L-Carnosine and cognitive training for cognition in schizophrenia

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  A double-blind, placebo-controlled study on the effects of combined L-Carnosine and cognitive training on cognition in schizophrenia.

• IRAS ID

  94803

• Contact name

  Yiota Michalopoulou

• Sponsor organisation

  King's College London

• Eudract number

  2012-000843-28

• ISRCTN Number

  n/a

• Research summary

  Compromised cognitive functioning is a core feature of schizophrenia, yet it remains a major unmet need in the treatment of schizophrenia. Current available therapeutic approaches to enhance cognition in schizophrenia - either pharmacological or non-pharmacological (for a review) have yielded, at best, only modest results with questionable retention of the cognitive benefits and generalization of the effects into functional benefit. We propose a novel approach to enhance cognition in schizophrenia: the combinination of a pharmacological compound with cognitive training, rather than using each intervention alone. We aim to test the primary hypothesis that the combination of L-carnosine ?? an antioxidant found naturally in food and the human body - with cognitive training will significantly increase the performance of patients with schizophrenia on a range of memory, learning and social training tasks compared to pairing cognitive training with placebo. We will also test the secondary hypotheses that in the group receiving L-carnosine increased performance is due to a greater learning rate. Our choice is guided by several considerations but, primarily the evidence that L-carnosine has neuroprotective effects through its antioxidant features and also has antiglycating action. Briefly, we propose that alterations in metabolism in several neurotransmitter systems (particularly glutamate) can both contribute to, and be modified by, oxidative stress, and therefore antioxidant administration could positively affect neurotransmitter role in neural plasticity, learning and memory. Carnosine is widely available from health and food supplement shops in the UK retail market in highly pure form; is well-tolerated and has a benign side-effect profile, as shown from previous trials, and is therefore not associated with any potential risks.

• REC name

  London - Harrow Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  12/LO/0403

• Date of REC Opinion

  26 Sep 2012

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion