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Spironolactone Therapy In Young Women With NASH

Primary Purpose

NASH - Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis

Status
Completed
Phase
Phase 1
Locations
United States
Study Type
Interventional
Intervention
Spironolactone 100mg
Placebo oral capsule
Sponsored by
University of California, San Francisco
About
Eligibility
Locations
Arms
Outcomes
Full info

About this trial

This is an interventional other trial for NASH - Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis

Eligibility Criteria

18 Years - 45 Years (Adult)FemaleDoes not accept healthy volunteers

Inclusion Criteria:

  1. Women 18-45 years of age at Baseline Visit.
  2. Documentation of NASH diagnosis confirmed on baseline liver biopsy (performed as clinical care) prior to study enrollment.
  3. Written informed consent (and assent when applicable) obtained from subject and ability for subject to comply with the requirements of the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

  1. Pregnant, breastfeeding, or unwilling to practice birth control during participation in the study
  2. Presence of a condition or abnormality that in the opinion of the Investigator would compromise the safety of the patient or the quality of the data
  3. Uncontrolled diabetes (HbA1c 9.5% or higher within 60 days prior to enrollment)
  4. Routine alcohol consumption >7 drinks per week during the preceding 3 months prior to baseline liver biopsy.
  5. Other forms of chronic liver disease including hepatitis B virus infection (hepatitis B surface antigen positive), chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection (HCV Ab and HCV ribonucleic acid positive), autoimmune disorders (e.g., primary biliary cholangitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and autoimmune hepatitis), drug-induced hepatotoxicity, Wilson disease, iron overload, and alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, based on medical history and/or centralized review of liver histology
  6. Any prior or upcoming weight reduction surgery (e.g., Roux-en-Y or gastric bypass)
  7. HIV infection
  8. Receipt of drugs associated with NAFLD (i.e. amiodarone, methotrexate, systemic glucocorticoids, tamoxifen, anabolic steroids, valproic acid) for more than 4 weeks prior to baseline or between baseline and follow-up biopsies
  9. Perimenopausal status (defined as within 3 years of self-reported menopause) due to unstable hormonal levels during that time
  10. Renal impairment defined as glomerular filtration rate <45 ml/min/1.73m or potassium levels > 5.0 mmol/L due to the diuretic effect of spironolactone
  11. Participation in another clinical trial of an investigational drug or device
  12. History of medication non adherence as noted upon chart review or patient report of difficulty with medication adherence
  13. Androgen receptor antagonist use (i.e. flutamine, spironolactone or flutamide) for more than 3 months within one year prior to baseline biopsy
  14. Eplerenone use as this is a diuretic that also blocks the aldosterone receptor and could compound side effects
  15. Cirrhosis on baseline biopsy as this condition leads to altered sex hormone metabolism
  16. Unstable dosing (i.e. dose increase, intermittent use, or initiation) of Vitamin E anytime during the 3 months prior to baseline biopsy
  17. Significant weight loss (at least 10% decrease in body weight) over preceding 3 months prior to baseline biopsy
  18. Contraindication to MRI scanning (e.g. presence of permanent pacemakers, implanted cardiac devices, etc.)

Sites / Locations

  • University of California San Francisco

Arms of the Study

Arm 1

Arm 2

Arm Type

Experimental

Placebo Comparator

Arm Label

spironolactone

placebo

Arm Description

spironolactone, 100 mg capsule administered orally once daily for 6 or 12 months

matching placebo capsule administered orally once daily for 6 or 12 months

Outcomes

Primary Outcome Measures

Change in liver stiffness on Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE)
The investigators will assess for change in the MRE quantified liver stiffness in kilopascals (kPA)

Secondary Outcome Measures

Change in hepatic steatosis by Magnetic Resonance Proton Density Fat Fraction (PDFF)
The investigators will assess for % change in fat fraction by MRI-PDFF
Change in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) volume by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
The investigators will assess for % change in VAT as quantified by MRI
Change HOMA-IR (Homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) for insulin resistance (IR)).
The investigators will assess change in continuous measures of HOMA-IR as insulin resistance is known to contribute to NASH progression.
Change in the NAFLD activity score (NAS 0-8).
The investigators will assess for change in this histologic scoring system of NASH as a continuous measure among women willing to undergo end of treatment biopsy (not required).

