Vitamin D3 in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
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ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00710021 |
Recruitment Status :
Completed
First Posted : July 3, 2008
Results First Posted : April 25, 2014
Last Update Posted : April 26, 2017
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Condition or disease | Intervention/treatment | Phase |
---|---|---|
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus SLE Lupus | Drug: Vitamin D3 Drug: Vitamin D3 placebo | Phase 2 |
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the production of autoantibodies with subsequent immune complex deposition and tissue inflammation. The role of interferon (IFN) alpha in the development of SLE has been repeatedly documented. Vitamin D deficiency is common among lupus patients. Vitamin D is recognized as a regulator of immune response. This study will explore the impact of vitamin D3 supplementation on IFN alpha expression in SLE patients.
The study will last approximately 12 weeks and consist of three treatment groups: 1.) Participants will receive vitamin D3 2000 IU daily 2.) Participants will receive vitamin D3 4000 IU daily 3.) Participants will receive a vitamin D3 placebo daily. There will be four study visits for each participant. Visits will occur at screening, study entry, and Weeks 6 and 12. Physical examination, vital signs, and blood and urine tests will occur at all visits. For females of childbearing potential, a pregnancy test will be performed at screening and Week 6.
Study Type : | Interventional (Clinical Trial) |
Actual Enrollment : | 57 participants |
Allocation: | Randomized |
Intervention Model: | Parallel Assignment |
Masking: | Double (Participant, Investigator) |
Primary Purpose: | Treatment |
Official Title: | Effect of Vitamin D3 on the IFN Alpha Signature in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (ALE02) |
Study Start Date : | November 2008 |
Actual Primary Completion Date : | July 2011 |
Actual Study Completion Date : | July 2011 |

Arm | Intervention/treatment |
---|---|
Experimental: vitamin D3 2000 IU
Participants in this arm take a vitamin D3 dose of 2000 international units (IU) daily by mouth for a duration of 12 weeks.
|
Drug: Vitamin D3
8% vitamin D3 powder, 84% microcrystalline cellulose, 8% fumed silica by weight
Other Name: Cholecalciferol |
Experimental: vitamin D3 4000 IU
Participants in this arm take a vitamin D3 dose of 4000 international units (IU) daily by mouth for a duration of 12 weeks.
|
Drug: Vitamin D3
8% vitamin D3 powder, 84% microcrystalline cellulose, 8% fumed silica by weight
Other Name: Cholecalciferol |
Placebo Comparator: vitamin D3 placebo
Participants in this arm take a vitamin D3 placebo daily by mouth for a duration of 12 weeks.
|
Drug: Vitamin D3 placebo
86% microcrystalline cellulose, 14% fumed silica by weight
Other Name: Cholecalciferol placebo |
- Percent of Participants With an IFN Alpha Signature Response at Week 12 [ Time Frame: 0, Week 12 ]Presence of an Interferon (IFN) Alpha signature response is defined as: a reduction in expression from baseline (Screening) of at least 50% for 1 of 3 IFN Alpha responsive genes (Ifit1, Ifi44, Mx1) with concurrent expression in the remaining 2 genes at a level not more than 25% above baseline, or a reduction in expression from baseline of at least 25% for 2 of the 3 IFN Alpha responsive genes with concurrent expression in the third gene at a level of no more than 25% above baseline. Gene expression was measured on peripheral blood samples using qRT-PCR. Missing data were considered as response failures during calculation.
- Percent of Participants With an IFN Alpha Signature Response at Week 6 [ Time Frame: 0, Week 6 ]Presence of an Interferon (IFN) Alpha signature response is defined as: a reduction in expression from baseline (Screening) of at least 50% for 1 of 3 IFN Alpha responsive genes (Ifit1, Ifi44, Mx1) with concurrent expression in the remaining 2 genes at a level not more than 25% above baseline, or a reduction in expression from baseline of at least 25% for 2 of the 3 IFN Alpha responsive genes with concurrent expression in the third gene at a level of no more than 25% above baseline. Gene expression was measured on peripheral blood samples using qRT-PCR. Missing data were considered as response failures during calculation.
- Percent of Participants With IFN Alpha Signature at Week 12 [ Time Frame: 0, Week 12 ]An Interferon (IFN) Alpha signature is defined as: expression of Mx1, Ifit1, or Ifi44 at a level greater than or equal to 4 standard deviations above the mean of a set of normal controls, or expression of 2 of the 3 genes at a level greater than or equal to 2 standard deviations above the mean of a set of normal controls. Gene expression was measured on peripheral blood samples using qRT-PCR. Missing data were assumed as signatures during calculation.
