Network


Latest external collaboration on country level. Dive into details by clicking on the dots.

Hotspot


Dive into the research topics where Anthony J. Borg is active.

Publication


Featured researches published by Anthony J. Borg.


Placenta | 2008

GAPDH, 18S rRNA and YWHAZ are suitable endogenous reference genes for relative gene expression studies in placental tissues from human idiopathic fetal growth restriction.

Padma Murthi; E. Fitzpatrick; Anthony J. Borg; Susan Donath; Shaun P. Brennecke; Bill Kalionis

Comparative gene expression studies in the placenta may provide insights into molecular mechanisms of important genomic alterations in pregnancy disorders. Endogenous reference genes often referred to as housekeeping genes, are routinely used to normalise gene expression levels. For this reason, it is important that these genes be empirically evaluated for stability between placental samples including samples from complicated pregnancies. To address this issue, six candidate housekeeping genes including several commonly used ones (ACTB, GAPDH, 18S rRNA, TBP, SDHA and YWHAZ) were investigated for their expression stability in placentae obtained from pregnancies complicated by idiopathic FGR (n=25) and gestation-matched control pregnancies (n=25). Real-time PCR was performed using pre-validated gene expression assay kits. The geNorm program was used for gene stability measure (M) for the entire housekeeping genes in all control and FGR-affected placental samples. Results showed that GAPDH and 18S rRNA were most stable, with an average expression stability of M=0.441 and 0.443, respectively, followed by YWHAZ (M=0.472). SDHA, ACTB and TBP were the least stable housekeeping genes (M=0.495, 0.548 and 1.737, respectively). We recommend geometric averaging of two or more housekeeping genes to determine relative gene expression levels between FGR-affected and control placentae.


Obstetrics & Gynecology | 2010

Inherited thrombophilia polymorphisms and pregnancy outcomes in Nulliparous women

Joanne Said; John R. Higgins; Eric K. Moses; Susan P. Walker; Anthony J. Borg; Paul Monagle; Shaun P. Brennecke

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the association between five commonly inherited thrombophilia polymorphisms and adverse pregnancy outcomes in women who had no prior history of adverse pregnancy outcomes or personal or family history of venous thromboembolism. METHODS: Healthy nulliparous women (n=2,034) were recruited to this prospective cohort study before 22 weeks of gestation. Genotyping for factor V Leiden, prothrombin gene mutation, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase enzyme (MTHFR) C677T, MTHFR A1298C, and thrombomodulin polymorphism was performed. Clinicians caring for women were blinded to the results of thrombophilia tests. The primary composite outcome was the development of severe preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, placental abruption, stillbirth, or neonatal death. RESULTS: Complete molecular results and pregnancy outcome data were available in 1,707 women. These complications were experienced by 136 women (8.0%). Multivariable logistic regression demonstrated two statistically significant findings. Women who carried the prothrombin gene mutation had an odds ratio of 3.58 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20–10.61, P=.02) for the development of the composite primary outcome. Homozygous carriers of the MTHFR 1298 polymorphism had an odds ratio of 0.26 (95% CI 0.08–0.86, P=.03). None of the other polymorphisms studied showed a significant association with the development of the primary outcome in this cohort of women. CONCLUSION: Prothrombin gene mutation confers an increased risk for the development of adverse pregnancy outcomes in otherwise asymptomatic, nulliparous women, whereas homozygosity for MTHFR 1298 may protect against these complications. The majority of asymptomatic women who carry an inherited thrombophilia polymorphism have a successful pregnancy outcome. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II


Placenta | 2008

Novel Homeobox Genes are Differentially Expressed in Placental Microvascular Endothelial Cells Compared with Macrovascular Cells

Padma Murthi; Ursula Hiden; Gayathri Rajaraman; H. Liu; Anthony J. Borg; F. Coombes; Gernot Desoye; Shaun P. Brennecke; Bill Kalionis

Angiogenesis is fundamental to normal placental development and aberrant angiogenesis contributes substantially to placental pathologies. The complex process of angiogenesis is regulated by transcription factors leading to the formation of endothelial cells that line the microvasculature. Homeobox genes are important transcription factors that regulate vascular development in embryonic and adult tissues. We have recently shown that placental homeobox genes HLX, DLX3, DLX4, MSX2 and GAX are expressed in placental endothelial cells. Hence, the novel homeobox genes TLX1, TLX2, TGIF, HEX, PHOX1, MEIS2, HOXB7, and LIM6 were detected that have not been reported in endothelial cells previously. Importantly, these homeobox genes have not been previously reported in placental endothelial cells and, with the exception of HEX, PHOX1 and HOXB7, have not been described in any other endothelial cell type. Reverse transcriptase PCR was performed on cDNA from freshly isolated placental microvascular endothelial cells (PLEC), and the human placental microvascular endothelial cell line HPEC. cDNAs prepared from control term placentae, human microvascular endothelial cells (HMVEC) and human umbilical vein macrovascular endothelial cells (HUVEC) were used as controls. PCR analyses showed that all novel homeobox genes tested were expressed by all endothelial cells types. Furthermore, real-time PCR analyses revealed that homeobox genes TLX1, TLX2 and PHOX1 relative mRNA expression levels were significantly decreased in HUVEC compared with microvascular endothelial cells, while the relative mRNA expression levels of MEIS2 and TGIF were significantly increased in macrovascular cells compared with microvascular endothelial cells. Thus we have identified novel homeobox genes in microvascular endothelial cells and have shown that homeobox genes are differentially expressed between micro- and macrovascular endothelial cells.


