Astronaut Vision Issues in a Ground Analog Population: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (NCT02896452)
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
The investigators have documented a genetic predisposition for some astronauts to develop ophthalmologic issues (e.g., choroidal folds, cotton wool spots, optic disc edema). Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have several characteristics similar to those described in astronauts, including: higher homocysteine concentrations, increased incidence of intracranial hypertension, increased retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, increased incidence of white matter hyperintensities on MRI, increased androgen concentrations (or androgen responses to space flight), and indices of altered carbohydrate metabolism. Women with PCOS have not been evaluated in detail regarding the occurrence of other anomalies observed in astronauts including choroidal folds, optic disc edema and cotton wool spots as well as changes in cycloplegic refraction, and optic nerve sheath diameter. While researchers have evaluated one-carbon metabolism pathway polymorphisms re: PCOS, and initial studies show an association with certain one-carbon polymorphisms, none have looked at the complete set of SNPs proposed here. This study will evaluate women with PCOS and/or idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) to assess one-carbon biochemistry and genetics and their possible correlation with ophthalmologic findings. The investigators aim to clarify the relationship of one carbon metabolism and ophthalmic findings in astronauts and patients with PCOS and/or IIH.
Who can join: To join this study, participants generally need to meet the listed inclusion criteria (3 items) and avoid the listed exclusions (6 items).
Location: Mayo Clinic — Rochester, Minnesota
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistCheck every box below. If you can check all of them, you may meet the study's basic screening requirements (final eligibility is confirmed by the site team).
Usually NOT eligible if any of the following apply:
- Exclusion Criteria:
- Clinical diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome
- Untreated hypo/hyperthyroidism, elevated prolactin, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, renal insufficiency or diabetes.
- Currently taking medications that can affect androgen concentrations or insulin sensitivity.
- Pregnant, breast-feeding, taking oral contraceptives or currently smoking.
- Taking medications that affect folate or B12 metabolism, such as methotrexate, trimethoprim, triamterene, phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine, gabapentin, or primidone or topiramate.
🔍 Extracted verbatim from the official NIH eligibility criteria. Always confirm with the study coordinator.
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)
- Mayo Clinic — Rochester, Minnesota
💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights
- 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
- Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
- Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.