scholarly journals A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial of DL-3-n-butylphthalide in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients

Author(s):  
Mingsheng Liu ◽  
Xiaoli Yao ◽  
Xusheng Huang ◽  
Huifang Shang ◽  
Dongsheng Fan ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: To determine the efficacy and safety of DL-3-n-butylphthalide (NBP) for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed at 19 ALS clinical centers of the Chinese ALS Association. Patients with definite or probable ALS were randomly treated with NBP or placebo for 12 months. The Revised Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R) score was the primary endpoint and was evaluated every 3 months. Secondary endpoints included survival and tracheotomy incidence, total Medical Research Council (MRC) score, percentage of predicted forced vital capacity (FVC), and clinical global impression scale score assessed using the visual analog scale. Results: Between November 23, 2015 and November 22, 2017, 312 ALS patients were enrolled and randomly allocated to either the NBP group (156 patients) or placebo group (156 patients). Ninety-three patients in the NBP group and 92 patients in the placebo group were included in the primary end point analysis. There was no significant difference in the ALSFRS-R score, total MRC score, or clinical global impression between the two groups after treatment. The NBP group exhibited a mild trend of less decrease in the percentage of predicted FVC between baseline and the 12-month visit than the placebo group (least-squares mean change from baseline ± standard error: -7.34±4.28, 95%CI(-15.24,0.56), p=0.0335). Adverse events were reported in 56.5% of patients in the placebo group and 68.8% of patients in the NBP group (χ2=2.99, P=0.0838). No serious adverse event related to treatment occurred.Conclusion: we found no evidence that NBP improved the ALSFRS-R score in patients with ALS. The results suggest a mild trend in the percentage of predicted FVC decreased slowly in the NBP treatment group than in the placebo group.Trial registration: A Multi-center, Randomized, Double Blinding, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial of Dl-3-Butylphthalide in the Treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, ChiCTR-IPR-15007365, Registered 1 November 2015, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=12354

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soraya Mehrabi ◽  
Mohsen Sedighi ◽  
Bahram Haghi Ashtiani ◽  
Motahareh Afrakhteh ◽  
Elahe Shahriari ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease characterized by the terminal degenerative disease of the motor units. This clinical trial was aimed to investigate the modulatory effect of bumetanide on physiological symptoms of ALS patients.Methods: This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in which ALS patients were randomized 1:1 to receive bumetanide (2 mg daily) or matching placebo group for up to 4 months. Motor Unit Number Index (MUNIX), motor unit size index (MUSIX), and ALS Functional Rating Scale, revised (ALSFRS-R) was assessed before and after treatment as following bumetanide treatment.Results: 18 patients were allocated to bumetanide and 18 to the placebo group. In final analysis, 16 patients in bumetanide and 15 patients in the placebo group completed the trial. Patients in the placebo group showed a significant decrease in MUNIX value for all examined muscles after treatment, while MUNIX value for trapezius in bumetanide group increased significantly (p˂0.05). MUZIX value for tibialis anterior and trapezius (p˂0.05) improved significantly after bumetanide administration, whereas trapezius (p˂0.05) and abductor pollicis brevis (p˂0.01) in the placebo group showed a significantly decreased value. ALSFRS-R score decreased significantly in the placebo group after treatment (p˂0.001), but ALSFRS-R in bumetanide group improved significantly (p˂0.05). Three adverse effects (polyuria, vertigo, orthostatic hypotension) in bumetanide group were judged to be related to bumetanide.Conclusion: Bumetanide treatment might be effective in modulation of ALS symptoms possibly due to the hyperpolarization of GABA actions and mitigation of cortical hyperexcitability.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 2238
Author(s):  
Xiaomei Zhang ◽  
Shanbin Chen ◽  
Ming Zhang ◽  
Fazheng Ren ◽  
Yimei Ren ◽  
...  

