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NCT07567794 · Duke University

GBPDC: Gut-Brain in PD Consortium Master Protocol

(GBPDC)

What this study is about

The purpose of this research study is to identify the role that the gut-brain axis, the group of nerves that connect the brain and gut, plays in Parkinson's disease (PD). The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases is sponsoring this research study.

View original scientific description

The purpose of this research study is to identify the role that the gut-brain axis, the group of nerves that connect the brain and gut, plays in Parkinson's disease (PD). The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases is sponsoring this research study. During this study, specific groups of participants, also known as "cohorts", will be identified based on the severity of their PD. There will also be a cohort enrolling participants who do not have Parkinson's and a cohort enrolling participants that are at risk for developing PD. Each of these cohorts will be compared to the others to assess the differences in the gut-brain connection. Participants in this study will: * meet with a medical provider * answer questionnaires * give samples of blood, stool, and saliva * have X-rays taken while swallowing different foods (swallowing study) * have X-rays taken to see how long it takes markers to move through their colon (colon transit study) * have a flexible sigmoidoscopy, where a doctor looks inside the lower part of the colon and takes small tissue samples (biopsies) from the mucosa (lining) * have samples taken of their skin * have an anorectal manometry and a balloon expulsion test, where a small tube and balloon are placed in the rectum to measure muscle function. Participation in the study will last up to 24 months (2 years).

Primary outcome measures

GI influences on PD

Time frame: enrollment to end of observation at 24 months

Trait and State cross-sectional evaluation of GI influences on PD

Co-associations components of the GBA

Time frame: enrollment to end of observation at 24 months

Cross-sectional co-associations components of the GBA

Who can participate

This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.

Inclusion criteria

  • (All PD Cohorts)
  • Aged ≥21 years old and ≤80 years old
  • Clinical diagnosis of PD as defined by Movement Disorder Society (MDS) PD Criteria
  • Adequate visual, hearing, cognitive, and physical ability
  • Willingness and ability to comply with scheduled visits, laboratory tests, and other study procedures. Because longitudinal participation is important to the scientific goals of the program, a "best estimate" of interest, commitment, and geographic feasibility for three years will be documented by the enrolling investigator after interview with the potential enrollee Inclusion Criteria Controls
  • Aged ≥21 years old and ≤80 years old
  • No known or diagnosed neurodegenerative disease
  • Willingness and ability to comply with scheduled visits, laboratory tests, and other study procedures
  • Resides within the same household as person with PD Inclusion Criteria Prodromal Cohort
  • Aged ≥21 years old and ≤80 years old
  • Prodromal characteristics are defined by the MDS Research Criteria for PD and include either polysomnography (PSG)-confirmed rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) or possible RBD (questionnaire-based), with hyposmia as defined by the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) ≤ 15th percentile.

