PET scans probe Brain's power plants in alcohol use disorder
NCT ID NCT07825818
First seen Sep 17, 2026 · Last updated Sep 18, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
Researchers are using PET scans to measure mitochondrial Complex-I and glucose metabolism in the brains of people with alcohol use disorder and healthy volunteers. The study aims to see whether these markers differ between the two groups and whether they relate to alcohol craving or relapse. Participants receive two radioactive tracers, [F-18]BCPP-EF and [F-18]FDG, during imaging sessions.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- A radioactive tracer called [F-18]BCPP-EF that highlights mitochondrial Complex-I, plus a glucose tracer called [F-18]FDG
- What this could lead to
- If the scans show a clear link between mitochondrial Complex-I levels and alcohol use disorder, this could guide future treatments that target brain energy metabolism.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early-phase imaging study with 100 participants, so it can only show associations, not cause and effect. The findings may not translate into new treatments.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Early phase 1
The earliest testing in people: a first look at safety, in a very small group.
- Participants
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About 100 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Sep 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2032
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 55 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Alcohol use disorders (AUD) 1. Males or females between 18 and 55 years old 2. fulfill DSM-5 criteria for alcohol use disorder 3. History of NIAAA heavy drinking (for males, routinely consuming more than 4 drinks on any day or more than 14 drinks per week; for females, routinely consuming more than 3 drinks on any day or more than 7 drinks per week) in the past 30 days 4. No other major DSM-5 psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, developmental disorders, or current depressive disorders (unless they are related to alcohol intoxication, withdrawal, or an alcohol- induced mood disorder). 5. No other DSM-5 substance use disorders including opioids, cocaine, amphetamines, sedative-hypnotics, hallucinogens, and inhalants. Subjects with moderate and severe DSM-5 cannabis and tobacco use disorder will also be excluded; 6. Subjects not currently on psychotropic or medical medications that can influence binding to MC-I (e.g., metformin) or CGM (e.g., insulin, GLP-1 agonists), or increase the risks associated with an arterial line (e.g., warfarin, clopidogrel, aspirin, naproxen, ibuprofen, etc.). 7. No medical disorders that can influence the PET outcome measures (for example, MC-I binding is altered in Parkinson's disease, mild or major neurocognitive disorders, and mitochondrial disorders; CGM is altered in diabetes, severe hyperlipidemia, hypertension, obesity), increase the risks associated with blood sampling (anemia), or placement of an arterial line (history of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, thrombocytopenia or thrombocytosis) for PET 8. Not currently pregnant or breast-feeding 9. Not currently employed as a radiation worker; or has participated in a radiation-related research protocol within the previous year such that the total cumulative annual radiation dose (i.e., from participation in the previous radioactive drug study \[studies\] and this study) would exceed the radiation dose limits specified in the FDA regulations (i.e., 21 CFR 361.1) that govern the research use of radiotracers 10. No medical or psychiatric contraindications to undergo an MRI scan (such as ferromagnetic tattoos/piercings, implants, medical equipment, history of gunshot, and claustrophobia). Healthy controls (HC) 1. Males or females between 18 and 55 years old 2. No current or past DSM-5 psychiatric or substance use disorders other than tobacco use disorder 3. No history of heavy drinking as defined using NIAAA criteria in the past year 4. 5 to 10 above.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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University of PIttsburgh
RECRUITINGPittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States
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