The Mood and Joint Immunopsychiatry (MOJO) Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Mood and Joint Immunopsychiatry (MOJO) study: A study of inflammation and depression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and Sjögren’s syndrome.
IRAS ID
257180
Contact name
Golam Khandaker
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cambridge University Hospitals Foundation Trust
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
HVS/2018/2427, Insurance
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 4 months, 31 days
Research summary
Inflammation is the normal response of the immune system to illness and injury, which is particularly the case for certain chronic illnesses such as arthritis. Inflammation has been linked to depression, but how inflammation causes depressive symptoms are unknown. First, to confirm the association between inflammation and depression, we intend to study mental symptoms across three inflammatory illnesses: rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and Sjögren’s syndrome. These illnesses are characterised by different inflammatory indicators and immune dysfunctions, which may help us identify components of the immune system that are related to mental illness, especially depression.
To further explore what exactly is driving the relationship between inflammation and depression, blood will be drawn from all participants. The proteins transported in blood can detail the amount of inflammation an individual has and the pathways involved in the condition. By comparing between groups and investigating correlation between inflammatory markers and mood, how these proteins affect mental health can be investigated, potentially identifying pathways through which inflammation can lead to depression. This could help inform future therapeutic targets.
Participants will be recruited from rheumatology and related clinical services in Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust including Addenbrooke’s hospital and other local hospitals within the trust. Eligibility is based on diagnosis. Participants must be adults who are able to consent to blood sampling, able to understand English, be free fibromyalgia, free from alcohol or substance dependence, free from current infection, and not be pregnant or breastfeeding.
The research visit will be conducted at participant’s convenience at Clinical Research Facilities (CRF) located across Cambridge Biomedical Campus, at home or other appropriate facility. These sessions last approximately 2 hours measuring mood, fatigue, pain, impulsivity, compulsivity, and cognitive performance. Blood samples will also be taken. The study is funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC).
REC name
East of England - Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/EE/0233
Date of REC Opinion
23 Sep 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion