Cognition, Gut Microbiome
Conditions
Brief summary
This project uses a hybrid trial design to evaluate two biomedical interventions targeting the gut-brain axis. One intervention is portable Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulator, tVNS, that is hypothesized to stimulate the autonomic nervous system, resulting in decreased inflammation and improved cognition. The second intervention is a probiotic supplement intended to replace gut bacteria that are associated with dysbiosis in persons with HIV and alcohol consumption.
Interventions
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTProbiotic Supplement
Participants will take a probiotic supplement or placebo for 90 days.
Participants will use a non-invasive stimulator 1 hour daily for 30 days. This stimulator is placed around the ear similar to headphones and produces a very mile electric current. This wellness device is safe to use and painless. Some describe the sensation to be a slight tingle up to a small itch.
Sponsors
University of Miami
University of Louisville
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Exegi Pharma, LLC
Soterix Medical
University of Florida
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
FACTORIAL
Primary purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Investigator)
Masking description
This is a 2x2 design in which subjects will be randomly assigned to one of 4 interventions groups: tVNS and probiotic (n=20); tVNS and placebo (n=20), sham stimulator and probiotic (n=20), and sham stimulator and placebo (n=20). We will use a computer-assisted stratified block randomization with block size of 4 to assign participants to the intervention. Study participants, investigators, staff, and physicians administering the probiotics or placebo will be unaware of specific group assignment. The stratified, blocked randomization and assignment of participants to the 4 intervention groups will be guided and monitored by Data Science Core.
Intervention model description
This is a 2 x 2 factorial, longitudinal design (tVNS/Sham, Probiotic/Placebo) across three time points (baseline; 30days and 90days).
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
35 Years to 70 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Age 35-70 years * English or Spanish speaking * Alcohol users * Cognitive impairment * Current CD4\>350
Exclusion criteria
* Diagnosed major psychiatric illness * Consumption of over 300 drinks in the past 30 days * Recent opioid use * Lifetime history of medically-assisted alcohol detoxification * Inpatient or intensive treatment for addictive behaviors in the past 12 months * MRI contraindications * Current antibiotic treatment * Current probiotic use * Physical impairment precluding motor response or lying still.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Improved cognition from day 1 to day 90 | Baseline up to 90 days | Various indices of cognition will be measured using standard neuropsychological tests and neuroimaging at multiple time points and examined for change within subjects. |
| Reduction of dysbiosis from day 1 to day 90 | Baseline up to 90 days | The gut microbiome will be analyzed through stool samples to measure for changes in biodiversity including an increase in beneficial bacteria. |
Countries
United States
Contacts
Primary ContactEmily Carter
Outcome results
None listed