In this study the investigators would like to investigate the degree of damage of the synapses, an important part of the neurons vital for the communications between neurons, in Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), and pathology related to abnormal accumulation of a protein named tau, in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP).
Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) is a chronic and progressive neurological disease, for which unfortunately there is no cure yet. It is known from pathological studies that the synapses (the terminal parts of the neurons) are affected in this disease, but the investigators don't know how, and how much this happens. An imaging tool called Positron Emission Tomography (PET) can study the integrity of the synapses by the use of a dedicated tracer, called \[11C\]UCB-J. In this study the investigators would like to study how, and how early, the synapse deteriorate in patients with MSA. For this study, patients with the MSA will be enrolled. Participants will be asked to undergo a clinical visit with questionnaires and scales for motor and cognitive symptoms. Then, participants will come for a \[11C\]UCB-J PET scan, a \[18F\]FDG PET scan, to check the metabolism of the brain, and a MRI scan, to help the analysis of the PET. The participants will also be asked to perform a Lumbar puncture for a cerebrospinal fluid draw. This procedure will be optional. A subgroup of up to 10 patients with MSA who took part to the main study will also undergo an imaging substudy, with a PET scan (only at a single timepoint) with the tracer \[18F\]APN107. \[18F\]APN107 is a novel tracer measuring a protein in the brain named tau. Tau abnormally accumulates in patients with a disease named Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) but not in MSA. It is sometimes very challenging to distinguish MSA and PSP on the basis of the clinical observation. We hope that a PET scan with \[18F\]APN107 could help distinguish these disorders more. This subgroup of patients with MSA will be compared with a group of up to 16 patients with PSP (the clinical forms named PSP-RS and PSP-P) who will undergo the following activities: At baseline, a clinical visit with administration of pen-and-paper tests and scales,, a venous blood collection, an MRI scan and one \[18F\]APN107 PET scan; After approximately one year from baseline (follow-up), the repetition of the same activities as at baseline. The results will help in understanding better the mechanisms underlying thiese two conditions and open new avenues for its treatment.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
36
The group of MSA patients will undergo a collection of demographic data, a neurological examination with administration of clinical scales relevant for MSA, and a collection of venous blood sample for routine and biomarker analyses. Participants will undergo one PET scan with the tracer \[11C\]UCB-J, and one PET scan with the tracer \[18F\]FDG. All participants will also undergo one MRI scan. Participants will also undergo one lumbar puncture (optional). All procedures will be performed at baseline and after one-year follow-up. A subgroup of patients with MSA will also undergo, at one time point only, one PET scan with the tracer \[18F\]APN107.
The group of PSP patients will undergo a collection of demographic data, a neurological examination with administration of clinical scales relevant for PSP, and a collection of venous blood sample for routine and biomarker analyses. Participants will undergo one PET scan with the tracer \[18F\]APN107 and one MRI scan. All procedures will be performed at baseline and after one-year follow-up.
University of Exeter
Exeter, United Kingdom
RECRUITINGTo measure the magnitude of longitudinal within-group change in [11C]UCB-J volume of distribution in MSA
\[11C\]UCB-J is a marker of synaptic damage in MSA
Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months
Progression of brain glucose metabolism in MSA
Brain glucose metabolism is assessed with serial \[18F\]FDG PET scans at baseline and after 12-month follow-up.
Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months
To investigate differences in MRI structural, microstructural, molecular, and functional parameters in MSA patients.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging change in Magnetization Prepared Rapid Acquisition Gradient Echo \[MPRAGE\]
Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months
To investigate differences in structural MRI parameters in MSA patients.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging change in Magnetization Prepared Rapid Acquisition Gradient Echo \[MPRAGE\]
Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months
To investigate differences in iron-sensitive MRI in MSA patients.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging change in Susceptibility Weighted Imaging \[SWI\]
Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months
To investigate differences in quantitative iron in MSA patients.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging change in Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping \[QSM\]
Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months
To investigate differences in microstructural MRI parameters in MSA patients.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging change in Diffusion Tensor Imaging \[DTI\]
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months
To investigate differences in neuromelanin-MRI in MSA patients.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging change in Neuromelanin-MRI
Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months
To investigate differences in perfusion MRI parameters in MSA patients.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging change in Arterial Spin Labelling \[ASL\]
Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months
To investigate differences in functional MRI parameters in MSA patients.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging change in resting state functional MRI \[rs-fMRI\]
Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months
To investigate differences in markers of neurite density on MRI in MSA patients.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging change in Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging \[NODDI\]
Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months
To investigate correlations between imaging and grading of MSA in MSA patients.
Correlations between imaging measures and the grading scale UMSARS
Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months
To investigate correlations between imaging and staging of MSA in MSA patients.
Correlations between imaging measures and the staging scale Hoehn and Yahr
Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months
To investigate correlations between synaptic density, regional brain glucose metabolism, and clinical measures in MSA patients.
Correlations between imaging measures and the screening cognitive measure MoCA
Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months
To investigate correlations between imaging measures and functional scales in MSA patients.
Correlations between imaging measures and the ability scale Schwab \& England
Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months
To investigate correlations between imaging measures and quality of life in MSA patients.
Correlations between imaging measures and the quality of life scale MSA QoL
Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months
To investigate correlations between imaging measures and symptoms of autonomic dysfunction in MSA patients.
Correlations between imaging measures and the autonomic symptoms scale COMPASS-31
Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months
To investigate correlations between imaging measures and symptoms of postural instability and tendency to fall in MSA patients.
Correlations between imaging measures and the balance scale ABC-16
Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months
To investigate correlations between imaging measures and symptoms of depression in MSA patients.
Correlations between imaging measures and the depression scale BDI-II
Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months
To investigate correlations between imaging measures and symptoms suggestive of depression in MSA patients.
Correlations between imaging measures and the depression scale HDRS
Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months
To investigate correlations between imaging measures and REM sleep behaviour disorder in MSA patients.
Correlations between imaging measures and the sleep scale RBD-SQ
Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months
To investigate correlations between imaging measures and presence of behavioural symptoms in MSA patients.
Correlations between imaging measures and the behavioural scale NPI
Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months
To investigate correlations between imaging measures and cognitive decline in MSA patients.
Correlations between imaging measures and the cognitive battery CANTAB
Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months
To investigate correlations between imaging measures and fluid biomarkers of inflammation in MSA patients.
Correlations between imaging measures and blood biomarkers related to neuroinflammation
Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months
To investigate correlations between imaging measures and CSF biomarkers in MSA patients.
Correlations between imaging measures and CSF biomarkers related to neuroinflammation and misfolded proteins deposition
Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months
Change in [18F]APN107 brain uptake in patients with PSP
Quantification of the changes over time of \[18F\]APN107 brain uptake, reflective of tau deposition, in patients with PSP
Time frame: Baseline to 12 months
Correlation between longitudinal changes in [18F]APN107 and structural changes on MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging change in Magnetization Prepared Rapid Acquisition Gradient Echo \[MPRAGE\]
Time frame: Baseline to 12 months
To investigate differences in tau pathology across MSA and PSP patients
differences in the brain uptake of \[18F\]APN107 between MSA and PSP patients
Time frame: Baseline to 12 months