The goal of this study is to evaluate how citicoline, an over-the-counter supplement, versus a placebo pill (i.e., an inactive pill) affects the immune system, brain, and cognition in adolescents who may use alcohol.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
56
2000mg/day citicoline, administered orally, for 4 weeks
placebo capsule daily for 4 weeks, matched in appearance to citicoline to preserve double-blind, administered orally
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina, United States
RECRUITINGPeripheral Cytokine: IL-1B
Peripheral cytokine (IL-1B) to measure neuroinflammation.
Time frame: 4 weeks of treatment
Peripheral Cytokine: IL-6
Peripheral cytokine (IL-6) to measure neuroinflammation.
Time frame: 4 weeks of treatment
Peripheral Cytokine: TNFα
Peripheral cytokine (TNFα) to measure neuroinflammation.
Time frame: 4 weeks of treatment
Brain Metabolite: N-acetyl-aspartate
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy to quantify neurometabolites (N-acetyl-aspartate) in the anterior cingulate.
Time frame: 4 weeks of treatment
Brain Metabolite: Choline
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy to quantify neurometabolites (choline) in the anterior cingulate.
Time frame: 4 weeks of treatment
Neurocognition: Behavioral impulsivity
Behavioral impulsivity will be measured via the Behavioral Approach/Avoidance Scales (BIS/BAS).
Time frame: 4 weeks of treatment
Neurocognition: Cognitive Flexibility and Attention
Cognitive flexibility and attention will be measured via the NIH Toolbox Dimensional Change Card Sort.
Time frame: 4 weeks of treatment
Neurocognition: Inhibitory Control and Attention
Inhibitory control and attention will be measured via the NIH Toolbox Flanker Inhibitory Control and Attention.
Time frame: 4 weeks of treatment
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