Investigating brain lactate levels in schizophrenia using advanced MRI techniques
Official title: Measuring brain lactate and other metabolites in schizophrenia at 3T using an enhanced MR spectroscopy approach
Funded at Mclean Hospital · NIH-11110301 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain substances in the brain, like lactate, affect energy use and thinking in people with schizophrenia, using special MRI scans to help us learn more about the condition and its symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mclean Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Belmont, United States) |
| Project start | June 7, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $174,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R21MH133114-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11110301 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia who are experiencing cognitive impairments or negative symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with schizophrenia who do not have cognitive impairments or negative symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of lactate and other metabolites in the brains of individuals with schizophrenia. By utilizing an enhanced magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) approach, the study aims to measure brain lactate levels, which may provide insights into energy metabolism during brain activation. The research seeks to explore how these metabolic processes relate to cognitive impairments and negative symptoms associated with schizophrenia. Participants will undergo MRI scans to assess their brain chemistry, which could lead to a better understanding of the disorder.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for schizophrenia by targeting metabolic dysfunctions.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been studies on brain lactate in bipolar disorder, research specifically focusing on schizophrenia and lactate measurement is still emerging, making this approach relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Mclean Hospital
Belmont, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Xi — Mclean Hospital
- Study coordinator: Chen, Xi
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.