Ghrelin for Alcohol Use in Non-Treatment-Seeking Heavy Drinkers
| Status: | Completed |
|---|---|
| Conditions: | Psychiatric |
| Therapuetic Areas: | Psychiatry / Psychology |
| Healthy: | No |
| Age Range: | 21 - 60 |
| Updated: | 8/5/2018 |
| Start Date: | December 13, 2012 |
| End Date: | June 1, 2017 |
Effects of Ghrelin on Alcohol Administration in Non-Treatment Seeking Heavy Drinkers
Background:
- Ghrelin is a hormone in the human body that is mostly produced by the stomach. It makes
people feel hungry, and also is connected with the desire to drink alcohol. Researchers want
to test ghrelin to see if it can be used to control alcohol cravings and use. They will
compare doses of ghrelin with a placebo in people who drink heavily.
Objectives:
- To study the effects of ghrelin on alcohol craving and use.
Eligibility:
- Individuals between 21 and 60 years of age who are heavy drinkers but are not seeking
treatment for alcohol use.
- Participants must on average have more than 20 drinks per week for men, and more than 15
drinks per week for women.
Design:
- Participants will have a screening visit, four 2-night study visits, and a follow-up
visit.
- Participants will be screened with a physical exam and medical history. They will
provide urine and breath samples for drug testing. They will also answer questions about
mood and physical symptoms, and about alcohol and other cravings.
- At the study visits, participants will stay overnight at the National Institutes of
Health clinical center. They will spend the night at the center, have tests on the next
day, and go home on the following morning. At each visit, participants will receive a
ghrelin or placebo infusion, and will complete a series of tasks.
- For the first and second study visits, participants will have tests of alcohol craving
and use. They will be able to receive alcohol infusions through a computer program that
tests response time and craving reactions. At the same time, they will have a ghrelin or
a placebo infusion. Blood alcohol levels, reaction time, and craving will be studied.
- For the third and fourth study visits, participants will have a magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) study. They will have an initial MRI to provide a picture of the brain.
They will then have a functional MRI during which they will respond to a computer test.
The test will allow them to win points for snack food or alcohol. This test will look at
the brain s response time and craving reactions.
- There will be a follow-up visit 1 week after the fourth study visit. Some of the tests
from the screening visit will be repeated.
- Ghrelin is a hormone in the human body that is mostly produced by the stomach. It makes
people feel hungry, and also is connected with the desire to drink alcohol. Researchers want
to test ghrelin to see if it can be used to control alcohol cravings and use. They will
compare doses of ghrelin with a placebo in people who drink heavily.
Objectives:
- To study the effects of ghrelin on alcohol craving and use.
Eligibility:
- Individuals between 21 and 60 years of age who are heavy drinkers but are not seeking
treatment for alcohol use.
- Participants must on average have more than 20 drinks per week for men, and more than 15
drinks per week for women.
Design:
- Participants will have a screening visit, four 2-night study visits, and a follow-up
visit.
- Participants will be screened with a physical exam and medical history. They will
provide urine and breath samples for drug testing. They will also answer questions about
mood and physical symptoms, and about alcohol and other cravings.
- At the study visits, participants will stay overnight at the National Institutes of
Health clinical center. They will spend the night at the center, have tests on the next
day, and go home on the following morning. At each visit, participants will receive a
ghrelin or placebo infusion, and will complete a series of tasks.
- For the first and second study visits, participants will have tests of alcohol craving
and use. They will be able to receive alcohol infusions through a computer program that
tests response time and craving reactions. At the same time, they will have a ghrelin or
a placebo infusion. Blood alcohol levels, reaction time, and craving will be studied.
- For the third and fourth study visits, participants will have a magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) study. They will have an initial MRI to provide a picture of the brain.
They will then have a functional MRI during which they will respond to a computer test.
The test will allow them to win points for snack food or alcohol. This test will look at
the brain s response time and craving reactions.
- There will be a follow-up visit 1 week after the fourth study visit. Some of the tests
from the screening visit will be repeated.
