Observational Study for Evaluating the Potential of Diet and Food Components as Disease Modifiers in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (JERN_ALS)
试验速览
- 阶段
- 不适用
- 状态
- 已完成
- 发起方
- 入组人数
- 50
- 试验地点
- 1
- 主要终点
- Clinical neurological examination
研究概览
简要总结
The proposed observational trial will collect substantial data concerning dietary intake documented by ALS patients complemented by the analysis of fatty acid distribution in erythrocyte lipids. Both data sets are related to disease status and progress.
详细描述
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a currently incurable, multifactorial motor neuron disease characterized by upper and lower motor neuron degeneration, skeletal muscle atrophy, paralysis, and death. Multiple mechanisms caused by genetic and environmental factors proposed as responsible for ALS pathogenesis include decreased availability to neurotrophic factors, disturbances in calcium metabolism, increased neuroinflammatory status, cytoskeletal changes, mitochondrial dysfunction, dysfunction of protein degradation, glutamate excitotoxicity, apoptosis and oxidative stress.
Currently, the only available drug to treat ALS is riluzole which slightly prolongs life. Nutritional management has become more important in the treatment of ALS because body mass index and nutritional status seems to be independent, prognostic factors for survival and disease complications. Malnutrition is common in ALS, so caloric supplementation is essential. Additionally, many ALS patients self-medicate with vitamins, herbs, and other dietary supplements.
The objective of the current project is establishing the link between nutritional intake and disease status and progress. In detail, we like to assess if the improved outcomes are associated with specific nutrients, or simply the provision of excess calories. In this context, one of the most promising dietary candidates are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and in particular the long-chain n-3 PUFA docosahexaenoic acid. This important structural component in neuronal membranes plays a role in neurogenesis and neuroprotection as well as exerts well-described anti-inflammatory effects in the brain.
The proposed observational trial will collect substantial data concerning dietary intake documented by ALS patients (Food Frequency Protocols, FFPs, periodic over 5 days) combined with the analysis of fatty acid distribution in erythrocyte lipids which reflects fatty acid distribution of the consumed fatty or oily foods (time period: approximately the last 2-3 months).
The fatty aids distribution in erythrocyte lipids as well as the nutrient intake calculated by FFPs are related to disease status and progress.
研究设计
- 研究类型
- Observational
- 观察模型
- Case Only
- 时间视角
- Prospective
入排标准
- 年龄范围
- 18 Years 至 90 Years（Adult, Older Adult）
- 性别
- All
- 接受健康志愿者
- 否
入选标准
- •ALS patients diagnosed according to El Escorial / Awaji criteria for ALS
- •patients should have the ability to comprehend the full nature and purpose of the study, to cooperate with the investigator, to understand verbal and written instructions, and to comply with the requirements of the entire study.
排除标准
- •patient's request or if patient compliance with the study protocol is doubtful
结局指标
主要结局
Clinical neurological examination
时间窗: through study completion, an average of 1 year
ALS functional rating scale-revised (ALSFRS-R) - the parameter will be assessed every three months through study completion
次要结局
- Fatty acid distribution in erythrocyte lipids(through study completion, an average of 1 year)
- Nutrient intake by diet(through study completion, an average of 1 year)
- Blood lipids(through study completion, an average of 1 year)
- Inflammatory parameter(through study completion, an average of 1 year)
- Metabolic serum parameters(through study completion, an average of 1 year)
- Clinical neurological examination, part II(through study completion, an average of 1 year)
研究者
Christine Dawczynski,PhD
PhD
University of Jena