Clinical trial NCT02433977
Conditions: Asthma
Keywords: Asthma Obesity conjugated linolenic acid nitrate nitrite nutritional supplements
Sponsor: Gladwin, Mark, MD
Start date: 2015-09-01; Completion date: 2019-11-01
Enrollment: 6 participants; Allocation: NA; Intervention model: SINGLE_GROUP

Brief summary:
This study will examine the hypothesis that in obese asthmatics; treatment with NOx + CLA is well tolerated, safe and will increase eNO while reducing airway oxidative stress. Allied with this, the investigators will define whether supplementing with this bioactive mediator modifies the airway microbiome, and reduces airway inflammation.

Detailed description:
Obesity is an asthma comorbidity associated with increased severity, poor control, reduced steroid responsiveness and greater exacerbation and healthcare utilization rates. These associations are not explained by having a greater degree of Th-2 inflammation. Rather, the obese asthma phenotype defined in several cluster studies, has paradoxically reduced levels of Th-2 biomarkers, including sputum eosinophils and exhaled nitric oxide (NO). The investigators previous research has shown that the inverse relation between increased body mass index (BMI) and reduced exhaled NO, may be explained by a metabolic imbalance characterized by lower L-arginine and greater asymmetric di-methyl arginine (ADMA) levels. Having a low L-arginine/ADMA ratio has been shown to inhibit and uncouple all isoforms of nitric oxidase synthase (NOS), thereby reducing NO bioavailability and promoting oxidative stress through enhanced superoxide production. In obese asthmatics, this imbalance not only correlates with exhaled NO, but also with lower FEV1% and poorer asthma-related quality of life. Yet the effect of obesity in asthma is unlikely to be solely dependent on a single mechanism. Other factors, such as increased Th1 and Th-17-mediated inflammation have been shown to occur in human and animal models. Given all of these potential avenues, it is imperative that an intervention is sufficiently pleiotropic that can, in addition to restoring airway NO levels, also reduce other obesity-related non-Th2 mechanism of inflammation. The investigators hypothesize that treatment with conjugated linolenic acid (CLA) + nitrate and nitrite (together known as NOx), will restore NO airway bioavailability, reduce oxidative stress and improve airway inflammation in obese asthmatics. To test this hypothesis, the investigators propose a phase II pilot study in which obese asthmatics with metabolic syndrome, will be treated orally with CLA+NOx for 8 weeks, in an open label study design to assess pre to post-intervention changes in airway and systemic biomarkers, and to determine the effects on lung function and bronchial hyperresponsiveness. Participants will undergo a pre and post intervention bronchoscopy. The results obtained from this project will be greatly informative to our understanding of the obese - asthma pathophysiology and for the development of clinical trials to determine the potential benefit of this intervention in improving health outcomes.

Arms: arm 1: This is a single arm study

Conjugated Linolenic Acid (CLA)- daily oral dose 3 g/day

Sodium Nitrate- Capsules for daily oral administration at the dose of 1 g (2 x 500 mg)

Sodium Nitrite- Capsules for daily oral administration at the dose of 20 mg (2 x 10 mg)
Interventions: intervention 1: Conjugated Linolenic Acid intervention 2: Sodium Nitrite intervention 3: Sodium Nitrate
Intervention descriptions: intervention 1: CLA is a polyunsaturated fatty acid Subjects will receive capsules for daily oral administration at the dose of 3 g/day intervention 2: Subjects will receive capsules for daily oral administration at the dose of 20 mg (2 x 10 mg) intervention 3: Subjects will receive capsules for daily oral administration at the dose of 1g (2 x 500 mg)

Protocol documents:
Prot_SAP_000.pdf: 
 
 
CLINICAL PROTOCOL 
 
 
A Proof of Concept Study to Determine the Effects of NOx and Conjugated 
Linoleic Acid on Asthmatics  
 
 
 
 
 
Sally Wenzel, MD 
Principal Investigator 
 
Professor of Medicine  
University of Pittsburgh 
 
 
Sub-Investigators 
Mark Gladwin, MD; Bruce Freeman, PhD; Stacy Wendell, PhD; Fernando Holguin, MD; 
Alison Morris, MD; Merritt Fajt, MD; Marc Gauthier, MD; Matthew Camiolo, MD 
 
 
 
Version 11.0 
December 11, 2018 
 
 


 
 
1 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 
 
ABSTRACT………………………….…………………………………………………………..…….…3 
 
1. 
SPECIFIC AIMS………………………………………………………………………………....4 
2. 
BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE………………………………………………….......…..5 
3. 
STUDY HYPOTHESES……………………………………………….……………………….10 
3.1 PRIMARY HYPOTHESIS…………………………………………………………………10 
3.2 EXPLORATORY HYPOTHESIS………………………………………………………....10 
4. 
STUDY OUTCOMES……………………………………………….………………….……....10 
4.1 PRIMARY OUTCOME………………………………………………………..………..….10 
4.2 SECONDARY OUTCOMES……………………………………………………..……….10 
4.3 EXPLORATORY OUTCOMES………………………………………………………..….11 
5. 
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS……………………………………….…………….11 
5.1 STUDY DESIGN………………………………………………………………………..….11 
 
5.2 DESCRIPTION OF THE STUDY DESIGN……………………………………….……..11 
 
5.3 RATIONALE FOR DOSE SELECTION…………………………………………….……12 
6. 
STUDY ASSESSMENT AND ORDER OF PROCEDURES…………………..…………..14 
7. 
HUMAN SUBJECTS…………………………………………………………………………..20 
7.1 RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION OF PATIENTS…………………………….….….20 
 
7.2 INCLUSION CRITERIA………………………………………………………………..….20 
 
7.3 EXCLUSION CRITERIA…………………………………………………………………..20 
 
7.4 CRITERIA FOR INITIATING TREATMENT……………………………………………..21 
8. 
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS AND POWER CALCULATIONS……….………………….…22 
8.1 SAMPLE SIZE DETERMINATION…………………………………………….……..….22 
8.2 STUDY CONDUCT ANALYSES…………………………………………………….…...22 


 
 
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8.3 EFFICACY ANALYSES ………………………………….…………………………..…...22 
8.4 SAFETY ANALYSES ……………………….……………………………………….…....23 
8.5 HANDLING MISSING DATA …………………………………………………………..…23 
8.6 DATA MANAGEMENT……………………………...………………………………….…23 
9. 
POTENTIAL RISKS AND BENEFITS…………………………………………………….…23 
 
9.1 POTENTIAL RISKS………………………………………………………………..……....23 
 
9.2 PLAN FOR PATIENT SAFETY…………………………………………………….…… .28 
 
9.3 ROUTINE SAFETY MONITORING ……………………………………………………..28 
10. 
DATA SAFETY MONITORING PLAN.……………………………………………………...30 
 
10.1 DATA SAFETY MONITORING BOARD……………………………………………….30 
10.2 DATA SAFETY MONITORING PLAN…………………………………………..….…..30 
 
10.3  REPORTING OF SAE AND UNANTICIPATED PROBLEMS .……………..………31 
11. 
REFERENCES…………………………………………………………………………….…...32 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
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ABSTRACT 
Obesity is an asthma comorbidity associated with increased severity, poor control, reduced 
steroid responsiveness and greater exacerbation and healthcare utilization rates. These 
associations are not explained by having a greater degree of Th-2 inflammation. Rather, the 
obese asthma phenotype defined in several cluster studies, has paradoxically reduced levels of 
Th-2 biomarkers, including sputum eosinophils and exhaled nitric oxide (NO). Our previous 
research has shown that the inverse relation between increased body mass index (BMI) and 
reduced exhaled NO, may be explained by a metabolic imbalance characterized by lower L-
arginine and greater asymmetric di-methyl arginine (ADMA) levels. Having a low L-
arginine/ADMA ratio has been shown to inhibit and uncouple all isoforms of nitric oxidase 
synthase (NOS), thereby reducing NO bioavailability and promoting oxidative stress through 
enhanced superoxide production. In obese asthmatics, this imbalance not only correlates with 
exhaled NO, but also with lower FEV1% and poorer asthma-related quality of life.  Yet the effect 
of obesity in asthma is unlikely to be solely dependent on a single mechanism. Other factors, 
such as increased Th1 and Th-17-mediated inflammation have been shown to occur in human 
and animal models. Given all of these potential avenues, it is imperative that an intervention is 
sufficiently pleiotropic that can, in addition to restoring airway NO levels, also reduce other 
obesity-related non-Th2 mechanism of inflammation. We hypothesize that treatment with 
conjugated linolenic acid (CLA) + nitrate and nitrite (together known as NOx), will restore NO 
airway bioavailability, reduce oxidative stress and improve airway inflammation in obese 
asthmatics. To test this hypothesis, we propose a phase II pilot study in which obese 
asthmatics, will be treated orally with CLA+NOx for 8 weeks, in an open label study design to 
assess pre to post-intervention changes in airway and systemic biomarkers, and to determine 
the effects on lung function and bronchial hyperresponsiveness. Participants will undergo a pre 
and post intervention bronchoscopy. The results obtained from this project will be greatly 
informative to our understanding of the obese – asthma pathophysiology and for the 
development of clinical trials to determine the potential benefit of this intervention in improving 
health outcomes.  
 
 
 


 
 
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1   SPECIFIC AIMS 
Obesity is an asthma comorbidity associated with increased exacerbation rates and greater 
healthcare utilization by mechanisms that are not explained by increases in Type 2 (Th2)-
related biomarkers of airway inflammation. However, alterations in airway nitric oxide (NO) 
metabolism constitute a potential mechanistic pathway for obesity-mediated increases in 
asthma severity (1). We have shown a correlation between increasing BMI and lower L-arginine 
to asymmetric di-methyl arginine (ADMA) ratios in asthmatics (2). This imbalance leads to 
inhibition and uncoupling of airway epithelial inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), resulting in 
lower exhaled NO (eNO) levels and greater airway oxidative stress, which could impair normal 
airway function and reduce the response to inhaled steroids (ICS).  In fact, lower L-
arginine/ADMA ratios is strongly associated with more frequent respiratory symptoms, 
decreased quality of life, and reduced pre-bronchodilator FEV1 (FEV1%) among asthmatic adults 
(2).  A potential link between obesity and this NO metabolic derangement may be explained by 
the metabolic syndrome (MS), which occurs in over 60% of obese persons.  MS has been 
associated with increased systemic ADMA levels and is a well-known pathway to endothelial 
dysfunction (3). MS, independently of obesity, has been associated with increased risk for 
incident asthma, poor symptom control, and a steeper decline in lung function (4-7).    
However, obesity could also adversely affect asthma via other inflammatory and oxidative 
mechanisms beyond NOS uncoupling, such as greater Th1 polarization, and increased pro-
inflammatory airway leptin and cytokine levels (8, 9).  It is plausible that other signaling 
processes can be modulated, or be susceptible to modulation, in parallel with reduced airway 
NO, to worsen asthma severity. Therefore, more pleiotropic pharmacologic strategies that can 
impact multiple inflammatory and metabolic pathways may be useful for improving the health of 
obese asthmatics. To do this, we propose a novel approach, which includes oral nitrite + nitrate 
(NO2- + NO3-) termed oxides of nitrogen (NOx) + conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplementation. 
CLA is an 18 carbon, 2 double bond-containing unsaturated fatty acid (18:2, n-6) and has been 
shown to reduce bronchial hyperresponsiveness in overweight or obese asthmatics (10).  CLA 
is readily nitrated (addition of an NO2 group to a double bond) by the nitrite/nitric oxide derived 
species, nitrogen dioxide, producing a fatty acid nitro-alkene product with broad anti-
inflammatory effects, including partial peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma 
(PPARγ) agonist activity, blocking TH17-related pathways, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) inhibition 
and Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) activation (11-14).  In addition to the anti-


 
 
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inflammatory effects of CLA, NOx supplementation can be beneficial to obese asthmatics by 
increasing NO airway bioavailability (15).  
We hypothesize that in obese asthmatics treatment with NOx + CLA is well tolerated, safe 
and will increase eNO while reducing airway oxidative stress. Allied with this, we will define 
whether supplementing with this bioactive mediator modifies the airway microbiome, and 
reduces airway inflammation.  
Specific Aim 1.  To determine whether treatment with NOx + CLA will increase exhaled NO and 
reduce airway oxidative stress in adult obese asthmatics. To do this, participants will receive 8 
weeks of open label treatment with NOx  (Sodium nitrate 1000 mg + Sodium nitrite 20 mg/day) 
+ 3,000 mg/day of CLA.  
Specific Aim 2.  To determine whether treatment with NOx + CLA can influence airway NO 
bioavailability, as well as oxidative, metabolic and inflammatory pathways.  Participants will 
undergo pre and post-treatment bronchoscopies to obtain airway epithelial cells, 
bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and endobronchial biopsies. Peripheral blood and urine will 
also be collected at each of these bronchoscopies. To do this, we will compare the following pre 
and post intervention endpoints: a) total CLA levels, nitrite/nitrate in urine and plasma, and  
NO2-cLA levels in BALF, plasma, and urine; b) NFkB and Nrf2 pathways in peripheral blood 
monocyte cells (PBMC) and alveolar macrophages, c) leptin/adiponectin in BAL and plasma, d) 
plasma ADMA e) airway microbiome in BAL f) airway xanthine oxidase (XO) activity from 
endobronchial biopsies (as an airway oxidative stress source), g) TH17: BAL fluid/cells: IL-17 
levels, mRNA, flow cytometry, h) metabolomics study to look at where 15N is incorporated 
other than NO2-cLA; to do this, participants will take same dose of nitrate and nitrite 15N 
heavy isotopes, the day prior to the second bronchoscopy.   
2   BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE  
Obesity is one of the most 
significant comorbidities 
associated with poor asthma 
control, high exacerbation rates 
and increased frequency of 
healthcare utilization. Considering 
that in the United States roughly 


 
 
6 
 
30% of the population is obese, understanding how it adversely affects asthma is a significant 
research and public health priority. Increasing body mass index (BMI) inflicts a mechanical load 
to the respiratory system which predictably increases the frequency and severity of respiratory 
complaints, particularly shortness of breath, in obese asthmatics (16).   In addition, obesity may 
cause or be the result of dysfunction beyond the mechanical load with impacts of the 
pathobiology of asthma and/or response to treatment.  In different cluster analyses of asthma 
populations, obese patients with asthma have been identified as a “clinical phenotype” 
characterized by late onset asthma, reduced atopy, and disproportionate symptoms resulting in 
high rates of healthcare and medication use. These patients have relatively well preserved lung 
function and low levels of traditional Th-2 cytokine related airway inflammation, including 
sputum eosinophils and exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) (17-19).  Obese, late onset asthmatics are 
a unique phenotype. Among obese subjects, eNO is relatively lower among those with a 
greater BMI and later asthma onset vs. those with earlier, childhood onset (20). This 
observation suggests that the interaction of obesity with late onset age of asthma is what 
determines lower eNO levels in the obese asthma phenotype. This concept is further supported 
by the fact that the inverse association between increasing BMI and eNO is only significant 
among those with late onset asthma (> 12 years) (2). Although higher levels of eNO are thought 
to be part of the pathophysiology of asthma, a causal role in asthma has not been established. 
In fact, inhibition of NOS may not benefit humans whereas NO inhalation has been reported to 
prevent bronchial hyperresponsiveness (21-24). NO contributes to airway physiology by playing 
a role in airway smooth muscle and vascular relaxation. Reductions in eNO in obese patients 
with asthma, may be indicative of a detrimental derangement of airway NO metabolism (25).  
 
In obese asthmatics, L-arginine/ADMA metabolism is a potential mechanism to explain 
disease severity.  A critical factor determining NO bioavailability is the balance between L-
arginine, the substrate for NOS, and asymmetric di-methyl arginine (ADMA), which is a 
methylated product of L-arginine and an endogenous inhibitor of all NOS enzymes (26) (See 
Figure 1). A reduced L-arginine/ADMA ratio would therefore result in lower NO production by 
NOS. This balance, as we have previously shown (27), is inversely associated with increasing 
BMI categories in late onset asthmatics.   Importantly, increased levels of ADMA also enhance 
the formation of superoxide, as a result of ADMA-mediated NOS uncoupling (28). It is well 
defined that L-arginine is reduced in asthma.  This phenomenon coupled with increased levels 
of ADMA is associated with obesity and/or the metabolic syndrome and may explain why obese 


 
 
7 
 
asthmatics have lower plasma L-arginine/ADMA ratios (29). Both, plasma L-arginine/ADMA 
ratio and sputum ADMA, are strongly correlated (inversely for ADMA) with eNO (30). In addition, 
individuals with late onset asthma and reduced plasma L-arginine/ADMA ratios have more 
respiratory complaints, lower asthma 
quality of life, less allergic inflammation 
and lower FEV1 (2). These associations 
are significant even after adjusting for 
asthma severity, FEV1 and medication 
use.  Further, among obese late onset 
asthmatics, those with an L-
arginine/ADMA levels below the median 
have greater bronchial methacholine 
responsiveness, when compared to those 
that have higher ratios, as shown in 
Figure 2.  
Experimental studies in stimulated airway epithelial cells have shown that ADMA reduces nitrite 
production while increasing superoxide levels in a dose dependent manner. In murine OVA 
models, pre-treatment with ADMA increases airway resistance in the absence of traditional 
biomarkers of allergic airway inflammation (28) (31). Together, these data suggest that the L-
arginine/ADMA balance, through reduced airway NO bioavailability and enhanced oxidative 
stress, is a causal pathway driving the increased symptomatology in the “obese late-onset 
asthma phenotype” described in previous cluster studies.   
Obese asthmatics respond differently to inhaled steroids. Compared to leaner asthmatics, 
obese asthmatics report more continuous respiratory symptoms, experience a higher rate of 
nocturnal respiratory symptoms and are more likely to have experienced asthma exacerbations, 
which required emergency room evaluation or hospitalization within the preceding 12 months 
(1). In the longitudinal study of difficult asthma (TENOR), patients who gained 5 lb (2.27 kg) 
during a 12-month interval between baseline and follow-up reported worse asthma control 
(adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 1.22; 95% 1.01-1.49; p = 0.04) and quality of life (0.18; 95% CI: 0.30 
to 0.06; p = 0.003), as well as a greater number of  corticosteroid bursts (OR: 1.31; CI: 1.04 -
1.66; p=0.02) than patients who maintained their baseline weight or lost 5 lb (25). While there 
may be many reasons why obese asthma patients may be more difficult to control, emerging 
data suggest that obese asthmatics also respond less well to current standard asthma 


 
 
8 
 
medications.  In a retrospective analysis of a clinical trial comparing ICS with montelukast 
investigators found that obese asthmatics have reduced responses to ICS therapy, when 
compared to leaner counterparts (26). Increasing BMI was inversely associated with achieving 
adequate asthma control days while adjusting for potential confounders. Similarly, the low dose 
theophylline study of the American Lung Association (ALA) Research Network reported that 
obese asthmatics had a paradoxical response to the controller agent theophylline compared to 
normal weight asthmatics.   When normal weight asthmatics were given theophylline in addition 
to their standard asthma regimen, the rate of asthma exacerbations decreased compared to a 
rise in obese asthmatics exacerbations (27).  In a prospective study, Chanez et al reported that 
asthmatics with a BMI ≥ 25 had a substantially lower probability of achieving asthma control 
despite being treated according to asthma guidelines (28).  Furthermore, in a study where mild 
to moderate asthmatics were randomized to inhaled budesonide or budesonide + salmeterol, 
obese and overweight participants had lower odds ratios for achieving asthma control at 12 
weeks irrespective of treatment compared to leaner asthmatics (29).  Also, compared to their 
leaner counterparts, obese asthmatics have a lesser improvement in FEV1 following treatment 
with inhaled steroids (30). In these studies obese asthmatics were included regardless of age of 
asthma onset and other phenotypical features.  
Mechanistically, there is evidence for steroid resistance in obese asthmatics. Increasing 
BMI has been shown to blunt dexamethasone induced mitogen-activated protein kinase 
phosphatase-1 (MAPK) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) production by peripheral blood 
mononuclear cells (31). In bronchoalveolar lavage cells, dexamethasone-induced MAPK 
expression was also reduced in overweight/obese versus lean patients with asthma although 
the mechanisms for these differences are not known. Taken together, these studies show that 
obesity in asthma is associated with reduced clinical response to ICS. Therefore, alternative 
approaches, both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic, for the treatment of patients with 
asthma who are either overweight or obese are needed. 
In obese asthmatics, additional co-morbidities can play an important role in explaining 
increase morbidity. In addition to changes in NO metabolism and steroid resistance, a 
potential largely unexplained link between asthma severity and obesity, is the MS. This co-
morbidity is present in over 2/3 of all obese subjects, and is characterized by abdominal obesity, 
dyslipidemia (low HDL, high triglycerides), hypertension and insulin resistance. MS, 
independent of other comorbidities, is a risk factor for having a steeper loss of FEV1/time among 
adult non-smokers. Cross sectionally, all the MS components are associated with increased 


 
 
9 
 
odds for having an FEV1 < lower limit of normal; however, in multivariable analysis the strongest 
associations are observed with abdominal obesity. Among 17,400 children participating in the 
Coronary Artery Risk in the Appalachian Community survey, increased triglycerides and 
reduced HDL were associated with greater asthma prevalence. These lipids derangements 
have also been linked to increased wheezing risk among adults, even when adjusting for 
adiposity. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that insulin resistance is another potential 
mechanism for MS-associated changes in lung function in asthmatics. In experimental models, 
insulin has been shown to induce airway smooth contractility and proliferation. In humans, poor 
glycemic control has been associated with increased asthma prevalence; further, inhaled insulin 
can lead to reduced lung function, and therefore is contraindicated among patients with chronic 
airway diseases.  
Additional treatments focusing on inflammatory and oxidative pathways are needed to 
improve the health of obese asthmatics with metabolic syndrome. Several of the 
pharmacological properties of nitrite, nitrate and CLA make them ideal candidates to overcome 
many of the metabolic and inflammatory factors associated with obesity, especially when 
coexisting with MS. For example, nitrate has been shown in to improve endothelial function, 
reduce blood pressure and insulin resistance in diabetic patients (32). Another relevant aspect 
of NOx therapy is that it may increase airway NO bioavailability by providing an alternative 
source of NO other than NOS, which could be particularly useful in situations, such as obesity, 
when the L-arginine/ADMA balance favors iNOS uncoupling. CLA is a polyunsaturated fatty acid 
found in dairy products and ruminant meat (i.e. beef) and an average American diet supplies 15-
174 mg of CLA daily. Moreover, CLA is formed in the body following conversion of linoleic acid 
to CLA by bacteria of the gastrointestinal tract. CLA has pleiotropic anti-inflammatory actions, 
including partial PPARγ agonist activity, NF-κB inhibition and Nrf2 activation.  Clinically, CLA 
has been associated with a wide range of salutary effects including: decreased body fat mass in 
obese and healthy overweight patients (33, 34), decreased the leptin/adiponectin ratios, and 
reduced risk of colorectal cancer. Of particular relevance to obesity and asthma, CLA has been 
shown to suppress Th-1 and Th17-mediated inflammatory responses in dendritic cells (14). This 
effect could be relevant to obese late –onset asthmatics who have a greater Th1 polarization 
and in whom Th17 responses appear to play a major a role. Also, its ability to decrease the 
leptin/adiponectin ratio could ameliorate airway inflammation. Clinically, CLA has been shown to 
be potentially effective in improving bronchial hyperresponsiveness in obese and overweight 
mild asthmatics randomized to receive CLA 4,560 mg/d for 12 weeks. Compared to placebo, 


 
 
10 
 
those receiving CLA, had a significant reduction in the average methacholine dose to achieve a 
20% reduction in FEV1 (change in methacholine dose from pre to post treatment was 5mg/ml 
[1.9] in the CLA arm vs 1.2 [1.2] in the placebo, p=0.02). Interestingly, this occurred in the 
absence of any significant changes in systemic biomarkers of airway inflammation; however, the 
study did not include any airway measurements (10). 
 
3   STUDY HYPOTHESES 
3.1   Primary Hypothesis 
We hypothesize that in obese asthmatics; treatment with NOx + CLA is well tolerated, safe and 
will increase eNO while reducing airway oxidative stress.   
3.2   Exploratory Hypothesis  
We hypothesize that in obese asthmatics, treatment with NOx + CLA will reduce airway 
oxidative stress in airway epithelial cells.  
 
4    STUDY OUTCOMES 
4.1   Primary Outcome  
To determine how CLA + NOx affect airway NO bioavailability and oxidative stress  
4.2   Secondary Outcomes 
To determine whether, compared to baseline, treatment with NOx + CLA can:  
a) Increases eNO levels  
b) Quantify the concentrations of nitrate/nitrite in plasma and urine, free cLA in plasma, and 
NO2-cLA in BALF, plasma, and urine  
c) Reduce airway oxidation and inflammation  
a. Western and RTPCR NF-κB and Nrf2 pathways in airway macrophages and 
PBMCs 
b. Airway leptin and adiponectin  
c. Proportion of airway TH-17 cells/responses  


 
 
11 
 
d)  Airway XO activity determined in endobronchial biopsies   
e) Measurement of 15NO2-cLA and endogenous 14NO2-cLA in urine, plasma and BAL 
f) Decrease production of anion superoxide in fresh airway epithelial cells;  
g) Mitochondrial ROS production and bioenergetics in fresh and cultured airway epithelial 
cells. As a potential source for airway / epithelial oxidative stress  
4.3   Exploratory Outcomes  
To determine whether treatment with NOx + CLA can:  
a) Explore pre and post bronchoscopy changes in airway microbiome.  
b) Compare outcomes obtained at baseline between healthy controls participating in 
EFADA and obese asthmatics with metabolic syndrome  
5   RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS  
5.1   Study Design 
This is an open-label, single center, proof of concept pilot study in obese asthmatics.  
5.2   Description of the Study Design  
Potential subjects will be recruited from the Asthma Institute registry and the CTSI registry, and 
throughout the community at large. After an initial screen visit, those who sign the consent and 
meet eligibility will proceed to have methacholine testing; subjects with a > 12% bronchodilation 
in FEV1, or achieving a 20 % reduction in FEV1 from baseline (PC20) after methacholine, will 
receive NOx + CLA for a period of 8 weeks. 
 
 


 
 
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Prior to treatment, participants will undergo a baseline bronchoscopy at UPMC Montefiore, after 
which they will be instructed to begin taking the assigned intervention for 8 weeks. At the 
completion of the treatment period, participants will undergo a second methacholine challenge 
and a final bronchoscopy.  
5.3   Rationale for Dose Selection  
The daily study drugs are: 
Sodium nitrite and stable isotope labeled sodium 15N nitrite 
Standard sodium nitrite will be supplied as capsules for daily oral administration at the dose 
strength of 20 mg (study dose: 20 mg). The Joint Food and Agriculture Organization 
(FAO)/World Health Organization (WHO) Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) 
proposed an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for sodium nitrite, which corresponds to 0.1 mg/kg of 
body weight. Using the ADI for sodium nitrite (0.1 mg/kg of body weight) and a body weight of 
95 kg, the calculated ADI of sodium nitrite would be 9.5 mg. Much higher doses, of oral sodium 
nitrite solutions ranging between 140-380 mg are well tolerated acutely with minimal side effects 
characterized by short-term nausea and headaches, and mild transient reductions in blood 
pressure with concomitant increase in heart rate. Based on the Joint FAO/WHO ADI for nitrite, 
the fact that this dose has been approved by the FDA for studies in humans, it is believed that a 
safe and tolerated dose for sodium nitrite is 20 mg (~0.2 mg/kg body weight per day for a 95 kg 
subject). This dose selection is roughly equivalent to 2.1 times the ADI.  
Sodium nitrate and stable isotope labeled sodium 15N nitrate 
Standard sodium nitrate will be supplied as capsules for daily oral administration at the dose 
strength of 500 mg (study dose: 1,000 mg). In a recent study, single dose potassium nitrate 
capsule ingestion in healthy adult volunteers in doses of 2,424 mg KNO3 (or 1,488 mg nitrate 
ion) and 1,212 mg KNO3 (or 744 mg nitrate ion) resulted in dose dependent reductions in BP 
over a 24 hour period without adverse effects (35). Current studies from this group are on-going 
with long term therapy for hypertension. Short term dietary supplementation with sodium nitrate 
at 0.1 mmol/kg of body weight per day divided up over 3 times daily for 3 days has been studied 
by Lundberg et al (36-38). The daily nitrate dose administered corresponds to the amount found 
in 100-300 grams of nitrate-rich vegetables such as spinach, beetroot or lettuce. Many of these 
studies demonstrated that dietary nitrate reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressures, mean 
arterial pressure (MAP), and oxygen cost during physical exercise and improved mitochondrial 


 
 
