
Effect of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Treatment on Inflammation in Patients With Obstructive...
Obstructive Sleep ApneaInflammation1 moreThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of CPAP treatment on airway and systemic inflammation in obstructive sleep apnea.

NAC Phase IIB: A Multi-Center, Phase IIB, Randomized, Placebo-controlled, Double-Blind Study Of...
Cystic FibrosisThis Phase IIB proof-of-concept study would examine the effects of an investigational product called N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on the basic processes that cause inflammation in CF lung disease. We hope to learn more about the causes of lung disease in cystic fibrosis by studying the characteristics of the inflammation in the lungs of patients who have CF.

Efficacy Study of Pioglitazone and Ramipril Combination Therapy in Treating Non-diabetic Hypertensive...
InflammationHypertensionThe purpose of this study is to determine the effects of pioglitazone, once daily (QD), on low grade inflammation and vascular function in hypertensive patients.

Cardiovascular Risk Markers in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Effect of Rituximab Therapy
Endothelial FunctionRheumatoid Arthritis1 moreThe purpose of this investigation is to determine the effects of Rituxan therapy in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis on endothelial function and other markers of endothelial function

Ocular Tolerance and Intraocular Pressure (IOP) Effects of Zylet Versus Tobradex
InflammationPhase IV, randomized, double-masked, parallel-group clinical trial comparing the ocular tolerability and steroid-induced intraocular pressure (IOP) effects of Zylet wth that of TobraDex in healthy volunteers, when either product was administered QID (at approximately 4-hour intervals) for 28 days.

Imaging of Intravenous (IV) Combidex to Brain, Intra-cerebral Tumors and in Central Nervous System...
Brain NeoplasmsCombidex (ferumoxtran-10) is an ultra-small iron oxide particle covered with a sugar coating. It has been evaluated as an MRI contrast agent for use in imaging well perfused organs such as the liver and spleen and for imaging lymph nodes. In this study, Combidex is being used to compare the standard imaging agent, Gadolinium, in imaging brain tumors and the area adjacent to the tumor location. Combidex may provide the ability to better see brain tumors and inflammatory lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Combidex may be useful in its ability to cross blood vessels into brain tumors, and because of its size and ability to get into the area next to brain tumors, could assist in the treatment of brain tumors with other drugs in the future.

The Effects of Naltrexone on Active Crohn's Disease
InflammationCrohn's DiseaseIt is hypothesized that the opioid antagonist naltrexone will improve inflammation of the bowel and quality of life in subjects with active Crohn's disease compared to placebo. In order to test this hypothesis the following specific aims are proposed: Evaluate the effects of low dose naltrexone compared to placebo on the activity of Crohn's disease by the following end points: Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI), pain assessment, laboratory values (CRP and ESR), endoscopic appearance, histology, and quality of life surveys; Examine the effects of naltrexone given over 3 months compared to 6 months for durability of response; Determine the safety and toxicity of low dose naltrexone in subjects with active Crohn's disease, and Study the mechanism by which naltrexone exerts its effect by measuring plasma enkephalin levels of subjects on therapy. Purpose statement: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of low dose naltrexone in a blinded placebo controlled study to determine the safety and efficacy of this compound in those with active Crohn's disease.

Humidification in Laparoscopic Colonic Surgery
Peritoneal InflammationLaparoscopic surgery allows surgeons to remove bowel via small incisions. To allow insertion of a camera and instruments, cold and dry gas is blown into the abdominal cavity. This project investigates the use of warmed, humidified gas in laparoscopic surgery. The hypothesis is that this will result in less damage to internal surfaces, and shorten recovery time. Previous studies have demonstrated positive outcomes in laparoscopic gallbladder operations. The investigators plan to study patients undergoing laparoscopic colon operations, as these operations are longer and the effect of humidification will be magnified. The investigators will enroll 74 patients: 37 will have the operation with cold dry gas, and 37 will have warm, humidified gas. The investigators will measure intraoperative heat loss, postoperative pain, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, and time to return of bowel function.

Study to Compare Differing Dosing Regimens of ISV-303 (Bromfenac in DuraSite) to Xibrom and Vehicle...
Ocular InflammationThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the ocular safety, tolerability, and efficacy in topical administration of differing dosing regimens of ISV-303 compared to vehicle and Xibrom™ when dosed for 2 weeks in post-cataract-surgery volunteers.

Doxycycline Effects on Inflammation in Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic FibrosisDoxycycline is known to exhibit immune modulatory activities beyond its antibacterial effects. In particular, doxycycline is a potent inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 9, which is a protease derived largely from neutrophils. Recent studies demonstrate a significant correlation between pulmonary disease severity and sputum concentrations of MMP-9 in patients with CF. In addition, sputum MMP-9 levels are associated with airway remodeling in CF. The goal of this study is to determine the therapeutic potential of doxycycline in modulating host airway inflammation in patients with CF. Specifically, the study will characterize the PK /PD of doxycycline, evaluate the safety of short term therapy, and explore the concentration effect relationship between doxycycline exposure and sputum biomarker levels.