Menopause is one of the important risk factors for bone loss, structural decay and bone fragility. We aim to quantify the biochemical, microstructural and biomechanical basis of loss of bone strength during and after menopause. A cohort of 324 pairs of female-female twins aged 25 to 75 years old will be followed up for up to 9 years. Defining the structural basis of bone fragility provides a rational means to identifying women at risk for fracture.
The Effects Of Zoledronic Acid On Bone Architecture In Premenopausal Women With Breast Cancer Receiving Adjuvant Combined Ovarian Suppression And Aromatase Inhibitor Therapy: A Randomised Controlled Trial.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$122,714.00
Summary
In premenopausal women, a new treatment method that reduces oestrogen levels to almost zero significantly reduces the risk of breast cancer recurrence. However, this is likely to cause substantial bone loss leading to fractures. Using a new imaging technique (HR-pQCT), the effects of profound oestrogen deprivation on bone structure in premenopausal women will be studied. The ability of zoledronic acid, a drug that reduces bone loss, to prevent these adverse bone effects will also be examined.
Does Teriparatide Reverse Osteonecrosis Of The Jaw In Patients With Cancer? A Randomised, Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$137,700.00
Summary
Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is a debilitating bone condition involving damage and suboptimal healing of bone involving the jaw. This has been associated with bisphosphonate therapy, which is commonly used for the treatment of both cancer and osteoporosis. My research aims to investigate the role of recombinant parathyroid hormone in the stimulation of bone formation and healing and, thus, its potential to reverse ONJ.
How Intra-abdominal Transplantation Of Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue Prevents High-fat Diet-induced Insulin Resistance And Obesity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$358,465.00
Summary
In obese humans, storing excess fat within the abdomen is associated with the development of adult-onset diabetes and cardiovascular disease. However, the mechanisms linking intra-abdominal fat accumulation with these diseases are not well understood. We have studied intra-abdominal fat accumulation in mice using a transplant model, and we have found that transplanting subcutaneous fat intra-abdominally prevents diet-induced obesity and glucose intolerance. We aim to investigate the underlying m ....In obese humans, storing excess fat within the abdomen is associated with the development of adult-onset diabetes and cardiovascular disease. However, the mechanisms linking intra-abdominal fat accumulation with these diseases are not well understood. We have studied intra-abdominal fat accumulation in mice using a transplant model, and we have found that transplanting subcutaneous fat intra-abdominally prevents diet-induced obesity and glucose intolerance. We aim to investigate the underlying mechanisms.Read moreRead less
The effects of therapeutic glucocorticoid doses on carbohydrate and energy metabolism and cardiovascular risk have not been fully clarified. This PhD thesis will be based around two studies aiming to: 1.) Define mechanisms underlying the adverse effects of low dose prednisolone in patients with inflammatory rheumatologic disease and 2.) Improve treatment of prednisolone-induced hyperglycaemia in hospitalized patients.
Thyroid-sympathoadrenal Regulation Of Human Brown Fat
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$447,141.00
Summary
This project aims to determine how hormones influence the growth and activity of brown fat in humans. Majority of fat cells in the body are white fat cells, which store fat, and cause obesity when in excess. Brown fat cells function like generators. They burn fat and release energy as heat. Humans with lots of brown fat are lean. What controls brown fat activity is currently unknown in humans. This project investigates how hormones influence brown fat activity and may shed light on the therapeut ....This project aims to determine how hormones influence the growth and activity of brown fat in humans. Majority of fat cells in the body are white fat cells, which store fat, and cause obesity when in excess. Brown fat cells function like generators. They burn fat and release energy as heat. Humans with lots of brown fat are lean. What controls brown fat activity is currently unknown in humans. This project investigates how hormones influence brown fat activity and may shed light on the therapeutic potential of brown fat in obesity treatment.Read moreRead less
The Role Of Grb10 In The Regulation Of Muscle Metabolism
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$624,960.00
Summary
Obesity increases the risk of metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Muscle is a key tissue for balancing whether energy is used or stored as fat and as we age, muscle mass normally decreases making maintaining a healthy metabolism even more difficult. We have discovered that removing the Grb10 gene from mice produces bigger muscles. This project will investigate the mechanisms of this effect so that strategies can be developed to regulate muscle mass and improve metabolic health