Bioenergetic supplements for hard-to-treat depression and anxiety

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This project uses a sex-based animal model of depression and anxiety at moderate altitude to explore how bioenergetic compounds may improve mood, anxiety, and thinking. The researchers will examine creatine, a creatine analog (cyclocreatine), and acetyl-L-carnitine to see if they can reverse brain energy deficits associated with treatment-resistant depression. They will look at how these supplements affect mood-related behaviors, cognitive function, and brain biochemistry under hypobaric hypoxia. The goal is to identify potential therapeutic benefits that could translate to people who do not respond well to standard antidepressants.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
  Salt Lake City, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Kanekar, Shami — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
• Study coordinator: Kanekar, Shami

Related research

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About this research

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.