Does N-Acetylcysteine Decrease Spontaneous Oxidation of Central Neural Dopamine in Parkinson's Disease?

Launched by NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AND STROKE (NINDS) · Apr 4, 2017

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

Objective:

This study is to test whether N-acetylcysteine (NAC) inhibits the spontaneous oxidation of central neural dopamine as indicated by the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentration of 5-S-cysteinyl-dopamine (Cys-DA) in patients with Parkinsons disease (PD).

Study population:

The study population comprises up to 35 participants with early (less than or equal to 5 years from diagnosis), mild, levodopa-untreated PD and up to 6 healthy volunteer participants. The PD participants will be on an inhibitor of monoamine oxidase (MAO) that is prescribed for their disease.

Design:

The study ...

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Eligibility criteria

• * INCLUSION CRITERIA:
• • PD diagnosed within the past 5 years
• • Taking a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor
• • Able to provide consent
• • At least18 years old
• EXCLUSION CRITERIA:
• • Taking levodopa in any form
• • Known allergy to NAC
• • Already taking an anti-oxidant dietary supplement (e.g., Olive Leaf Extract, MitoQ)
• • A condition that would increase risk from a lumbar puncture (e.g., symptomatic spinal stenosis or myoclonus)
• • History of a post-spinal headache that required treatment with a blood patch
• • On a prescribed anti-coagulant (e.g., Coumadin, Plavix)
• • Pregnant or breast-feeding
• • History of alcohol or drug abuse
• • Any medical condition thatcould put subjects at increased risk. Potential participants are excluded who have evidence of bone marrow, liver, or kidney failure based on abnormal screening lab results.
• • On a medication that could interfere with the scientific results. An example of an exclusionary drug is the catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitor entacapone. Tricyclic anti-depressants are another type of exclusionary drug