- Percent of Participants With IFN Alpha Signature at Week 6 [ Time Frame: Week 6 ]An Interferon (IFN) Alpha signature is defined as: expression of Mx1, Ifit1, or Ifi44 at a level greater than or equal to 4 standard deviations above the mean of a set of normal controls, or expression of 2 of the 3 genes at a level greater than or equal to 2 standard deviations above the mean of a set of normal controls. Gene expression was measured on peripheral blood samples using qRT-PCR. Missing data were assumed as signatures during calculation.
- qRT-PCR Fold Change in Ifit1 Gene Expression From Baseline to Week 12 [ Time Frame: 0, Week 12 ]The Ifit1 gene is one of three genes included in the definition of the alpha-interferon signature used for this study. This gene encodes an interferon-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to measure gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained by blood draw. Gene expression is quantified as "fold change" relative to normal controls and is computed using a comparative CT (threshold cycle) method. A study hypothesis was that expression of alpha-interferon signature genes would decrease with increasing vitamin D levels. A decrease in gene expression from baseline to Week 12 is represented as a negative value (and vice versa).
- qRT-PCR Fold Change in Ifit1 Gene Expression From Baseline to Week 6 [ Time Frame: 0, Week 6 ]The Ifit1 gene is one of three genes included in the definition of the alpha-interferon signature used for this study. It encodes an interferon-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to measure gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained by blood draw. Gene expression is quantified as "fold change" relative to normal controls and is computed using a comparative CT (threshold cycle) method. A study hypothesis was that expression of alpha-interferon signature genes would decrease with increasing vitamin D levels. A decrease in gene expression from baseline to Week 6 is represented as a negative value (and vice versa).
- qRT-PCR Fold Change in Ifi44 Gene Expression From Baseline to Week 12 [ Time Frame: 0, Week 12 ]The Ifi44 gene is one of three genes included in the definition of the alpha-interferon signature used for this study. It encodes interferon-induced protein 44. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to measure gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained by blood draw. Gene expression is quantified as "fold change" relative to normal controls and is computed using a comparative CT (threshold cycle) method. A study hypothesis was that expression of alpha-interferon signature genes would decrease with increasing vitamin D levels. A decrease in gene expression from baseline to Week 12 is represented as a negative value (and vice versa).
- qRT-PCR Fold Change in Ifi44 Gene Expression From Baseline to Week 6 [ Time Frame: 0, Week 6 ]The Ifi44 gene is one of three genes included in the definition of the alpha-interferon signature used for this study. It encodes interferon-induced protein 44. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to measure gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained by blood draw. Gene expression is quantified as "fold change" relative to normal controls and is computed using a comparative CT (threshold cycle) method. A study hypothesis was that expression of alpha-interferon signature genes would decrease with increasing vitamin D levels. A decrease in gene expression from baseline to Week 6 is represented as a negative value (and vice versa).
- qRT-PCR Fold Change in Mx1 Gene Expression From Baseline to Week 12 [ Time Frame: 0, Week 12 ]The Mx1 gene is one of three genes included in the definition of the alpha-interferon signature used for this study. It encodes for the homolog of mouse myxovirus (influenza virus) resistance 1 protein. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to measure gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained by blood draw. Gene expression is quantified as "fold change" relative to normal controls and is computed using a comparative CT (threshold cycle) method. A study hypothesis was that expression of alpha-interferon signature genes would decrease with increasing vitamin D levels. A decrease in gene expression from baseline to Week 12 is represented as a negative value (and vice versa).
- qRT-PCR Fold Change in Mx1 Gene Expression From Baseline to Week 6 [ Time Frame: 0, Week 6 ]The Mx1 gene is one of three genes included in the definition of the alpha-interferon signature used for this study. It encodes for the homolog of mouse myxovirus (influenza virus) resistance 1 protein. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to measure gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained by blood draw. Gene expression is quantified as "fold change" relative to normal controls and is computed using a comparative CT (threshold cycle) method. A study hypothesis was that expression of alpha-interferon signature genes would decrease with increasing vitamin D levels. A decrease in gene expression from baseline to Week 6 is represented as a negative value (and vice versa).
