Bacterial Translocation and Gut Microbiota in Type 1 Narcolepsy Patients

What this Trial Is About

Narcolepsy type 1 (NT1) is a rare condition marked by extreme drowsiness, cataplexy, hallucinations at sleep onset, sleep paralysis, poor nighttime sleep, and often obesity. It results from irreversible loss of orexin-producing neurons in the brain, with suspected autoimmune causes. Previous research showed differences in gut bacterial communities between NT1 patients and healthy controls, suggesting a role for gut bacteria and inflammation in NT1 development. However, the link between bacterial translocation, intestinal permeability, and immune activation in NT1 has not yet been studied. This research compares gut bacteria and bacterial translocation in NT1 patients and matched controls based on sex, age, and body mass index. Samples of blood, stool, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) will be collected to assess microbial diversity, bacterial DNA presence, plasma markers of intestinal permeability, and orexin levels in the CSF. The study aims to identify bacterial elements in the CSF that may contribute to autoimmune damage and track these factors over time. Participants will have their plasma bacterial translocation profiles measured at the beginning and after 12 months. Intestinal microbiota diversity and composition, plasma inflammation markers, and narcolepsy symptom severity will also be evaluated at these times. The study involves detailed assessments including sleep measurements and clinical evaluations. Participants will be monitored for up to 12 months to understand how gut bacteria and immune factors relate to NT1 progression.

Bacterial Translocation and Gut Microbiota in Type 1 Narcolepsy Patients Versus a Control Population