Reproductive
Biology
(Studentship
Renewal: David Boone, B.Sc.H., M.Sc.)
Programmed
cell death (apoptosis) is an important mechanism
in the prevention of uncontrolled tissue growth
(cancer) as well as in the transitions from one
state to another that occur during the normal ovarian
cycle. Mr.Boone's project will explore how this
mechanism is controlled. His work will give insight
into the pathophysiology of female infertility;
in particular ovulatory disorders, premature ovarian
failure, and aspects of ovarian cancer.
(Studentship
Renewal: Julang Li, M.Ag.)
During
ovarian development, the granulosa cells surrounding
the egg undergo considerable division and replication
under the influence of various hormones and growth
factors. Miss Li's research project investigates
the mechanism by which normal ovarian development
is regulated and how this process may fail in women
with ovarian diseases such as anovulation and luteal
phase defect.
Maternal-Fetal Medicine
(Studentship
Renewal: Nancy Krunic, B.Sc.)
The transition from a non-breathing, water environment
to an air-breathing physically-independent existence
could be said to be the most important moment in
life. Ms. Kruni investigates the mechanism with
the fetal and newborn brain that control the levels
of a factor called prostaglandin E2. This factor
is know to regulate fetal breathing movements. It
is postulated that inappropriate levels of PGE in
newborn babies may be a factor leading to Sudden
Infant Death Syndrome.
(Studentship:
Andrea Jurisicova-Husaova)
Ms.
Jurisicova-Husaova investigates the mechanisms that
are responsible for early pregnancy loss, specifically
involving the failure of embryos to remain viable.
Eating
Disorders Research and Awareness Grant Program
(Merryl
Bear, M.Ed.Psych., National Eating Disorder Information
Centre, Helena Spring, National Association to Advance
Fat Acceptance, Kaca Henley, You*nique, Karin Davis,
Body Pride)
The Toronto International No Diet Day Coalition
is developing a booklet which will help to raise
general awareness of food and weight preoccupation,
including eating disorders and their physical and
psychological consequences. The booklet will be
written to be appealing and accessible to an audience
with low literacy levels and will be launched at
a concert celebrating size diversity.
(Claire
L. Lord, B.A., B.Sc., Co-ordinator ANAB Quebec Self-Help
Groups, Joseé Chapagne, B.A., Research Assistant,
Eating Disorders Clinic, Douglas Hospital)
ANAB Quebec, with the cooperation of the Eating
Disorders Unit at the Douglas Hospital near Montreal,
will publish a bilingual guidebook specifically
for the starting and maintaining of self-help groups
for those with eating disorders. The guidebook is
a valuable empowerment tool for those with eating
disorders and is much needed during this time of
fiscal restraints. It also has the potential for
Canada-wide distribution.
Special
Project: The Imperial Oil Menopause Fellowship
(Postdoctoral
Fellowship: Carla Maria Vanin, M.D., University
of Toronto)
The role of estrogen and progestin replacement therapy
in maintenance of post-menopausal bone density is
the focus of this project. Normal ovarian function
is essential for maintenance of the skeleton in
women. Surgical and natural menopause both result
in an imbalance between bone formation and resorption,
resulting in a net bone loss. Osteoporosis is a
disease in which low bone mass and changes in bone
quality increase the risk of fractures. Although
both men and women experience some loss of bone
as part of normal aging, the most common form of
osteoporosis is associated with ovarian hormone
deficiency. Dr. Vanin's project investigates the
contributions of the two principal ovarian hormones,
estrogen and progesterone, to maintenance of bone
density and possible ways to improve the effectiveness
of hormones in preventing osteoporosis.