Full Information

First Posted
April 18, 2018
Last Updated
July 5, 2023
Sponsor
University of California, San Francisco
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1. Study Identification

Unique Protocol Identification Number
NCT03576755
Brief Title
Spironolactone Therapy In Young Women With NASH
Official Title
Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of Spironolactone in Young Women With Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)
Study Type
Interventional

2. Study Status

Record Verification Date
July 2023
Overall Recruitment Status
Completed
Study Start Date
January 9, 2019 (Actual)
Primary Completion Date
July 5, 2023 (Actual)
Study Completion Date
July 5, 2023 (Actual)

3. Sponsor/Collaborators

Responsible Party, by Official Title
Sponsor
Name of the Sponsor
University of California, San Francisco

4. Oversight

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Drug Product
Yes
Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Device Product
No
Data Monitoring Committee
Yes

5. Study Description

Brief Summary
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), or fat-related liver inflammation and scarring is projected to be the leading cause of cirrhosis in the United States (U.S.) within the next few years. Women are at disproportionate risk for NASH, with approximately 15 million U.S. women affected. There is an urgent need to understand risk factors for NASH and its progression in women, and sex hormones may provide a missing link. The investigator's preliminary data support a detrimental role of androgens, or "male sex hormones" on fatty liver in women but no studies have evaluated whether androgens are associated with liver inflammation and/or scarring from fatty liver (aka NASH). To better understand the mechanism by which androgens might promote NASH and/or metabolic co-factors that contribute to NASH, the investigators are conducting a pilot clinical trial to primarily assess the feasibility of using an androgen blocking medication, spironolactone, in women with NASH. Spironolactone was selected because it is has been commonly prescribed for decades with good safety profile and tolerability to treat symptoms of high androgens, like acne and hirsutism in young women. Though primarily a feasibility-focused study, the investigators also aim to explore the pathways by which blocking testosterone receptors might alter the biologic processes that promote NASH and its associated metabolic co-morbidities in women.
Detailed Description
This is a single center, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, (2:1) parallel group pilot clinical trial of spironolactone in women with biopsy-proven NASH receiving 6 or 12 months of spironolactone or placebo. 30 women are targeted for enrollment. Each participant will be administered a single dose of spironolactone or placebo once daily for a total of 6 or 12 months. In person evaluations will take place at Month 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12. There will be a telephone follow up visit within 3 months of end of treatment (up to Month 9 or 15). This is a pilot clinical trial that is largely feasibility focused. Study outcomes will include Change in liver stiffness on Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE) Change in hepatic steatosis by Magnetic Resonance Proton Density Fat Fraction (PDFF) Change in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) volume by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Change in NASH histology as assessed by the continuous NAFLD activity score (NAS), which measures different components of NASH on liver biopsy. Biochemical endpoints: serum lipids & HOMA-IR Feasibility outcomes including Rates (and reasons) for the following: a) % women that decline/women contacted for study inclusion (i.e. need for a second liver biopsy, concern regarding randomization to placebo) b) % women enrolled/women screened (i.e. exclusion criteria too narrow), c) study dropout (i.e. medication side effects, too frequent study visits, and/or phlebotomy)

6. Conditions and Keywords

Primary Disease or Condition Being Studied in the Trial, or the Focus of the Study
NASH - Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis

7. Study Design

Primary Purpose
Other
Study Phase
Phase 1, Phase 2
Interventional Study Model
Parallel Assignment
Model Description
The following treatment regimens will be used: Experimental treatment - spironolactone, 100 mg once daily Placebo or Comparator - one capsule, once daily
Masking
ParticipantCare ProviderInvestigatorOutcomes Assessor
Masking Description
Due to the objectives of the study, the identity of test and control treatments will not be known to investigators, research staff, or patients. The following study procedures will be in place to ensure double-blind administration of study treatments Access to the randomization code will be strictly controlled. A color and size-matched placebo capsule that looks identical to the spironolactone capsule will be used. Packaging and labeling of test and control treatments will be identical to maintain the blind. The study blind will be broken on completion of the clinical study, after all study endpoints have been ascertained by blinded study coordinators and after the study database has been locked. During the study, the blind may be broken only in emergencies when knowledge of the patient's treatment group is necessary for further patient management. The UCSF investigational pharmacy would then be notified and responsible for unblinding.
Allocation
Randomized
Enrollment
20 (Actual)

