Isolated Erythrocyte Membrane Susceptibility to Photo-oxidative Stress in Patients Affected by Alzheimer's Disease and Healthy Controls
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Completed
- Sponsor
- Enrollment
- 48
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Malondialdehyde assay
Study Overview
Brief Summary
High lipid peroxidation and altered antioxidant defenses have been frequently reported in Alzheimer's disease patients.
The purpose of this study is to investigate susceptibility to photo-oxidation of isolated erythrocyte membranes, in patients affected by Alzheimer's disease and age- and sex-matched, non demented subjects.
Detailed Description
The study hypothesis is that high lipid peroxidation and decreased antioxidant defenses characterize the natural history of Alzheimer's disease.
It will be evaluated the release of malondialdehyde (MDA) from ex-vivo photo-oxidized erythrocyte ghosts, through a very easy and convenient lab procedure for the preparation of erythrocyte membrane samples.
Isolated and purified red blood cell membranes will be in vitro exposed to oxidative stress by UV-B radiation. The extent of cell membrane damage will be quantified by the fluorometric determination of MDA.
Induction of oxidative stress through ultraviolet rays, unlike that obtained by chemical oxidizing agents, is fully controllable, since it produces effects only during irradiation. Moreover, using isolated erythrocyte membranes allows for a greater specificity in the evaluation of MDA produced, and reduces the amount of blood required for the assay.
A portion of the blood sample (500 µL) will be sent to the laboratory of Lipinutragen (spin-off of CNR- National Research Center Bologna, Italy) where an erythrocyte membrane lipidomic analysis will be performed for the characterization of membrane phospholipids, in order to determinate the different lipid components (saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated, trans fatty acids), each one characterized by a different oxidative reactivity.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Observational
- Observational Model
- Case Control
- Time Perspective
- Cross Sectional
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 50 Years to — (Adult, Older Adult)
- Sex
- All
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria
- •Outpatients of both sexes diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease according to NINCDS-ADRDA criteria.
- •Age and sex-matched elderly subjects without dementia.
Exclusion Criteria
- •Recent neoplasia (< 1 year)
- •Vitamin B12 deficiency, positive serology for syphilis, thyroid function abnormalities considered to be significant by the care provider.
- •Use of vitamin or mineral supplements.
- •Diagnosis of malnutrition (based on body mass index and total protein levels)
- •Metabolic syndrome or diabetes.
- •Hormonal replacement therapy.
- •Chronic inflammatory disease (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis) and any other acute illness.
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Malondialdehyde assay
Time Frame: At the time of recruitment
Isolated and purified red blood cell membranes will be in vitro exposed to oxidative stress by UV-B radiation. The extent of cell membrane damage will be quantified by the fluorometric determination of malondialdehyde.
Secondary Outcomes
- Relationship between urinary excretion of cortisol and levels of malondialdehyde(At the time of recruitment)
Investigators
Raffaele Antonelli Incalzi
Professor
Campus Bio-Medico University