Impact Of Disrupted Sleep And Rhythms During Pregnancy On The Mother And Her Offspring
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$796,979.00
Summary
Sleep disruption and circadian rhythm disturbances are emerging as a significant public health issue for all shift workers. The objective of this study is to further define and understand the effects of disrupted sleep rhythms specifically during pregnancy on the mother’s metabolism and the long term impact on the metabolic health of her offspring. The long term aim is to use the research outcomes to develop strategies for prevention of the harm to mother and child.
A New Clinical Tool To Assess Fitness-to-drive In Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$727,963.00
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) affects 1 in 4 middle aged adults. OSA results in impaired neurobehavioral function, excessive sleepiness, and more than 2-fold increased motor vehicle crash risk and workplace accidents. However, not all patients are impaired and identifying patients at risk is a daily clinical challenge. This project proposes new and simple measures that can accurately identify patients with OSA who are most vulnerable to alertness failure and motor vehicle accident risk.
Investigation Of Steroidogenesis As A Mechanism Of Castration Resistance In Human Prostate Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$419,076.00
Summary
Prostate cancer is critically dependent upon continued testosterone stimulation, even when the disease becomes resistant to existing hormonal therapies that suppress serum levels. The source of this testosterone is currently unclear. This study aims to identify the site of testosterone synthesis in patients with prostate cancer, and determine the relevance of continued testosterone signalling in patients treated with 'super castrating' hormonal therapy.
Control Of Musculoskeletal Function And Body Composition By Androgens In Men
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$594,248.00
Summary
Male sex hormone or androgen deficiency (AD) is a common, but under-diagnosed condition. AD decreases general well being and contributes to muscle weakness, bone fragility and weight gain. By using cutting edge imaging and molecular technologies, we will help to explain the underlying mechanisms of how AD leads to these negative effects. This should ultimately lead to reduction of adverse outcomes of AD, which include fractures and cardiovascular events.
The Cause Of Undescended Testis And Inguinal Hernia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$743,848.00
Summary
This study aims to define in both animal models and children how the testis descends from the abdomen to scrotum, and how undescended testis and inguinal hernia are likely to be caused by defects in the same, very indirect signalling pathway. The results will demonstrate where to look for genetic causes and proof of principle for possible future medical treatments for the 3 commonest major operations in children for congenital and acquired undescended testis and inguinal hernia.
The Clinical Significance Of Sex Hormone Crosstalk In Estrogen Receptor Positive Breast Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,009,006.00
Summary
Breast cancer is mainly a disease in which the sex hormone estrogen stimulates uncontrolled growth. We have recently discovered that other sex hormones, including progesterone and androgen, can redirect the actions of estrogen in breast cancers to halt growth or make a tumour disappear. This study will examine the complex interaction between all three sex hormones to develop new, more effective strategies for treating breast cancer.
Effect Of Bisphosphonates On Bone Architecture And Glucose Metabolism In Men With Prostate Cancer Receiving Androgen Deprivation Therapy: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$566,215.00
Summary
Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a type of hormonal treatment which is effective for prostate cancer treatment. However, ADT may cause bone fragility, weight gain, diabetes and heart disease. We will examine the effects of a bone strengthening treatment on bone structure and glucose metabolism in men receiving ADT. This trial should help in better define the risk benefit ratio of ADT, and therefore provide treating doctors with better guidance as to when and how to use this therapy.
The Role Of Androgens In Burn Injury Wound Healing
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$439,480.00
Summary
Burn injury is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Over 10,000 individuals are affected by severe burns each year in Australia. This innovative project aims to provide new fundamental knowledge about the role of androgens (male hormones) in complex burn injury wound healing process, also provide pre-clinical evidence of the ability to systemic and/or local target androgen signaling to improve wound healing for severe burn injury patients.
Pushing AR Toward Better Outcomes In Breast And Prostate Cancers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$998,754.00
Summary
Breast and prostate cancers kill >6000 Australians each year. These cancers are strikingly similar, both driven by hormone receptors that have ‘gone bad’. Current therapies aim to eradicate the receptors. While often effective, therapeutic resistance is common and results in fatal disease. We aim to develop new, less toxic treatments that switch receptor behaviour from good to bad, without destroying them. This should improve quality of life, while preventing drug resistance and loss of lives ....Breast and prostate cancers kill >6000 Australians each year. These cancers are strikingly similar, both driven by hormone receptors that have ‘gone bad’. Current therapies aim to eradicate the receptors. While often effective, therapeutic resistance is common and results in fatal disease. We aim to develop new, less toxic treatments that switch receptor behaviour from good to bad, without destroying them. This should improve quality of life, while preventing drug resistance and loss of lives.Read moreRead less
Activin And Androgen Crosstalk During Testis Development Programs Adult Fertility
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$700,740.00
Summary
Fertility in men is determined by how the testis grows during fetal and juvenile life. We recently discovered that the Sertoli cells which nurse developing sperm are highly sensitive to cross-talk between testosterone and the growth factor activin during puberty. This project studies how this cross-talk is controlled to understand how altered hormone actions in boys, including exposure to harmful endocrine disrupting chemicals, reduces adult fertility.