Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinases 1 And 2 Activity In Osteoarthiritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$387,071.00
Summary
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of joint disorders and a major cause of disability in the elderly, affecting approximately 60% of men and 75% of woman above the age of 65. This project will specifically focus on the regulatory role of cell signaling pathways in OA development and progression. The outcome of this project is the potential to develop early intervention treatments of osteoarthritis.
Paget's Disease Of Bone Associated Sequestosome 1/p62 Mutations In Autophagy-mediated Processes And Bone Resorption
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$474,892.00
Summary
Paget’s disease of bone (PDB) is a common, chronic bone disorder characterized by focal lesions of increased bone degradation initiated by giant overactive osteoclasts. Subsequent bone formation is irregular, resulting in bones that are structurally weak. Genetic mutations are a common cause of PDB in Caucasians. Understanding the genetic mutations and their regulation on bone cells may lead to the discovery of a new drug target for the treatment of PDB.
The Arthroplasty And Bariatric Surgery (ABS) Study: A Randomised Controlled Trial Of Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding Prior To Total Knee Arthroplasty
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$664,149.00
Summary
Knee replacement is a common surgical procedure in Australia (40,000 per year). More than 60% of this group are obese and this is associated with higher early (clinical) and long term (implant) survival complications. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is an effective and safe means of achieving sustained weight loss. This study compares the outcomes of total knee replacement in groups of obese patients who have and have not undergone pre-knee replacement LAGB.
Bisphosphonate Treatment Of Childhood Femoral Head Avascular Necrosis Due To Perthes Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,368,242.00
Summary
Perthes disease (PD) occurs following loss of blood supply to the hip (femoral head). It is a severe childhood disorder with over 250 new cases per year in Australia. PD results in flattening of the normally round femoral head and painful arthritis. The hip becomes flat because the bone is eaten by cells called osteoclasts. We will test if a medicine aimed at stopping these osteoclasts can prevent hip flattening. This should decrease the risk of arthritis and the need for hip replacement.