Exclusion criteria

  • (All Cohorts)
  • Diagnosis of secondary or atypical parkinsonism
  • Laboratory Values:
  • Hemoglobin (Hgb) \<10
  • Platelets \<70,000
  • Alanine Transaminase (ALT) or Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) \> 2 1/2 times upper limit of normal (ULN)
  • Moderate or severe renal disease with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) \<60 mL/min/BSA \[body surface area\]) calculated using the Chronic Kidney Disease-Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation, or moderate or severe hepatic impairment (alkaline phosphatase \[ALP\] \>2.0 times the ULN and/or total bilirubin \>2.0 times the ULN)
  • Significantly above the normal range for PT/INR/PTT
  • Currently taking anticoagulants that are deemed exclusionary by the investigator for risk of bleeding with sigmoidoscopy procedure
  • Clinically significant cognitive impairment with a Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) score \<22
  • Clinical or laboratory findings consistent with another primary neurodegenerative disease or cognitive disorder other than PD, including but not limited to, frontotemporal lobar disease, Huntington's disease, progressive supranuclear palsy, multisystem atrophy, Creutzfeld-Jakob- Disease, Down's syndrome, cortico-basal degeneration, dementia with Lewy Bodies, Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, seizure disorder, stroke, or other infectious, metabolic, or systemic disease affecting the central nervous system including, but not limited to, syphilis, present hypothyroidism, present or unaddressed/treated vitamin B12 deficiency, or other screening laboratory abnormalities
  • Suicidality, defined as active suicidal thoughts or ideation within 6 months before Screening or at Baseline, defined as answering yes to items 4 or 5 on the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), or history of suicide attempt in previous 2 years, or, in the Investigator's opinion, at serious risk of suicide
  • Has cancer or has had a malignant tumor within the past 5 years. (Participants with stable untreated prostate cancer or treated/removed cutaneous carcinomas are not excluded.)
  • Any medical condition or systemic disease that, in the Investigator's opinion, may either put the participant at risk because of participation in the study, influence the results or proposed analyses, or impair the participant's ability to fully participate in the study
  • Body mass index (BMI) \>35 kg/m2 or body weight \<50 kg
  • Participant is currently pregnant, breastfeeding, and/or lactating
  • History of alcohol or substance abuse or dependence within the past 2 years (DSM IV criteria)
  • History of Covid 19 (SARS-CoV-2) infection within 6 weeks prior to screening.
  • Participants with unresolved symptoms of Covid 19 infection or ongoing cognitive or other deficits attributable to post-Covid 19 that may affect participant safety or interfere with cognitive assessments based on the Investigator's clinical judgment
  • Either ongoing or current participation in another clinical trial with an investigational agent and have taken at least one dose of study medication, unless unblinded on placebo, within 4 weeks prior to the start of screening, or five half-lives of the investigational drug, whichever is greater. The end of a previous investigational trial is the date the last dose of an investigational agent was taken. Participation in other research studies (e.g., observational studies) may be acceptable throughout this study.
  • History of GI surgery. (However, patients with appendicectomy, hemorrhoid surgery, and cholecystectomy will be eligible to participate).
  • Regular use of medication that impacts the intestinal barrier (e.g., NSAID more than 3 times weekly)
  • Has a history of Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and/or other types of colitis (microscopic, lymphocytic, or collagenous colitis). Confirmed diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and/or, active or uncontrolled IBD symptoms such as diarrhea, bleeding, or severe stomach pain. Treatment for IBD in the past 6 months with medicines such as steroids, biologics, or strong immune-suppressing drugs. Surgery to remove part of the bowel due to IBD. Other long-term gut diseases that cause inflammation, such as celiac disease.

Where

  • Stanford, California
  • Chicago, Illinois
  • Boston, Massachusetts
  • Rochester, Minnesota
  • New York, New York
  • Charleston, South Carolina

Collaborators

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), University of Chicago, Rush University Medical Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Stanford University, Medical University of South Carolina, Columbia University, Mayo Clinic

Related conditions & keywords

Parkinson Disease (PD)PARKINSON DISEASE (Disorder)Gut MicrobiomeGut MicrobiotaProdromal Parkinsons Diseasegut brainParkinson's diseaseProdromal Parkinson's diseasehealthy control

Frequently asked questions

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.

Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.

Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.

Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?

When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.

Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.

How long does a clinical trial last?

Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.

Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 31, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations

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Study locations

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Stanford

California

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Chicago

Illinois

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Chicago

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Boston

Massachusetts

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Rochester

Minnesota

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New York

New York

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Charleston

South Carolina

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Express your interest

Share your contact details and a study coordinator can follow up about screening.

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Your information is protected and will only be shared with the research team.

What participation can include

  • Study-related care provided by the research team
  • Close monitoring by medical professionals
  • Possible compensation for time and travel*
  • The option to withdraw at any time
  • Contributing to medical research that may help future patients

*Compensation varies by study. Confirm details with coordinator.

Typical next steps

  1. 1.Submit this form
  2. 2.Phone screening
  3. 3.In-person assessment if eligible
  4. 4.Begin participation

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Parkinson Disease (PD) Treatment Options in Stanford, California

If you're searching for Parkinson Disease (PD) treatment in Stanford, participating in a clinical research study may provide access to innovative approaches under expert medical supervision. This study is actively recruiting participants in Stanford, Chicago, Boston and surrounding areas.

Clinical trials offer participants the opportunity to receive cutting-edge treatments while contributing to medical research that may help future patients with Parkinson Disease (PD). All study-related care is provided at no cost to participants.

Local Sites
3 locations in California
Now Enrolling
Up to 250 participants
Quick Start
Screening available now

Why Consider a Clinical Trial for Parkinson Disease (PD)?

Potential Benefits

  • Access to new treatment approaches before public availability
  • Close monitoring by experienced medical professionals
  • Study-related care provided at no cost
  • Contribute to medical research for Parkinson Disease (PD)

What to Expect

  • Initial screening to determine eligibility
  • Regular check-ups and monitoring visits
  • Possible compensation for time and travel
  • You can withdraw at any time

Frequently Asked Questions About This Parkinson Disease (PD) Study

Important Clinical Trial Information

This information is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical trial participation involves potential risks and benefits. Eligibility requirements apply and will be assessed during the screening process.

Study identifier: NCT07567794. For complete study details, visit ClinicalTrials.gov. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making decisions about your medical care or participating in clinical research.