Repeated-Dose Oral N-acetylcysteine for the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease
Repeated-Dose Oral N-acetylcysteine for the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease
The investigators are interested in evaluating the use of oral N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as
 therapy for Parkinson's Disease (PD) and measuring changes in brain and blood chemistry.
The investigators are interested in evaluating the use of oral N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as
 therapy for Parkinson's Disease (PD) and measuring changes in brain and blood chemistry. The
 investigators' hypothesis is that repeated oral dosing of NAC will result in increased brain
 and red blood cell GSH concentrations in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) and
 healthy controls. The specific aims are to 1.) measure plasma and blood (red blood cell)
 glutathione (GSH) and ratio of reduced GSH to oxidized glutathione (GSSG) in individuals with
 PD and healthy controls at baseline and after four weeks of repeated high doses of oral NAC
 (6000 mg/day) and 2) measure cortical GSH levels (as ascertained through MRS) in those with
 PD and healthy controls at baseline and four weeks during repeated high doses of oral NAC
 (6000 mg/day) simultaneously with Aim 1. This study will combine information from a medical
 history, a physical examination, and disease rating scales with results obtained using
 Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) brain scans and pharmacokinetic studies from blood
 samples. This research will require 2 visits, one at baseline and one after approximately 28
 days of therapy. Participants will provide their medical history during the first visit, and
 undergo a physical examination and rating scale each visit (duration: 1 hour). The first
 visit including the brain scans and blood collection will require approximately 3 hours of
 time. The brain scan and pharmacokinetic studies for the second visit will require
 approximately 8 hours of time. In total the second visit will take roughly 9 hours.
Inclusion Criteria:

 1. All participants must be 18 years or older

 2. All enrollees must understand and cooperate with requirements of the study in the
 opinion of the investigators and must be able to provide written informed consent

 3. Individuals with medically stable Parkinson's disease (in the opinion of the
 investigator)

 4. All participants must not have taken antioxidants NAC, glutathione, coenzyme Q-10,
 vitamin C, or vitamin E for 3 weeks prior to the study

 5. Absence of dementia in all subjects

 Exclusion Criteria:

 1. Inability to undergo MRI scanning without sedation and other MRI counterindications,
 such as metal in the body (see section 7.3)

 2. Medically unstable conditions as determined by the investigators

 3. Pregnant or lactating or those women of child-bearing age that are not using
 acceptable forms of contraception

 4. Diagnosis of asthma that is presently being treated with any medication, or past
 history of asthma/bronchospasm resulting in an emergency room visit, hospitalization
 or treatment

 5. Unable to adhere to study protocol for whatever reason