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Tryptophan for Impaired AhR Signaling in Celiac Disease

Not Applicable
Recruiting
Conditions
Tryptophan Metabolism Alterations
Celiac Disease
Interventions
Drug: Freedom SimpleCap Powder
Registration Number
NCT05576038
Lead Sponsor
McMaster University
Brief Summary

This is a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled exploratory trial to evaluate the effect of L-tryptophan supplementation on celiac-related symptoms in individuals who have biopsy-confirmed celiac disease (CeD) and symptoms non-responsive to a gluten-free diet (GFD). Fifty participants, aged 18 to 75 years, who self-report persistent CeD-related symptoms despite taking a GFD for more than 1 year and who score \> 40 on the Celiac Symptom Index (CSI) will be randomized to receive L-tryptophan or placebo for 3 weeks.

Detailed Description

At Visit 1, consented participants will receive study instructions and be randomized 1:1 to L-tryptophan or placebo (SimpleCap). A dietitian will counsel all 50 participants on how to maintain a low tryptophan, gluten-free diet. This diet provides an adequate intake of protein (50 g/day) and energy (1800 kcal/day) while limiting the consumption of high tryptophan-containing foods. Study participants will receive all their intervention capsules at Visit 1 to be taken for 3 weeks, starting the day after Visit 2. At Visits 2 and 3, just before and after the intervention, participants will complete dietary and symptom questionnaires, provide blood, stool, and urine samples, and undergo upper endoscopy to obtain aspirates from the second part of the duodenum, using a sterile catheter followed by six duodenal biopsies, 2 from the first part (bulb) and 4 from the second part of the duodenum. Dietary compliance will be assessed 3-day recalls which will further be analysed by using ESHA Food Processor, a Nutritional Analysis Software.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
50
Inclusion Criteria

Not provided

Exclusion Criteria

Not provided

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Freedom SimpleCap PowderFreedom SimpleCap Powder500 mg of SimpleCap Powder. Study participants will be instructed to take 2 x 500 mg capsules (1000 mg) every 8 hrs, three times a day. (total daily dose: 3000 mg) for a total of 3 weeks. Instructions will be printed on the label of the pill container.
L-TryptophanL-TryptophanL-tryptophan\* supplements (Tryptan, Valeant Canada LP): each treatment capsule contains 500 mg of L-Tryptophan; talc and magnesium stearate. Study participants will be instructed to take 2 x 500 mg capsules (1000 mg) every 8 hrs, three times a day. (total daily dose: 3000 mg) for a total of 3 weeks. Instructions will be printed on the label of the pill container.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Measurement of Celiac Symptom Index (CSI)3 weeks

Change in CSI score; a 7-point decrease in CSI score indicates meaningful improvement.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)3 weeks

Change in the anxiety and depression scores for the HADS from baseline to week 3; a decrease in the scores indicate decreases in anxiety and depression respectively. The anxiety and depression scales score separately, each ranging from 0 to 21, 0 being the lowest and 21 being the highest.

Patient Assessment of Upper Gastrointestinal Disorders-Quality of Life questionnaire (PAGI-QoL).3 weeks

Change in PAGI-QoL score from baseline to week 3; an increase in score indicates an improvement in quality of life. PAGI-QoL score ranges from 0 to 5, 0 being the lowest and 5 being the highest.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms Rating Scale (GSRS)3 weeks

Change in GSRS score from baseline to week 3. Score ranges from 1-7; decrease in score indicates improvement.

Intestinal indole production in the duodenum3 weeks

Change in duodenal indole production from baseline to week 3

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

McMaster University

🇨🇦

Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

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