Objective:
Ghrelin is a 28-amino acid peptide acting as the endogenous ligand for the growth hormone
secretagogue receptor (GHS-R). Ghrelin stimulates appetite by acting on the hypothalamic
arcuate nucleus (ARC), a region that controls the intake of food and other substances,
including alcohol. In addition to the ARC, GHS receptors (GHS-Rs) are also highly expressed
in the caudal brain stem, the ventral tegmental area (VTA), hippocampus, substantia nigra,
and dorsal and medial raphe nuclei. The expression of the GHS-R in the mesolimbic dopamine
(DA) pathway suggests that ghrelin could play a role in reward processing. The role of
ghrelin in the DA reward processing and the role of the DA reward system in alcoholism
suggest a role of ghrelin in alcoholism. Consistent with this hypothesis, preclinical studies
demonstrate that both ghrelin and ethanol activate the cholinergic-dopaminergic reward link,
implying neurochemical analogies between ghrelin and ethanol. This supports the hypothesis
that ghrelin is involved in mediating the rewarding properties of ethanol. Additional animal
experiments demonstrate that the central ghrelin action not only stimulates the reward
processing but is also required for stimulation of that system by alcohol. Human studies show
reduced ghrelin levels in actively drinking alcoholics; increased ghrelin levels during
alcohol abstinence; and a positive correlation between ghrelin level and alcohol craving
scores. More recently, a study conducted at Brown University by the PI demonstrated the
safety of the administration IV of human ghrelin to non-treatment seeking alcohol-dependent
heavy drinking individuals. Furthermore, a preliminary interim analysis shows that IV ghrelin
administration may lead to a temporary significant increase in alcohol craving. The primary
objective of this protocol is to investigate whether IV ghrelin, as compared to placebo, will
increase motivation for alcohol reward, as measured by a progressive ratio (PR) schedule
paradigm with IV alcohol self-infusion (primary aim). We will also assess a number of
secondary aims. Specifically, we will also assess whether IV ghrelin, as compared to placebo,
will also alter urges to drink and the subjective response to IV alcohol. Adverse events will
also be assessed to ensure the safety of the IV coadministration of ghrelin and alcohol.
During an fMRI/alcohol clamp session, fMRI will be used to see whether ghrelin affects the
activation of the ventral striatum induced by acute IV alcohol administration and the
incentive salience of cues associated with alcohol administration.
Study Population:
Male and female participants will be non-treatment seeking heavy drinking volunteers.
Design:
The study is designed as a within-subject, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of ghrelin.
The first visit will be the initial screening visit. The second and third visits will be PR
sessions with IV ethanol, during which each participant will also receive IV ghrelin (or
matched placebo). The fourth and fifth visits will combine an fMRI session with an alcohol
clamp session (i.e. a fixed dose of alcohol will be administered) and subjects will
participate in a modified version of the monetary incentive delay (MID) task in which they
will respond to cues that indicate the opportunity to press a button to gain a reward. On
some trials the reward will be points that can be exchanged for snack foods while on other
trials the reward will be points that will determine how much intravenous alcohol a subject
will be given during the alcohol clamp procedure which will immediately follow the modified
MID task. After the modified MID task is complete subjects will have a short break and then
begin the alcohol IV infusion.
Outcome measures:
The primary measure of this study will be the breakpoint, which is the schedule (number of
button presses) at which the individual stops to work for more alcohol. Also, the BrAC
exposure measures will be determined. Alcohol craving in response to ghrelin will be measured
using the Alcohol Visual Analogue Scale (A-VAS) and the Alcohol Urge Questionnaire (AUQ)
during the PR sessions. Sensitivity to alcohol will be measured using the Drug Effects
Questionnaire (DEQ), Biphasic Alcohol Effects Scale (BAES), and the Profile of Mood States
(POMS), repeatedly during the PR sessions and the CASE Experience Questionnaire (CEQ) at the
end of all sessions. fMRI BOLD signal in brain areas associated with incentive salience and
areas associated with reward circuitry (including the ventral striatum) will be measured
during the fMRI/alcohol clamp session. This study may facilitate the identification of a
novel neuropharmacological target, thus facilitating the development of novel pharmacological
treatments for alcoholism.
