2006 RESEARCH - 9 projects, $118,705 Studies on the cellular regulation of scar formation in Crohn's disease. Chief Investigators: Dr Borut Klopcic, Dr Ian Lawrance Amount Awarded: $15,000 SPONSORED BY STAFF OF THE SMAHS PLAYING FREODOCTORLOTTERY The formation of intestinal scars is a common complication in Crohn's disease. Scarring is the result of excessive activity of fibroblasts (scar producing cells) during chronic inflammation. This project investigates the role of the SPARC protein in regulation of scar formation, to help identify potential targets for treatment of the disease. Do rickettsial spotted fever infections occur in people at high risk through exposure to ticks in Western Australia? Chief Investigators: Dr John Dyer, Dr Angus Cook, Dr Stan Fenwick, Mr Mohammed Abdad Amount Awarded: $15,000 SPONSORED BY THE COMMUNITY Rikettsial bactreria that are transmitted to humans by tick bite may be an important unrecognised cause of infection in WA. The researchers plan to investigate the occurrence of rickettsial infection in rogainers (the sport of long distance cross-country navigation) who are frequently exposed to ticks while pursuing their sport. Any rickettsial germs found as a result of these studies will be analysed to determine to what extent they resemble other species known to cause human disease. The role of the Hepatitis C virus core protein in liver damage Chief Investigators: Dr Jane Allan, Dr Cindy Forrest Amount Awarded: $13,809 SPONSORED BY THE CITY OF COCKBURN Hepatitis C virus is associated with chronic liver disease, which causes liver failure and is associated with liver cancer. It is thought that one of the viral proteins, core protein, causes a failure of the immune system and also directly damages liver cells. In this project the researchers will cause core protein to be seen by the body in a way which should improve liver disease and enhance the body's protective response. Male sex hormones, resistance to insulin action and their influence on the risk of cardiovascular disease and death in older men. Chief Investigator: Dr Paul Chubb, A/Prof Paul Norman, Dr Bu Yeap Amount Awarded: $14,996 SPONSORED BY THE COMMUNITY Metabolic syndrome involves elevated LDL or low HDL cholesterol levels, and this increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. The researchers will examine the effects of insulin resistance, low testosterone levels and metabolic syndrome in older men to determine whether these measurements can identify men at highest risk of cardiovascular disease. The role of SPARC in the prognosis of Colorectal cancer. Chief Investigator: Dr Ian Lawrance, A/Prof Cameron Platell Amount Awarded: $15,000 SPONSORED BY THE  FREMANTLE HOSPITAL LADIES AUXILLIARY Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers. Two 'staging systems' can be used by doctors to determine the long-term outcome of the disease (prognosis), however they are not always accurate. In this study, the researchers will measure the level of a protein in the cancer cells, called SPARC, to determine whether this will help them to better identify those patients at higher risk of cancer recurrence, and therefore should receive aggressive chemotherapy. Identification of novel genes involved in haemachromatosis. Chief Investigator: Dr Ross Graham, Dr Debbie Trinder, Dr John Olynyk Amount Awarded: $15,000 SPONSORED BY BREMICK Hereditary haemochromatosis is a common genetic disorder that affects one in 200 Australians where the liver and other organs become overloaded with the essential trace element, iron. Untreated, this can lead to liver cirrhosis and cancer. The mechanisms whereby the body overloads with iron are extremely complex and poorly understood. This project is designed to identify new genes which are involved in these processes and discover which of them do not function properly. Comparing the strength of bone fixation of the wrist's scaphoid bone using the two traditional types of bone grafting. Chief Investigator: Mr Paul Jarrett, Dr Vera Kinzel, Dr Karl Stoffel Amount Awarded: $6,000 SPONSORED BY THE COMMUNITY A broken scaphoid wrist bone often requires to be fixed with the use of a bone graft. This study will look at the two commonly used types of bone grafts to compare their strength, and it will provide information about bone grafting not previously known. Does tension in the soft tissues around the patella limit the range of motion after total knee replacement? Chief Investigator: Dr Rochelle Nicholls, Dr Andreas Schirm, Prof Marcus Kuster Amount Awarded: $8,900 SPONSORED BY THE FREMANTLE FOOTBALL CLUB Two common complications experienced by total knee arthroplasty patients are restricted range of motion and pain after surgery. The researchers believe this is because of abnormal tension on the soft tissues following implantation of the prosthesis. They will measure soft tissue tension, biomechanics of the patella and internal joint forces, which they believe will have significance for patient comfort and function after surgery, as well as extending the life of the implant. The significance of Fatty Liver Disease in Adolescents Chief Investigator: Dr Leon Adams, Dr Oyekoya Ayonrinde, Prof J Olynyk Amount Awarded: $15,000 SPONSORED BY LITTLE CREATURES BREWING With the prevalence of obesity and metabolic complications such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) becoming a leading health problem in the developed world, this study will provide important and novel information on the magnitude and significance of NAFLD among adolescents. It will also allow important insight into the early stages of disease development with implications for the development of appropriate interventions.

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