Exploring brain inflammation in neuropsychiatric conditions
Identifying Correlates of Brain Microglial Activation in Neuropsychiatric Syndromes: a Dimensional Approach
PHASE1 · The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston · NCT03705715
This study is testing if brain inflammation is linked to the severity of symptoms in people with mood disorders, chronic pain, dementia, and substance abuse.
Quick facts
| Phase | PHASE1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Houston, Texas) |
| Trial ID | NCT03705715 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This research aims to investigate the extent of brain microglial activation, which is associated with inflammation, in individuals exhibiting symptoms of neuropsychiatric syndromes such as mood disorders, chronic pain, dementia, and substance abuse. Using Positron Emission Tomography (PET) with specific radiotracers, the study will assess whether the level of microglial activation correlates with the severity of neuropsychiatric symptoms. The study will also examine specific brain regions affected by this activation and how combinations of neuropsychiatric symptoms relate to immune responses in the brain.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals aged 18-80 with a diagnosis of a neuropsychiatric syndrome or healthy controls without any psychiatric illness.
Not a fit: Patients who are smokers, pregnant, or have claustrophobia may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better understanding and treatment strategies for neuropsychiatric syndromes by targeting inflammation in the brain.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results in understanding the role of brain inflammation in neuropsychiatric conditions, suggesting this approach has potential.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Must be between 18-80 years old * Males or females * Must be right handed * Must be able to sit unaccompanied for long periods of time with little body movement * Must be illicit drug free at time of scanning as appropriate (UDS negative), * Must be either healthy (without medical, neurological, psychiatric illness) or have a diagnosis of a neuropsychiatric syndrome (mood disorder, chronic pain syndrome, dementias, traumatic brain injury, substance/alcohol use disorder). * Healthy Control volunteers must be medication free (≥ 14 days) * Illicit drug free at time of scanning (verified by negative urine drug screen) Exclusion Criteria: * Must not be a smoker. * Females must not be pregnant or nursing. * Must not suffer from claustrophobia * Must not meet exclusion criteria for MRI scanning (i.e. non-fixed magnetisable objects) * Must not be PBR-28 low affinity binder (or using the \[11C\]ER176 study radiotracer) * Healthy control volunteers must not have on-going, chronic, or relapsing/remitting medical, psychiatric (absence of both DSM-IV Axis I and/or Axis II disorders), or neurological illness as determined by combination of history, medical record, and/or examination.
Where this trial is running
Houston, Texas
- BBSB at UTHealth — Houston, Texas, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Alan Prossin, MBBS — The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
- Study coordinator: Alan Prossin, MBBS
- Email: alan.prossin@uth.tmc.edu
- Phone: 713-486-2836
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.
Conditions: Neuropsychiatric Syndromes, Microglial activation, Immune activation, PET neuroimaging