Serotonin Release in Premotor and Motor PD (FOX3)

Evaluation of Serotonergic Neurotransmission in Premotor and Motor Parkinson's Disease.

In this study, the investigators aim to provide a deeper understanding of Parkinson's disease and find a biomarker of Parkinson's disease. This is done using imaging scans called Positron Emission tomography (PET), Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT), and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The findings will provide a deeper understanding of the brain changes in Parkinson's disease. More importantly, this study will help with the discovery and development of new medications aiming to delay progression of Parkinson's disease symptoms

Study Overview

• Status: Recruiting
• Conditions: Parkinson's Disease; Parkinson Disease; Neurodegenerative Diseases; Positron Emission Tomography; Neurodegeneration; Parkinson's
• Intervention / Treatment: Other: FP-CIT Single-photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) scan; Other: Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan using CIMBI-36 tracer; Other: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan; Other: Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan using DASB tracer; Other: Lumbar puncture

Detailed Description

The purpose of this study is to find a biomarker for Parkinson's disease (PD). A biomarker is an indicator of the presence of a disease, that can be measured, and that is able to give information about the progression, or severity, of it.

The study visits will take place in London. There are three locations on Hammersmith hospital campus, that are located near to each other. The NIHR Imperial Clinical Research Facility and Invicro London for clinical and MRI and PET assessments, and Imperial Healthcare Nuclear Medicine Department for the SPECT scan.

Participants will attend 5 visits in a 3 month period. These visits include an initial consent and assessment visit where some blood samples will also be taken. The second visit involves a PET scan with the tracer DASB along with an MRI scan. The third visit involves two PET scans one in the morning, with CIMBI tracer, an injection of Dexamphetamine, and then a second with CIMBI tracer to make a comparison. The fourth visit involves a SPECT scan, and the fifth visit is optional and would be for a lumbar puncture visit. Each visit will last around 6 hours.

• Study Type: Observational
• Enrollment (Estimated): 42

Contacts and Locations

• Study Contact: Name: Marios Politis, Professor; Phone Number: 07503741242; Email: M.Politis@exeter.ac.uk
• Study Contact Backup: Name: Edoardo De Natale, Dr; Phone Number: 07503741242; Email: e.de-natale@exeter.ac.uk

Study Locations

• United Kingdom
  • Devon
    • Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom, EX1 2LU
      • Recruiting
      • University of Exeter
      • Contact: Marios Politis, Professor; Phone Number: 07503 741242; Email: m.politis@exeter.ac.uk
      • Contact: Edoardo de Natale, Dr; Phone Number: 07503 741242; Email: e.de-natale@exeter.ac.uk

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: 25 years to 85 years (Adult, Older Adult)
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: N/A

• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

A cohort of carriers of genetic mutations for familial forms of Parkinson's Disease, Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease patients, and previously collected data from healthy controls

Description

Inclusion criteria-

• Subjects must understand the nature of the study and must provide signed and dated written HRA-approved informed consent in accordance with local regulations before any protocol-specific screening procedures are performed;
• Males and females, age 25-85 years, inclusive;
• Women of child-bearing potential must use protocol-defined contraceptive measures and must have a negative β-hCG test at screening. For sexually active subjects (except females of non-childbearing potential-e.g., at least 2 years postmenopausal or surgically sterile), condoms should be used in addition to other birth control methods for the duration of the study and for 3 months after the last administration of PET or SPECT ligands. These patients must be willing to remain on their current form of contraception for the duration of the study. All male subjects must agree to refrain from donating sperm for the duration of the study and for 3 months after the last administration of PET or SPECT ligands. Sexually active male subjects must agree to use condoms to protect their partners from becoming pregnant for the duration of the study and for 3 months after the last administration of PET or SPECT ligands (i.e. for 15 consecutive months following baseline PET and SPECT scans); agree to ensure that they and their partners are routinely using a medically approved contraceptive method. It is important that male subjects not impregnate others for the duration of the study and for 3 months after the last administration of PET or SPECT ligands;
• Able and willing to participate in all scheduled evaluations, abide by all study restrictions, and complete all required tests and procedures;
• Adequate visual and auditory acuity to complete the psychological testing;
• In the opinion of the investigator, the subject must be considered likely to comply with the study protocol and to have a high probability of completing the study.

