Actively Recruiting
Role of Metal Ion Transporter ZIP8 in Alcohol-Related Behaviors
Led by National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) · Updated on 2026-01-12
50
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
133 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Background: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) can damage people s health, work, and family. Researchers want to know more about why some people are more vulnerable to AUD than others. The ZIP8 gene may be linked to an increased risk of AUD. Researchers want to find out how different forms of the ZIP8 gene affect how healthy people drink alcohol and how alcohol affects their brain. Objective: To study how genes may affect how people drink alcohol and how it affects their brain. Eligibility: Healthy people aged 21 to 60 years. They must not smoke, and they must have no history of AUD. They must have European ancestry and be enrolled in Natural History Protocol (14-AA-0181). Design: Participants will have 2 study visits. At the first visit, participants will be given alcohol; it will be infused through a tube attached to a needle inserted into a vein. They may self-administer each dose by pressing a button. Over time, they will have to press the button an increasing number of times to receive more alcohol. The infusion period will last 2.5 hours. Participants will have blood samples taken and breath measurments, and they will do computer tasks and complete questionnaires during and after the infusion. After the infusion, they will remain in the clinic until their breath alcohol levels drop to a safe level. At the second visit, participants will have an imaging scan of their brain. They will do tasks and play games on a computer screen during the scan. Some participants may have an extra visit for screening. A mid-study visit may also be needed if more than 6 months pass between the 2 study visits....
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Role of Metal Ion Transporter ZIP8 in Alcohol-Related Behaviors
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Male and female participants between 21-60 years of age
- Non-smokers with no smoking in the past year and no daily smoking for over 1 month in lifetime
- Self-reported White racial category indicating European ancestry
- Persons of childbearing potential must use adequate birth control methods during the study
- Ability to understand and willing to sign the written consent form
You will not qualify if you...
- Major medical illnesses or positive hepatitis or HIV tests in the past 12 months
- Current psychiatric disorders including depression, bipolar, or anxiety
- Lifetime history of psychotic, obsessive compulsive, posttraumatic stress, or eating disorders
- Current or lifetime diagnosis of moderate to severe alcohol or substance use disorder
- Seeking treatment for alcohol use disorders
- Non-drinkers or no history of drinking 5 or more drinks on one occasion
- History of alcohol-induced flushing reactions
- Positive urine drug screen or breathalyzer during screening
- Significant withdrawal symptoms or scores above 8 on withdrawal assessment
- Use of medications that interact with alcohol or affect metabolism/hemodynamics
- Left-handedness or contraindications for MRI
- Fear of enclosed spaces or inability to lie still for MRI up to 2 hours
- Pregnant or breastfeeding persons of childbearing potential
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
Bethesda, Maryland, United States, 20892
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
V
Vijay A Ramchandani, Ph.D.
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
1
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