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Peripheral Serotonin and Albinism

This research is investigating the connection between a chemical called serotonin and a condition called albinism. Serotonin is known for its role in the brain, but it also works in other parts of the body. Previous studies suggest it helps make red blood cells and affects how the body uses iron. Researchers have noticed differences in serotonin levels, red blood cells, and iron in children with albinism compared to other children. They also know that in certain types of albinism, serotonin levels are lower. This study aims to find out if serotonin plays a part in the various health issues seen in people with albinism.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris

Enrolment target

160

Start

06 Feb 2024

Estimated completion

01 Feb 2026

Oculocutaneous Albinism

What is this study about?

You might know of serotonin as a chemical messenger in your brain, helping to regulate your mood. But serotonin also has important jobs in many other parts of your body, like helping with blood cell production and iron levels. This study is trying to understand if these wider roles of serotonin are linked to oculocutaneous albinism, a condition that affects your skin, hair, and eye colour.

Researchers have noticed some interesting things: children with albinism sometimes have different levels of serotonin, and they might also have lower red blood cell counts and problems with iron. For some types of albinism, like Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome, low serotonin levels are a key feature. The team behind this research has previously found that serotonin is good for red blood cells and iron, which makes them wonder if it also plays a role in albinism.

There's currently no cure for albinism, and people with the condition often face various challenges. This research hopes to shed light on what causes some of these issues and, in the long term, could help find new ways to support people with albinism. By understanding how serotonin might be involved, scientists hope to learn more about the condition's effects on the body.

Key takeaways

This study explores a link between serotonin and albinism.
Serotonin's role beyond the brain is being investigated.
Researchers have observed differences in serotonin, red blood cells, and iron in children with albinism.
The study aims to understand how serotonin might affect albinism symptoms.
Your contribution could help improve understanding and future care for albinism.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for children and young people aged between 2 and 17 years old. If you have albinism and are seen at the MAGEC-Necker centre in Paris, you might be able to take part. Your parents or guardians would need to agree, and if you're old enough to understand, you'd also need to agree.

They also need a group of children without albinism to compare findings with. These will be children aged 2 to 17 who have had a blood test at Necker Hospital for other reasons during the study period. Their routine blood tests, including a full blood count and a CRP test (which checks for inflammation), must be normal.

If you have albinism but can't have a blood test, you wouldn't be able to join the study. For children without albinism, if their blood tests show anything unusual, they wouldn't be eligible to be a comparison.

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.

Do you have albinism?
Are you between 2 and 17 years old?
Are you a patient at the MAGEC-Necker centre in Paris?
Can you have a blood test?
Do your parents/guardians agree for you to take part?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part in this study would involve having a blood test. For children with albinism, this blood test will be used to check their serotonin levels and how their body handles iron and red blood cells. The researchers will also compare these results with those from children without albinism for whom routine blood tests were already needed during their visit to the hospital.

Potential risks and benefits

The main benefit of taking part is that you would be contributing to important research that could help us understand albinism better in the future. This might eventually lead to better care or support for people with the condition. The main risk involved is the minor discomfort of having a blood test, which is a common and generally safe procedure. You are free to ask questions at any time and can decide to stop participating in the study at any point without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades
Verified postcode
Paris, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is albinism?

Albinism is a genetic condition where the body doesn't produce enough melanin, the pigment that gives colour to skin, hair, and eyes. This can lead to lighter skin and hair, and vision problems.

What is serotonin?

Serotonin is a natural chemical in your body. It's often known for its role in your brain to affect mood, but it also has many other jobs in different body parts, like helping with blood cells and iron.

Why is this research important?

This research is trying to find out if serotonin plays a role in some of the health issues people with albinism experience. Understanding this could lead to new ways to help people with albinism in the future.

Will I get any medicine if I join the study?

No, this study is about observing and understanding, not testing new medications. It will involve blood tests to check certain levels in your body.

How long will the study last for me?

Your participation in the study largely involves a single blood test. The researchers will follow up with your parents or guardians to ensure they remain happy for your information to be used.

How to find out more

Smail HADJ-RABIA, MD, PhD

smail.hadjrabia@aphp.fr 1 44 49 46 62 Official trial record

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