Study on Metabolic Processes and Cognitive Functions in Adults and Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Sponsor
- Texas A&M University
- Enrollment
- 40
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Tryptophan turnover
- Status
- Completed
- Last Updated
- 7 months ago
Overview
Brief Summary
The objective of this study is to gain preliminary information and knowledge on metabolic profile in ASD. The benefit of this study will be to expand our insight of the potential relationship in metabolic processes and neuropsychological functions in ASD. For example, based on the obtained data of the study we can determine whether there is a link between the tryptophan pathway and cognitive functions in autism. The project is based on a systematic and multidisciplinary approach using tracers for delineating the mechanism by which the metabolism of amino acids like TRP is involved in affective and cognitive functions in ASD. Using an innovative approach to the evaluation of amino acids has not been used in adults with ASD. In addition, the obtained data of the study holds promise to develop specific markers (metabolic and/or neuropsychological) for guiding the identification those individuals with increased risk of developing mood disturbances or cognitive impairment, and for predicting the therapeutic effect of a specific nutritional interventions in subjects with ASD.
Detailed Description
This study investigates the metabolic profile of different amino acids and cognitive functions in adults and adolescents with ASD in comparison with age- and gender-matched healthy young adults. The study involves 1 screening visit of approximately 2 hours and 1 study day of 5 hours The objective is to explore changes in amino acids (e.g. TRP pathway) in ASD and evaluate the function of TRP in neuropsychological functions by using the technique of stable isotope and our newly developed 'single pulse method' with multiple amino acid and keto-acid isotopes. The aim of this study is to determine the underlying mechanism by which the metabolism of amino acids such as TRP are involved in mood and cognitive functions in ADS.
Investigators
Marielle PKJ Engelen, PhD
Associate Professor
Texas A&M University
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- Not provided
Exclusion Criteria
- •Any condition that may interfere with the definition 'healthy subject' according to the investigator's judgment (for healthy group)
- •Failure to give informed consent
- •Established diagnosis of Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus
- •Metabolic diseases, including hepatic or renal disorders
- •Presence of acute illness or metabolically unstable chronic illness
- •Presence of fever within the last 3 days
- •Pre-planned surgery of procedures that would interfere with the conduct of the study
- •Any other condition according to the PI or study physician that would interfere with proper conduct of the study / safety of the patient
- •Current alcohol or drug abuse
- •Use of protein or amino acid containing nutritional supplements within 5 days prior to the study days
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Tryptophan turnover
Time Frame: 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210 and 240 ± 5 minutes
Secondary Outcomes
- hydroxyproline breakdown (reflecting collagen breakdown)(2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210 and 240 ± 5 minutes)
- glutamate turnover(2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210 and 240 ± 5 minutes)
- Group differences in learning and memory as measured by Digit Span(1 day)
- Group differences in attention and executive functions as measured by Trail Making Test (TMT),(1 day)
- Group differences in attention and executive functions as measured by Brief-A(1 day)
- glutathione turnover(2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210 and 240 ± 5 minutes)
- leucine turnover(2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210 and 240 ± 5 minutes)
- Whole body myofibrillar protein breakdown rate (reflecting muscle protein breakdown)(2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210 and 240 ± 5 minutes)
- urea production(2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210 and 240 ± 5 minutes)
- Group differences in overall cognitive abilities as measured by Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)(1 day)
- Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile(1 day)
- Group differences in attention and executive functions as measured by PASAT(1 day)
- taurine turnover(2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210 and 240 ± 5 minutes)
- Group differences in learning and memory as measured by Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT)(1 day)
- Group differences in learning and memory as measured by Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWAT),(1 day)
- Group differences in state of mood as measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS),(1 day)
- Group differences in attention and executive functions as measured by Stroop Color-Word Test (SCWT),(1 day)