Volunteers needed!

Osteoporosis causes bones to become fragile and weak increasing the risk of fracture. Half of all women over 60 in Australia will suffer an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime. Fractures can be painful and restrict activity. At the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, we conduct research into osteoporosis and its treatment.

We are looking for female volunteers who are:

• 55 years or older
• post-menopausal
• have been diagnosed with osteoporosis
• started on osteoporosis treatment within the last 18 months
• interested in participating in a clinical study comparing two medications for the treatment of osteoporosis over one year.

MORE INFORMATION

Please contact:

Orit Wolstein        (02) 9295 8269
Or
Yvonne Selecki    (02) 9295 8276

This study has been approved by the St Vincent’s Hospital Human Research Ethics Committee Ref. No: 09/120  

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This study is investigating whether taking Glutamine (an amino acid) can improve insulin production in the body and help people with type 2 diabetes improve the control of their diabetes.

We need volunteers:

• aged 40-70 years
• and who have been diagnosed with diabetes in the last five years
• and are on diet or taking Diabex, Diaformin or Glucophage (medication name is metformin)
• and are not taking any other type of Diabetes medication
  

We would prefer non-smokers, those who drink less than 4 standard drinks per day, and people not taking diet pills or supplements.

The study involves coming to the Garvan Institute on the following occasions:

• First for a screening visit where blood is taken
• Then for three study visits over one month. On these visits we will measure hormone levels in the blood for one hour after we give you glucose through a drip and following a meal

Travel costs (including parking) and lunch are included.

If you are interested and fit the criteria, please contact:

Renee Richens

r.richens@garvan.org.au or (02) 9295 8215

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The Pre-diabetes study investigates early mechanisms leading to insulin resistance and type-2 diabetes in individuals with a strong family history of type-2 diabetes.
We need volunteers aged 50-65 years that are either lean or overweight, with or without a family history of type-2 diabetes.

We would prefer non-smokers, those who drink less than 2 standard drinks per day, and people with stable weight during the past 6 months without any inflammatory conditions (eg. arthritis).
 
The study involves visiting the clinical research facility at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research on 2 occasions:

• A short screening visit where blood is taken
• A longer study visit where we perform sophisticated measures of insulin secretion, insulin action, and body composition (6-7 hours)
  

Travel costs (to cover transportation to and from Garvan) and lunch are included.

If you are interested and fit the criteria, please phone:

Ms Lynne Schofield on (02) 9295 8231

OR

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Overweight volunteers (ie body mass index > 30) are needed to participate in a study screening for a gene which links to obesity.

During a preliminary visit, a blood test and various body measurements will be taken to assess your suitability for the study. If you match our criteria, we would invite you back for a full metabolic assessment.

Why are we doing this study?

The gene in question (MC4R) is present in up to 6% of overweight people - and is associated with greater appetite, predisposing people to obesity from childhood. The gene is also associated with lower blood pressure than might be expected .

There are different kinds of obesity - with some people remaining metabolically healthy, while others become susceptible to high cholesterol, high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes. We are interested in finding out as much as possible about why such differences occur.

Our research might help future screening of obese people to identify those who are predisposed to illness, and those who are not.

Anticipated recruitment is April 2011 to December 2012

Enquiries:
Dr Daniel Chen  (02) 9295 8557 or d.chen@garvan.org.au
Research Nurse Vanessa Travers (02) 9295 8232 or v.travers@garvan.org.au
Research Nurse Jennifer Evans (02) 9295 8215 or j.evans@garvan.org.au

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