of retinal vessels. By appling this system to predict CVD or diabetes in the AusDiab Study we aim to find 'the best combination of risk factors' to predict CVD and diabetes. This will open up the possibility of new risk assessment using a simple 'eye scan.'
Geelong Osteoporosis Study: Fracture Risk Prediction Based On Twenty Years Of Prospective Data.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,107,758.00
Summary
In this population-based study we will generate evidence, both environmental and genetic, for defining fracture risk in Australian men and women. This will help identify individuals likely to sustain fragility fractures so that suitable therapies can be recommended. The data will be useful for developing prognostic models in both a clinical setting and for genetic screening programmes.
Environmental Risk Factors For Iron Overload-related Disease In A Cohort Study Of Hereditary Haemochromatosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$152,936.00
Summary
Results published last year from our Melbourne HealthIron study of hereditary haemochromatosis (iron overload disease) show that almost one third of the 50,000 men genetically at risk of iron overload in Australia will develop symptoms of disease including fatigue, arthritis and liver damage. We will use data from the recent follow-up of the Health2020 cohort, of which HealthIron is a sub-study, to determine environmental risk factors for progression to disease in people with iron overload.
Osteoporotic Fracture-Mortality Association And The Effect Of Anti-osteoporosis Treatment: A Multinational Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$84,800.00
Summary
Osteoporosis burden is due primarily to osteoporotic fractures resulting in economic and public health burden, increased disability, further fracture risk and more importantly early death. However, it remains under-treated although treatment reduces the number of fractures and may reduce early death. This study aims to understand which types of fractures result in early death and for which age groups and whether osteoporosis treatment does or does not reduce early death.
Prevention Of Multi-drug Resistant Tuberculosis In A High Prevalence Setting: ‘Connecting The DOTS’ In Vietnam
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,382,020.00
Summary
The close contacts of people with multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) have a high risk of developing the disease. The V-QUIN MDR-TB Trial will evaluate the effectiveness of an oral antibiotic (levofloxacin) in preventing drug resistant TB among infected household contacts of TB patients. Household contacts from 10 Provinces in Vietnam will be randomly allocated to receive six-months of either levofloxacin or a placebo, and then followed for two years to see if they develop tuberculosis.