- Change in Serum C3 Level From Baseline to Week 12 [ Time Frame: 0, Week 12 ]C3 is a blood test that measures the activity of the complement component 3 (C3) protein. The normal C3 range is 75 to 135 mg/dL. Patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus may have a lower-than-normal level of C3. A decrease in C3 level over time may indicate disease activity. An increase in C3 from baseline to Week 12 is represented as a positive value (and vice versa).
- Change in Serum C3 Level From Baseline to Week 6 [ Time Frame: 0, Week 6 ]C3 is a blood test that measures the activity of the complement component 3 (C3) protein. The normal C3 range is 75 to 135 mg/dL. Patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus may have a lower-than-normal level of C3. A decrease in C3 level over time may indicate disease activity. An increase in C3 from baseline to Week 6 is represented as a positive value (and vice versa).
- Change in Serum C4 Level From Baseline to Week 12 [ Time Frame: 0, Week 12 ]C4 is a blood test that measures the activity of the complement component 4 (C4) protein. The normal range for males is 12 to 72 mg/dL and the normal range for females is 13 to 75 mg/dL. Patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus may have a lower-than-normal level of C4. A decrease in C4 level over time may indicate disease activity. An increase in C4 from baseline to Week 12 is represented as a positive value (and vice versa).
- Change in Serum C4 Level From Baseline to Week 6 [ Time Frame: 0, Week 6 ]Outcome measure description: C4 is a blood test that measures the activity of the complement component 4 (C4) protein. The normal range for males is 12 to 72 mg/dL and the normal range for females is 13 to 75 mg/dL. Patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus may have a lower-than-normal level of C4. A decrease in C4 level over time may indicate disease activity. An increase in C4 from baseline to Week 6 is represented as a positive value (and vice versa).
- Change in Status for Anti-double-stranded DNA Autoantibody From Baseline to Week 12 [ Time Frame: 0, Week 12 ]Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may have autoantibodies (e.g., self against self) to double-stranded DNA. Double-stranded DNA is one of multiple diagnostic tests for SLE and levels may be associated with disease activity. A positive test for autoantibodies to double-stranded DNA is based on the normal range from the local laboratory. Change in status (+ or -) from baseline is evaluated.
- Change in Status for Anti-double-stranded DNA Autoantibody From Baseline to Week 6 [ Time Frame: 0, Week 6 ]Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may have autoantibodies (e.g., self against self) to double-stranded DNA. Double-stranded DNA is one of multiple diagnostic tests for SLE and levels may be associated with disease activity. A positive test for autoantibodies to double-stranded DNA is based on the normal range from the local laboratory. Change in status (+ or -) from baseline is evaluated.
- Change in SELENA-SLEDAI Total Score From Baseline to Week 12 [ Time Frame: 0, Week 12 ]The modified Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment-Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Disease Activity Index (SELENA-SLEDAI) score is a weighted scale score ranging from 0 to 105 based on the presence or absence of 24 manifestations of SLE. The SELENA-SLEDAI assesses disease activity for 10 days prior to and including the day of assessment. For this study, the SELENA-SLEDAI score was modified to include proteinuria defined by dipstick rather than 24 hour urine. Positive change in the SELENA-SLEDAI score indicate increased disease activity.
- Cardiorespiratory BILAG Status at Week 12 [ Time Frame: Week 12 ]The British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG) assessment gives a grade for each of 9 body systems (e.g., domains). Grades reflect systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity as follows: A (severe), B (moderate), C (mild), D (inactive at present but previously affected), E (inactive and system never involved). To be randomized, subjects had to have mild or inactive disease (C,D,E) in all but the mucocutaneous system in which B(moderate) disease was also allowed. The percent of subjects experiencing A or B level activity at Week 12 is assessed for the "Cardiorespiratory-specific" body system.
- Constitutional BILAG Status at Week 12 [ Time Frame: Week 12 ]The British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG) assessment gives a grade for each of 9 body systems (e.g., domains). Grades reflect systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity as follows: A (severe), B (moderate), C (mild), D (inactive at present but previously affected), E (inactive and system never involved). To be randomized, subjects had to have mild or inactive disease (C,D,E) in all but the mucocutaneous system in which B(moderate) disease was also allowed. The percent of subjects experiencing A or B level activity at Week 12 is assessed for the "Constitutional-specific" body system.