8. Arms, Groups, and Interventions

Arm Title
spironolactone
Arm Type
Experimental
Arm Description
spironolactone, 100 mg capsule administered orally once daily for 6 or 12 months
Arm Title
placebo
Arm Type
Placebo Comparator
Arm Description
matching placebo capsule administered orally once daily for 6 or 12 months
Intervention Type
Drug
Intervention Name(s)
Spironolactone 100mg
Intervention Description
Spironolactone capsules will be prepared from USP grade powder at a dose of 100 mg.
Intervention Type
Drug
Intervention Name(s)
Placebo oral capsule
Intervention Description
Matching placebo capsules of the same color, mass, and appearance to the spironolactone capsules will be filled using microcrystalline cellulose powder.
Primary Outcome Measure Information:
Title
Change in liver stiffness on Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE)
Description
The investigators will assess for change in the MRE quantified liver stiffness in kilopascals (kPA)
Time Frame
6 or 12 Months
Secondary Outcome Measure Information:
Title
Change in hepatic steatosis by Magnetic Resonance Proton Density Fat Fraction (PDFF)
Description
The investigators will assess for % change in fat fraction by MRI-PDFF
Time Frame
6 or 12 months
Title
Change in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) volume by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Description
The investigators will assess for % change in VAT as quantified by MRI
Time Frame
6 or 12 months
Title
Change HOMA-IR (Homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) for insulin resistance (IR)).
Description
The investigators will assess change in continuous measures of HOMA-IR as insulin resistance is known to contribute to NASH progression.
Time Frame
6 or 12 Months
Title
Change in the NAFLD activity score (NAS 0-8).
Description
The investigators will assess for change in this histologic scoring system of NASH as a continuous measure among women willing to undergo end of treatment biopsy (not required).
Time Frame
6 or 12 Months

10. Eligibility

Sex
Female
Minimum Age & Unit of Time
18 Years
Maximum Age & Unit of Time
45 Years
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
No
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Women 18-45 years of age at Baseline Visit. Documentation of NASH diagnosis confirmed on baseline liver biopsy (performed as clinical care) prior to study enrollment. Written informed consent (and assent when applicable) obtained from subject and ability for subject to comply with the requirements of the study. Exclusion Criteria: Pregnant, breastfeeding, or unwilling to practice birth control during participation in the study Presence of a condition or abnormality that in the opinion of the Investigator would compromise the safety of the patient or the quality of the data Uncontrolled diabetes (HbA1c 9.5% or higher within 60 days prior to enrollment) Routine alcohol consumption >7 drinks per week during the preceding 3 months prior to baseline liver biopsy. Other forms of chronic liver disease including hepatitis B virus infection (hepatitis B surface antigen positive), chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection (HCV Ab and HCV ribonucleic acid positive), autoimmune disorders (e.g., primary biliary cholangitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and autoimmune hepatitis), drug-induced hepatotoxicity, Wilson disease, iron overload, and alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, based on medical history and/or centralized review of liver histology Any prior or upcoming weight reduction surgery (e.g., Roux-en-Y or gastric bypass) HIV infection Receipt of drugs associated with NAFLD (i.e. amiodarone, methotrexate, systemic glucocorticoids, tamoxifen, anabolic steroids, valproic acid) for more than 4 weeks prior to baseline or between baseline and follow-up biopsies Perimenopausal status (defined as within 3 years of self-reported menopause) due to unstable hormonal levels during that time Renal impairment defined as glomerular filtration rate <45 ml/min/1.73m or potassium levels > 5.0 mmol/L due to the diuretic effect of spironolactone Participation in another clinical trial of an investigational drug or device History of medication non adherence as noted upon chart review or patient report of difficulty with medication adherence Androgen receptor antagonist use (i.e. flutamine, spironolactone or flutamide) for more than 3 months within one year prior to baseline biopsy Eplerenone use as this is a diuretic that also blocks the aldosterone receptor and could compound side effects Cirrhosis on baseline biopsy as this condition leads to altered sex hormone metabolism Unstable dosing (i.e. dose increase, intermittent use, or initiation) of Vitamin E anytime during the 3 months prior to baseline biopsy Significant weight loss (at least 10% decrease in body weight) over preceding 3 months prior to baseline biopsy Contraindication to MRI scanning (e.g. presence of permanent pacemakers, implanted cardiac devices, etc.)
Overall Study Officials:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Monika A Sarkar
Organizational Affiliation
University of California, San Francisco
Official's Role
Principal Investigator
Facility Information:
Facility Name
University of California San Francisco
City
San Francisco
State/Province
California
ZIP/Postal Code
94143
Country
United States

12. IPD Sharing Statement

Plan to Share IPD
No
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Spironolactone Therapy In Young Women With NASH

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