MedPath

Energetics and Function in Older Humans

Phase 1
Completed
Conditions
Aging
Erythrocyte Glutathione Deficiency
Muscle Weakness
Interventions
Dietary Supplement: Cysteine (as n-acetylcysteine) and Glycine
Registration Number
NCT02348762
Lead Sponsor
Baylor College of Medicine
Brief Summary

The investigators have previously reported that older patients with HIV are deficient in glutathione (GSH) due to decreased availability of cysteine and glycine, and that oral supplementation with cysteine (as n-acetylcysteine) and glycine for 2-weeks corrects their own levels, and improves concentrations of red-cell GSH. The investigators also found that when GSH deficient, subjects had impaired mitochondrial energetics and this improved with an increase in intracellular GSH concentrations. The current proposal will investigate if cysteine and glycine supplementation for a duration of 24 weeks will result in changes in : (a) GSH levels; (b) body composition/anthropometry; (c) strength and function; (d) quality of life; (e) mitochondrial energetics; (f) biochemistry (including dyslipidemia and oxidative stress); (g) protein and glucose metabolism; (h) cognition and memory. 3 months after completing supplementation, measurement of GSH concentrations, strength, function, mitochondrial energetics and neurocognitive tests will be done to determine the effects of washout.

Detailed Description

Data not available at present

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
16
Inclusion Criteria

Older subjects:

  • age 70-80 years;

Younger subjects:

  • age 21-30 years
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Exclusion Criteria
  1. No known diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, coronary heart disease, stroke, or cancer;
  2. Any limitations in ability to walk;
  3. Triglyceride concentrations greater than 500 mg/dl (if lipid lowering medications are stopped);
  4. BMI less than 20.
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Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
SINGLE_GROUP
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Glycine and N-acetylcysteineCysteine (as n-acetylcysteine) and GlycineOlder subjects will be studied before and after taking oral cysteine (as n-acetylcysteine) and glycine for 6 months
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Red blood cell concentrations of Glutathione measured by HPLC8 months
Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Baylor Metabolic Research Unit (MRU)

🇺🇸

Houston, Texas, United States

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