Causal Pathways From Maternal Obesity To Pregnancy, Perinatal & Childhood Health Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$775,703.00
Summary
Overweight and obesity affects more than 50% of women entering pregnancy. There are well-documented risks of poor health outcomes associated with obesity during pregnancy. We will evaluate whether an antenatal dietary and lifestyle intervention among pregnant women who are overweight or obese, acts via metabolic, hormonal, and inflammatory pathways, in the contribution of maternal obesity to adverse pregnancy, perinatal and early childhood health outcomes.
Understanding Mitochondrial DNA Segregation And Transmission.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$512,449.00
Summary
We inherit our mitochondrial DNA from our mothers. Mutations to mitochondrial DNA can give rise to severely debilitating diseases that can be passed from one generation to the next. The aims of this application are to understand how mutant mitochondrial DNA is selected for; when it affects energy production during development; and to ensure that certain reproductive strategies do not result in the adverse transmission of mitochondrial DNA that will affect subsequent generations.
Intergenerational Transmission Of Gender-specific Metabolic Disease For Offspring Born Small: Maternal, Paternal And Embryonic Roles
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$689,050.00
Summary
This proposal addresses the underlying metabolic health consequences of poor embryo and growth of the baby across generations. We will define mechanisms by which a poor functioning placenta during a rat mother’s pregnancy programs her offspring born small to transmit gender-specific diseases to the next generation. We will identify mechanistic pathways involved, specifically the relative contributions of maternal and paternal germ lines and adverse maternal adaptations to pregnancy for females b ....This proposal addresses the underlying metabolic health consequences of poor embryo and growth of the baby across generations. We will define mechanisms by which a poor functioning placenta during a rat mother’s pregnancy programs her offspring born small to transmit gender-specific diseases to the next generation. We will identify mechanistic pathways involved, specifically the relative contributions of maternal and paternal germ lines and adverse maternal adaptations to pregnancy for females born small.Read moreRead less
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
Pathways Of Neurosteroid-mediated Protection Following Compromised Pregnancy And Preterm Birth
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$565,785.00
Summary
The hormonal environment of pregnancy is essential for normal development of the fetal brain. Levels of key hormones fall following premature birth and are further suppressed if the fetus is small or subjected to stress. This leads developmental problems in infants from the pregnancies. This project will examine effectiveness of replacement and supplementation treatments with critical neurosteroid hormones in reversing the adverse neurological effects of these complications of pregnancy.
Optimising Non-invasive Ventilation At Birth For Preterm Infants
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$735,912.00
Summary
Infants born very premature require respiratory support at birth to make the transition to newborn life. As these infants are very immature and prone to injury, modern respiratory care strategies utilise the least invasive approaches mainly applied using a facemask. However, we have discovered that the larynx is closed at birth and thereby prevents air from entering the lung. This application is focussed on optimising the efficiency of facemask ventilation at birth and stimulating breathing.
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a devastating, common developmental brain disorder once assumed to be due to lack of oxygen at birth. Using our unique Biobank with DNA and clinical data from families with a CP child, we are examining the genetic origins of CP and how genes and risk factors in pregnancy contribute. We will use computer modelling and testing in animals and brain cells, to understand causes of CP and devise predictive, preventative and therapeutic strategies.
Mitochondrial Damage Following Fetal Hypoxia Or Birth Asphyxia: Using Creatine To Preserve Mitochondrial Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$838,726.00
Summary
There is a need for a therapy that can be given before a mother gives birth to protect the baby should ‘oxygen starvation’ threaten the baby’s brain and other organs such as the heart, kidney, lungs, and the ability to breathe properly. We are suggesting that an increased intake of creatine is a very effective treatment against this threat, and its proven safety and ease of use recommends it for wide application, particularly in countries where the access to medical resources is poor.
Identifying Strategies To Improve Perinatal Outcomes After Assisted Conception
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$724,799.00
Summary
Around 20% of young women express concern with being able to conceive, 16% experience clinical infertility, and ~8% use invasive therapies for which there can be limited safety data. We, and others, have reported adverse events for mother and child after infertility treatment, including neonatal death and birth defects. This project will provide urgently needed, robust evidence to guide patient and clinical decision making so as to optimise health of mother and baby.
Injury to the developing brain, whether sustained during pregnancy or at birth, is the underlying cause of many cognitive and motor disabilities, including cerebral palsy. This project will identify the cellular pathways that cause developmental brain injury in preterm and term infants, and then administer umbilical cord blood stem cells at different timepoints to assess their efficacy at reducing brain injury. This project will inform treatment with cord blood stem cells in high risk infants.