Ghrelin is a 28-amino acid peptide acting as the endogenous ligand for the growth hormone
secretagogue receptor (GHS-R). Ghrelin stimulates appetite by acting on the hypothalamic
arcuate nucleus (ARC), a region that controls the intake of food and other substances,
including alcohol. In addition to the ARC, GHS receptors (GHS-Rs) are also highly expressed
in the caudal brain stem, the ventral tegmental area (VTA), hippocampus, substantia nigra,
and dorsal and medial raphe nuclei. The expression of the GHS-R in the mesolimbic dopamine
(DA) pathway suggests that ghrelin could play a role in reward processing. The role of
ghrelin in the DA reward processing and the role of the DA reward system in alcoholism
suggest a role of ghrelin in alcoholism. Consistent with this hypothesis, preclinical studies
demonstrate that both ghrelin and ethanol activate the cholinergic-dopaminergic reward link,
implying neurochemical analogies between ghrelin and ethanol. This supports the hypothesis
that ghrelin is involved in mediating the rewarding properties of ethanol. Additional animal
experiments demonstrate that the central ghrelin action not only stimulates the reward
processing but is also required for stimulation of that system by alcohol. Human studies show
reduced ghrelin levels in actively drinking alcoholics; increased ghrelin levels during
alcohol abstinence; and a positive correlation between ghrelin level and alcohol craving
scores. More recently, a study conducted at Brown University by the PI demonstrated the
safety of the administration IV of human ghrelin to non-treatment seeking alcohol-dependent
heavy drinking individuals. Furthermore, a preliminary interim analysis shows that IV ghrelin
administration may lead to a temporary significant increase in alcohol craving. The primary
objective of this protocol is to investigate whether IV ghrelin, as compared to placebo, will
increase motivation for alcohol reward, as measured by a progressive ratio (PR) schedule
paradigm with IV alcohol self-infusion (primary aim). We will also assess a number of
secondary aims. Specifically, we will also assess whether IV ghrelin, as compared to placebo,
will also alter urges to drink and the subjective response to IV alcohol. Adverse events will
also be assessed to ensure the safety of the IV coadministration of ghrelin and alcohol.
During an fMRI/alcohol clamp session, fMRI will be used to see whether ghrelin affects the
activation of the ventral striatum induced by acute IV alcohol administration and the
incentive salience of cues associated with alcohol administration.
Study Population:
Male and female participants will be non-treatment seeking heavy drinking volunteers.
Design:
The study is designed as a within-subject, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of ghrelin.
The first visit will be the initial screening visit. The second and third visits will be PR
sessions with IV ethanol, during which each participant will also receive IV ghrelin (or
matched placebo). The fourth and fifth visits will combine an fMRI session with an alcohol
clamp session (i.e. a fixed dose of alcohol will be administered) and subjects will
participate in a modified version of the monetary incentive delay (MID) task in which they
will respond to cues that indicate the opportunity to press a button to gain a reward. On
some trials the reward will be points that can be exchanged for snack foods while on other
trials the reward will be points that will determine how much intravenous alcohol a subject
will be given during the alcohol clamp procedure which will immediately follow the modified
MID task. After the modified MID task is complete subjects will have a short break and then
begin the alcohol IV infusion.
Outcome measures:
The primary measure of this study will be the breakpoint, which is the schedule (number of
button presses) at which the individual stops to work for more alcohol. Also, the BrAC
exposure measures will be determined. Alcohol craving in response to ghrelin will be measured
using the Alcohol Visual Analogue Scale (A-VAS) and the Alcohol Urge Questionnaire (AUQ)
during the PR sessions. Sensitivity to alcohol will be measured using the Drug Effects
Questionnaire (DEQ), Biphasic Alcohol Effects Scale (BAES), and the Profile of Mood States
(POMS), repeatedly during the PR sessions and the CASE Experience Questionnaire (CEQ) at the
end of all sessions. fMRI BOLD signal in brain areas associated with incentive salience and
areas associated with reward circuitry (including the ventral striatum) will be measured
during the fMRI/alcohol clamp session. This study may facilitate the identification of a
novel neuropharmacological target, thus facilitating the development of novel pharmacological
treatments for alcoholism.
