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Optimizing Protein Patterns for Skeletal Muscle Preservation and Sleep in the Medical Management of Parkinson Disease

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Parkinson Disease
Interventions
Behavioral: Protein Redistribution Diet
Behavioral: Protein Consistent Diet
Registration Number
NCT05437640
Lead Sponsor
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Brief Summary

The purpose of this pilot study is to generate preliminary data on the impact of the dietary protein pattern on markers of skeletal muscle health and drug efficacy in Parkinson disease.

Detailed Description

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex neurological disease that affects \~6.1 million people worldwide - mostly older adults \>60 years. The most effective treatment for PD is dopaminergic therapy, particularly levodopa (Ldopa). People with PD have variable responses to Ldopa, including degrees of motor fluctuations (MF) throughout the day. The half-life of Ldopa is \~1.5 h and therefore, dosage and timing are essential to mitigate MF. Ldopa is a large neutral amino acid (LNAA), and the bioavailability of Ldopa is compromised when simultaneously ingested with LNAA (e.g., leucine). Both Ldopa and LNAAs from food are absorbed through the same intestinal transporter, but LNAAs from food are preferentially absorbed by the enterocyte, limiting the bioavailability of Ldopa. Thus, the scientific community often recommends the protein-redistribution diet (PRD). With PRD, patients limit protein (\<10 g) at the desired time of medication efficacy (daytime) and meet their protein needs during the evening meal (\~70+g). There are deleterious implications of the PRD for older adults with PD; consumption of \>30 g of protein, in a single meal, will not sufficiently increase muscle protein synthesis. Additionally, the impact of the PRD on skeletal muscle quality and function has not been determined, and it is unclear, based on prior studies, whether the PRD enhanced drug absorption. Therefore, the objective of this study is to address these gaps in knowledge. This study will quantify the effects of dietary protein pattern on skeletal muscle in PD; determine the effects of dietary protein pattern on sleep quality in PD. This study is an acute, 5-week, crossover intervention with PD participants randomly assigned to first adhere to either the PCD or PRD. Participants will receive diet prescriptions and meal plans for their respective diet, and outcome measures will be assessed at days 0, 14, 21, and 35.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
12
Inclusion Criteria
  • Clinical diagnosis of idiopathic PD for 5 or more years
  • 45 years or older
  • On a stable levodopa regimen for 3 or more months
  • Self-reported to experience motor fluctuations
Exclusion Criteria
  • Following a specific diet that would preclude participation
  • Renal disease
  • Deep brain stimulation
  • Known narcolepsy
  • Untreated sleep apnea
  • Any condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, will preclude the participant from successfully or safely completing study procedures

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
CROSSOVER
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Protein Redistribution DietProtein Redistribution DietPD participants may first be randomized to follow the Protein Redistribution Diet followed by the Protein Consistent Diet.
Protein Consistent DietProtein Consistent DietPD participants may first be randomized to follow the Protein Consistent Diet followed by the Protein Redistribution Diet.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change in markers of skeletal muscle metabolism GDF15Baseline to 5 weeks

Serum Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF15)

Change in handgrip strengthBaseline to 5 weeks

Handgrip strength assessed via digital dynamometer

Change in markers of skeletal muscle metabolism FGF21Baseline to 5 weeks

Serum Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21)

Change in sleep efficiencyBaseline to 5 weeks

Sleep efficiency assessed via actigraphy

Change in motor symptomsBaseline to 5 weeks

Motor symptoms assessed via the Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) Part II. Part II ranges from 0-52 with higher scores indicating greater symptom severity.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change in total Parkinson symptomsBaseline to 5 weeks. Total score ranges from 0-260 with higher scores indicating greater symptom severity.

Parkinson-related symptoms assessed by total MDS-UPDRS score

Change in physical activityBaseline to 5 weeks

Physical activity assessed via actigraphy

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

University of Alabama at Birmingham

🇺🇸

Birmingham, Alabama, United States

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