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Predictive Factors for Efficacy of AST-120 Treatment in Diabetic Nephropathy: a Prospective Single-Arm, Open-Label, Multi-Center Study.
Hwang, YC, Kim, SW, Hur, KY, Cha, BS, Kim, IJ, Park, TS, Baik, SH, Yoon, KH, Lee, KW, Lee, IK, et al
Journal of Korean medical science. 2019;(15):e117
Abstract
BACKGROUND Removal of uremic toxins such as indoxyl sulfate by AST-120 is known to improve renal function and delay the initiation of dialysis in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease. However, it is unclear whether the addition of AST-120 to conventional treatments is effective in delaying the progression of renal dysfunction in patients with diabetic nephropathy. METHODS A total of 100 patients with type 2 diabetes and renal dysfunction (serum creatinine levels ranging from 1.5 to 3.0 mg/dL) were recruited from eight centers in Korea and treated with AST-120 (6 g/day) for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was improvement in renal function measured as the gradient of the reciprocal serum creatinine level (1/sCr) over time (i.e., the ratio of 1/sCr time slope for post- to pre-AST-120 therapy). A response was defined as a ratio change of the regression coefficient of 1/sCr ≤ 0.90. RESULTS Renal function improved in 80.3% of patients (61/76) after 24 weeks of AST-120 treatment. There were no differences between responder and non-responder groups in baseline characteristics except for diastolic blood pressure (73.5 ± 9.5 mmHg in the responder group vs. 79.3 ± 11.1 mmHg in the non-responder group; P = 0.046). Serum lipid peroxidation level decreased significantly in the responder group (from 2.25 ± 0.56 μol/L to 1.91 ± 0.72 μol/L; P = 0.002) but not in the non-responder group. CONCLUSION The addition of AST-120 to conventional treatments may delay the progression of renal dysfunction in diabetic nephropathy. The antioxidant effect of AST-120 might contribute to improvement in renal function.
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Sex-Specific Associations between One-Carbon Metabolism Indices and Posttranslational Histone Modifications in Arsenic-Exposed Bangladeshi Adults.
Howe, CG, Liu, X, Hall, MN, Ilievski, V, Caudill, MA, Malysheva, O, Lomax-Luu, AM, Parvez, F, Siddique, AB, Shahriar, H, et al
Cancer epidemiology, biomarkers & prevention : a publication of the American Association for Cancer Research, cosponsored by the American Society of Preventive Oncology. 2017;(2):261-269
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Posttranslational histone modifications (PTHMs) are altered by arsenic, an environmental carcinogen. PTHMs are also influenced by nutritional methyl donors involved in one-carbon metabolism (OCM), which may protect against epigenetic dysregulation. METHODS We measured global levels of three PTHMs, which are dysregulated in cancers (H3K36me2, H3K36me3, H3K79me2), in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 324 participants enrolled in the Folic Acid and Creatine Trial, a randomized trial in arsenic-exposed Bangladeshi adults. Sex-specific associations between several blood OCM indices (folate, vitamin B12, choline, betaine, homocysteine) and PTHMs were examined at baseline using regression models, adjusted for multiple tests by controlling for the false discovery rate (PFDR). We also evaluated the effects of folic acid supplementation (400 μg/d for 12 weeks), compared with placebo, on PTHMs. RESULTS Associations between choline and H3K36me2 and between vitamin B12 and H3K79me2 differed significantly by sex (Pdiff < 0.01 and <0.05, respectively). Among men, plasma choline was positively associated with H3K36me2 (PFDR < 0.05), and among women, plasma vitamin B12 was positively associated with H3K79me2 (PFDR < 0.01). Folic acid supplementation did not alter any of the PTHMs examined (PFDR = 0.80). CONCLUSIONS OCM indices may influence PTHMs in a sex-dependent manner, and folic acid supplementation, at this dose and duration, does not alter PTHMs in PBMCs. IMPACT This is the first study to examine the influences of OCM indices on PTHMs in a population that may have increased susceptibility to cancer development due to widespread exposure to arsenic-contaminated drinking water and a high prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(2); 261-9. ©2016 AACR.
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Randomized Placebo-Controlled EPPIC Trials of AST-120 in CKD.
Schulman, G, Berl, T, Beck, GJ, Remuzzi, G, Ritz, E, Arita, K, Kato, A, Shimizu, M
Journal of the American Society of Nephrology : JASN. 2015;(7):1732-46
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Reduced GFR in patients with CKD causes systemic accumulation of uremic toxins, which has been correlated with disease progression and increased morbidity. The orally administered spherical carbon adsorbent AST-120 reduces systemic toxin absorption through gastrointestinal sequestration, which may slow disease progression in these patients. The multinational, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Evaluating Prevention of Progression in CKD (EPPIC)-1 and EPPIC-2 trials evaluated the effects of AST-120 on the progression of CKD when added to standard therapy. We randomly assigned 2035 adults with moderate to severe disease (serum creatinine at screening, 2.0-5.0 mg/dl for men and 1.5-5.0 mg/dl for women) to receive either placebo or AST-120 (9 g/d). The primary end point was a composite of dialysis initiation, kidney transplantation, and serum creatinine doubling. Each trial continued until accrual of 291 primary end points. The time to primary end point was similar between the AST-120 and the placebo groups in both trials (EPPIC-1: hazard ratio, 1.03; 95% confidence interval, 0.84 to 1.27; P=0.78) (EPPIC-2: hazard ratio, 0.91; 95% confidence interval, 0.74 to 1.12; P=0.37); a pooled analysis of both trials showed similar results. The estimated median time to primary end points for the placebo groups was 124 weeks for power calculations, but actual times were 189.0 and 170.3 weeks for EPPIC-1 and EPPIC-2, respectively. Thus, disease progression was more gradual than expected in the trial populations. In conclusion, the benefit of adding AST-120 to standard therapy in patients with moderate to severe CKD is not supported by these data.
