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Concentration of Trimethylamine Oxide (TMAO) in Blood Plasma as a Risk Factor for Vascular Cerebral Damage

Conditions
Leukoaraiosis
Ischemia, Cerebral
Vascular Diseases
Interventions
Diagnostic Test: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Diagnostic Test: Blood samples collection
Diagnostic Test: Neuropsychological tests
Registration Number
NCT03903601
Lead Sponsor
Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport
Brief Summary

The primary aim of the current research project is to answer the question, whether plasma trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) level may be used as a marker of ischemic changes in the brain. TMAO is associated with endothelial dysfunction, inflammation and oxidative stress.

The hypothesis is that circulating TMAO level may predict leukoaraiosis (LA) and/or stroke.

Secondary, the investigators would like to examine whether plasma TMAO concentration is related to cognitive impairment and determine whether choline consumption is associated with an incidence of LA severity and dementia.

Detailed Description

In the study, subjects will be recruited in the hospital among the patients with brain MRI performed within past 4 weeks. All MRI scans will be reviewed by the neurologist to evaluate ischemic changes. Upon detection of LA, patients (n=150) will be informed about the study aims. In the same time, aged- and sex-matched control group (n=150) with no detected ischemic changes will be recruited.

In each group, the blood samples will be collected, to determine the concentration of plasma TMAO, oxidative stress markers, as well as serum endothelial dysfunction markers and biochemical parameters. To determine the cognitive performance psychological test will be carried out. The diet of all recruited participants, with special consideration on the choline-rich products and supplements, will be analyzed.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
UNKNOWN
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
300
Inclusion Criteria
  • the ischemic changes in the brain (diagnosed by neurologist by MRI scans)
Exclusion Criteria
  • no ischemic changes in the brain (diagnosed by neurologist by MRI scans)

Study & Design

Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Study Design
Not specified
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Ischemic changesMagnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)Patients with ischemic changes in the brain diagnosed by MRI
Ischemic changesBlood samples collectionPatients with ischemic changes in the brain diagnosed by MRI
Ischemic changesNeuropsychological testsPatients with ischemic changes in the brain diagnosed by MRI
No ischemic changesMagnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)Patients without ischemic changes in the brain diagnosed by MRI
No ischemic changesBlood samples collectionPatients without ischemic changes in the brain diagnosed by MRI
No ischemic changesNeuropsychological testsPatients without ischemic changes in the brain diagnosed by MRI
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)before qualifying for the study, during the recruitment period

Leukoaraiosis severity will be evaluated in MRI scans according to the Fazekas' scale. Will be grading scale for periventricular hyperintensities (PVH) and scale of deep white matter hyperintensities.

Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) blood concentrationup to 4 weeks after brain MRI

TMAO concentration determined by the ultra-performance liquid-chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS), marked in µmol/l.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)up to 4 weeks after brain MRI

BDNF concentration determined in serum by ELISA method, marked in pg/mg.

Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE)up to 4 weeks after brain MRI

MMSE is a screening tool for cognitive functions impairment.

Trail Making Test (TMT)up to 4 weeks after brain MRI

TMT test to determine the executive functions.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

University of Physical Education and Sport

🇵🇱

Gdansk, Pomorskie, Poland

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