Biological Evaluation of Dietary Supplement Liposomal Glutathione



Status:Suspended
Conditions:Schizophrenia
Therapuetic Areas:Psychiatry / Psychology
Healthy:No
Age Range:18 - 60
Updated:3/6/2019
Start Date:April 2014
End Date:December 2020

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Low levels of antioxidant molecules such as glutathione have been found in people with a
diagnosis of schizophrenia. However, oral glutathione is not well absorbed because the
compound is mostly broken down in the gastrointestinal system. Liposomes are tiny droplets of
oil particles that encapsulate and protect the glutathione. In this study we will evaluate a
liposomal formulation of glutathione for tolerability and to examine if this formulation
serves the function of increasing glutathione in the brain and body.

Additional information about this dietary supplement:

- Glutathione is an antioxidant naturally produced in our body. Glutathione protects the
brain and other organs from oxidative stress.

- Low glutathione is associated with high oxidative stress, which has been linked to aging
and many illnesses. Schizophrenia is a mental illness that doctors still do not fully
understand. Individuals with schizophrenia often have low levels of glutathione.

- Glutathione can be supplied through dietary supplement. However, if taken plainly, it
easily breaks down in our gut.

- Scientists have now found a way to wrap glutathione in tiny drops of oil particles
called liposomes. That way, the gut cannot break it down so it is absorbed into our
body. Once inside the body, our cells can take in the liposomes and use the glutathione
to reduce oxidative stress.

- Liposome-wrapped glutathione is not a drug or medicine.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Age range: 18-60

- DSM diagnosis of schizophrenia spectrum disorder, including schizophrenia,
schizoaffective disorder, and schizophreniform disorder

- Ability to give written informed consent (Evaluation to Sign Consent score 10 or
greater)

- Clinically stable with no change in antipsychotic medications nor significant increase
of daily dose for 2 weeks prior to enrollment

- Low baseline blood glutathione level (GSH < 890 umol/l)

Exclusion Criteria:

- History of major medical illness including, but not limited to, history of heart
attack, stroke, TIA (transient ischemic attack)

- History of organic brain disorders that may affect neurophysiological measurements,
including seizure disorder, brain tumor, head injury with evidence of significant
cognitive deterioration

- DSM diagnosis of substance dependence within 6 months except nicotine and marijuana,
or substance abuse in past month

- Uncontrolled blood pressure (persistent systolic above 165 or diastolic above 100)

- On medication containing cholesterol absorption inhibitor such as ezetimibe (Brand
names Zetia, Ezetrol, Vytorin, and Inegy)

- Women who have positive urine pregnancy tests

- Women who plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding

- Unable to undergo MRI scanning due to metallic devices or objects or claustrophobia

- Already taking dietary antioxidant supplements such as n-acetylcysteine or fish oil on
regular basis (more than twice a week) in the last 3 months

- History of allergy to soy or soy products

- Hyperlipidemia (baseline LDL > 1.5 x upper limit of normal)

- Liver impairment (baseline AST or ALT > 2.0 x upper limit of normal)
We found this trial at
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Catonsville, Maryland 21228
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Catonsville, MD
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