13 
 
efficiency without adverse effects. Several human studies have examined the effect of single 
ingestion (35, 39), 6 day(40, 41) and 15 day (42) supplemental courses of nitrate in the form of 
beetroot juice on blood pressure in healthy adults. Systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP) and mean 
MAP were significantly reduced with beetroot juice in these trials with no adverse events noted 
(35, 39-42). 
Potential Toxicity: For nitrate, some toxicity studies suggest a positive association with risk of 
non-Hodgkin lymphoma, gastric and colon cancers with years of exposure. However, these were 
mostly studies with weak study design and limited strength of evidence. Other case-control 
studies and cohort studies, which provide stronger evidence, have found no increased risk of 
human cancer with increasing nitrate intake from diet or drinking water after multivariate 
adjustment. Taking all studies together, the CONTAM panel (Contaminants in the Food Chain) of 
the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) reports evidence does not suggest that nitrate intake 
from diet or drinking water is associated with increased cancer risk (43).  In addition, there is no 
clear evidence of an effect of nitrate or nitrite on non-cancer human health effects. In the current 
study, we will use much lower doses of nitrite and nitrate than used safely in any of these studies. 
Our sodium nitrate of 1gm represents a nitrate ion dose (i.e. 744 mg) that is less than the nitrate 
ion dose (i.e. 933 mg) associated with 1.488 gm of potassium nitrate used by Webb and 
colleagues. This medication will be provided by Dr. Gladwin, under IND (115,926).  
Conjugated Linoleic Acid  
Will be supplied as capsules for daily oral administration at the dose of 3,000 mg/day from GNC. 
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a polyunsaturated fatty acid found in dairy products and ruminant 
meat (i.e. beef) and an average American diet supplies 15-174 mg of CLA daily. Moreover, CLA 
is formed in the body following conversion of linoleic acid to CLA by bacteria of the gastrointestinal 
tract. The predominant CLA species found clinically are octadeca-(9Z,11E)-dienoic acid and 
octadeca-(10E,12Z)-dienoic acid (44). Because linoleic acid cannot be synthesized in the body, 
it must come from the diet, as it is an essential fatty acid. Multiple clinical trials support that CLA 
promotes a broad range of physiological benefits (45). Additionally, previous reports 
demonstrated the ability of CLA to induce adipocyte lipolysis, fatty acid oxidation of adipocytes 
and significantly decrease body fat mass in obese and healthy overweight patients (33, 34). The 
benefits of CLA on inflammation have also been described, specifically through reducing 
macrophage-mediated infiltration into the adipose tissue and cytokine/leptin secretion, ultimately 
maintaining insulin sensitivity in a high-fat diet murine model of obesity (46). Furthermore, CLA 


 
 
14 
 
administration has been positively associated with reduced risk of colorectal cancer in human 
studies, and through animal studies, this effect was a result of reduced inflammation via PPARγ 
ligation (47, 48). 
6   STUDY ASSESSMENT AND ORDER OF PROCEDURES  
Pre-screening  
- 
Based on an IRB-approved script, coordinators will pre-screen by phone or in person to 
determine if a potential participant should proceed to visit 1 based on major inclusion 
criteria such as asthma diagnosis, active smoking, presence of other lung diseases or 
exclusion criteria, etc.  
- 
Participants that meet pre-screening criteria will be verbally consented to perform 
medication withhold to determine bronchodilator response. 
Run-In Period  
The run-in period is from the time of consent (V1) to the first bronchoscopy (V3). 
Visit 1  
- 
Sign consent form 
- 
Review Inclusion and Exclusion criteria. 
- 
Pre and post (4 puffs of albuterol) spirometry if patient has had adequate withhold (4 
hours for SABA, 12 hours for LABA, 24 h for Tiotropium).  
- 
Complete history and physical examination to include body weight, height, vital signs, 
waist and hip circumference  
- 
Urine pregnancy test in females of child-bearing potential (i.e. women who are not at 
least 1 year post-menopausal or who have not undergone a surgical sterilization 
procedure).  
- 
Exhaled NO. Niox mino. (No food, drink (other than water), or strenuous exercise 1 hour 
prior to visit) 
- 
Asthma Control Test (ACT) and Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) 
 
Visit 2 
- 
Urine pregnancy test in females of child-bearing potential 


 
 
15 
 
- 
Exhaled nitric oxide test  
- 
Brief physical exam 
- 
Methacholine testing- This is a common test often used to confirm a diagnosis of 
asthma. Methacholine is a chemical that causes the airways to react (narrow) and is 
easily reversed with the administration of albuterol. Prior to the test, a urine pregnancy 
test will be performed on women of childbearing potential and a blood pressure reading 
will be taken. An exhaled nitric oxide test and a brief physical exam will also then be 
performed. The challenge test consists of inhaling very low, but increasing doses of 
methacholine through a nebulizer to assess how quickly the airways narrow. Spirometry 
(focusing on the FEV-1) will be performed approximately 30 and 90 seconds after each 
dose to look for changes in lung function. If/when a 20% decrease in spirometry (FEV-1) 
is observed the challenge test will be stopped. Multiple measures are in place to perform 
this test safely and comfortably. Subjects will receive albuterol after the test is done. 
- 
If a subject's methacholine challenge test result is within 3% of what is positive (17% to 
19% change), the participant can be re-tested within 14 days and enrolled accordingly (if 
20% change or PC20 occurs). Additionally, if the subject's FEV1 is not 50% of predicted 
– participant can return within 7 days, and challenge can be done if pre-testing 
parameters are met. They can then continue with the study accordingly. 
Visit 3  (Week 0) (Please see Bronchoscopy Procedure description below) 
- 
The research coordinator will contact the subject 24-48 hours prior to Visit 3 in order to 
verify the medication withhold and readiness for the bronchoscopy procedure. 
- 
Pt arrives to CTRC – MUH after an 8 hour fast 
- 
Urine pregnancy test in females of child-bearing potential (i.e. women who are not at 
least 1 year post-menopausal or who have not undergone a surgical sterilization 
procedure).  
- 
A physical exam will be completed 
- 
The subject must have used less than 16 puffs of albuterol in the last 48 hours in order 
to proceed with bronchoscopy procedures 
- 
Pre – bronchoscopy spirometry (pre- and post-bronchodilator) (safety assessment)  
- 
Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ)& pre-bronchoscopy safety checklist 
- 
Tongue scrape x microbiome 
- 
Bronchoscopy for a) brushings , b) BAL, c) endobronchial biopsies; d) microbiome  
- 
Blood work for metabolic syndrome ( fasting blood glucose, insulin levels, serum 
creatinine) lipid profile (HDL, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL and VLDL), CBC with 
differential, and Hgb A1C. 


