Gene polymorphisms and environmental interactions on plasma High Density Lipoprotein C (HDL-C) levels in the Busselton Health Study.
Beasley L, Chapman CML, Beilby JP, Thompson PL , Palmer L

Low levels of HDL cholesterol are associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular disease. This project aims to identify common genetic variations between individuals in genes involved in HDL metabolism. Once identified these variations will be studied in the Busselton Health population for an association with the more prevalent variance in HDL levels. Part of this project will form Lyndsey Beasley's honours project in the Department of Pathology and Surgery, The University of Western Australia (UWA).

Inflammation, genes and atherosclerosis.
Chapman CML, Jennens M, Arscott G, Beilby JP, Thompson PL , Hung J

Evidence suggests that chronic inflammation is closely involved in the process of atherosclerosis and its clinical complications. This study aims to determine if sensitive serum markers of inflammation and gene-environment interactions that affect inflammation will predict the extent and progression of carotid atherosclerosis in a community population and in patients with premature coronary heart disease.

Transcriptional profile of human vascular tissues in patients with atherosclerosis.
Chapman CML, McQuillan BM, Beilby JP, Hung J

This project will use microarray technology to establish the differential gene expression between normal and atherosclerotic tissue. Identification of novel genes important in the progression of atherosclerosis will be further studied in the above projects.

The role of sex hormones receptors in the development of atherosclerosis.
Dennis M, Chapman CML, Beilby JP

Little is known about the expression and action of sex hormone receptors in the development of atherosclerosis. This project, which forms Ms M Dennis' PhD project, will study the in vivo expression of androgen, estrogen and progesterone receptors in the vasculature. Once this is known the action of these hormone receptors on genes important in endothelial and smooth muscle cell growth will be investigated. Ms D Starac and Assoc Prof J Harvey will provide expertise in pathology.

The investigation of in vitro and in vivo antioxidant status by a novel method.
Ching S, Ghisalberti E, Trengove R, Beilby JP, Hall J

Development of a novel method and use of this method and other markers to determine the effect of antioxidants in health and diseases.