Effects of stress on amyloid-beta levels in the blood
Effects of Acute Stress Exposure on Plasma Beta-amyloid Levels
This study is testing how short bursts of stress affect certain proteins in the blood that are linked to Alzheimer's disease in healthy adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 38 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Southern California Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Los Angeles, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT05521919 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates how brief stress exposure activates the sympathetic nervous system and its immediate effects on plasma amyloid-beta levels in healthy adults. Participants will undergo a stress-inducing procedure, and blood samples will be collected to measure changes in amyloid-beta-40 and amyloid-beta-42 levels within five hours post-exposure. The goal is to understand the relationship between acute stress and Alzheimer's disease biomarkers in humans, which has not been previously examined. This research could provide insights into the physiological responses to stress and their implications for Alzheimer's disease risk.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy adults weighing at least 110 pounds with no chronic conditions or medications that affect stress response.
Not a fit: Patients with chronic health conditions, mood disorders, or those on medications that alter stress responses may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance our understanding of how stress contributes to Alzheimer's disease risk and inform preventive strategies.
How similar studies have performed: While there is existing research on stress and Alzheimer's in animal models, this study's focus on human responses is novel and untested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy adult weighing at least 110 pounds * No chronic conditions or illness * Taking no medications or drugs that might alter the stress response (e.g., corticosteroids, beta-blockers, and others) * Not using any hormone-containing medication (e.g., hormonal contraceptives, hormone replacement, etc.) * No contraindications for cold pressor test exposure (high blood pressure, heart disease, dysrhythmia, peripheral vascular disease, any other cardiovascular disorder, diabetes, vasculitis, lupus, tingling or numbness in the hands and/or feet, cryoglobulinemia, and Reynaud's phenomenon) * No history of fainting during blood draws * No phobia of having their blood drawn * No general history of fainting or seizures * Not currently diagnosed with a mood disorder (e.g., major depressive disorder) * Not pregnant in the past 12 months * Not lactating in the past 12 months * Not trying to become pregnant if premenopausal * Experienced natural menopause if postmenopausal * Be non-smokers * Be fluent in English Exclusion Criteria: - Unwilling to be filmed during the stress task OR unwilling to sign the waiver allowing their filmed responses to be used in scientific presentations
Where this trial is running
Los Angeles, California
- University of Southern California — Los Angeles, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Lab Manager
- Email: matherlab@usc.edu
- Phone: 213-740-9543
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.