The Influence of Methotrexate on the Metabolism and Vascular Effects of Adenosine in Humans
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2005-01-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
In this study we aim to determine whether methotrexate influences the metabolism and vascular
effects of adenosine in humans in vivo. Adenosine is an endogenous purine-nucleoside with
potent anti-inflammatory effects. Also, adenosine receptor stimulation induces vasodilation,
ischaemic preconditioning and many other cardiovacular effects. Previous animal studies have
provided limited evidence that the anti-inflammatory effects of methotrexate are mediated by
adenosine receptor stimulation. In this study, we aim to determine whether also in humans in
vivo, methotretate influences endogenous adenosine. Therefore, 10 patients with inflammatory
arthritis are treated with methotretxae (15 mg/week orally) for 12 weeks. Before and after
treatment, vasodilation to the infusion of adenosine and dipyridamole into the brachial
artery is assessed as biomarker for the endogenous adenosine concentration.
Also, blood is drawn for the determination of CRP, ESR, Adenosine deaminase activity adn
homocysteine.
Phase:
N/A
Details
Lead Sponsor:
Radboud University
Collaborator:
ZonMw: The Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development