Human Biology | 2004

Fine Mapping and SNP Analysis of Positional Candidates at the Preeclampsia Susceptibility Locus (PREG1) on Chromosome 2

E. Fitzpatrick; Harald H H Göring; H Liu; Anthony J. Borg; S. Forrest; D. W. Cooper; Shaun P. Brennecke; Eric K. Moses

Genome scans in Icelandic, Australian and New Zealand, and Finnish families have localized putative susceptibility loci for preeclampsia/eclampsia to chromosome 2. The locus mapped in the Australian and New Zealand study (designated PREG1) was thought to be the same locus as that identified in the Icelandic study. In both these studies, two distinct quantitative trait locus (QTL) regions were evident on chromosome 2. Here, we describe our fine mapping of the PREG1 locus and a genetic analysis of two positional candidate genes. Twenty-five additional microsatellite markers were genotyped within the 74-cM linkage region defined by the combined Icelandic and Australian and New Zealand genome scans. The overall position and shape of the localization evidence obtained using nonparametric multipoint analysis did not change from that seen previously in our 10-cM resolution genome scan; two peaks were displayed, one on chromosome 2p at marker D2S388 (107.46 cM) and the other on chromosome 2q at 151.5 cM at marker D2S2313. Using the robust two-point linkage analysis implemented in the Analyze program, all 25 markers gave positive LOD scores with significant evidence of linkage being seen at marker D2S2313 (151.5 cM), achieving a LOD score of 3.37 under a strict diagnostic model. Suggestive evidence of linkage was seen at marker D2S388 (107.46 cM) with a LOD score of 2.22 under the general diagnostic model. Two candidate genes beneath the peak on chromosome 2p were selected for further analysis using public single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within these genes. Maximum LOD scores were obtained for an SNP in TACR1 (LOD = 3.5) and for an SNP in TCF7L1 (LOD = 3.33), both achieving genome-wide significance. However, no evidence of association was seen with any of the markers tested. These data strongly support the presence of a susceptibility gene on chromosome 2p11–12 and substantiate the possibility of a second locus on chromosome 2q23.


Pediatric Pathology & Laboratory Medicine | 1997

JUVENILE LARYNGEAL PAPILLOMATOSIS IN A PEDIATRIC POPULATION: A Clinicopathologic Study

Gino R. Somers; Sepehr N. Tabrizi; Anthony J. Borg; Suzanne M. Garland; C. W. Chow

A series of 22 children with juvenile laryngeal papillomatosis treated over a 31-year period is presented. The majority of patients were diagnosed when less than 5 years of age. Two patients died from the disease and four patients still had active disease at the completion of the study period. The duration of disease and number of recurrences were extremely variable. The number of recurrences was inversely related to the age of onset. The histologic findings were very similar in all patients, and no particular histologic feature had prognostic significance. In 20 patients, laryngeal biopsies were positive for human papillomavirus (HPV) 6/11 by either in situ hybridization (17) or polymerase chain reaction (19) or both (16). The number of patients who were HPV negative was small (two); interestingly, neither case had aggressive disease. Our findings suggest that age of onset and HPV status may be of prognostic value in determining the clinical course of the disease.


British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology | 1999

Epidemiological characteristics of women with high grade CIN who do and do not have human papillomavirus.

Sepehr N. Tabrizi; Christopher K. Fairley; Shujun Chen; Anthony J. Borg; Peter A. Baghurst; Michael A. Quit; Suzanne M. Garland

Objective Human papillomavirus infection is an important aetiological agent associated with the devel‐ opment of cervical neoplasia. However, even with the most sensitive methods of detection, human papillomavirus DNA has been detected in only 90% of cases of cervical cancer and between 80%‐90% of cases of dysplasia. This study aimed to determine if there are epidemiological differences between women who are positive or negative for human papillomavirus. with high grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN).


Angiogenesis | 2015

Placenta-derived angiogenic proteins and their contribution to the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.

Anita Pratt; Fabrício da Silva Costa; Anthony J. Borg; Bill Kalionis; Rosemary J. Keogh; Padma Murthi

Abstract Placental angiogenesis is critical to the success of human pregnancy. Angiogenesis is defined as the formation of new blood vessels from existing vasculature. Angiogenesis is necessary for the establishment of adequate placental perfusion, which is important for providing the optimum in utero environment to support fetal development. Defective placental angiogenesis is associated with several pregnancy complications, the most clinically important of which is preeclampsia; the multisystem disorder is characterized by maternal hypertension, proteinuria, and endothelial dysfunction. Here, we review our current understanding of several key angiogenic factors that are associated with placental angiogenesis. We also discuss their importance with respect to preeclampsia, where aberrant expression and release of these factors into the maternal circulation is thought to contribute to the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of preeclampsia.