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AST-120 (spherical carbon adsorbent) in the treatment of perianal fistulae in mild-to-moderate Crohn's disease: FHAST-1, a phase 3, multicenter, placebo-controlled study.
Reinisch, W, Travis, S, Hanauer, S, Wang, H, Shara, N, Harris, MS
Inflammatory bowel diseases. 2014;(5):872-81
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BACKGROUND AST-120 (spherical carbon adsorbent) was previously reported to be effective for perianal fistula healing in Japanese patients with mild-to-moderate Crohn's disease. METHODS To evaluate the efficacy and safety of AST-120 in a Western population, a phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, study (FHAST-1) was conducted in adult patients with at least 1 draining perianal fistula and a Crohn's disease activity index <400. Patients received either AST-120 or matching placebo at a dose of 2 g 3 times daily for 8 weeks. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with treatment success, defined as a 50% reduction in the number of draining fistulae, at both weeks 4 and 8. A multivariate model was generated to assess covariates for treatment success among baseline variables. RESULTS Two hundred forty-nine patients were randomized (AST-120; n = 122; placebo, n = 127). The proportions of patients achieving the primary endpoint were no different between treatment groups (13.9% versus 16.5%, P = 0.6). No differences in fistula response were noted at week 4 (23.0% versus 25.2%, P = 0.77) or week 8 (27.0 versus 34.6%, P = 0.22). Serum C-reactive protein concentrations >0.6 mg/dL and Crohn's disease activity index scores >151 at baseline were associated with a reduced likelihood of treatment success (odds ratio, 0.40; confidence interval, 0.19-0.87; P = 0.02; and odds ratio, 0.45; confidence interval, 0.21-0.97; P = 0.04, respectively). CONCLUSIONS In this largest placebo-controlled trial to date to evaluate the impact of a therapeutic agent on perianal fistulae in Crohn's disease, the efficacy of AST-120 could not be confirmed. An inverse relationship was observed between both inflammatory and clinical disease activity and fistula response.
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Combined treatment of malignant salivary gland tumours with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and carbon ions: COSMIC.
Jensen, AD, Nikoghosyan, A, Windemuth-Kieselbach, C, Debus, J, Münter, MW
BMC cancer. 2010;:546
Abstract
BACKGROUND Local control in malignant salivary gland tumours is dose dependent. High local control rates in adenoid cystic carcinomas could be achieved by highly conformal radiotherapy techniques and particle (neutron/carbon ion) therapy. Considering high doses are needed to achieve local control, all malignant salivary gland tumours probably profit from the use of particle therapy, which in case of carbon ion treatment, has been shown to be accompanied by only mild side-effects. METHODS/DESIGN The COSMIC trial is a prospective, mono-centric, phase II trial evaluating toxicity (primary endpoint: mucositis ≥ CTCAE°3) and efficacy (secondary endpoint: local control, disease-free survival) in the combined treatment with IMRT and carbon ion boost in 54 patients with histologically proved (≥R1-resected, inoperable or Pn+) salivary gland malignancies. Patients receive 24 GyE carbon ions (8 fractions) and IMRT (50 Gy at 2.0 Gy/fraction). DISCUSSION The primary objective of COSMIC is to evaluate toxicity and feasibility of the proposed treatment in all salivary gland malignancies. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinical trial identifier NCT 01154270.
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The efficacy and tolerability of AST-120 (spherical carbon adsorbent) in active pouchitis.
