Protocol Number: 01-AA-0141

Title:

Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and the Neurochemistry of Cardiovascular and Behavioral Responses in Aggressive Alcoholics

Number:

01-AA-0141

Summary:

This research study is designed to find out if increasing the dietary intake of polyunsaturated fats improves concentration, motor skills and cardiovascular responses under stress. These polyunsaturated fats may also change the chemicals in the brain that control these responses. Specifically, these polyunsaturated fats may raise brain levels of neurotransmitters called dopamine and serotonin. Polyunsaturated fats are important for improving the function of both the brain and the heart. People cannot make these polyunsaturated fats and they can only be obtained from the oils that we eat. For three months subjects will take 8 capsules a day that contain either corn oils flavored with fish oils or fish oil that taste a little like corn oils. Subjects will not be told which oils we expect to work better. An initial evaluation will determine if subjects fit the criteria necessary to enter the study. A battery of tests will be conducted twice, once before starting the capsules and again after three months of taking the capsules. These batteries of tests will include an MRI of the head, paper and pencil tests to evaluate changes in mood, and tests of concentration and motor skills and cardiovascular responses under stress. Two lumbar punctures will be performed to collect cerebrospinal fluid so that changes in neurotransmitters can be evaluated. Subjects will be on a no seafood diet to equalize their dietary intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Subjects will be expected to complete all parts of this study.

Sponsoring Institute:

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)

Recruitment Detail

Type: Completed Study; data analyses ongoing

Gender: Male & Female

Referral Letter Required: No

Population Exclusion(s): Children

Eligibility Criteria: This study is not currently recruiting new subjects. If you have questions about participating in a study, please contact the Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office, CC.

Special Instructions:

Currently Not Provided

Keyword(s):

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Cerebrospinal Fluid

Neurotransmitters

Cardiovascular

Reactivity

Recruitment Keyword(s):

Healthy Volunteer

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Lumbar Puncture

MRI

Condition(s):

Healthy

Investigational Drug(s):

None

Investigational Device(s):

None

Interventions:

Drug: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

Drug: Eicosapentaenoic acid

Supporting Site:

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

Contact(s):

This study is not currently recruiting new subjects. If you have questions about participating in a study, please contact the Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office, CC.

Citation(s):

Arachidonic acid to eicosapentaenoic acid ratio in blood correlates positively with clinical symptoms of depression

Anxiety, impulsivity and depressed mood in relation to suicidal and violent behavior

Hemodynamic regulation: investigation by spectral analysis

• Questions about participating in a study, please contact the Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office, CC.
• Technical questions regarding the Clinical Center web site, please contact the Department of Networks and Applications, CC.

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