Glutathione, Brain Metabolism and Inflammation in Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer Disease Clinical Trial

Official title: Glutathione, Brain Metabolism and Inflammation in Alzheimer's Disease

Status Recruiting

Clinical Trial Summary

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with significant, progressive cognitive decline. Key defects in mitochondrial fuel metabolism insulin resistance, inflammation and decreased brain glucose uptake are linked to AD. This trial will investigate the effects of supplementing glycine and N-acetylcysteine vs. alanine as placebo on these defects in AD, and examine the effects on cognition.

Clinical Trial Description

Glutathione (GSH) deficiency, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, insulin resistance and inflammation are linked to Alzheimer's disease (AD). In prior studies, investigators have shown that GSH deficiency contributes to mitochondrial impairment and oxidative stress, and that GSH deficiency can be corrected by supplementing its precursors glycine and cysteine (provided as N-acetylcysteine, NAC), with the combination termed GlyNAC.

This randomized clinical trial will evaluate the effect of GlyNAC vs. alanine placebo supplementation provided for 24-weeks to patients with AD, and measure changes in cognition, GSH concentrations, oxidative stress, brain glucose uptake, brain inflammation and insulin resistance.

Participants who are positive for a beta-amyloid PET scan and meeting cognitive screening criteria will be recruited, and enrolled only after meeting eligibility criteria. Before beginning study supplementation they will undergo imaging studies (MRI, FDG-PET and TSPO-PET scans), and only the FDG- and TSPO-PET scans will be repeated after completing 24-weeks of nutrient supplementation. Cognitive measurements, metabolic and mitochondrial measurements (as described below) will be done before supplementation, and after 12-weeks and 24-weeks of completing supplementation. ;

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Alzheimer Disease
• Inflammation

• NCT number: NCT04740580
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: Baylor College of Medicine
• Contact: Rajagopal V Sekhar, M.D.
• Phone: 7137983908
• Email: rsekhar@bcm.edu
• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: Early Phase 1
• Start date: February 15, 2022
• Completion date: December 31, 2026