Theophylline for Depression Study

Summary

Depression is very common and poses a huge disease burden. About 20% of the US population suffers from depression at least once in their lifetime. Inflammations that are hidden inside our body as a result of aging, obesity, chronic diseases, or certain treatments (e.g., interferon for hepatitis C) appear to cause depressive symptoms and even clinical depression. Individuals with such inflammations are more likely to suffer from depression and are less likely to respond to currently available antidepressant medications. This study will test theophylline, a medication currently used for asthma treatment, as a new way to mitigate depressive symptoms in response to such inflammations. This study begins with a 90-minute screening session to determine whether participants are eligible to join the main study. Those who meet the eligibility criteria will then join the main study, which will consist of taking theophylline or methylcellulose (i.e., oral placebo) for 2 weeks at home and an 8-hour session at the UCLA Medical Center. Approximately 20 healthy adults will be recruited for participation in the study. During the course of the study, participants will take theophylline or methylcellulose for 2 weeks at home and then will be injected either lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or saline (i.e., intravenous placebo) at the UCLA Medical Center. LPS is a bacterial substance that can initiate chemical reactions that are similar to those seen in individuals with mild sickness symptoms, such as a slight increase in body temperature, muscle aches, or tiredness. It is a safe way of investigating the body's response to inflammation and how these changes may alter cognitive, emotional, or neural function. It has been given thousands of times to healthy volunteers - both younger and older adults - without any serious side effects.

Conditions

• Depression

Interventions

DRUG

Theophylline ER

Capsules of theophylline ER

OTHER

PO placebo

Capsules of methylcellulose

BIOLOGICAL

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)

Purified bacterial wall component as an inflammatory challenge

OTHER

IV placebo

Normal (0.9%) saline

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of California, Los Angeles

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Masking

QUADRUPLE

Model

FACTORIAL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

65 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2023-03-31

Primary Completion

2025-06-30

Completion

2025-06-30

FDA Drug

Yes

Countries

• United States

Study Locations