- Gastrointestinal BILAG Status at Week 12 [ Time Frame: Week 12 ]The British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG) assessment gives a grade for each of 9 body systems (e.g., domains). Grades reflect systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity as follows: A (severe), B (moderate), C (mild), D (inactive at present but previously affected), E (inactive and system never involved). To be randomized, subjects had to have mild or inactive disease (C,D,E) in all but the mucocutaneous system in which B(moderate) disease was also allowed. The percent of subjects experiencing A or B level activity at Week 12 is assessed for the "Gastrointestinal-specific" body system.
- Hematological BILAG Status at Week 12 [ Time Frame: Week 12 ]The British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG) assessment gives a grade for each of 9 body systems (e.g., domains). Grades reflect systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity as follows: A (severe), B (moderate), C (mild), D (inactive at present but previously affected), E (inactive and system never involved). To be randomized, subjects had to have mild or inactive disease (C,D,E) in all but the mucocutaneous system in which B(moderate) disease was also allowed. The percent of subjects experiencing A or B level activity at Week 12 is assessed for the "Hematological-specific" body system.
- Mucocutaneous BILAG Status at Week 12 [ Time Frame: Week 12 ]The British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG) assessment gives a grade for each of 9 body systems (e.g., domains). Grades reflect systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity as follows: A (severe), B (moderate), C (mild), D (inactive at present but previously affected), E (inactive and system never involved). To be randomized, subjects had to have mild or inactive disease (C,D,E) in all but the mucocutaneous system in which B(moderate) disease was also allowed. The percent of subjects experiencing A or B level activity at Week 12 is assessed for the "Mucocutaneous-specific" body system.
- Musculoskeletal BILAG Status at Week 12 [ Time Frame: Week 12 ]Outcome measure description: The British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG) assessment gives a grade for each of 9 body systems (e.g., domains). Grades reflect systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity as follows: A (severe), B (moderate), C (mild), D (inactive at present but previously affected), E (inactive and system never involved). To be randomized, subjects had to have mild or inactive disease (C,D,E) in all but the mucocutaneous system in which B(moderate) disease was also allowed. The percent of subjects experiencing A or B level activity at Week 12 is assessed for the "Musculoskeletal-specific" body system.
- Neuropsychiatric BILAG Status at Week 12 [ Time Frame: Week 12 ]The British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG) assessment gives a grade for each of 9 body systems (e.g., domains). Grades reflect systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity as follows: A (severe), B (moderate), C (mild), D (inactive at present but previously affected), E (inactive and system never involved). To be randomized, subjects had to have mild or inactive disease (C,D,E) in all but the mucocutaneous system in which B(moderate) disease was also allowed. The percent of subjects experiencing A or B level activity at Week 12 is assessed for the "Neuropsychiatric-specific" body system.
- Ophthalmic BILAG Status at Week 12 [ Time Frame: Week 12 ]The British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG) assessment gives a grade for each of 9 body systems (e.g., domains). Grades reflect systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity as follows: A (severe), B (moderate), C (mild), D (inactive at present but previously affected), E (inactive and system never involved). To be randomized, subjects had to have mild or inactive disease (C,D,E) in all but the mucocutaneous system in which B(moderate) disease was also allowed. The percent of subjects experiencing A or B level activity at Week 12 is assessed for the "Ophthalmic-specific" body system.
- Renal BILAG Status at Week 12 [ Time Frame: Week 12 ]The British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG) assessment gives a grade for each of 9 body systems (e.g., domains). Grades reflect systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity as follows: A (severe), B (moderate), C (mild), D (inactive at present but previously affected), E (inactive and system never involved). To be randomized, subjects had to have mild or inactive disease (C,D,E) in all but the mucocutaneous system in which B(moderate) disease was also allowed. The percent of subjects experiencing A or B level activity at Week 12 is assessed for the "Renal-specific" body system.
- Percent of Participants With Adverse Events of Grade 3 or Above [ Time Frame: From start of study treatment through Week 12 ]Grades are based on National Cancer Institute--Common Terminology Criteria (NCI-CTCAE) Version 3.0 over the duration of the study. Participants who experienced at least one grade 3 or higher adverse event (AE) are counted only once. The adverse events are treatment-emergent, which means that the AE occurred after taking the first dose of study drug.

