NCT04740580

Glutathione, Brain Metabolism and Inflammation in Alzheimer's Disease

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: EARLY_Phase 1
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 52 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Baylor College of Medicine · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 55 Years – 85 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with significant, progressive cognitive decline. Key defects in mitochondrial fuel metabolism insulin resistance, inflammation and decreased brain glucose uptake are linked to AD. This trial will investigate the effects of supplementing glycine and N-acetylcysteine vs. alanine as placebo on these defects in AD, and examine the effects on cognition.

Detailed description

Glutathione (GSH) deficiency, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, insulin resistance and inflammation are linked to Alzheimer's disease (AD). In prior studies, investigators have shown that GSH deficiency contributes to mitochondrial impairment and oxidative stress, and that GSH deficiency can be corrected by supplementing its precursors glycine and cysteine (provided as N-acetylcysteine, NAC), with the combination termed GlyNAC. This randomized clinical trial will evaluate the effect of GlyNAC vs. alanine placebo supplementation provided for 24-weeks to patients with AD, and measure changes in cognition, GSH concentrations, oxidative stress, brain glucose uptake, brain inflammation and insulin resistance. Participants who are positive for a beta-amyloid PET scan and meeting cognitive screening criteria will be recruited, and enrolled only after meeting eligibility criteria. Before beginning study supplementation they will undergo imaging studies (MRI, FDG-PET and TSPO-PET scans), and only the FDG- and TSPO-PET scans will be repeated after completing 24-weeks of nutrient supplementation. Cognitive measurements, metabolic and mitochondrial measurements (as described below) will be done before supplementation, and after 12-weeks and 24-weeks of completing supplementation.

Conditions

• Alzheimer Disease

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT	Glycine	The active arm will supplement a combination of glycine and N-acetylcysteine (GlyNAC)
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT	N-acetylcysteine	The active arm will supplement a combination of glycine and N-acetylcysteine (GlyNAC)
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT	Alanine	The placebo arm will supplement Alanine

Timeline

• Start date: 2022-02-15
• Primary completion: 2026-04-30
• Completion: 2026-12-31
• First posted: 2021-02-05
• Last updated: 2025-06-10

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States

Regulatory

• FDA-regulated drug study