 
 
16 
 
- 
Plasma collection  
- 
Urine collection X Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) metabolites and isoprostanes  
- 
Exhaled NO (No food, drink (other than water), or strenuous exercise 1 hour prior to 
visit) 
- 
Stool x microbiome  
- 
Post bronchoscopy spirometry  
- 
Dispense study drug supply- 4 week supply 
- 
Distribute study Diary Card and review instructions 
Phone call visit T1 (2 weeks after Visit 3) 
- 
Review diaries & compliance  
- 
ACQ 
- 
Review any concerns and health care utilization 
Visit 4  (4 weeks after Visit 3)  
- 
Short Physical Exam 
- 
Review of diaries and compliance  
- 
Niox Mino (No food, drink (other than water), or strenuous exercise 1 hour prior to visit) 
- 
Pre and Post spirometry  
- 
ACQ & ACT 
- 
Dispense 4 week supply of study drug  
Visit 4A (if necessary) 
If it is determined by the study coordinator at Visit 4 that the subject has not taken at least 75% 
of the study drug, the coordinator will provide a 1 week supply of the study drug and ask the 
subject to return to the Asthma Institute for a compliance check (visit 4A). If the subject is not 
compliant at Visit 4A, the subject will be withdrawn from the study. If the subject has improved 
compliance after 1 week, the remaining 3 week supply of the study drug will be dispensed. 
Phone call visit T2 (6 weeks after Visit 3) 
- 
Review diaries & compliance  
- 
ACQ 
- 
Review any concerns and health care utilization 
 


 
 
17 
 
Visit 5 (after 8 weeks of treatment) 
- 
ACQ 
- 
Urine pregnancy test in females of child-bearing potential 
- 
Exhaled nitric oxide test  
- 
Brief physical exam 
- 
Methacholine testing- This is a common test often used to confirm a diagnosis of 
asthma. Methacholine is a chemical that causes the airways to react (narrow) and is 
easily reversed with the administration of albuterol. Prior to the test, a urine pregnancy 
test will be performed on women of childbearing potential and a blood pressure reading 
will be taken. An exhaled nitric oxide test and a brief physical exam will also be 
performed. The challenge test consists of inhaling very low, but increasing doses of 
methacholine through a nebulizer to assess how quickly the airways narrow. Spirometry 
(focusing on the FEV-1) will be performed approximately 30 and 90 seconds after each 
dose to look for changes in lung function. If/when a 20% decrease in spirometry (FEV-1) 
is observed the challenge test will be stopped. Multiple measures are in place to perform 
this test safely and comfortably. Subjects will receive albuterol after the test is done. 
- 
Patient is instructed to take Nitrogen 15 sodium nitrate and 15 sodium nitrite in 
substitution of regular NOx supplements (same dose) with food approximately 12 h prior 
to bronchoscopy.  This dose is in a form that is easily observed in study samples. 
- 
Dispense study drug supply 
Visit 6  (End of study- 24 hours to 1 week after visit 5) 
- 
Pt arrives to CTRC – MUH after an 8 hour fast 
- 
Pre – bronchoscopy spirometry (pre- and post-bronchodilator)  (safety assessment)  
- 
Pre-bronchoscopy questionnaires: ACQ, ACT, and pre-bronchoscopy safety checklist 
- 
A brief physical exam will be completed 
- 
Urine pregnancy test in females of child-bearing potential (i.e. women who are not at 
least 1 year post-menopausal or who have not undergone a surgical sterilization 
procedure). 
- 
Tongue scrape x microbiome 
- 
Bronchoscopy for a) brushings , b) BAL, c) endobronchial biopsies; d) microbiome  
- 
Blood x plasma collection Urine x PGD2 metabolites and isoprostanes 
- 
Exhaled NO (No food, drink (other than water), or strenuous exercise 1 hour prior to 
visit) 
- 
Stool x microbiome  
- 
Post bronchoscopy spirometry  
Phone call visit T3 (1 week after the 2nd bronchoscopy) 


 
 
18 
 
- 
ACQ  
- 
Review any concerns, healthcare utilization.  
Following the initiation of the study treatment, a ± 5 days schedule variance will be allowed for 
subsequent study evaluations.  
 
End of Study Visit 
If a subject is withdrawn from study participation, an End of Study Visit will be scheduled.  This 
visit will take place at the Asthma Institute and will consist of the following procedures: 
- 
Physical Exam 
- 
Spirometry  
- 
ACQ  
- 
Review of diaries 
Bronchoscopy Procedure (Visits 3 & 6) 
Before the bronchoscopy, a tongue scrape will be performed. The subject will be asked to rinse 
their mouth with saline and spit out the remaining fluid. Using a plastic cell scraper, the subject's 
tongue will be gently scraped to collect cell samples. Following collection, the samples will be 
brought to the PI’s lab and used to develop cell cultures for research purposes.  
The bronchoscopy procedure will take approximately 45 minutes. While in the CTRC, an IV 
needle will be inserted by CTRC staff and approximately 6 tablespoons of blood will be drawn. 
The IV will be used to give medications during the bronchoscopy. Depending on the physician’s 
preference, subjects may be given a mild sedative at this time. Subjects will also perform pre 
and post spirometry in the CTRC and they will be asked to inhale a medicine (albuterol - given 
via neb) to open up airways.  
Once subjects are in the bronchoscopy suite, the nose and throat will be sprayed with lidocaine 
(a numbing medication or anesthetic) to reduce feeling and coughing. A maximum of 600mg of 
lidocaine will be used above and below the vocal cords. If the subject has a history of nausea 
and vomiting from anesthesia, Zofran may be given before the bronchoscopy. Subjects will be 
given a sedative (Versed-not to exceed 20 milligrams and/or Fentanyl-not to exceed 500 
micrograms) in the IV. The subject's respiratory rate will be monitored by pulse oximentry, and 


 
 
19 
 
supplemental oxygen will be provided. A bronchoscopy nurse that is specially trained in 
sedation will do the monitoring and is qualified to administer the sedatives.  
Finally, the bronchoscope will be passed into the windpipe. The tube is small enough that the 
subject can breathe around it, and is designed so that the study doctor can look through it into 
the lungs. Secretions can be removed by suction through it.  
While the tube is in the participant's lung, the following procedures will be performed. 
• Pulmonary Lavage. During pulmonary lavage, five 50 cc (a little over 16 Tablespoons) washes 
of sterile salt-water solution will be injected through the bronchoscope and then immediately 
sucked out. This allows the doctor to remove some lung cells and secretions for research study.  
If less than15cc return from the first 100cc of lavage, the lavage will be stopped. 
• Bronchial Brushing. A small brush will be introduced through the bronchoscope and gently 
rubbed over a very small part of the surface of the lungs. The brush will collect cells, known as 
epithelial cells, which then can be taken to the laboratory for further study. This is done with 10 
brushes. 
• Endobronchial Biopsy. While the bronchoscope is inserted, another small instrument will be 
passed through the bronchoscope to take small samples (biopsies) of tissue from the walls of 
the airways. Up to 8 samples may be taken during this procedure. 
 
