Physiological Effects of N-Acetyl Cysteine in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease in which the myelin surrounding the nerve cells is damaged which affects functioning. MS usually is treated with medications designed to reduce the occurrence of future MS events. Evidence suggests that an important part of the disease process is damage to the myelin and brain caused by too much oxygen (sometimes called oxidative stress) or too much inflammation (or swelling).

The overall goal of this study will be to determine whether N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) will help to support cerebral function in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This positron emission tomography magnetic resonance imaging (PET-MRI) study will utilize 18F-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography FDG PET to measure cerebral metabolism, along with MRI analysis, to measure metabolism and structural effects of NAC in patients with MS.

The original protocol consisted of two arms. The first arm of this study will receive intravenous and oral NAC, a strong antioxidant that increases brain glutathione. NAC, is the N-acetyl derivative of the naturally occurring amino acid, L-cysteine. It is a common over-the-counter supplement that is also available as an injectable pharmaceutical that protects the liver in cases of acetaminophen overdose. Laboratory studies have displayed some benefits to use of NAC. It has the potential to reduce markers of oxidative damage, protect against cell death, and to increase glutathione in blood, which might be useful in preventing oxidative damage in MS patients. The second arm will be a waitlist control receiving standard MS care. It should be noted that both arms will receive standard of care treatment for MS while enrolled in the study.

We amended this protocol to increase the enrollment with an additional 30 participants: 15 in a waitlist group and 15 will receive NAC. Subjects be randomized to either receive NAC or be placed in a waitlist control group. Those patients receiving NAC would receive a combination of IV and oral NAC for 4 months. We may obtain NAC serum measures that require a blood draw at three time points, one at scanning before receiving any NAC, one after the first infusion dose of NAC before the second dose, and another one at the last scan and the last dose of NAC.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Clinical diagnosis of relapsing remitting MS or progressive MS who do not plan to start a medication during the study, or on stable disease modifying medication (interferon, glatiramer, dimethyl fumarate, teriflunomide).
* Age 18 years old to no upper limit
* Physically independent, ambulatory
* Women of childbearing potential will confirm a negative pregnancy test and must practice effective contraception during the period of pilot study. In addition, male subjects who have a partner of childbearing age should practice effective contraception.
* Participants must be able to complete study procedures in the greater Philadelphia area.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients are excluded who have received treatment with intravenous steroids within the past 90 days for reasons other than MS
* Previous brain surgery that would interfere with determination of cerebral metabolism or structure on the FDG PET-MRI.
* Score on Mini-Mental Status examination of 20 or lower.
* Wheelchair-bound or bed-ridden, non-ambulatory.
* Intracranial abnormalities that may complicate interpretation of the brain scans (e.g., stroke, tumor, vascular abnormality affecting the target area).
* History of head trauma with loss of consciousness \> 48 hours.
* History of asthma requiring daily medications for adequate management.
* Any medical disorder or physical condition that could reasonably be expected to interfere with the assessment of MS symptoms, or with any of the study assessments including the PET-MRI imaging.
* Patients with evidence of a significant psychiatric disorder by history/examination that would prevent completion of the study will not be allowed to participate.
* Patients with current alcohol or drug abuse
* Pregnant or lactating women.
* Enrollment in active clinical trial/ experimental therapy within the prior 30 days.
* Pending surgery during the course of the study.
* Patients taking medications that might interact with NAC involved in this study will be evaluated on a case by case basis by the PI or study physician. These medications include: Medications for high blood pressure; Medications that slow blood clotting; Medications for diabetes; Nitroglycerin.
* Patients with history of pulmonary hypertension.
* Any neurological, psychiatric, or medical condition that might affect the distribution of the radiopharmaceutical in the body or brain (as determined by Investigator)
* Currently using medications that might alter the distribution of radiopharmaceuticals in - -the body or brain (as determined by Investigator)
* Patient exceeds the weight limit of the table
* Claustrophobia that would prevent completion of imaging studies
* Glucose level that would interfere with the FDG PET scan
* Any additional contraindications for MRI; Has metallic objects (e.g., pacemakers) in the body