RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Expression Profile Study of Macrophages From Patients Affected by ALS or Other Related Motor Impairments

This research aims to understand more about Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a condition that affects nerves controlling muscle movement. Scientists are focusing on immune cells called macrophages, which are found throughout your body and in the brain. They believe these cells might be involved in how ALS develops and progresses. By studying these macrophages in people with ALS, individuals with other movement difficulties, and healthy volunteers, they hope to find specific patterns. This could lead to uncovering new ways to treat ALS or identify early signs of the disease. The study involves looking at genetic information and other markers in these cells, comparing different groups to gain a clearer picture of ALS.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale, France

Enrolment target

180

Start

29 Sep 2021

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2027

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

What is this study about?

This study is about understanding Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, often known as ALS or motor neuron disease. ALS is a serious condition that affects the nerve cells controlling your muscles, leading to weakness and paralysis over time. Currently, there's no cure, so researchers are constantly looking for new ways to understand and treat it.

Scientists in this study are particularly interested in a type of immune cell called a macrophage. Think of macrophages as 'clean-up' cells in your body; they help protect you from harm and get rid of damaged cells. While similar cells are found in the brain, the researchers believe that macrophages in the rest of the body might also play a role in ALS. They've seen signs of these cells being more active in people with ALS and in animal models of the disease.

The main goal is to compare macrophages taken from the blood of people with ALS, people with other types of muscle or nerve problems, and healthy volunteers. By looking closely at the genes and proteins in these cells, they hope to find differences that could explain why ALS happens or how it gets worse. This information could be very important for developing new treatments or ways to detect the disease earlier.

Key takeaways

This study explores how immune cells called macrophages might be involved in ALS.
It aims to compare these cells from people with ALS, other muscle/nerve conditions, and healthy individuals.
The goal is to find new ways to understand ALS, potentially leading to future treatments or disease markers.
Participation would likely involve providing a blood sample.
This is a research study, not a treatment trial, so no direct personal health benefits are expected.
Your decision to participate or withdraw will not affect your medical care.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you must be at least 18 years old and willing to give your informed consent, meaning you understand what the study involves and agree to take part. You also need to be covered by French social security or a similar health insurance scheme.

Several groups of people might be able to join: those who have been diagnosed with ALS (of any type, including inherited forms), people who don't have ALS themselves but have a close family member with a known genetic cause for ALS, or individuals with other conditions that affect muscle movement, such as certain nerve disorders or muscle diseases.

However, some people cannot participate. This includes those who are subject to certain legal protections, anyone whose doctor believes a blood test or joining the study would not be safe for them, and pregnant or breastfeeding individuals. If you choose not to take part, that's also a reason not to be included.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you willing to discuss and sign an informed consent form?
Do you have ALS, a genetic risk for ALS, or another specified motor condition?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?
Is your doctor comfortable with you taking part in a blood draw for research?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The study does not specify particular details about visits, assessments, medication, or duration since interventions are not listed. However, based on the brief and detailed summaries, participation would primarily involve providing a blood sample so researchers can study your macrophages. There are no medications or specific treatments being tested in this study, as it is focused on understanding the disease rather than providing a new treatment. The total duration of your involvement would likely be short, possibly just for the blood collection, unless follow-up samples are requested (which isn't detailed here).

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer the benefit of contributing to a better understanding of ALS, which could eventually lead to new treatments. However, there is no direct personal medical benefit expected from taking part. The main risk involves giving a blood sample, which can cause minor discomfort, bruising, or, very rarely, infection at the needle site. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this decision will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Département de Neurologie, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière
Verified postcode
Paris, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What are macrophages?

Macrophages are a type of white blood cell, like tiny 'clean-up' cells, that are part of your body's immune system. They help protect you from illness and clear away damaged cells.

What is ALS?

ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) is a serious condition that affects the nerves controlling your muscles, leading to progressive weakness and paralysis.

Will I receive any new treatment in this study?

No, this study is about understanding ALS, not testing a new treatment. It's an 'observational' study, meaning researchers are looking for information about the disease.

What will I need to do if I join?

Based on the information, you would need to give a blood sample so researchers can study certain cells within it.

Does this study have a 'phase' like other drug trials?

No, this study doesn't have a 'phase' because it's not testing a drug. It's a research study aimed at learning more about the disease itself.

How to find out more

François SALACHAS, MD

nathalie.cormand@aphp.fr +331 42 16 24 72 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.