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Completed

NCT Number: NCT01505621

Novel Methodology to Measure Protein Accumulation

Accumulation of damaged proteins is thought to underlie many degenerative conditions, including aging, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, cataracts, and others. Over time, proteins can be irreversibly damaged by a variety of factors, such as reactive oxygen species, and without timely degradation they can accumulate and aggregate. We believe this can contribute to the development of chronic degenerative disorders.

The purpose of this study is to develop a novel methodology for measuring protein accumulation and test it in two groups of people: young (18-30 years) and old (≥65 years). This methodology will require that people drink a solution of essential amino acids that includes isotopically labeled L[ring-13C6]phenylalanine. We will then collect blood and muscle samples, to isolate plasma and skeletal muscle proteins. Participants will return to the study center four more times on a weekly interval.

We hypothesize that older proteins, which persisted in circulation and accumulated over time, will have a higher degree of post-translational oxidative damage than newly synthesized proteins.

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Key information

Conditions

Aging

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Mayo Clinic

Rochester, Minnesota, 55905, United States

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Age 18-30 years
  • Age greater than 65 years

Exclusion criteria

  • Active or uncontrolled cardiovascular disease
  • Chronic kidney disease with serum creatinine ≥ 1.4 mg/dL for women and ≥ 1.5 mg/dL for men
  • Chronic liver disease (elevation in serum transaminases ≥ 3 times the upper limit of normal)
  • Any debilitating chronic illness, including malignancy
  • Significant malabsorptive state, including prior gastric bypass surgery or inflammatory bowel disease
  • Diabetes mellitus (types 1 or 2) or glucose ≥ 110 mg/dL.
  • Obesity (BMI ≥ 31 kg/m2)
  • Anticoagulant therapy (warfarin or heparin) or bleeding disorder that increases risk of bleeding during a muscle biopsy.
  • Anemia (hemoglobin ≤ 11 g/dL)
  • Use of medications known to modulate protein synthesis, mitochondrial function, and/or glucose homeostasis (including β-blockers and corticosteroids).
  • Participation in another study where the 13CPhe was administered during the past 6 months.
  • Moderate or high level of structured exercise (on average, ≥ 30 minutes per day and ≥ 2 days per week)
  • Pregnancy
  • Daily use of tobacco products (smoking or chewing); or smoking ≥7 cigarettes per week, on average. Abstinence from tobacco for ≥3 months is required before enrollment in the study.

Treatment and study plan

L[ring-13C6]phenylalanine

Other

Oral drink composed of essential amino acids including L[ring-13C6]phenylalanine

Primary outcomes

  1. Isotopic enrichment of plasma and skeletal muscle proteins achieved by oral ingestion of [13C6]-phenylalanine

    Time frame: 3 weeks

    Administration of an oral amino acid mixture containing isotopically-labeled [13C6]-phenylalanine (13C-Phe) will result in 13C-Phe incorporation into newly synthesized proteins. Measuring isotopic enrichment (IE) of 13C-Phe immediately after administration and weekly for 3 consecutive weeks will allow for estimation of protein accumulation.

  2. Degree of post-translational modifications in plasma and muscle proteins

    Time frame: 3 weeks

    The abundance of post-translational modifications of plasma and muscle proteins will be measured using mass spectrometry.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Assess differences in protein accumulation as a function of age

    Time frame: 3 weeks

    Use the newly developed methodology to assess whether otherwise healthy older adults (≥65 years old) have greater accumulation of plasma and muscle proteins compared to healthy young adults (18-30 years old).

  2. Assess differences in protein modification/damage as a function of age

    Time frame: 3 weeks

    The abundance of post-translational modification/damage of plasma and muscle proteins will be measured using mass spectrometry in young (18-30 years old)and older (>65 years old) adults.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Mayo Clinic

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2011
Primary completion
2013
Study completion
2013
First posted
Jan 6, 2012
Registry last updated
Apr 10, 2014

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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