Disrupted Neurosteroid Synthesis Mediates The Adverse Effects Of Prenatal Stress
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$695,973.00
Summary
Maternal anxiety and related stress in pregnancy influences the fetus causing developmental changes that adversely affect the offspring leading to behavioural problems in childhood. However, mechanisms which transfer maternal changes to the fetus are unclear. We propose that disruption of the fetal-placental neurosteroid system is a major link. We will identify the deficits in this system caused by maternal stress and then examine therapies to reverse these disruptions.
Optimising Future Human Health By Optimising Birth Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$876,005.00
Summary
Laureate Professor Smith received an AM for his research on human pregnancy and contributions to Indigenous maternal health. His research has dramatically expanded in the last 5 years to include stillbirth, viral infections during pregnancy, early detection of renal disease, the development of targeted nanoparticles for delivery of therapeutics to the uterus, and data-linkage to test the impact of antenatal care. His research seeks to optimise the health of pregnant women and their children.
Is Placental Aging The Key To Understanding, Predicting And Preventing Stillbirth?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$473,861.00
Summary
Stillbirth occurs in 35 times as many pregnancies as sudden infant death but the causes are unknown. This project will help to develop tests that can predict the risk of stillbirth so that the obstetrician can deliver the baby before it dies. The investigators hypothesise that stillbirth is due to aging of the placenta and that markers of the aging placenta can be detected in the mother’s blood. The project brings together experts in the placenta, aging and obstetric care of high risk 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.
The Role Of The Intrauterine (pro) Renin-(pro)renin Receptor System In Prostaglandin Synthesis In Pregnancy.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$488,478.00
Summary
Preterm birth is associated with a very high incidence of infant disability and mortality. This has long term economic and social costs to the Australian people. We will demonstrate that in late gestation, the intrauterine (pro)renin renin receptor system controls prostaglandin synthesis by the fetal membranes and the placenta. Prostaglandins can cause premature labour.