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Browse EPPT > NWU2014-03-01
Phase I Trial of Berberine in Subjects with Ulcerative Colitis

Schema

The Schema is a timeline of the study. It indicates start/end points, visits expected, major testing to be done, and any other information that is crucial to understanding how the study was completed.

  • Visit 1 (Baseline)

    • Study registration, consent, and eligibility
    • Physical examination/vitals
    • Colorectal biopsy tissue collection from normal and inflammatory loci
    • Blood sample collection
  • Randomization 3:1

    • Berberine 300mg
      Three Times Daily
      (12)
    • or

    • Placebo
      Three Times Daily
      (4)
  • Visit 2 (1 Month) and Visit 3 (2 Months):

    • Physical examination/vitals
    • Adverse events reported
    • Agent compliance checked
  • Visit 4 (3 Months):

    • Physical examination/vitals
    • Adverse events reported
    • Agent compliance checked
    • Colorectal biopsy tissue collection from normal and inflammatory loci
    • Blood sample collection
  • Visit 5 (4 Months):

    • Physical examination/vitals
    • Adverse events reported

Main Study Points

Patients that are eligible for the study must be 18-70 years old with ulcerative colitis in clinical remission while receiving maintenance therapy with Mesalamine (Ulcerative colitis disease activity index (UCDAI) ≤ 1 for ≥ 3 months).At the baseline visit, colorectal biopsy tissue collection from normal and inflammatory loci and a blood sample collection are taken.Participants are then randomized at a 3:1 ratio, taking either 300mg of Berberine three times daily (the 3 in 3:1) or a placebo three times daily (the 1 in 3:1).Patients then take their treatment for three months. During this time, they are monitored for any adverse events. A related grade 1 adverse event requires no change. A related grade 2 adverse event requires the patient to decrease each dose by 100mg until the adverse event is resolved. If they can tolerate 300mg or more per day, they continue the study. Otherwise, they are removed from the study. A related grade 3 or 4 adverse event causes the patient to be removed from the study immediately.After treatment for three months, the study is completed. Study endpoints are then assessed. Colorectal biopsy tissue is collected from normal and inflammatory loci to access inflammation and anti-cancer markers (TNFα, COX-2, and NF-κB, Ki67, activated caspase-3 and DNA methylation on SFRP1, TCERGIL FBN2, TFP12). A blood sample is also collected to be analyzed for markers of inflammation (CRP, ESR, and inflammation-related cytokines by ELISA), blood count and blood chemistry to evaluate organ function, and Berberine levels in the blood (by HPLC/MS).