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Ages Eligible for Study: | 18 Years and older (Adult, Older Adult) |
Sexes Eligible for Study: | All |
Accepts Healthy Volunteers: | No |
Inclusion Criteria:
- Diagnosis of SLE by American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria
- Serum 25-OH vitamin D level of 20 ng/mL or less
- Stable disease at screening, defined as a modified Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment SLE Disease Activity Index (SELENA-SLEDAI) of 4 or less
- Interferon (IFN) signature present. More information about this criterion can be found in the protocol
- Positive anti-double-stranded (anti-ds) DNA antibody blood test at screening
- If on corticosteroids, the dose must be less than 20 mg per day and stable for 4 weeks prior to screening and at study entry
- If on immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory medication such as azathioprine, methotrexate, leflunomide, mycophenolate, or hydroxychloroquine, the dose must be stable for 3 months prior to screening and at study entry
- If receiving a multivitamin or a vitamin D supplement, the dose of vitamin D must be 800 IU daily or less and stable for the 3 months prior to screening and at study entry
- Agree to use effective contraceptive methods for the duration of the study
Exclusion Criteria:
- Unwilling to stop using drugs or substances that may interfere with fat absorption
- Hypercalcemia
- Hypercalciuria
- History of hyperparathyroidism
- History of kidney stones
- History of cancer, except cervical carcinoma in situ and resected basal and squamous cell carcinomas of the skin
- Known history of chronic viral infections, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C
- Known active tuberculosis
- Any British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG) A or B manifestation with the exception of a BILAG B mucocutaneous manifestation
- Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or aspartate aminotransferase (AST) liver function tests greater than or equal to two times the upper limit of normal
- Dialysis or serum creatinine greater than 1.5 mg/dL
- Expectation by the investigator to increase corticosteroid or immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory medication dose at screening, study entry, or over the course of the study
- Treatment with cyclophosphamide within 3 months of screening
- Treatment with rituximab within 12 months of screening
- Other investigational drug and or treatment during the 4 weeks or seven half lives of the other investigational drug prior to study entry
- Drug or alcohol abuse within 6 months prior to study entry
- Treatment with digoxin
- Treatment with teriparatide
- Any condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, would jeopardize the subject's safety following exposure to the study drug
- Pregnant or breastfeeding

To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contact information provided by the sponsor.
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier (NCT number): NCT00710021
United States, Alabama | |
University of Alabama | |
Birmingham, Alabama, United States, 35294 | |
United States, California | |
University of California, San Francisco | |
San Francisco, California, United States, 94143 | |
United States, Massachusetts | |
Brigham and Women's Hospital | |
Boston, Massachusetts, United States, 02115 | |
United States, New York | |
Feinstein Institute for Medical Research | |
Manhassett, New York, United States, 11030 | |
University of Rochester | |
Rochester, New York, United States, 14642 | |
United States, North Carolina | |
Duke University Medical Center | |
Durham, North Carolina, United States, 27710 | |
United States, Pennsylvania | |
University of Pittsburgh | |
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States, 15261 | |
United States, South Carolina | |
Medical University of South Carolina | |
Charleston, South Carolina, United States, 29425 |
Study Chair: | Cynthia Aranow, MD | The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research | |
Study Chair: | Diane Kamen, MD | Medical University of South Carolina |
Study Data/Documents: Individual Participant Data Set

ImmPort study identifier is SDY474.

ImmPort study identifier is SDY474. The study protocol is located in the Design tab content.

ImmPort study identifier is SDY474.
Publications of Results:
Other Publications:
Responsible Party: | National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) |
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: | NCT00710021 |
Other Study ID Numbers: |
DAIT ALE02 |
First Posted: | July 3, 2008 Key Record Dates |
Results First Posted: | April 25, 2014 |
Last Update Posted: | April 26, 2017 |
Last Verified: | March 2017 |
Individual Participant Data (IPD) Sharing Statement: | |
Plan to Share IPD: | Yes |
Plan Description: | Data access is provided to the public in the Immunology Database and Analysis Portal (ImmPort), a long-term archive of clinical and mechanistic data from DAIT-funded grants and contracts that also provides data analysis tools available to researchers. |
Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Drug Product: | Yes |
Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Device Product: | No |
Systemic lupus erythematosus SLE Vitamin D3 Vitamin D deficiency IFN alpha expression |
Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic Connective Tissue Diseases Autoimmune Diseases Immune System Diseases Vitamin D Ergocalciferols |
Cholecalciferol Vitamins Micronutrients Physiological Effects of Drugs Bone Density Conservation Agents Calcium-Regulating Hormones and Agents |