Dr. Thasarat Vajaranant receives funding through The WHI Extension Feasibility Study

BIRCWH Scholar Dr. Thasarat Vajaranant received funding through The WHI Extension Feasibility Study Funding Program for her proposal titled “A Feasibility Study to Assess the Accuracy of Self-reported Glaucoma outcomes and Participant Interest in Participating in Ancillary Glaucoma Studies.” This study aims to test the feasibility of obtaining medical records to assess the accuracy of self-reported glaucoma outcomes and participant interest in participating in additional glaucoma studies. 

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), a prevalent, chronic, blinding condition, negatively impacts general health and daily life functions among vulnerable, elderly women. Globally, women comprise the majority of individuals with glaucoma and blindness. Recent evidence suggests that specific genes, influenced by environmental exposure, contribute to POAG. POAG is more prevalent among African Americans (5.6%) and Hispanics (4.7%) compared with Whites (1.7%), but there is limited information on the gene-environment interactions among minorities. In this study, Dr. Vajaranant will test the feasibility of obtaining medical records to assess the accuracy of self-reported glaucoma outcomes and participant interest in participating in ancillary glaucoma studies. If successful, this research model could serve as a cost-effective way to examine the role of the gene-environment on POAG in the future. Greater insight into the role of gene-environment on POAG holds great potential in improving eye health and preventing a common cause among blindness that affects elderly women of all races and ethnicities. 

Congrats, Dr. Vajaranant!

Ovarian Cancer & Ovulation: Is there a link?

Former BIRCWH scholar Joanna Burdette was featured in the November 28 issue of UIC news for her work on examining the link between ovarian cancer and ovulation. While ovarian cancer remains prevalent, especially among post-menopausal women, the specific epithelial subtype responsible for disease development is not entirely known.

Dr. Burdette is exploring the relationship between the hormonal changes involved in ovulation and the development of ovarian cancer- specfically, how ovulation may impact a signaling pathway that transforms healthy cells into  cancer. Her works foucses on the development of ovarian cancer in the cells of two distinct areas: the ovarian surface and the lining of the fallopian tubes.

Dr. Burdette is accomplishing her work though the development of three-dimensional cell cultures within the laboratory, and focusing on one particular signaling molecule called Akt, which has been demonstrated to be activated in the development of ovarian cancer .

The full article, featuring an interview with Dr. Burdette, can be found online.

We continue to be impressed and inspired by our BIRCWH scholars, both present and former, and their contributions to women's health research!