Probiotics have been shown to benefit patients with constipation and depression, but whether they specifically alleviate constipation in patients with depression remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei strain Shirota (LcS), formerly Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota, on constipation in patients with depression with specific etiology and gut microbiota and on depressive regimens. Eighty-two patients with constipation were recruited. The subjects consumed 100 mL of a LcS beverage (108 CFU/mL) or placebo every day for 9 weeks. After ingesting beverages for this period, we observed no significant differences in the total patient constipation-symptom (PAC-SYM) scores in the LcS group when compared with the placebo group. However, symptoms/scores in item 7 (rectal tearing or bleeding after a bowel movement) and items 8–12 (stool symptom subscale) were more alleviated in the LcS group than in the placebo group. The Beck Depression Index (BDI) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) scores were all significantly decreased, and the degree of depression was significantly improved in both the placebo and LcS groups (p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between the groups. The LcS intervention increased the beneficial Adlercreutzia, Megasphaera and Veillonella levels and decreased the bacterial levels related to mental illness, such as Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Sutterella and Oscillibacter. Additionally, the interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were significantly decreased in both the placebo and LcS groups (p < 0.05). In particular, the IL-6 levels were significantly lower in the LcS group than the placebo group after the ingestion period (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the daily consumption of LcS for 9 weeks appeared to relieve constipation and improve the potentially depressive symptoms in patients with depression and significantly decrease the IL-6 levels. In addition, the LcS supplementation also appeared to regulate the intestinal microbiota related to mental illness.


2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 1083-1091 ◽  
Author(s):  
Merit E Cudkowicz ◽  
Sarah Titus ◽  
Marianne Kearney ◽  
Hong Yu ◽  
Alexander Sherman ◽  
...  

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. e028486 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Mandrioli ◽  
Valeria Crippa ◽  
Cristina Cereda ◽  
Valentina Bonetto ◽  
Elisabetta Zucchi ◽  
...  

IntroductionDisruptions of proteasome and autophagy systems are central events in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and support the urgent need to find therapeutic compounds targeting these processes. The heat shock protein B8 (HSPB8) recognises and promotes the autophagy-mediated removal of misfolded mutant SOD1 and TDP-43 fragments from ALS motor neurons (MNs), as well as aggregating species of dipeptides produced in C9ORF72-related diseases. In ALS-SOD1 mice and in human ALS autopsy specimens, HSPB8 is highly expressed in spinal cord MNs that survive at the end stage of disease. Moreover, the HSPB8–BAG3–HSP70 complex maintains granulostasis, which avoids conversion of dynamic stress granules (SGs) into aggregation-prone assemblies. We will perform a randomised clinical trial (RCT) with colchicine, which enhances the expression of HSPB8 and of several autophagy players, blocking TDP-43 accumulation and exerting crucial activities for MNs function.Methods and analysisColchicine in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Co-ALS) is a double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre, phase II RCT. ALS patients will be enrolled in three groups (placebo, colchicine 0.01 mg/day and colchicine 0.005 mg/day) of 18 subjects treated with riluzole; treatment will last 30 weeks, and follow-up will last 24 weeks. The primary aim is to assess whether colchicine decreases disease progression as measured by ALS Functional Rating Scale - Revised (ALSFRS-R) at baseline and at treatment end. Secondary aims include assessment of (1) safety and tolerability of Colchicine in patiets with ALS; (2) changes in cellular activity (autophagy, protein aggregation, and SG and exosome secretion) and in biomarkers of disease progression (neurofilaments); (3) survival and respiratory function and (4) quality of life. Preclinical studies with a full assessment of autophagy and neuroinflammation biomarkers in fibroblasts, peripheral blood mononuclear cells and lymphoblasts will be conducted in parallel with clinic assessment to optimise time and resources.Ethics and disseminationThe study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Area Vasta Emilia Nord and by Agenzia Italiana del Farmaco (EUDRACT N.2017-004459-21) based on the Declaration of Helsinki. This research protocol was written without patient involvement. Patients’ association will be involved in disseminating the study design and results. Results will be presented during scientific symposia or published in scientific journals.Trial registration numberEUDRACT 2017-004459-21;NCT03693781; Pre-results.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. e37885 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luc Dupuis ◽  
Reinhard Dengler ◽  
Michael T. Heneka ◽  
Thomas Meyer ◽  
Stephan Zierz ◽  
...  

Neurology ◽  
1986 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 141-141 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. T. Caroscio ◽  
J. A. Cohen ◽  
J. Zawodniak ◽  
V. Takai ◽  
A. Shapiro ◽  
...  

2018 ◽  
Vol 52 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Roland Dominic G. Jamora ◽  
Rosalia A. Teleg ◽  
Cynthia P. Cordero ◽  
Rodelyn F. Villareal-Jordan ◽  
Lillian V. Lee ◽  
...  

