Targeting inflammation to influence cognitive function following spinal cord injury: a randomized clinical trial.
METHODS
This study was a randomized, parallel-group, controlled clinical trial.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of targeting inflammation as a means of improving cognitive function in individuals with spinal cord injury.


METHODS
Participants were recruited from the Niagara region of Ontario Canada and all testing occurred on-site at Brock University.


METHODS
Indices of memory and verbal learning were assessed by means of the California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT). Inflammation and concentrations of neuroactive compounds related to the kynurenine pathway were assessed via a number of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, as well as tryptophan, kynurenine and several large neutral amino acids. All assessments were performed at baseline as well as at 1 month and 3 months during a 3-month intervention by means of an anti-inflammatory diet.


RESULTS
Despite a reduction in inflammation, all measures of the CVLT, including list A, trial 1 (P=0.48), learning slope (P=0.46), long delay free recall (P=0.83), intrusions (P=0.61) and repetitions (P=0.07), showed no significant group × time interaction.


CONCLUSIONS
It may be possible that the reduction in inflammation achieved in the current study was insufficient to induce substantial changes in indices of verbal learning and memory. Alternatively, as these participants likely underwent years of previous chronic inflammation, the underlying hippocampal damage may have negated potential improvements induced by acute reductions in inflammation.
Department of Kinesiology, Brock University, St Catharines, Ontario, Canada.|Brock-Niagara Centre for Health and Well-Being, St Catharines, Ontario, Canada.
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Allison
Department of Kinesiology, Brock University, St Catharines, Ontario, Canada.
A R
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Josse
Department of Kinesiology, Brock University, St Catharines, Ontario, Canada.
D A
DA
Gabriel
Department of Kinesiology, Brock University, St Catharines, Ontario, Canada.
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P
Klentrou
Department of Kinesiology, Brock University, St Catharines, Ontario, Canada.|Brock-Niagara Centre for Health and Well-Being, St Catharines, Ontario, Canada.
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Ditor
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007737:Kynurenine / Q000378:metabolism; D007858:Learning / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D011939:Mental Recall / Q000502:physiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D015213:Neuroimmunomodulation / Q000502:physiology; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000523:psychology; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
D015415:Biomarkers; D007737:Kynurenine