The bronchoscopy procedure will take about 30-45 minutes, but the preparation and recovery 
time will usually make the visit about 4-8 hours total. If the subject is feeling nauseous after the 
bronchoscopy, Zofran may be given at the discretion of the physician investigator.  An albuterol 
treatment may be given at the discretion of the physician investigator.  Occasionally, the 
subject's asthma may worsen during or after the procedure. In those cases, we may ask them to 
spend the night in the Clinical Translational Research Center (CTRC). If subjects are asked to 
spend the night in the CTRC, subjects will be monitored as described below in the POST 
Bronchoscopy monitoring procedures.  
POST Bronchoscopy Monitoring Procedures: 
For this research study, the monitoring/follow-up procedures include: 


 
 
20 
 
Subjects will be monitored at UPMC until the sedation has worn off. After the bronchoscopy is 
completed, subjects will wait in the bronchoscopy recovery area or the clinical research unit for 
at least 1 hour (but commonly 4-6 hours) following the bronchoscopy to make sure breathing 
has not been affected by the procedure and to be sure that the anesthesia has worn off. 
Subjects may be given Tylenol prn if they have a temperature above 38° C. Breathing tests 
(spirometry) will be done when subjects are awake enough to perform the test and then every 1-
2 hours after to make certain breathing capacity is returning to normal level. If subject is not able 
to breathe as well as before the bronchoscopy we will provide an albuterol dose (can be either 
neb or MDI) and check spirometry again. If breathing does not return to 85% of baseline after 
about 6 hours, subject will be evaluated by investigator to determine if further observation (up to 
24 hours) is needed. Additional spirometry may be performed for patient safety. It is also 
possible (if clinically indicated), that subjects receive a prednisone burst to help asthma 
symptoms improve. However, this is rare since subjects are mild/moderate asthmatics. Subjects 
will not be allowed to leave the clinic until breathing is back to normal level.  
Subjects will not be allowed to drive home after the bronchoscopy. This is because the 
sedatives used during the procedure may decrease driving ability. We will ask for the contact 
name and number of the person that will pick up the subject after the bronchoscopy. 
The research coordinator will call the subject 24 hours following the bronchoscopy procedure to 
monitor symptoms.  The research coordinator will continue to make follow-up calls as needed 
for patient safety. At the discretion of the PI, it may be recommended that subjects return to the 
Asthma Institute for clinical evaluation of breathing issues (respiratory status) in the post 
bronchoscopy period. This visit would include baseline spirometry and a brief physical exam.  
7   HUMAN SUBJECTS 
7.1   Recruitment and Selection of Patients 
Study participants will be enrolled at Asthma Institute, from clinics, UPMC-affiliated hospitals 
and communities via various IRB-approved recruitment methods.  
7.2   Inclusion Criteria 
1) 
Adequate completion of informed consent process with written documentation 
2) 
Male and female patients, ≥ 18 - 65 yrs old  
3) 
Diagnosis of asthma:  based on previous physician diagnosis and either baseline 
pre-bronchodilator FEV1 50% or greater predicted with a 12% or greater 


 
 
21 
 
bronchodilator response to 4 puffs of albuterol or PC20 methacholine (16 mg) if no 
BD response.  If the subject is not currently on an ICS or  ICS-LABA combination, 
PC20 should be < 8 mg, if no BD response. Spirometry results within the prior 24 
months located in the subject's medical records can be used to determine eligibility, if 
available. 
4) 
From all racial/ethnic backgrounds with a diagnosis of asthma for ≥6 months;   
5) 
Smoking history ≤10 pack years and no smoking in the last year;  
6) 
BMI ≥ 30 
7) 
If subject is on ICS or ICS/LABA therapy- 30 days on a stable dose (up to 1,000 mcg 
daily fluticasone equivalent) 
 
7.3   Exclusion Criteria 
1) 
Respiratory tract infection within the last 4 weeks;  
2) 
Oral or systemic CS burst within the last 4 weeks;  
3) 
Asthma-related hospitalization within the last 2 months;  
4) 
Asthma-related ER visit within the previous 4 weeks; 
5) 
Significant or uncontrolled concomitant medical illness including (but not limited to) 
heart disease, cancer, diabetes;  
6) 
History of ICU admission/intubation due to asthma in the past year; 
7) 
More than three systemic corticosteroid requiring asthma exacerbations in the past 
year; 
8) 
Current statins use (statins lower ADMA levels), patients may stop and re-enroll after 
2 weeks of stopping statins;  
9) 
Positive pregnancy test;  
10) 
Intolerance or allergy to the intervention drugs;   
11) 
Current or recent participation (within the past 30 days) in an investigational 
treatment study; 
12) 
Unable or unlikely to complete study assessments or the study intervention (i.e. 
bronchoscopy) poses undue risk to patient in the opinion of the Investigator;  
13) 
Any kind of oral nitrates such as nitroglycerin or already taking supplements in this 
study 


 
 
22 
 
14)       Systemic steroid dependent asthma (no daily oral steroids- short term therapy for                   
asthma exacerbation is permitted) 
15) Chronic renal failure (creatinine ≥ 2.0) at screening (associated with higher ADMA 
levels)- self-reported and/or verified by medical records. 
16) 
Use of mouthwash containing chlorhexidine (lowers NO) within 1 week prior to 
screening and throughout the study. 
17) 
Untreated sleep apnea  
18)       Hgb A1C ≥7- self-reported and/or verified by medical records. 
19)       Daily use of PPI’s (Proton Pump Inhibitor) or H2 Blockers for GERD (it is permitted to 
take on an occasional   basis- no more than 1x per week.  If participants wash out of 
these meds for 1 week, they can enroll) 
20) Use of biologics for asthma/allergies unless there is a 4 month washout prior to 
enrollment  
21)   Drug and/or alcohol abuse for ≥ 1 year  
22) Breastfeeding  
23)   Any other condition and/or situation that causes the investigator to deem a subject 
unsuitable for the study (e.g. due to expected study medication non-compliance, inability 
to medically tolerate the study procedures, or a subject's unwillingness to comply with 
study-related procedures. 
 
7.4   Criteria for Initiating Treatment  
Inclusion criteria  
No exacerbations during the run in. Patients, who exacerbate during the run-in, may re-enroll 4 
weeks after the exacerbation has resolved (completed course of systemic corticosteroids). 
Completed 1st bronchoscopy and absence of complications or serious adverse events following 
the procedure (i.e. hospitalizations)  
 
8   STATISTICAL ANALYSIS AND POWER CALCULATIONS 
8.1   Sample Size Determination 


 
 
23 
 
To ensure 90% power to detect a difference in the change in the methacholine dose required to 
produce a PC20 before and after treatment, a sample size of n=12 participants will be required.  
This estimate assumes an alpha level of 0.05, and a 2-sided test.  The estimate of variability 
and effect size used was by McRedmond et al, in which the PC20 effect size associated with 
CLA administration was 3.8 (SD 1.9). There are no preliminary data on how CLA or NOx + CLA 
affect exhaled NO and therefore are unable to reasonably anticipate a sample size for adequate 
power.  
 
8.2   Study Conduct Analyses 
Deviations will not be distinguished from protocol violations; any failure to follow the protocol will 
be defined and recorded as a protocol violation. Such violations should be reported to the local 
Investigational Review Board (IRB) as per required practice. No exceptions to the eligibility 
criteria for the study are permitted.  
8.3   Efficacy Analyses 
Primary analysis: The primary analysis will test whether there is a significant difference in 
exhaled NO and measures of airway oxidative stress (superoxide production, XO activity in 
biopsies) before and after taking either of the intervention arms.  This analysis will utilize an 
approach of comparing average values pre and post intervention, using matched paired 
comparisons.   
Matched analysis are very efficient in controlling for confounders, as the analysis uses the same 
individual as case and control under different treatment conditions. Secondary outcomes will be 
tested following the same scheme of pre and post matched comparisons. To determine the 
relevance of measured variables, these will be compared to results from healthy controls 
undergoing bronchoscopy as part of the Electrophilic Fatty Acid Derivatives in Asthma (EFADA) 
study (IRB#: PRO11010186). This analysis will allow cross sectional comparisons and 
determine, for example, how obesity influences some of the baseline study variables.  
8.4   Safety Analyses 
Due to the relatively short duration of this POC, we do not expect to see a large number of 
exacerbations during the treatment period.  However, the rate of exacerbations will be 
monitored and reported to the DSMB at their regularly scheduled meetings to ensure the safety 


 
 
24 
 
of study participants. In addition, as CLA and NOx have not been used in combination for the 
treatment of asthma, therefore as a POC we will monitor lung function and bronchial 
hyperresponsiveness.  
8.5   Handling Missing Data 
Because of the possibility of drop-outs and other missed visits, there will be some missing data. 
The statistical models and analyses that are planned for the primary and secondary outcomes 
assume that the data are missing-at-random (MAR). Because likelihood-based methods will be 
applied, MAR data still yield valid estimates. Although not expected, if it appears that the MAR 
assumption is not reasonable, then non-ignorable statistical analyses, such as shared 
parameter modeling will be applied. 
8.6   Data Management 
Data will be collected on CRFs and transferred to an electronic database following a double 
entry protocol. Entry fields will include pre specified data ranges and distributions will be 
regularly checked for the presence of outlier or extreme values.  
 
