Understanding The Regulation Of HERG Potassium Channel In The Myometrium At The Time Of Labour
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$597,661.00
Summary
We have shown that a potassium channel known as hERG falls precipitously at the time of term labour and that blocking this channel causes powerful uterine contractions. This grant will determine how the expression of this channel is regulated in the myometrium and whether changes in hERG channels also occur in premature labour.
Understanding The Myometrial Transition At Term And Preterm Labour To Guide Tocolysis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$808,447.00
Summary
This grant seeks to understand how the muscle cells of the uterus transform at the time of labour. We propose that this transformation is organised by enzymes that modify the histones around key genes. We will test if a similar pathway operates in cases of preterm labour. The results will guide the development of new ways of treating premature labour that will use targeted nanoparticles to deliver siRNA directly to the muscle cells of the uterus.
Impact Of Extreme Prematurity Or Extreme Low Birthweight On Young Adult Health And Well-Being: The Victorian Infant Collaborative Study (VICS) 1991-92 Longitudinal Cohort
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$725,496.00
Summary
Significant advances in medical care have increased survival of the tiniest and most premature babies. Those who have benefited from modern medicine are now in their mid-20s. We know they have more problems in childhood and adolescence compared with those born full term. However, we know little about their health problems in adulthood. This study will inform us of adult health problems in this vulnerable group and provide vital information about the best care for this increasing group of adults.
Treatment Of Asymptomatic Candidiasis In Pregnant Women For The Prevention Of Preterm Birth: A Randomised Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,120,373.00
Summary
Being born too early is a leading cause of perinatal death and morbidity. This trial seeks to determine whether screening for and treating candidiasis in pregnancy reduces the risk of this serious health problem. The trial will discover whether a simple treatment in pregnancy can reduce preterm birth. If positive, the results will be relevant to the management of every pregnancy.
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.