Transplantation of frozen ovarian tissue is being used by young patients at risk of losing ovarian function. This study aims to maximize the likelihood that patients who have ovarian tissue collected, frozen and returned will acheive the desired outcome of returning ovarian hormonal cyclicity, ovulation, or fertility.
Genetic Variations And Dopaminergic Contributions To Prefrontal Cognitive Systems In Schizophrenia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$169,904.00
Summary
Depression and cognitive change associated with menopause frequently occur, but are poorly understood. This research will allow for a greater understanding of the nature of the relationship between menopause, depression and cognitive impairment. The exploration of the efficacy of hormonal and antidepressant treatment on both mood and cognition will contribute to a better understanding to allow for improved treatment options.
Prevalence And Genetic Mechanisms Of Neurological And Gynaecological Changes In Women Carrying Small FMR1 Expansions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$411,895.00
Summary
Fragile X syndrome is one of the commonest genetic forms of mental retardation. The abnormal gene is passed from mothers to their sons or daughters, on their X chromosome. The gene abnormality is unstable, tending to worsen each time it is passed on. But if this gene abnormality is passed from fathers to their daughters, it does not worsen. Therefore, grandfathers of the affected children on their mother's side, as well as the mothers, may carry a mildly abnormal gene (a premutation), insufficie ....Fragile X syndrome is one of the commonest genetic forms of mental retardation. The abnormal gene is passed from mothers to their sons or daughters, on their X chromosome. The gene abnormality is unstable, tending to worsen each time it is passed on. But if this gene abnormality is passed from fathers to their daughters, it does not worsen. Therefore, grandfathers of the affected children on their mother's side, as well as the mothers, may carry a mildly abnormal gene (a premutation), insufficient to cause mental retardation. However, it has recently been discovered that these grandfathers may develop a syndrome (FXTAS) of tremor, incoordination, slowness of movements and mild dementia in their later years. Women were thought to be protected, as they carry TWO X chromosomes, one of which is normal even if the other has a premutation. But very recent reports suggest that they may also develop the FXTAS syndrome, as well as early menopause. This study aims to see how common and severe these abnormalities are in women who carry the premutation, using clinical, MRI and electronic measurements, and to relate the abnormalities to the severity of the gene malfunction and familial predisposition.Read moreRead less
The Micro-structural Basis Of Bone Loss And Fragility After Menopause: A Longitudinal Co-twin Control Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$873,950.00
Summary
Every woman becomes postmenopausal. Not all lose bone or sustain fractures after menopause. We will identify women who lose bone and those who don't and so identify women at risk for fracture so that they can be targeted for treatment and identify those who do not need to be treated. This will be done by measuring bone structure and how strong the bone is using a new, safe, quick technology that can be used in clinical practice
Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia – A Regenerative Medicine Approach
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$480,406.00
Summary
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia is a major leading cause of morbidity and mortality in premature babies. There is no cure. We have previously shown that amnion epithelial cells can reduce the extent of lung damage during early stages of lung development. We aim to understand how amnion cells can promote repair by interacting with existing cell types in order to restore normal lung structure and function. The outcomes from this study will help design clinical trials and develop new therapies.
Second Trimester Intra-amniotic Treatment For Early Preterm Birth
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$392,420.00
Summary
Preterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal death and disability in Australia today, with those born before 32 weeks' completed gestation at the highest risk. Preventing these early preterm births requires treatment of the causative uterine infection. This proposal is to conduct the first study of direct intraamniotic antibiotic treatment of uterine Ureaplasma infection in a clinically relevant, large animal model of second trimester pregnancy.
This project will test if the ratio of the two different estrogens found in the blood of pregnant women is the critical factor in determining the onset of contractions in the uterus at labour. The studies will also determine the role of a newly discovered receptor for estrogens in allowing powerful contractions at labour. Results will allow development of new treatments to prevent premature birth that block the actions of estrogen at this new receptor or change the ratio of the two estrogens.
Regulation Of Progesterone Action In Human Parturition.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$314,983.00
Summary
Premature birth is the leading cause of neonatal death and sickness, and numbers are increasing due to our ignorance of the biology of labour. Progesterone maintains pregnancy and its withdrawal results in birth, but how this is achieved in humans is unknown. This project will determine the molecular mechanisms by which progesterone action is regulated during the transition from pregnancy to birth. This data will guide new strategies to prevent premature birth.