RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Insulin Resistance in Multiple System Atrophy

Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) is a serious brain condition with no cure yet. Doctors know that people with MSA often have problems with a protein called alpha-synuclein building up in the brain. This study is exploring another possible link: issues with how the body uses insulin, even in people without diabetes. Recent research suggests that the brains of people with MSA might not respond to insulin properly. This study aims to understand these insulin problems better, both in the brain and throughout the body, by looking at blood samples and brain scans. The main goal is to find out if these insulin-related issues could be a good target for developing new medicines to treat MSA in the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Hospital, Bordeaux

Enrolment target

124

Start

28 Oct 2020

Estimated completion

28 Oct 2027

Multiple System Atrophy

What is this study about?

Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) is a serious and rare condition that affects the brain and body, leading to problems with movement, balance, and automatic body functions like blood pressure. Currently, there isn't a cure, and treatments mainly focus on managing the symptoms. Because it's hard to treat, doctors and scientists are constantly looking for new ways to understand and fight the disease.

Recent discoveries have hinted at something interesting: people with MSA might have problems with how their bodies use insulin, similar to what happens in type 2 diabetes, but often without having full-blown diabetes. This means their cells might not respond well to insulin, which is important for energy and cell health. Researchers have seen signs of this 'insulin resistance' in the brains of people who had MSA and in lab studies. They even found that a medicine used for diabetes seemed to help protect brain cells in animals with MSA.

This study is a crucial step to confirm these findings in people with MSA. By carefully examining blood samples and imaging the brain, the researchers hope to get a clear picture of how insulin resistance might be linked to MSA. The information gathered will be vital for future research, helping scientists decide if targeting this insulin problem could be a promising new path for developing effective treatments for MSA.

Key takeaways

This study explores a potential link between how your body uses insulin and Multiple System Atrophy (MSA).
It aims to understand if 'insulin resistance' is important in MSA, even without diabetes.
Participation involves blood tests, a brain scan (MRI), and some health assessments.
This study is for research and won't offer new treatments, but it could help future treatment development.
You need to be over 30 and not have diabetes or be on certain medications to join.
You can stop participating at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for people with a diagnosis of "possible" or "probable" Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), as well as healthy volunteers to compare against. Both groups need to be over 30 years old and be covered by the national health system. You'll also need to be able to understand the study and give your written permission to take part.

There are certain reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For instance, if you have diabetes, or if you're taking certain medications like steroids, or some mental health drugs, you won't be eligible. If you have any other neurological condition besides MSA (for patients) or any neurological condition (for healthy volunteers), or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, you also can't take part. It's also important that you can have an MRI scan, as some people with certain medical implants can't.

Finally, if your score on a specific memory test (called MoCA) is too low, or if you are under legal guardianship, you wouldn't be able to participate. The study aims to make sure everyone involved can safely take part and provide reliable information.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Do you have a diagnosis of 'possible' or 'probable' Multiple System Atrophy, or are you a healthy volunteer?
Are you over 30 years old?
Do you have health care coverage under the national health system?
Do you NOT have diabetes?
Are you NOT taking medications like corticosteroids (steroids), certain hormones (estrogen), or some mental health drugs?
Can you safely have a full MRI scan?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study is primarily about collecting information and samples, rather than trying a new medication. If you take part, you would provide blood samples. These samples will be checked for specific levels related to insulin and other markers. You would also have some clinical assessments, which means doctors will look at your overall health and the symptoms of MSA if you have it. Additionally, you would undergo a brain MRI scan, which takes pictures of your brain. The study will also involve a memory test (MoCA). The total duration and number of visits are not specified, but it primarily involves diagnostic tests and assessments. You will not be given any new medications as part of this study.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study won't offer a direct benefit to your health, as it's an observational study focused on understanding the disease. However, the information you provide could be very helpful for future research into MSA, potentially leading to new treatments down the line. The risks are generally low; these include minor discomfort or bruising from blood draws, and the usual small risks associated with an MRI scan, such as feeling enclosed in the scanner. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and it will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

CHU de Bordeaux
Verified postcode
Bordeaux, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is insulin resistance and how does it relate to MSA?

Insulin resistance means your body's cells don't respond well to insulin, a hormone that helps use sugar for energy. Researchers are looking into whether this problem in the brain and body could play a role in MSA, even if you don't have diabetes.

Will I receive any new treatment in this study?

No, this study is about understanding MSA better, not about testing a new treatment. You will not be given any new medications or therapies as part of your participation.

What will happen if I join the study?

You will have blood samples taken, undergo a brain MRI scan, have some health assessments, and complete a memory test. These are all to help researchers gather more information about MSA.

Is there any age limit for participating?

Yes, both patients with MSA and healthy volunteers need to be over 30 years old to be considered for this study.

Can I leave the study at any time?

Yes, you are completely free to withdraw from the study at any point, and it will not affect your standard medical care or relationship with your healthcare providers.

How to find out more

Wassilios MEISSNER

wassilios.meissner@chu-bordeaux.fr 05 57 82 14 20 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.