Exclusion criteria -

• Subjects lacking capacity according to investigator judgement;
• Subjects taking serotonin acting drugs such as antidepressants (i.e. tricyclic or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors etc.);
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding or intent to become pregnant in the next 18 months;
• Subjects with current or a recent history of drug or alcohol abuse/dependence;
• Subjects who have other neurological disorders and known intracranial co-morbidities such as stroke, hemorrhage, space-occupying lesions;
• Presence of any clinically significant medical condition (including cardiovascular, respiratory, cerebrovascular, hematological, hepatic, renal, gastrointestinal, or other disease) that, based on the judgment of the investigator, is clinically unstable, is likely to deteriorate during the course of the study, could put the patient at risk because of participation in the study, could affect the subject's ability to complete the study, or could influence the study results;
• History of suicidal behaviour or active suicidal ideation;
• Within 1 year prior to screen or between screen and baseline (Day -1), any of the following: myocardial infarction; hospitalization for congestive heart failure; hospitalization for, or symptoms of, unstable angina; or syncope not related to PD;
• History or presence of renal disease or impaired renal function;
• Clinically important infection (e.g., chronic, persistent, or acute infection) within 30 days prior to screen or between screen and baseline (Day -1);
• History of cancer within the last 5 years, with the exception of nonmetastatic basal cell carcinoma of the skin;
• Clinically significant blood clotting or bleeding disorder, including clinically significant abnormal findings in laboratory assessments of coagulation or hematology;
• Use of antipsychotic medication within 3 months prior to screen or between screen and baseline (Day -1);
• Use of any anticoagulant within 30 days prior to baseline and follow-up PET scans;
• Use of any oral corticosteroid within 30 days prior to baseline and follow-up PET scans;
• Use of metoclopramide within 30 days prior to baseline and follow-up (Day -1);
• Use of any thyroid medication within 30 days prior to baseline and follow-up (Day -1);
• Regular use (e.g., taken > 3 days/week) of narcotic pain medications within 30 days prior to baseline and follow-up (Day -1);
• Presence of any of the following MRI contraindications: pacemaker; cardiac defibrillator; spinal cord or vagus nerve stimulator; aneurysm clip; artificial heart valve; recent coronary or carotid stent; ear implant; CSF shunt; other implanted medical device (e.g., Swan-Ganz catheter, insulin pump); or metal fragments or foreign objects in the eyes, skin, or body;
• Negative modified Allen test in both hands, unless the brachial artery is used for arterial cannulation;
• Claustrophobia or history of back pain that makes prolonged laying on the PET or MRI scanner intolerable;
• History of severe skin allergy;
• Patients who had previous surgery for PD (including but not limited to deep brain stimulation [DBS] or cell transplantation);
• Patients who are treated with duodopa or apomorphine;
• Initiation or change in pharmacologic therapy for symptoms of PD within 30 days prior to screen or between screen and baseline and follow-up (Day -1).
• GDS score greater than or equal to 10 (GDS score of 5 - 9 requires Investigator discretion to enter study).
• STAI Form Y-1 greater than or equal to 54 requires Investigator discretion to enter study.

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Number of groups / cohorts

2

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort	Intervention / Treatment
SNCA (Alpha-synuclein gene); PET and SPECT molecular imaging and MRI; Clinical investigation and computerized neuropsychological testing; Collection of blood, urine and CSF biomarkers of PD pathology	Other: FP-CIT Single-photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) scan; A single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) scan allows analysis of brain function by creating 3D Pictures using compounds called tracers.; Other: Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan using CIMBI-36 tracer; This scan creates images of regional serotonin release in by using a tracer compound called CIMBI to highlight the brains capacity to release serotonin.; Other: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan; MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) uses magnets alongside radio waves to create pictures of the brain; Other: Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan using DASB tracer; To create images of the brain using a tracer called DASB, which is a highly selective for serotonin transporters, this highlights serotonin terminals and neurons in the brain.; Other: Lumbar puncture; A lumbar puncture invovles a thin needle is inserted between the bones in your lower spine using local anaesthetic. This allows the collection of Cerebrospinal fluid ( CSF)
Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease; PET and SPECT molecular imaging and MRI; Clinical investigation and computerized neuropsychological testing; Collection of blood, urine and CSF biomarkers of PD pathology	Other: FP-CIT Single-photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) scan; A single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) scan allows analysis of brain function by creating 3D Pictures using compounds called tracers.; Other: Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan using CIMBI-36 tracer; This scan creates images of regional serotonin release in by using a tracer compound called CIMBI to highlight the brains capacity to release serotonin.; Other: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan; MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) uses magnets alongside radio waves to create pictures of the brain; Other: Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan using DASB tracer; To create images of the brain using a tracer called DASB, which is a highly selective for serotonin transporters, this highlights serotonin terminals and neurons in the brain.; Other: Lumbar puncture; A lumbar puncture invovles a thin needle is inserted between the bones in your lower spine using local anaesthetic. This allows the collection of Cerebrospinal fluid ( CSF)