Sexually Transmitted Diseases | 1996

Patient-administered tampon-collected genital cells in the assessment of Chlamydia trachomatis infection using polymerase chain reaction

Sepehr N. Tabrizi; Shujun Chen; Anthony J. Borg; Maxwell I. Lees; Christopher K. Fairley; Helen D. Jackson; Claudine H. Gust; Geoff Migliorini; Suzanne M. Garland

Background: Diagnosis of genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection in women traditionally requires a speculum examination to collect endocervical cells, followed by cell culture. This method is time consuming, requires stringent transport conditions, and is technically demanding. Goals: To compare tampons as a patient‐administered collection method followed by detection with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with the traditional endocervical swab culture followed by cell culture detection. Study Design: At the emergency department of a hospital for obstetrics and gynecology, 1,000 consecutive women with symptoms suggestive of infection with C. trachomatis were tested for C. trachomatis infection by PCR on both tampon (PCR‐T) and swab (PCR‐S) specimen and by culture of the swab specimen. Results: Seventeen PCR‐T and 16 PCR‐S specimens were positive; 16 endocervical specimens were positive by culture, and 14 of the endocervical samples were positive by the three methods. Sixty‐one PCR‐S samples were inadequate as shown by the lack of amplification of the β‐globin gene segment, indicating poor collection of specimens by endocervical swab for chlamydial testing. Conclusions: Tampon specimens collected for PCR detection provided an easy and sensitive method of detection of C. trachomatis and overcame the obstacle of endocervical sampling and subsequent stringent transport requirements of culture.


Molecular Human Reproduction | 2013

Homeobox gene transforming growth factor β-induced factor-1 (TGIF-1) is a regulator of villous trophoblast differentiation and its expression is increased in human idiopathic fetal growth restriction

Niroshani Pathirage; Melanie Cocquebert; Yoel Sadovsky; Mohamed Abumaree; Ursula Manuelpillai; Anthony J. Borg; Rosemary J. Keogh; Shaun P. Brennecke; Danièle Evain-Brion; Thierry Fournier; Bill Kalionis; Padma Murthi

Abnormal trophoblast function is associated with human fetal growth restriction (FGR). Targeted disruption of homeobox gene transforming growth β-induced factor (TGIF-1) results in placental dysfunction in the mouse. The role of human TGIF-1 in placental cell function is unknown. The aims of this study were to determine the expression of TGIF-1 in human idiopathic FGR-affected placentae compared with gestation-matched controls (GMC), to elucidate the functional role of TGIF-1 in trophoblasts and to identify its downstream targets. Real-time PCR and immunoblotting revealed that TGIF-1 mRNA and protein expression was significantly increased in FGR-affected placentae compared with GMC (n = 25 in each group P < 0.05). Immunoreactive TGIF-1 was localized to the villous cytotrophoblasts, syncytiotrophoblast, microvascular endothelial cells and in scattered stromal cells in both FGR and GMC. TGIF-1 inactivation in BeWo cells using two independent siRNA resulted in significantly decreased mRNA and protein of trophoblast differentiation markers, human chorionic gonadotrophin (CGB/hCG), syncytin and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/3β-honest significant difference expression. Our data demonstrate that homeobox gene TGIF-1 is a potential up-stream regulator of trophoblast differentiation and the altered TGIF-1 expression may contribute to aberrant villous trophoblast differentiation in FGR.


Australian & New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology | 2008

The prevalence of inherited thrombophilic polymorphisms in an asymptomatic Australian antenatal population.

Joanne Said; Shaun P. Brennecke; Eric K. Moses; Susan P. Walker; Paul Monagle; Janine Campbell; Valerie J. Bryant; Anthony J. Borg; John R. Higgins

Aim: Inherited thrombophilic polymorphisms have been linked to pregnancy‐related thromboembolism and other adverse pregnancy outcomes. As there are limited data on the prevalence of these polymorphisms in Australian populations, we aimed to assess this in an antenatal population.

Collaboration


Dive into the Anthony J. Borg's collaboration.

Top Co-Authors

Avatar
Top Co-Authors

Avatar

Padma Murthi

Hudson Institute of Medical Research

View shared research outputs
Top Co-Authors

Avatar
Top Co-Authors

Avatar
Top Co-Authors

Avatar
Top Co-Authors

Avatar

Shujun Chen

Royal Women's Hospital

View shared research outputs
Top Co-Authors

Avatar
Top Co-Authors

Avatar
Top Co-Authors

Avatar

Joanne Said

University of Melbourne

View shared research outputs
Top Co-Authors

Avatar
Researchain Logo
Decentralizing Knowledge