A 12-week clinical trial explores time-restricted eating’s potential to improve mitochondrial function and cognitive performance in early-stage Huntington’s disease.
Groundbreaking research investigates whether timed eating patterns could slow Huntington’s disease progression by targeting metabolic dysfunction.
Time-Restricted Eating Enters Huntington’s Disease Research
The scientific community is turning its attention to an unconventional approach for managing Huntington’s disease (HD) – time-restricted eating (TRE). A new 12-week clinical trial protocol, developed by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital, aims to evaluate the safety and feasibility of this dietary intervention in early-stage HD patients.
The Metabolic Connection in Neurodegeneration
Recent discoveries have revealed that metabolic dysfunction plays a crucial role in HD progression. We now understand that Huntington’s isn’t just a genetic disorder – it’s also a metabolic disease,
explains Dr. Sarah Tabrizi, director of University College London’s Huntington’s Disease Centre, in a 2023 interview with Nature Reviews Neurology.
A groundbreaking 2023 study published in Cell Metabolism demonstrated that TRE improved motor function and reduced neuroinflammation in HD mouse models. The research team, led by Dr. Albert La Spada at Duke University, found that mice subjected to 16:8 fasting schedules showed 30% slower disease progression compared to controls.
Trial Design and Key Measures
The upcoming human trial will enroll 50 early-stage HD patients in a randomized controlled design. Participants will follow either an 8-hour eating window (TRE group) or maintain their normal eating patterns (control group). Primary outcomes include:
- Safety and adherence metrics
- Changes in mitochondrial function (measured via muscle biopsies)
- Autophagy markers in blood samples
Secondary measures will assess cognitive performance through standardized neuropsychological testing, body composition via DEXA scans, and disease progression using the Unified Huntington’s Disease Rating Scale (UHDRS).
The Science Behind the Approach
TRE’s potential benefits stem from its ability to enhance cellular housekeeping processes. When we fast, our cells switch from growth mode to maintenance mode, activating pathways like autophagy that clear out damaged proteins,
explains Dr. Mark Mattson, a neuroscientist at Johns Hopkins University and pioneer in fasting research.
A June 2024 meta-analysis in Neurology found that intermittent fasting regimens reduced oxidative stress markers by an average of 23% across multiple neurodegenerative conditions. This is particularly relevant for HD, where oxidative damage contributes significantly to neuronal death.
Challenges and Considerations
Implementing dietary interventions in HD populations presents unique challenges. We have to consider issues like dysphagia, metabolic changes, and cognitive impairment that might affect adherence,
notes Dr. Claudia Testa, the trial’s principal investigator, in a recent NIH press release.
The research team has incorporated several adaptations, including simplified meal tracking methods and caregiver education components. They’re also exploring the potential for personalized eating windows based on individual circadian rhythms and genetic subtypes.
Broader Implications
The trial reflects a growing recognition of metabolic therapies in neurodegeneration. The NIH recently allocated $5 million specifically for research on dietary interventions in HD and related disorders. This represents a paradigm shift from purely pharmaceutical approaches to more holistic strategies,
states Dr. Walter Koroshetz, director of NINDS, in the funding announcement.
If successful, the trial could pave the way for larger studies and potentially offer HD patients a simple, low-cost adjunct therapy. Results are expected in late 2025, with preliminary safety data to be released in early 2025.