Shen, B, Pardi, DS, Bennett, AE, Queener, E, Kammer, P, Hammel, JP, LaPlaca, C, Harris, MS
The American journal of gastroenterology. 2009;(6):1468-74
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Although a majority of patients with pouchitis respond favorably to antibiotic therapy, many relapse frequently, and nonabsorbable and non-antibiotic-based agents are desirable for reducing bacterial resistance and the systemic adverse effects associated with long-term antibiotic exposure. AST-120 (a spherical carbon adsorbent) comprises highly adsorptive, porous carbon microspheres with the ability to adsorb small-molecular-weight toxins, inflammatory mediators,and harmful bile acids. The aim of this pilot trial was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of AST-120 in the treatment of active pouchitis. METHODS Eligible patients were recruited from two subspecialty pouchitis clinics. Inclusion criteria were(i) ileal pouch-anal anastomosis performed for ulcerative colitis; (ii) active pouchitis with Pouchitis Disease Activity Index (PDAI) scores > or =7; and (iii) discontinuation of antibiotic therapy for at least 2 weeks. Exclusion criteria included Crohn's disease of the pouch, isolated cuffitis, pouch strictures, abscess, and sinuses. All eligible patients received AST-120 in 2-g sachets (oral) open label, thrice a day for 4 weeks. The primary efficacy end point was remission as defined by a PDAI score of < 7 points; the main secondary end point was clinical response, defined by a reduction of the PDAI score of > or =3 points. RESULTS Nineteen of 20 patients completed the trial. Eleven patients (55.0 % ) had a clinical response to the therapy and 10 patients (50.0 % ) entered remission. Median reduction in the PDAI symptom, endoscopy, and histology subscores, and PDAI total scores after 4 weeks were -2( P = 0.002), -2 ( P = 0.003), 0 ( P = 0.32), and -4 ( P = 0.001) points, respectively. The agent was well tolerated; one patient experienced transient mild elevation of alkaline phosphatase of uncertain significance and one patient experienced an upper respiratory infection after taking one dose of AST-120 and was excluded from the fi nal analysis for the calculation of pre- and post-trial PDAI scores. CONCLUSIONS AST-120 seems to be effective and well tolerated in treating patients with active pouchitis.A randomized, placebo-controlled trial is warranted for assessing the long-term efficacy and safety of AST-120 in the disease.
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Oral spherical adsorptive carbon for the treatment of intractable anal fistulas in Crohn's disease: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Fukuda, Y, Takazoe, M, Sugita, A, Kosaka, T, Kinjo, F, Otani, Y, Fujii, H, Koganei, K, Makiyama, K, Nakamura, T, et al
The American journal of gastroenterology. 2008;(7):1721-9
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Anal fistulas are common in individuals with Crohn's disease (CD). We sought to evaluate the efficacy of oral spherical adsorptive carbon (AST-120) (Kremezin; Kureha Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) for the treatment of intractable anal fistulas in patients with CD. METHODS In this multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, patients with CD and at least one active anal fistula under treatment were assigned to receive either AST-120 or placebo for 8 wk. Improvement was defined as a reduction of 50% or more from baseline in the number of draining fistulas observed at both 4 and 8 wk. Remission was defined by closure of all draining fistulas at both 4 and 8 wk. The Perianal Disease Activity Index (PDAI) and Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) were also assessed. RESULTS In total, 62 patients were randomized, of whom 57 received AST-120 (N = 27) or placebo (N = 30). The improvement rate in the AST-120 group (37.0%) was significantly greater than that in the placebo group (10.0%) (P= 0.025). The corresponding remission rates were 29.6% and 6.7%, respectively (P= 0.035). PDAI significantly improved at both 4 and 8 wk with AST-120, compared to placebo (P= 0.004 and P= 0.005, respectively). CDAI was also significantly improved at both 4 and 8 wk in the AST-120 group, compared to the placebo group (P= 0.007 and P= 0.001, respectively). AST-120 treatment was well tolerated and no life-threatening adverse events were observed. CONCLUSION AST-120 is useful for the control of intractable anal fistulas in CD patients.
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A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging study of AST-120 (Kremezin) in patients with moderate to severe CKD.
Schulman, G, Agarwal, R, Acharya, M, Berl, T, Blumenthal, S, Kopyt, N
American journal of kidney diseases : the official journal of the National Kidney Foundation. 2006;(4):565-77
Abstract
BACKGROUND AST-120 (Kremezin; Kureha Chemical Industry Co Ltd, Tokyo, Japan) is an orally administered adsorbent showing adsorption ability superior to activated charcoal for certain organic compounds known to be precursors of substances that accumulate in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and that are believed to accelerate the decline in kidney function. AST-120 is approved in Japan for prolonging time to hemodialysis therapy and improving uremic symptoms in patients with CKD. METHODS A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging study was designed to examine the nephroprotective effects of 3 doses of AST-120 versus placebo in adult patients with moderate to severe CKD and elevated serum indoxyl sulfate levels while following an adequate protein-intake diet. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 doses of AST-120 (0.9, 2.1, or 3.0 g) or placebo 3 times daily for 12 weeks. RESULTS AST-120 decreased serum indoxyl sulfate levels in a dose-dependent fashion. During the 12-week treatment period, AST-120 did not affect serum creatinine levels or 24-hour urine creatinine appearance. Significant improvements in malaise were observed in a dose-dependent fashion. All doses of AST-120 were well tolerated and did not adversely affect the general health status of patients. CONCLUSION Results suggest that the dose of 3 g 3 times daily is an optimal dose for the US population, and it may be useful in the treatment of patients with CKD. Because AST-120 did not directly affect serum creatinine levels or 24-hour urine creatinine appearance, the composite end point of doubling of serum creatinine level, transplantation, and dialysis therapy would be appropriate for a confirmatory phase III therapeutic outcome study.