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Does Abnormal Insulin Action in the Brain Underlie Cognitive and Metabolic Dysfunction in Schizophrenia
Sponsor: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Summary
Cognitive impairment (such as challenges in thinking and memory) is a core aspect of schizophrenia (SCZ), contributing to disability and poor functional outcomes. Additionally, almost half of the patients with SCZ are obese, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes is 3-6 times higher, and life expectancy is lower by 15-20 years compared to the general population. This is relevant as metabolic syndrome and diabetes are both associated with worse cognition among SCZ patients. Recent work studying the relationships between metabolic health and cognition has encouraged a new way of thinking about SCZ as both a metabolic and cognitive disorder. Brain insulin is involved in several processes relevant to SCZ, and abnormal brain insulin action may help explain both cognitive and metabolic abnormalities in patients with SCZ, but this has not been examined previously. Glucose uptake in several brain regions relevant to SCZ has been shown to be partially dependent on insulin. Therefore, in this study, the researchers will measure glucose uptake in the brain using an 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (\[18F\]-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) scan after an intranasal insulin stimulus, and will compare this measure between patients with SCZ and healthy controls.
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
17 Years - 45 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
20
Start Date
2023-04-01
Completion Date
2026-04-01
Last Updated
2025-08-05
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Intranasal insulin
160 IU insulin (Humalog) is administered intranasally using a metered spray bottle 15 minutes prior to the PET scan.
Placebo
0.9% saline is administered intranasally using a metered spray bottle 15 minutes prior to the PET scan.
Locations (1)
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Toronto, Ontario, Canada