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
DASB (a marker of Serotonin transporter) used to quantify in vivo pathology of serotonin	To quantify serotonergic pathology with [11C]3-amino-4-(2- imethylaminomethylphenylsulfanyl)-benzonitrile (DASB) Positron Emission Tomography (PET)	3 Weeks
SPECT to measure brain molecular pathology	To quantify serotonergic pathology with [11C]DASB PET and dopaminergic pathology with Single-photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT)	3 Weeks
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)	Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to view structural and microstructural changes and structural connectivity.	3 Weeks
CIMBI to measure serotonin release	CIMBI-36 can be interpreted to show serotonin release capacity both quantifiably and locational.	3 weeks

Other Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) to determine if there is a correlation with neuropsychological and behavioural evaluation	Administered to detect cognitive issues & brain disorders efficiently.	3 Weeks
Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) to determine if there is a correlation with neuropsychological and behavioural evaluation	To be used in screening for organic cerebral dysfunction sored out of 110	3 Weeks
Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) to determine if there is a correlation with neuropsychological and behavioural evaluation	A brief, self-report inventory designed to measure the severity of depression symptomatology	3 Weeks
University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test to determine if there is a correlation with neuropsychological and behavioural evaluation	This is used to test the function of an individual's olfactory system	3 Weeks
Movement Disorder Society- Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) To determine if there is a correlation with neuropsychological and behavioural evaluation.	A rating tool used to gauge the course of Parkinson's disease in patients	3 Weeks
Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) to determine if there is a correlation with neuropsychological and behavioural evaluation	A cognitive screening test designed to assist in the detection of mild cognitive impairment. Scored out of 30.	3 Weeks
State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) to determine if there is a correlation with neuropsychological and behavioural evaluation	A commonly used measure of trait and state anxiety. Used to diagnose anxiety and to distinguish it from depressive syndromes.	3 Weeks
Movement Disorder Society- Non-Motor Symptoms scale for Parkinson's Disease MDS-NMSS to determine if there is a correlation with neuropsychological and behavioural evaluation	This is a 30-item rater-based scale to assess a wide range of non-motor symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease	3 Weeks
Scales for Outcomes in Parkinson's Disease-Autonomic questionnaire - Autonomic Dysfunction (SCOPA-AUT) to determine if there is a correlation with neuropsychological and behavioural evaluation	A 25 item assessment to evaluate autonomic symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease	3 Weeks

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: University of Exeter
• Investigators: Principal Investigator: Marios M Politis, Professor, University of Exeter

Publications and helpful links

Helpful Links

• University of Exeter brief project information webpage

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): July 1, 2022
• Primary Completion (Estimated): June 30, 2024
• Study Completion (Estimated): June 30, 2024

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: August 24, 2022
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: August 24, 2022
• First Posted (Actual): August 26, 2022

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): December 7, 2023
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: November 30, 2023
• Last Verified: November 1, 2023

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Pathologic Processes; Brain Diseases; Central Nervous System Diseases; Nervous System Diseases; Parkinsonian Disorders; Basal Ganglia Diseases; Movement Disorders; Synucleinopathies; Parkinson Disease; Neurodegenerative Diseases; Nerve Degeneration
• Other Study ID Numbers: 2020-21-16

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: UNDECIDED
• IPD Plan Description: to be decided

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No