An Interventional Trial in Established Chronic Renal Allograft Rejection
Irbesartan
+ Pravastatin
Urogenital Diseases+10
+ Chronic Disease
+ Female Urogenital Diseases and Pregnancy Complications
Treatment Study
Summary
Renal graft failure due to chronic rejection, also known as chronic allograft nephropathy, is one of the leading causes for repeat renal transplantation. Chronic rejection is characterized by progressive fibrosis and scarring. Renal biopsies of patients undergoing chronic rejection show greater expression of profibrotic cytokines, including TGF-beta and PDGF, than normal kidney tissue. Moreover, the cytokine activity of chronic rejection resembles that of other fibrosing renal diseases. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEinh) and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors have been shown to protect effectively against other types of fibrotic disease. These drugs may protect against fibrosis and preserve renal function in renal transplant patients with chronic rejection, in part by blocking activation of TGF-beta and PDGF. This study evaluates the impact of irbesartan (an AII-RB which acts similar to an ACEinh) and pravastatin on the clinical progression of chronic rejection and on the expression of TGF-beta, PDGF, and connective tissue genes in the chronically rejecting kidney. Prior to intervention, patients undergo a transplant renal biopsy to: 1) confirm the presence of chronic renal allograft nephropathy and 2) quantify baseline mRNA levels for TGF-beta, PDGF, and selected cytokines and connective tissue components. Patients are randomized to 4 arms: Group 1 receives pravastatin placebo plus irbesartan placebo; Group 2 receives pravastatin plus irbesartan placebo; Group 3 receives pravastatin placebo plus irbesartan; and Group 4 receives pravastatin plus irbesartan. Pravastatin is administered at a dose of 20 mg/day. Irbesartan is initiated at 150 mg/day and is titred to 300 mg/day after 2 weeks. Patients are evaluated routinely for serum creatinine and potassium levels, blood pressure, and other markers of kidney function. In addition, they are monitored for toxicities and adverse events, particularly an early rise in serum creatinine or muscle enzyme changes. At Month 6, or when serum creatinine has risen above 5.0 mg/dl if that is earlier, a repeat transplant kidney biopsy is obtained to compare to baseline. Changes in chronic allograft nephropathy and cytokine mRNA levels are evaluated to determine any correlation between clinical effect and changes in activity of profibrotic pathways. Study endpoints are death or renal failure manifested by initiation of dialysis or retransplantation.
Protocol
This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.Treatment Study
Eligibility
Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria: person's general health condition or prior treatments.Any sex
Biological sex of participants that are eligible to enroll.Over 18 Years
Range of ages for which participants are eligible to join.Healthy volunteers not allowed
If individuals who are healthy and do not have the condition being studied can participate.Conditions
Pathology
Criteria
Inclusion Criteria You may be eligible for this study if you: Are at least 18 years old. Received a kidney transplant at least 1 year prior to study entry. Have been diagnosed with chronic rejection following kidney transplant and within 6 months prior to study entry. Have been receiving a stable immunosuppressive medication regimen for 1 month prior to study entry that includes at least cyclosporine or tacrolimus and prednisone. Have high blood pressure. Agree to use an effective method of birth control during the study. Exclusion Criteria You will not be eligible for this study if you: Are participating in another study with required tests or treatments. Cannot take ACE inhibitors or HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. Absolutely must take ACE inhibitors or HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. Have a serious disease or medical condition. Are pregnant.
Study Plan
Find out more about all the medication administered in this study, their detailed description and what they involve.Study Objectives
Primary Objectives
Study Centers
These are the hospitals, clinics, or research facilities where the trial is being conducted. You can find the location closest to you and its status.This study has 1 location