Derivatives of Omega-3 HUFA as Biomarkers of Traumatic Brain Injury

University of Pennsylvania

Overview

This is a Phase 2 clinical trial designed to obtain data on relationships between potentially therapeutic doses of n-3 HUFA (highly unsaturated fatty acids) and their bioactive molecular derivatives, synaptamide, 17-hydroxy-DHA, and D-series resolvins, on clinical outcomes after TBI.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

DIAGNOSTIC

Masking

SINGLE

Conditions

TBI

Interventions

Omega 3 fatty acidDRUG

LOVAZA is an FDA approved drug that is lawfully marketed in the United States by GlaxoSmithKline. There is no intent to use the results of this study to support a change in the labeling or the advertising of the drug. The highest dose administered for the study is the recommended prescribed dose of LOVAZA, therefore not creating greater risk. The patient population and route of administration will not significantly increase the risk associated with the use of the product. We will be using this drug under an IND exemption.

Safflower seed oilDIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Safflower seed oil is a commonly used dietary supplement. It has been chosen to be used as a comparative to the LOVAZA because of its non-omega-3 fats. There will be no increased risk due to dosage, route of administration, or patient population.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 55 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age 18-55 2. Documented/ verified TBI 3. Ability to swallow study agent within 48h of injury 4. If a sexually active female who is able to get pregnant, must be already taking birth control (prescription contraception) 5. Visual acuity/ hearing adequate for testing 6. Fluency in English or Spanish 7. Ability to provide informed consent for themselves 8. Co-enrolled in PARC-TBI protocol (IRB protocol #825783) or TRACK-TBI (IRB protocol #825503) 9. GCS 13-15 Exclusion Criteria: 1. Unstable respiratory or hemodynamic status 2. Evidence of penetrating brain injury 3. Requirement for craniotomy or craniectomy 4. Evidence of serious infectious complications 5. Acute ischemic heart disease or abnormal heart rhythm 6. History of abnormality in liver function 7. History or evidence of active malignancy 8. History of diabetes 9. History of pre-existing neurologic disorder, such as dementia, uncontrolled epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, strokes, brain tumors, prior severe TBI, or other disorder that confounds interpretation neuropsychological results 10. History of pre-existing disabling Axis I psychiatric disorder, such as major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or dementia 11. Allergy to omega-3 fatty acid ethyl esters or any ingredient of the study agent. 12. Known allergy to Safflower seed oil or ragweed plants 13. Consumption of fish or seafood 3 or more times per week on average or regular administration of omega-3 supplements (e.g., cod liver oil, borage oil, fish oil or evening primrose oil) defined as an average of 250 mg/day of n-3 HUFAs, over the previous 3 months. 14. Pregnancy or breast-feeding 15. Prisoners or patients in custody 16. Allergy, hypersensitivity, or intolerance to fish oils or omega-3 fats which are found in fish. 17. Use of anticoagulant medications or aspirin more than once per week within the last three months 18. Enrollment in any concurrent research protocols that would interfere with participant safety or research data integrity.

Locations (1)

Penn Presbyterian Medical Center

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Relationship of varying doses of n-3 HUFAs on blood levels of the following bioactive metabolites

Bioactive metabolites being looked at are: synaptamide (n-docosahexaenoylethanolamine), 17-hydroxy-DHA, and D-series resolvins and determine relationship of n-3 HUFAs on blood levels of indicators of neuroinflammatory damage including Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in humans over 14 days after TBI.

Time frame: 14 days consecutively

Secondary Outcomes

Relationship of n-3 HUFA blood levels and clinical outcomes measured by the Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOSE)

Clinical outcomes will include functional outcomes and will be assessed by using the TBI Common Data Elements Outcome battery. The analysis will focus on the Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOS-E) an ordinal scale based on a structured questionnaire which is universally used in TBI clinical studies.

Time frame: 14 days consecutively

Evalute potential adverse events

Evaluate potential adverse side effects including gastrointestinal tolerance and adverse neurological outcomes.

Time frame: 14 days consecutively

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.