Evaluating the Potential of the Diet as Disease Modifier in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (JERN_ALS)

NCT ID: NCT02572479

Last Updated: 2019-03-07

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: COMPLETED
• Total Enrollment: 50 participants
• Study Classification: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2015-10-31
• Study Completion Date: 2018-10-31

Brief Summary

The proposed observational trial will collect substantial data concerning dietary intake documented by ALS patients complemented by the analysis of fatty acid distribution in erythrocyte lipids. Both data sets are related to disease status and progress.

Detailed Description

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a currently incurable, multifactorial motor neuron disease characterized by upper and lower motor neuron degeneration, skeletal muscle atrophy, paralysis, and death. Multiple mechanisms caused by genetic and environmental factors proposed as responsible for ALS pathogenesis include decreased availability to neurotrophic factors, disturbances in calcium metabolism, increased neuroinflammatory status, cytoskeletal changes, mitochondrial dysfunction, dysfunction of protein degradation, glutamate excitotoxicity, apoptosis and oxidative stress.

Currently, the only available drug to treat ALS is riluzole which slightly prolongs life. Nutritional management has become more important in the treatment of ALS because body mass index and nutritional status seems to be independent, prognostic factors for survival and disease complications. Malnutrition is common in ALS, so caloric supplementation is essential. Additionally, many ALS patients self-medicate with vitamins, herbs, and other dietary supplements.

The objective of the current project is establishing the link between nutritional intake and disease status and progress. In detail, we like to assess if the improved outcomes are associated with specific nutrients, or simply the provision of excess calories. In this context, one of the most promising dietary candidates are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and in particular the long-chain n-3 PUFA docosahexaenoic acid. This important structural component in neuronal membranes plays a role in neurogenesis and neuroprotection as well as exerts well-described anti-inflammatory effects in the brain.

The proposed observational trial will collect substantial data concerning dietary intake documented by ALS patients (Food Frequency Protocols, FFPs, periodic over 5 days) combined with the analysis of fatty acid distribution in erythrocyte lipids which reflects fatty acid distribution of the consumed fatty or oily foods (time period: approximately the last 2-3 months).

The fatty aids distribution in erythrocyte lipids as well as the nutrient intake calculated by FFPs are related to disease status and progress.

Thus, the current research activities focus on identification of dietary factors that are associated with disease progress or survival to develop beneficial interventions and therapy options.

Conditions

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis; Dietary Habits; Disorder of Fatty Acid Metabolism

Study Design

• Observational Model Type: CASE_ONLY
• Study Time Perspective: PROSPECTIVE

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

• ALS patients diagnosed according to El Escorial / Awaji criteria for ALS
• patients should have the ability to comprehend the full nature and purpose of the study, to cooperate with the investigator, to understand verbal and written instructions, and to comply with the requirements of the entire study.

Exclusion Criteria

• patient's request or if patient compliance with the study protocol is doubtful

• Minimum Eligible Age: 18 Years
• Maximum Eligible Age: 90 Years
• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Sponsors

Jena University Hospital

OTHER

Sponsor Role: collaborator

University of Jena

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Christine Dawczynski,PhD

PhD

Responsibility Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Principal Investigators

Julian Grosskreutz, PhD

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Jena University Hospital, Hans Berger Department of Neurology

Christine Dawczynski, PhD

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

University of Jena, Department of Nutritional Biochemistry and Physiology

Stefan Lorkowski, Professor

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

University of Jena, Department of Nutritional Biochemistry and Physiology

Locations

Jena University Hospital, Hans Berger Department of Neurology

Jena, Thuringia, Germany

Countries

Germany

Other Identifiers

H01_15

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id