- INCLUSION CRITERIA:
Male and female participants between 21-60 years of age.
Good health as determined by medical history, physical exam, ECG and lab tests.
Creatinine less than to 2 mg/dl.
Female must have a negative urine pregnancy (hCG) test at the start of each study session.
Females of childbearing potential who are sexually active and have not been surgically
sterilized must agree to use an adequate method of birth control during the study. Adequate
methods of contraception for sexually active women are having a male sexual partner(s) who
is surgically sterilized prior to inclusion; having a sexual partner(s) who is/are
exclusively female; using oral contraceptives (either combined or progestrogen only) with a
single-barrier method of contraception consisting of spermicide and condom or diaphragm;
using double-barrier contraception, specifically, a condom plus spermicide and a female
diaphragm or cervical cap plus spermicide; or using an approved intrauterine device (IUD)
with established efficacy.
Participants must drink alcohol regularly at a heavy level, on average greater than 20
drinks per week for men, and greater than 15 drinks per week for women, and not be seeking
help for alcohol-related problems.
Participant must be willing to receive two IV lines.
EXCLUSION CRITERIA:
Current or prior history of any clinically significant disease, including CNS,
cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, hepatic, renal, endocrine, or reproductive
disorders.
Specific exclusion criteria related to the administration of ghrelin, are chronic
inflammatory diseases (e.g., Crohn s disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease) diabetes,
obesity (BMI greater than or equal 30 kg/m(2), weight greater than or equal to 120 Kg, high
triglycerides level (> 350 mg/dL), history of clinically significant hypotension (e.g.:
history of fainting and/or syncopal attacks) and/or resting systolic BP < 100 mmHg.
Positive hepatitis or HIV test at screening.
Current clinically significant major depression or anxiety; or prior clinically significant
psychiatric problems, including eating disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder,
obsessive compulsive disorder.
Current diagnosis of substance dependence (other than alcohol or nicotine).
Currently seeking treatment for alcohol use disorder.
History of significant withdrawal symptoms or presence of clinically significant withdrawal
symptoms (Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment (CIWA) score > 8) at screening.
Non-drinkers (alcohol-naive individuals or current abstainers) or no experience drinking 5
or more drinks on one occasion.
Unable to provide a negative urine drug screen.
Pregnancy or intention to become pregnant for women. Female participants will undergo a
urine beta-hCG test to ensure they are not pregnant.
Use of prescription or OTC medications known to interact with alcohol within 2 weeks of the
study. These include, but may not be limited to: isosorbide, nitroglycerine,
benzodiazepines, warfarin, anti-depressants such as amitriptyline, clomipramine and
nefazodone, anti-diabetes medications such as glyburide, metformin and tolbutamide,
H2-antagonists for heartburn such as cimetidine and ranitidine, muscle relaxants,
anti-epileptics including phenytoin and Phenobarbital codeine, and narcotics including
darvocet, percocet and hydrocodone. Drugs known to inhibit or induce enzymes that
metabolize alcohol should not be used for 4 weeks prior to the study. These include
chlorzoxazone, isoniazid, metronidazole and disulfiram. Cough-and-cold preparations, which
contain antihistamines, pain medicines and anti-inflammatories such as aspirin, ibuprofen,
acetaminophen, celecoxib and naproxen, should be withheld for at least 72 hours prior to
each study session.
Current or prior history of alcohol-induced flushing reactions.
Contraindications for MRI scanning, including metal in body that are contraindicated for
MRI (such as implants, pacemaker, prostheses, shrapnel, irremovable piercings),
left-handedness, and claustrophobia.
We found this trial at
1
site
9000 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, Maryland 20892
Bethesda, Maryland 20892
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