TaRGeTS Study Final v1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Targeting the Role of Glutathione and Glutamate in the Treatment of persisting deficits in Schizophrenia (TaRGeTS)
IRAS ID
271625
Contact name
Jyothika Kumar
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Nottingham
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Patients with psychosis experience a range of symptoms. Antipsychotic drugs are effective against some of these symptoms, like hallucinations and delusions, however they have little impact on negative symptoms (social withdrawal, lack of interest in activities, difficulty expressing emotions). Considering that these symptoms predict the functional outcome and quality of life in patients, identifying effective treatment strategies that target these symptoms is crucial. In order to develop effective forms of treatment, it is essential to understand the underlying neurobiological mechanisms that lead to these deficits. This project will use a type of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan called MR spectroscopy (MRS), to examine the levels of two neurochemicals, glutathione and glutamate, in patients with psychosis. We will test the hypothesis that patients with persisting negative symptoms have significantly reduced levels of glutathione and/or glutamate in the anterior cingulate cortex, an area in the frontal lobe of the brain. Findings from this project will provide the required understanding of the underlying neurochemical abnormalities of these negative symptoms in order to develop specific and targeted treatments for these otherwise treatment resistant symptoms. This study will take place at the University of Nottingham and will involve one or two visits which will include MRI scanning, a blood test, a clinical interview and some cognitive tests. Patients receiving NHS care for the treatment of psychosis, schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder aged between 18 – 55 years will be eligible to participate in the study.
REC name
North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 2 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/NE/0186
Date of REC Opinion
22 Jul 2020
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion