Sputum Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMP) mRNA and Montelukast

Overview[ - collapse ][ - ]

Purpose Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a group of 24 zinc containing enzymes in man. These enzymes were originally described as cleaving extracellular matrix (ECM) substrates with a predominant role in ECM homeostasis, but it is now clear that they have much wider functionality. An imbalance between MMP activity and that of their inhibitors (tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases, TIMPs) is considered to play a critical role in the synthesis or degradation of the extracellular matrix of the airway architecture which results in fixed airflow obstruction in both asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Using quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) the investigators have identified a difference between the level of steady state mRNA for MMP-9, MMP-14 and MMP-2 in 2 patients with asthma compared to 4 healthy controls using our method. However the investigators require further refinement of the process in order to optimise RNA quality and to evaluate the effect of montelukast across the entire family of MMPs and their inhibitors (TIMPs).
ConditionAsthma
InterventionDrug: montelukast
PhasePhase 2
SponsorUniversity of East Anglia
Responsible PartyUniversity of East Anglia
ClinicalTrials.gov IdentifierNCT00947453
First ReceivedJuly 24, 2009
Last UpdatedAugust 22, 2012
Last verifiedAugust 2012

Tracking Information[ + expand ][ + ]

First Received DateJuly 24, 2009
Last Updated DateAugust 22, 2012
Start DateJuly 2009
Estimated Primary Completion DateDecember 2011
Current Primary Outcome MeasuresPrimary endpoint is the MMP and TIMP mRNA profile relative to a housekeeping gene [Time Frame: 8 weeks] [Designated as safety issue: No]
Current Secondary Outcome Measures
  • The difference between treatment with montelukast for 8 weeks and placebo for mRNA for MMP and TIMP [Time Frame: 8 weeks] [Designated as safety issue: No]
  • The difference between treatment with montelukast for 8 weeks and placebo for Spirometry - FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC ratio [Time Frame: 8 weeks] [Designated as safety issue: No]
  • The difference between treatment with montelukast for 8 weeks and placebo for Induced sputum differential cell count [Time Frame: 8 weeks] [Designated as safety issue: No]

Descriptive Information[ + expand ][ + ]

Brief TitleSputum Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMP) mRNA and Montelukast
Official TitleThe Effect of Montelukast Therapy on mRNA Profile of Matrix Metalloproteinases and Their Inhibitors in the Sputum of Patients With Asthma
Brief Summary
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a group of 24 zinc containing enzymes in man. These
enzymes were originally described as cleaving extracellular matrix (ECM) substrates with a
predominant role in ECM homeostasis, but it is now clear that they have much wider
functionality. An imbalance between MMP activity and that of their inhibitors (tissue
inhibitors of metalloproteinases, TIMPs) is considered to play a critical role in the
synthesis or degradation of the extracellular matrix of the airway architecture which
results in fixed airflow obstruction in both asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD). Using quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) the
investigators have identified a difference between the level of steady state mRNA for MMP-9,
MMP-14 and MMP-2 in 2 patients with asthma compared to 4 healthy controls using our method.
However the investigators require further refinement of the process in order to optimise RNA
quality and to evaluate the effect of montelukast across the entire family of MMPs and their
inhibitors (TIMPs).
Detailed Description
The following measurements will be performed at screening:

- Informed consent

- Clinical examination

- Spirometry

- Induced sputum

The following will be performed after 8 weeks of study medication:

- Clinical examination

- Spirometry

- Induced sputum

- Diary Card

Spirometry:

This will be performed with a Microlab spirometer (Micro Medical Ltd, Rochester, Kent, UK).
The procedure will be according to American Thoracic Society specifications(13).

Diary Card Data:

Patients will record their symptoms on a daily basis in the morning according to "cough",
"breathlessness" and "wheeze" on a 4 point scale with 0=no symptoms and 3=maximal symptoms.
A total symptom score will be calculated out of 12. Patients will also measure their peak
expiratory flow on a daily basis in the morning and record the highest of three
measurements. They will record that they have taken their study medication.

Sputum Induction & Examination:

Sputum will be obtained with hypertonic saline by the method described by Pizzichini et
al(14) inhaling increasing concentrations of saline (3, 4 and 5%) each for 7 minutes,
through a mouthpiece. After each period of inhalation, FEV1 will be measured for safety.
Subjects will be asked to cough sputum into a sterile container. Total cell count of
leukocytes will be obtained in a modified Neubauer haemocytometer. The cell viability will
be determined by the trypan blue exclusion method. Four hundred non squamous cells will be
counted in Wright-stained slides and the results will be expressed as a percentage and
absolute number of the total non squamous count. Measurement of MMP-9, 12 TIMP-1 and TGFb
will be performed in sputum supernatant.

Profile of mRNA of MMP and TIMPs:

Total RNA will be extracted from the cellular content of the induced sputum plug using a
combination of Trizol extraction and Qiagen RNeasy spin columns in a similar way to
previously described12. Quantitative RT-PCR, using previously developed primers and probes,
will be used to determine the relative quantities of mRNA of MMPs and TIMPs as described12.
We remain the only centre in the world to routinely profile the entire MMP and TIMP gene
family in human samples. This gives an all encompassing view of the involvement of these
enzymes and inhibitors in the disease process and also sheds light on potential new
biomarkers. The possibility of expanding the gene profiling without the need for additional
sputum collection also adds value to the research. This might include other proteinase
families with roles in ECM breakdown or in inflammation.
Study TypeInterventional
Study PhasePhase 2
Study DesignEndpoint Classification: Safety/Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment, Masking: Open Label, Primary Purpose: Treatment
ConditionAsthma
InterventionDrug: montelukast
montelukast 10 mg once daily for 8 weeks
Study Arm (s)Experimental: montelukast group
Identified patients with asthma to recieve Montelukast 10 mg (Merck Sharp & Dohme Ltd, Herts, UK) at 0800 am once daily for 8 weeks.

Recruitment Information[ + expand ][ + ]

Recruitment StatusCompleted
Estimated Enrollment15
Estimated Completion DateDecember 2011
Estimated Primary Completion DateDecember 2011
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

- Male or female, aged 18 to 60 years.

- Diagnosed with asthma, defined as episodic chest tightness, wheezing and dyspnoea,
cough.

- Non-Smoker or Ex-Smoker for at least 10 years and a smoking history of less than 5
pack years.

- History of asthma symptoms for more than 10years.

- Receiving as required short acting bronchodilators.

- Post bronchodilator FEV1 50 to 100 % predicted

- Evidence of airway calibre reversibility within the previous 12 months: reversibility
to salbutamol of 12% following 400mcg inhaled salbutamol, histamine PC20 < 8mg/ml,
diurnal variation in peak expiratory flow of 20%.

- Able to produce sputum after induction with saline.

Exclusion criteria:

- Cardiac or pulmonary disease other than asthma.

- Respiratory infection defined as fever, nasal/sinus congestion, fatigue, cough,
antibiotic use or yellow/green sputum within 4 weeks prior to study.

- Receiving inhaled or oral corticosteroid therapy, long acting Beta2 agonist therapy
or leukotriene modifying therapy for the previous 1 month.

- Severe or uncontrolled co-morbid disease.

- Pregnancy or breastfeeding.

- Unable to give written informed consent
GenderBoth
Ages18 Years
Accepts Healthy VolunteersNo
ContactsNot Provided
Location CountriesUnited Kingdom

Administrative Information[ + expand ][ + ]

NCT Number NCT00947453
Other Study ID Numbers2009RESP01
Has Data Monitoring CommitteeNo
Information Provided ByUniversity of East Anglia
Study SponsorUniversity of East Anglia
CollaboratorsClinical Research and Trials Unit (Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital, UK)
Investigators Principal Investigator: Andrew M Wilson, MRCP (UK) University of East Anglia
Verification DateAugust 2012

Locations[ + expand ][ + ]

University of East Anglia
Norwich, Norfolk, United Kingdom, NR47TJ