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Studying the ZIP8 Gene and Alcohol's Effects

This study aims to understand how a specific gene, ZIP8, might influence how people drink alcohol and how alcohol affects their brain. Researchers are giving healthy volunteers intravenous (IV) ethanol (alcohol) to observe their drinking behaviors. They want to see if different versions of the ZIP8 gene are linked to how much alcohol people choose to drink and how their brains respond. The main goal is to measure how much alcohol participants self-administer and their peak breath alcohol concentration. This study is looking for 50 healthy adults between 21 and 60 years old who do not smoke and have European ancestry.

Study design
This interventional study plans to enroll 50 participants. Participants will be divided into two groups based on their ZIP8 gene type.
What's involved
Participants will have two study visits. They will receive IV ethanol and undergo functional MRI scans to look at brain activity.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
The primary endpoints, including alcohol self-administration measures, will be assessed at 2 years.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT06819189

Role of Metal Ion Transporter ZIP8 in Alcohol-Related Behaviors

Recruiting
PHASE1Ages 21–60InterventionalBasic science
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
~50 participants
Updated 2026-08-28 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Ethanol

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Primary Endpoints: IV alcohol self-administration measures - Peak breath alcohol concentration (BrAC), number of alcohol infusions received.
Measured over 2 YEARS

Conditions

Healthy Volunteer

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Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
Maryland1

Study leadership

  • Vijay A Ramchandani, Ph.D. · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)

Who to contact

Vijay A Ramchandani, Ph.D.
[email protected]
(301) 402-8527
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Exclusion

Use of prescription or OTC medication known to interact with alcohol 2 weeks prior to screening or screening update visit. These include but may not be limited to: isosorbide; nitroglycerine; benzodiazepines; warfarin; anti-depressants such as amitriptyline, clomipramine and nefazodone; anti-diabetes medications such as glyburide, metformin and tolbutamide; H2-antagonists for heartburn such as famotidine, cimetidine and ranitidine; muscle relaxants; anti-epileptics including phenytoin and phenobarbital; codeine and opioid analgesics including Darvocet, Percocet and hydrocodone.
Regular (more than once a week) or prescribed use of antihistamines, pain medicines, and anti-inflammatories such as aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, celecoxib, and naproxen, and unable to refrain from these medications for 48 hours prior to study visits.NOTE: Seasonal use of antihistamines is not-exclusionary unless participants are unable to refrain from these medications for
Use of medications known to inhibit or induce enzymes that metabolize alcohol for 4 weeks prior to screening or screening update visit. These include chlorzoxazone, isoniazid, metronidazole, and disulfiram.
Use of drugs known to affect hemodynamic response 2 weeks prior to screening or screening update visit. These include antihypertensives, insulin, and thyroid medications.
Left-handedness (Edinburgh Handedness Scale). Justification: To avoid lateralized effects on brain function measures and reduce potential variance in MRI signals.
Presence of ferromagnetic objects in the body that are contraindicated for MRI of the head (including but not limited to pacemakers or other implanted electrical devices, brain stimulators, some types of dental implants, aneurysm clips, metallic prostheses, permanent eyeliner, implanted delivery pump, or shrapnel fragments).
Fear of enclosed spaces. Justification: To minimize risk and discomfort.
Inability to lie comfortably on back for up to 2 hours in the MRI scanner. Justification: To minimize risk and discomfort.
Pregnant \[Based on: urine beta-hCG test at screening\]. Persons of childbearing potential must also test negative on urine beta-hCG test at the start of every study visit.
Breast-feeding \[Based on: Medical history and physical exam\].

What this trial measures

  • Primary Endpoints: IV alcohol self-administration measures - Peak breath alcohol concentration (BrAC), number of alcohol infusions received.2 YEARS

    The Peak BrAC and number of infusions are direct measures of alcohol exposure and amount consumed during the laboratory session.