Assessment of neuroinflammation in boxers

Neuroinflammation in Boxing: Quantification of translocator protein (TSPO) expression using the tracer, [18F]-PBR111 in a PET/MRI setting.

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phases

Unknown

Study type

Observational

Source

ANZCTR

Registry ID

ACTRN12618001595202

Acronym

ANIB

Enrollment

Registered

2018-09-26

Start date

2018-10-02

Completion date

2019-12-02

Last updated

2018-10-01

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

Conditions

None listed

Brief summary

The purpose of the study is to identify the presence of inflammation in the brains of boxers if any, by comparing the PET/MRI images of participants from the boxer group to the ones from the non-boxing control group and MS patients (positive control group). To do this, the trial will quantify the uptake of the PET tracer [18F]PBR111 as an indicator of neuroinflammation in the three groups. Having this kind of advanced brain imaging available in Brisbane could become very important for monitoring the brain health not just of boxers, but also players in many other contact sports like rugby union or rugby league. Most importantly, this research may serve as a strong background in future PET studies of brain inflammation in cases of AD, MS and other brain disorders.

Interventions

This is an observational trial designed to estimate neuroinflammation in boxers by quantification of expression of the microglial marker, TSPO using the PET radiotracer [18F]-PBR111 as revealed in a PET/MRI brain scan. [18F]-PBR111 binding would be analyzed in non-boxing healthy controls (baseline binding) and MS patients with demyelinating lesions (positive control). A 5 ml venous blood sample will be obtained from participants before injection of [18F]-PBR111 for TSPO genotyping. The bloods will be sent over to a laboratory at the QIMR Berghofer institute in batches where a simple genetic test will identify the TSPO allelic status/[18F]-PBR111 binding category of the participant i.e. either high affinity binders (HABs), mixed affinity binders (MABs) and low affinity binders (LABs). At the initiation of the PET/MRI scan [18F]-PBR111 will be injected as a single maximum dose of 200 MBq, through an in-dwelling cannula (IDC) which will be inserted into a suitable peripheral vein, and a three way tap attached. The injection of either tracer will be by “slow” intravenous injection over 15 seconds. This should be followed immediately by a “slow” flush of 20 ml of normal saline over a further 15 seconds.

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

All

Age

20 Years to 50 Years

Healthy volunteers

Yes

Inclusion criteria

All Participants: • Aged between 20 and 50 years (inclusive). • Agree to participate, have capacity to consent, and are able to follow the trial instructions and procedures. For Boxers: • At least three years of in-ring boxing experience including training (not just drills), amateur or professional boxing. For MS Patients: • Diagnosis and confirmation of demyelinating lesions in the brain and symptoms of RRMS For healthy non-boxing participants: • Preselection of TSPO genotype from consenting individuals.

Exclusion criteria

All Participants • Use of benzodiazepines within one week of scanning, as these medications affect TSPO binding 1. • Participants who are actively trying to become pregnant or who are not using an effective form of contraception (pharmacological or barrier) in the lead-up to scanning. • Pregnancy (as demonstrated by urine test) or breastfeeding. • Equivocal result on urine HCG may lead to deferral of scanning rather than exclusion. • All female participants with a uterus or who have not undergone menopause that do not consent to taking a urine HCG test before the PET/MRI scan. • History of alcohol dependence, as [18F]-PBR111 formulation contain up to 10% ethanol. • Positive outcome on metal screening questionnaire, claustrophobia, use of anti-coagulants, history of bleeding disorder, history of kidney and liver impairment. Boxers: • Any reported head injury/concussion unrelated to boxing. • Any recent infectious or inflammatory disease affecting the brain. MS patients: • Recent infectious or inflammatory disease other than MS. Healthy non-boxing participants: • Participation in any contact/combat/collision sports other than in the course of normal sporting activities during school. • Any incidents of suspected severe head injury or concussions.

Outcome results