RESEARCH: Clinical Trials

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OXIDATIVE STRESS

Design:

• Measurements

1. Oxidative stress biomarkers: urinary 8-oxodG, urinary isoprostane and PON. DNA is also collected for future analysis
   
   
2. Lipid measurements: standard lipid panel
   
   
3. Structured interview: demographics, residential history, occupational history, physical activity history, hobbies activity history, tobacco and alcohol use, military history and psychological stress (Lifetime Major/Traumatic Events scale, Perceived Stress scale, PHQ-9, PANAS
   
   
4. Diet History Questionnaire

• Study aims: The overall aim is to determine is to determine whether markers of oxidative stress, measured either directly in the blood or urine or indirectly by structured interview, are associated with the occurrence and progression of ALS

1. To determine whether the extent and timing of exposure to oxidative stress (OS) is associated with ALS
   
   
2. To determine whether the newly diagnosed cases of ALS have increased markers of oxidative injury compared to controls.
   
   
3. to determine in a 12-month follow up period whether the ALS case subjects continued exposure to oxidative stressors is associated with disease progression
   
   
4. As exploratory analyses, we will evaluate differences in oxidative stress between distinct subtypes of ALS and evaluate polymorphisms of selected genes encoding anti-oxidative enzymes.

Eligibility:

5. At least age 20
   
   
6. Fluent in English
   
   
7. 18 months maximum since symptom onset
   
   
8. A diagnosis of ALS based on the El Escorial/Awaji Diagnostic Criteria. Possible to Definite diagnosis classifications are allowed.
   
   
9. No cognitive impairment, no active significant neurological diseases other than ALS and no major medical disease that requires active medical treatment, no participation in a drug trial at enrollment.
   
   
10. No familial ALS
    
    
11. Regular attendance at the ALS clinic