Mechanisms Of Negative Feedback Regulation Of GnRH By Testosterone In Males
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$243,336.00
Summary
This project will improve our knowledge of the hormonal control of reproduction in males. The hormone testosterone, produced by the testes, acts on the brain to control the secretion of a substance called gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH). GnRH acts on a small gland at the base of the brain to cause the production of hormones called gonadotrophins, that are essential for reproduction. These gonadotrophins act on the testes to ensure the production of sperm and other hormones, including test ....This project will improve our knowledge of the hormonal control of reproduction in males. The hormone testosterone, produced by the testes, acts on the brain to control the secretion of a substance called gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH). GnRH acts on a small gland at the base of the brain to cause the production of hormones called gonadotrophins, that are essential for reproduction. These gonadotrophins act on the testes to ensure the production of sperm and other hormones, including testosterone. We plan to determine how testosterone acts on the brain to control GnRH secretion. To do this we will use male sheep and conduct a series of experiments designed to show where in the brain testosterone acts to ultimately affect the nerve cells that produce GnRH. Testosterone and similar compounds are increasingly being used as treatments for infertility, as a male contraception and misused as anabolic steroids. A thorough knowledge of how testosterone acts in the brain is necessary to improve treatments for reproductive disorders and ultimately to improve reproductive health in men.Read moreRead less
Prevention And Treatment Of Bone Infection With CSA-90
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$350,983.00
Summary
Bone infections are a major challenge to treat, especially with the rise of drug resistant “superbugs”. We have access to a new agent, CSA-90, that has dual properties of being anti-microbial (antibiotic) and helps encourage bone growth. This project aims to expand upon our prior research and test CSA-90 for the treatment of chronic bone infections. We will also look at applying this technology to joint replacements and this drug may be particularly useful for coating orthopaedic implants.
Efficacy Of Education And Advice Delivered By Text Message To Aid Smoking Cessation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$538,395.00
Summary
A high proportion of smokers indicate a desire to stop smoking and report having made attempts to quit. However, most attempts are not successful and new methods are needed to support motivated smokers and improve success rates. This project evaluates the use of text messages to deliver advice and support to smokers motivated to stop smoking. We aim to understand if and how this promosing new intervention helps smokers to quit.
Public Health Policies And Interventions To Reduce Tobacco-related Harms Among Socially Disadvantaged Populations And ‘low Probability Quitters’
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$421,747.00
Summary
Tobacco continues to be a leading cause of preventable death and disease in Australia. Those who are socially disadvantaged are at higher risk of smoking, which contributes to the health gap between the rich and poor. This research will provide evidence for policy makers on interventions which could reduce smoking among the most disadvantaged in society. It will also examine whether less harmful nicotine products could a reduce health risks in smokers who find quitting difficult.
Understanding The Cardio-protective Actions Of The AT2R In Females: Shifting Gears Between AT1 And AT2 Receptor Balance Of Function With Relaxin.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,049,288.00
Summary
Women are protected from cardiovascular disease as compared to age-matched men, an effect lost with age. Understanding protective factors that act in females could be used to treat hypertension, heart failure and stroke in males at all ages, and maintain protection in elderly women. Our studies aim to determine if relaxin, an ovarian hormone, can promote cardiovascular health in women.
The Role Of MMPs 1 And 9 And MT-1 MMP In Hormone Replacement Therapy Related Irregular Bleeding
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$294,625.00
Summary
Approximately 40% of women in Australia chose to take Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). This choice is usually based upon the perceived benefits of HRT such as the relief of debilitating menopausal symptoms (such as hot flushes and sweats), the prevention of brittle bone disease (osteoporosis) and the potential prevention of heart disease and memory loss (dementia). Unfortunately, many of these women (up to two thirds in a large UK study) then suffer from irregular bleeding. This is not only in ....Approximately 40% of women in Australia chose to take Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). This choice is usually based upon the perceived benefits of HRT such as the relief of debilitating menopausal symptoms (such as hot flushes and sweats), the prevention of brittle bone disease (osteoporosis) and the potential prevention of heart disease and memory loss (dementia). Unfortunately, many of these women (up to two thirds in a large UK study) then suffer from irregular bleeding. This is not only inconvenient, but raises anxiety that the bleeding may be a symptom of serious illness such as cancer of the womb. Many HRT users then undergo internal examinations, tests and operations to exclude cancer as the cause of the bleeding. In almost all cases no other abnormality is found. However, many women decide not to continue with HRT because of this troublesome bleeding. Very little is understood about the reason why women using HRT have irregular bleeding. Furthermore, there are no ways of predicting who will be affected and no established way to stopping or preventing bleeding apart from discontinuing HRT. This problem affects all HRT preparations. Previous pilot studies by the CI (Associate Professor Martha Hickey) have demonstrated for the first time that there are changes in the lining of the womb in women using HRT which may lead to bleeding. These are similar to changes seen in younger women with breakthrough bleeding using contraceptives. The planned project intends to futher explore the actions of the important molecules which break down the blood vessels of the womb lining (endometrium) and cause bleeding. This raises the possibility that specific agents could be developed to stop or prevent bleeding in HRT users. This is likely to substantially increase the acceptability of HRT and may thus have major positive health implications for women in Australia and worldwide.Read moreRead less
Neural Basis Of The Thermal Instability That Leads To Menopausal Hot Flushes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$330,535.00
Summary
Hot flushes and night sweats affect 80-90% of women during the menopause transition. In 20% of women these symptoms are severe. The mechanisms are not well understood, and non-hormonal treatments are urgently needed. We can investigate the basic brain mechanisms in an animal model, the sheep. The findings will elucidate the mechanisms that disrupt normal temperature regulation and thus lead the way to better therapies for this common, and often debilitating, condition. .
Title: ‘Indigenous Counselling And Nicotine (ICAN) QUIT In Pregnancy’ - A Cluster Randomised Trial To Implement Culturally Competent Evidence-based Smoking Cessation For Pregnant Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Smokers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,259,016.00
Summary
‘ICAN QUIT in Pregnancy’ tackles smoking through training health providers caring for expectant mothers of Indigenous babies in real-world primary care settings. The intervention was co-developed with Aboriginal communities. We will assess how many Indigenous women, cared for by the trained services, quit smoking, compared to the women that receive usual care. We anticipate that babies born to mothers in the intervention group will have less respiratory illness in their first six months.
Use Of Oral Enzymes To Treat Carbohydrate Intolerance: Adjunct Therapy To The Low FODMAP Dietary Treatment Of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$610,197.00
Summary
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting 1 in 7 Australians and fermentation of poorly digested short chain carbohydrates are major dietary triggers. The lack of certain digestive enzymes is a major reason why some carbohydrates are not digested. This project will explore the potential use of oral enzyme supplements to assist with the digestion of these indigestible carbohydrates with the potential for use as adjunct therapy to treat gut symptoms associated with IBS.
Translating Evidence Based Smoking Cessation Care For Pregnant Indigenous Smokers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$181,065.00
Summary
Smoking is a major cause of poor health in mothers and babies, yet smoking rates remain high in Indigenous pregnant women. This fellowship supports a trial of a culturally competent targeted intervention for Indigenous pregnant women who smoke. The intervention provides webinar training of health providers in participating Aboriginal Medical Services. A control group will use their standard care practices. Smoking rates of the women cared for by health providers in each group will be compared.