Objective. X-linked dystonia parkinsonism (XDP) is an adult-onset, progressive and debilitating movement disorder described among Filipino males from Panay Island. The available oral medications have been ineffective. While chemodenervation with botulinum toxin A works and deep brain stimulation surgery is promising, these are not affordable for the vast majority of patients. Thus, we decided to look into the efficacy, safety and tolerability of levodopa+carbidopa (levodopa) versus placebo among patients with XDP. Methods. This was a double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Patients were randomized to receive levodopa or placebo for 6 months. The dose was increased gradually until 1000 mg levodopa/day is reached or until side effects appear. Results. A total of 86 out of 94 randomized patients (91.5%) were included in the intention-to-treat cohort for the primary efficacy analysis. Nineteen patients (9 in levodopa, 10 in placebo) dropped out or were lost to follow up. There was no significant difference in the baseline and last visit Burke Fahn Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale and the part III of the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale scores between levodopa and placebo. The most common adverse events in the levodopa group were increased movements, pain and nausea/ vomiting. Conclusion. While levodopa is safe and well-tolerated, it does not have any effect in alleviating the dystonia or parkinsonism in XDP


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederico Mennucci de Haidar Jorge ◽  
Angela Genge ◽  
Ammar Al- Chalabi ◽  
Orla Hardiman ◽  
Alice Shen ◽  
...  

Introduction: Inflammation underlies the pathogenesis of numerous neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In ALS, the complement system has been implicated in the neuropathology of disease and disease progression. Pegcetacoplan, a subcutaneously administered C3 complement inhibitor, is being investigated in hematology, nephrology, and neurology. The current clinical study (NCT04579666) is investigating whether pegcetacoplan can improve survival and function in people diagnosed with apparent sporadic ALS. Objectives and Methodology: Evaluate the efficacy and safety of pegcetacoplan compared to placebo among people diagnosed with ALS in a global, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2 study. Approximately 228 patients diagnosed with apparent sporadic ALS, ≥18 years of age and with an ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) score ≥30, slow vital capacity (SVC) ≥60% of the predicted value at screening, and with symptom onset within 72 weeks before screening, are eligible for enrollment. After screening, patients will be randomized 2:1 to treatment groups receiving either subcutaneous pegcetacoplan (1080 mg) or placebo twice weekly for a duration of 52 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint is the difference in the Combined Assessment of Function and Survival (CAFS) ranked score at 52 weeks after treatment initiation. Additional, secondary functional efficacy (ALSFRS-R, percent SVC, muscle strength, quality of life, and caregiver burden) and safety endpoints will be analyzed at 52 weeks. After the placebo-controlled period, all patients will have the option to receive pegcetacoplan in an open-label period for an additional 52 weeks. Results: This ongoing study is currently enrolling participants. Conclusions: Results of this study will determine the role of complement and C3 inhibition in patients with ALS.


Author(s):  
Maryam Mohajeranirad ◽  
Naser Saeidi ◽  
Mohammad Kamali Nejad ◽  
Amir Almasi-Hashiani ◽  
Mehdi Salehi ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives Anorexia, fatigue and pruritus are common complications of hemodialysis (HD) patients. Today, the use of medicinal plants is more than synthetic drugs due to their safety. Therefore, we designed a randomized controlled clinical trial to evaluate the effects of Helichrysum psudoplicatum (H. psudoplicatum) supplementation on biochemical parameters, pruritus intensity, fatigue, quality of life and anorexia in HD patients. Methods This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed on 50 subjects with, aged 55–65 years old. HD patients were randomly divided into two groups. Intervention group received 250 mg/day of H. psudoplicatum supplement capsule for 6 weeks (n=25), and the placebo group was given placebo capsule for the same time duration and dosage (n=25). The serum concentrations of urea, creatinine, albumin and hemoglobin were measured enzymatically methods. Anorexia, pruritus intensity, quality of life the dialysis patients with pruritus and fatigue score was measured using a Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire (SNAQ), Numerical rating scale (NRS), Fatigue severity scale (FSS) and ItchyQoL questionnaire, respectively. Shapiro–Wilk and independent-samples t-test or Mann–Whitney test were used for the analysis of the data. Results The results showed that the H. psudoplicatum supplementation significantly improved the pruritus intensity, quality of life the dialysis patients with pruritus and fatigue in HD patients, for 6 weeks (p<0.001). However, it did not significantly effect on the anorexia, albumin, hemoglobin, urea, creatinine, arm circumference, and body mass index (p>0.05). Conclusions According to the results of this study, H. psudoplicatum supplementation can be effective as an adjunct therapy to improve pruritus intensity, quality of life, fatigue and relative improvement of anorexia in HD patients.


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