Researchers To Test High-Dose Vitamin C In CMT1A

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Researchers To Test High-Dose Vitamin C In CMT1A

http://www.mda.org/research/070725cmt1a-vitamin-c.html

The MDA-supported multicenter trial of high-dose ascorbic acid

(vitamin C) in the type 1A form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT)

disease, initiated by A. , associate chairman of the

Department of Neurology at Wayne State University in Detroit, has

begun patient enrollment. The study is being conducted at three

sites: Wayne State University in Detroit; the University of

Rochester (N.Y.) Medical Center; and s Hopkins University in

Baltimore.

Type 1A CMT is a disorder of nerve fibers that affects sensation and

movement, particularly in the forearms, hands, lower legs and feet,

and it results from a partial duplication of chromosome 17. This

partial duplication causes overproduction of a protein called PMP22.

Studies in mice have shown that high doses of ascorbic acid in mice

with CMT1A can lead to partial recovery of strength and reduction of

activity of the PMP22 gene.

Commenting on findings announced at the American Academy of

Neurology meeting in May that suggested high-dose ascorbic acid

might not be helpful in CMT, said, " It is impossible to

discern anything about the effectiveness of high dose vitamin C from

this small study of 12 people for one year. Research done by

ourselves and others demonstrates that disease progression in CMT1A

is so slow that it would take at least 100 patients followed for two

years in a carefully designed study to determine potential benefits

from vitamin C or any other agent.

" We are excited that our study to determine efficacy has now

started. "

For more information, contact Rowe at (313) 577-1689 or

lrowe@..., or see High-Dose Ascorbic Acid Treatment of

CMT1A.