The interactive impact of psychological stress and malnutrition on genome stability and telomere integrity in Carers (Telomeres, stress and nutrition).

In primary carers of Alzheimer’s Disease patients does the interactive impact of chronic stress and malnourishment increase the risk of telomere, genome and epigenome instability, compared with non-carers.

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phases

Unknown

Study type

Observational

Source

ANZCTR

Registry ID

ACTRN12613000524796

Enrollment

100

Registered

2013-05-13

Start date

2013-07-01

Completion date

Unknown

Last updated

2020-01-13

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

None listed

Brief summary

Aim: The aim of this pilot study is to examine the interactive effects of psychological stress and malnutrition on DNA damage and epigenome biomarkers in a long term chronically-stressed cohort. Hypotheses: (i) Stress hormones induce specific types of DNA damage at the gene sequence, epigenome and chromosome level, including compromised telomere length and integrity; (ii) Susceptibility to DNA damage by the stress hormone cortisol is increased when dietary B vitamin methyl donors (folate, vitamin B12, choline) are deficient; (iii) Telomere length is inversely associated with perceived and actual stress, and this relationship is strengthened with increased chronicity of stress exposure.

Interventions

No intervention. Cross sectional, case control study. (a) Biomarkers of DNA stability and nutritional status will be determined in Carers of partners/family members diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. (b) Biomarkers of telomere, genome and epigenome stability will be observed in association with physiological measures (plasma and saliva) of stress hormones and micronutrients status. In addition questionnaire measures will be determined for perceived stress, healthy lifestyle behaviours and cognitive function. (c) Carers who meet the inclusion criteria, whose partner has been diagnosed with AD at least one year prior will be included. (d) The 'case' group comprises primary Carers of a person diagnosed with AD at least 1 year prior to sample collection. The 'control' group comprises age and gender matched non-carers. Questionnaires will be posted out to participants prior to their single visit to the Clinic, together with a saliva collection kit. Participants will be asked to complete the questionnaires (approximately 1 hour) in the week prior to their Clinic visit. The saliva test will need to be self-administered the night prior to their Clinic appointment, and brought into their appointment. The saliva test involves a cotton swab in the mouth for 3 minutes. Participants will be required to attend a single Clinic visit only which is estimated to be approximately 1 hour in duration. At this visit fasted blood samples will be taken, breakfast will be provided, and the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) will be administered in person by a member of the research team.

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

All

Age

65 Years to 90 Years

Healthy volunteers

Yes

Inclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria - Carers: Primary carer of a person diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD); =1 year since partner’s AD diagnosis; Male or female; Aged 65-90 years Inclusion criteria - Control Group: Male or female; Aged 65-90 years.

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion criteria - Carers: Diagnosed with a neurodegenerative condition, cognitive impairment or chronic illness requiring ongoing medical treatment; Undergoing chemotherapy/radiotherapy for cancer treatment; Supplementing with above RDI intakes of micronutrients associated with genome maintenance (eg. folate, vitamin B12); Consuming more than 3 standard alcoholic drinks/day; Smoker (5 or more cigarettes/day). Exclusion criteria - Control Group: Carer for a family member with a serious chronic illness/condition, living in the home; Diagnosed with a neurodegenerative condition, cognitive impairment or chronic illness requiring ongoing medical treatment; Undergoing chemotherapy/radiotherapy for cancer treatment; Supplementing with above RDI intakes of micronutrients associated with genome maintenance (eg. folate, vitamin B12); Consuming more than 3 standard alcoholic drinks/day; Smoker (5 or more cigarettes/day).

Outcome results