2009 RESEARCH - 8 projects, $112,290

Does colonoscopy with the removal of polyps improve 5-year survival in older patients?
Chief Investigators: Dr Lena Thin, A/Prof Ian Lawrance
Amount Awarded: $7,500
SPONSORED BY TONY & ELVA VAN MERWYK

The aim of this study is to determine whether performing colonoscopies to follow patients who have had polyps in the past makes a true difference to their survival with attention to increasing age and ill health.




Influence of two mutations on liver iron loading
Chief Investigators: Dr Ross Graham, A/Prof Debbie Trinder, Prof John Olynyk, Mr Roheeth Delima
Amount Awarded: $15,000
SPONSORED BY THE STAFF OF AUSTAL

Data from a previous FHMRF grant suggests that the combined effects of two mutations will result in increased severity of haemachromatosis. This project will investigate iron metabolism in this severe mode and shed light on the development of haemachromatosis.




How does hepatitis C infection damage the liver?
Chief Investigators: Dr Jane Allan, A/Prof Debbie Trinder
Amount Awarded: $15,000.00
SPONSORED BY THE CITY OF COCKBURN

Chronic hepatitis C infection causes long term damage to the liver and this is thought to be caused in part by the deposit of iron in liver cells. This study will investigate whether the virus itself may produce this effect directly, as well as indirectly through inciting inflammation.




Sperm damage by medications taken by men with inflammatory bowel disease
Chief Investigators: A/Prof Ian Lawrance
Amount Awarded: $15,000
SPONSORED BY BREMICK

Data from a previous FHMRF grant suggests that the combined effects of two mutations will result in increased severity of haemachromatosis. This project will investigate iron metabolism in this severe mode and shed light on the development of haemachromatosis.




The role of untreated sleep disordered breathing (apnoea) in heart rhythm disturbances
Chief Investigators: Dr Pradyot Saklani, Dr Andrew Liu
Amount Awarded: $14,800
SPONSORED BY FREO DOCTOR LOTTERY

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a form of heart rhythm disturbances characterised by an irregular heart rate. There are a number of risk factors for AF including high blood pressure. Lone AF occurs in the absence of traditional risk factors. We hypothesise that obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) which is a form of sleep disordered breathing, contributes to the development of lone AF. We aim to compare the incidence of AF with and without treatment for OSA in lone AF.

Positive effects of carbohydrate consumption during exercise on recovery
Chief Investigators: A/Prof Debbie Trinder, Mr Peter Peeling, Prof Brian Dawson
Amount Awarded: $14,990
SPONSORED BY FREMANTLE FOOTBALL CLUB

The aim of this project is to determine if carbohydrate consumption during prolonged periods of running has any affect on inflammation and hormone activity that might impact on the athlete's iron stores.

Studies on the connection between iron in food and bowel inflammation
Chief Investigators: Dr Anita Chua, A/Prof Ian Lawrance, Dr Borut Klopcic
Amount Awarded: $15,000
SPONSORED BY FREMANTLE HOSPITAL LADIES AUXILIARY

This project investigates how an iron rich diet affects bowel inflammation and increases the risk of bowel cancer.

DREAMFAST - can we get a better combination of pain relieving drugs to improve sleep after surgery?
Chief Investigators: Dr Ed O'Loughlin, Dr Angeline Lee, Dr Melanie Thew
Amount Awarded: $15,000
SPONSORED BY LITTLE CREATURES

Patients who have major operations and need drugs like morphine often complain of poor sleep. The researchers hope to demonstrate that a combination of two drugs will still give good pain relief but reduce the number of times a patient wakes up.