9   POTENTIAL RISKS AND BENEFITS 
9.1   Potential Risks  
9.1.1   Risks related to the procedures  
Venipuncture  
Blood samples will be obtained by venipuncture of an antecubital vein to determine the levels of 
CLA NO2-cLA, nitrite, and other inflammatory biomarkers. 
Risks: The risks of venipuncture are minimal. The possible risks include bruising and/or infection 
at the site of the venipuncture and vasovagal episodes experienced by the blood donors. 
Pressure will be applied to the venipuncture site to prevent bruising. Aseptic technique will be 
used to prevent infection. Blood will be obtained while the donors are in a seated position and 
medical and nursing personnel will be available at the study sites to treat and manage 
vasovagal episodes. 
Benefits: There are no direct benefits to the participant 
 
 


 
 
25 
 
Pulmonary Function Testing (spirometry) 
Spirometry will be performed to determine the participants’ pulmonary function. 
Risks: The risks of spirometry are minimal. The possible risks include precipitation of 
bronchospasm and light-headedness from repeated blowing attempts. Medical and nursing 
personnel and medications will be available at the study sites to treat and manage 
bronchospasm. Inhalation of a short-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist (such as albuterol) will be 
used to assess reversibility at some visits. The possible risks of inhaled beta-2 adrenergic 
agonists include tachycardia and hand tremors. These side effects are non-life threatening and 
are short-lived. 
Benefits: Spirometry with assessment of reversibility to a short-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist 
will be used to determine if the participants meet the inclusion criteria for this study; it will also 
serve as a secondary outcome for the study.  
The potential benefits justify the potential risks. 
 
Methacholine Inhalation Challenge 
Methacholine challenge will be used to assess airway hyper-responsiveness at baseline and 
after treatment. This measurement is being made primarily as function of safety to ensure that 
CLA + NOx do not potentially enhance airway hyperresponsiveness in these patients.  
Risks: The major risk of methacholine challenge is the induction of severe bronchoconstriction. 
As a precaution, participants will not undergo methacholine challenge if their FEV1 is less than 
50% of predicted or 1.0 liter. Medical and nursing personnel, medications and equipment will be 
available at the study sites to treat and manage any bronchoconstriction episodes. 
Benefits: There are no direct benefits to the participant. This procedure is considered necessary 
for the protocol as a safety measure for this pilot, POC study. 
 
Bronchoscopy  
Risk from bronchoscopy are hemoptysis, epistaxis, and local discomfort, fever and a sore 
throat.  Sedation will be given as part of the bronchoscopy and the medications used for this can 
cause hypotension, lightheadedness or dizziness; these side effects are somewhat common but 
very short in duration.  Appropriate monitoring equipment and medications will be used to 
promptly identify and manage complications if they occur.  Bronchoscopy may cause coughing 
and occasionally gagging. Fever or chills may occur, especially following a lavage. Chest pain 
from a collapse of a small segment of the lung (atelectasis) may occur.  Some people 
experience temporary vomiting, soreness of the nose and throat Mild to moderate cough can be 


 
 
26 
 
observed for 24 hours after the procedure. The greatest risk of bronchoscopy is transient 
worsening of asthma.  This rarely occurs in mild-moderate asthmatic subjects (<5%), but can 
occur in up to 25% of severe asthma subjects.   Every precaution is taken to prevent this, 
including giving 40-60 mg of prednisone to severe asthmatics prior to discharge.  The subject's 
asthma may worsen during or after the procedure. In those rare cases, we may ask them to 
spend the night in the Clinical Translational Research Center (CTRC).   There has been only 
one death (worldwide) associated with a research bronchoscopy so this is very, very rare event. 
Overall, research bronchoscopy in adult asthmatics is a safe and well-tolerated procedure (49). 
Protection against Risk: First during the bronchoscopy, patients are placed on supplemental 
oxygen and monitored continuously with oxygen saturation monitor as well as 
electrocardiogram.  Due to the potential of increased risk of complications with asthmatic 
subjects undergoing a bronchoscopy, subjects are pretreated with beta-agonists. The topical 
anesthesia and sedation dosages are monitored and limits set and adhered to closely.   
Research bronchoscopies will only be done on subjects with a post bronchodilator FEV1  
predicted of ≥50%.    
 
Urine Collection 
Urine will be collected to assess overnight urine cortisol, to perform pregnancy tests at specified 
visits, and for future exploratory assessments of urine biomarkers. 
Risks: There are no risks associated with urine collection. 
Benefits: This test will be used to determine PGD2 metabolite levels and isoprostanes. 
 
Tongue Scrape 
The subject's tongue will be gently scraped to collect cell samples. Following collection, the 
samples will be brought to the PI’s lab and used to develop cell cultures for research purposes. 
Risks: The main risk associated with this procedure is minor discomfort and/or irritation of the 
tongue. 
Benefits: There are no direct benefits to the participant. 
 
9.1.2   Study Specific Risks 
Treatment with CLA 
CLA isomers have been designated as “generally regarded as safe by the Food and Drug 
Administration”, based on human and animal data that show that there is no indication of 


 
 
27 
 
significant CLA-related adverse effects. Human studies have shown that continuous 
administration of CLA in the dose range proposed in this study, is well tolerated and does not 
result in serious adverse effects. Doses of up to 10 g / day for short periods have resulted in no 
adverse events in healthy subjects 
(www.fda.gov/downloads/food/ingredientspackaginglabeling/gras/noticeinventory/ucm408896.p
df).   
 
 
Nitrite 
Dr. Gladwin, a collaborator in this study, has previously held an IND for sodium nitrite (IND # 
70,411) for cardiovascular applications and currently has an approved IND for the use of sodium 
nitrite for lung transplant recipients (IND # 111,643). The cardiovascular IND involved the 
administration of sodium nitrite to 69 normal volunteers in 4 phase I-II clinical trials without 
observed adverse effects. He has also treated 11 subjects with sickle cell disease on this IND 
without observed adverse effects. The low doses of nitrite used in these investigational 
treatment regimens – less than 75 mg or 25% of the dose (300mg) used in the emergency 
treatment of cyanide poisoning – do not produce methemoglobin levels greater than 3% and 
have not been associated with clinically significant hypotension. There have been no adverse 
events noted in the 80 treated normal human volunteers and patients with sickle cell disease 
disease (50-52). In another study by Gladwin et al., 18 healthy adults received an infusion of 
sodium nitrite totaling 75 mg (15 minutes each x 2 infusions). This was associated with a 7 mm 
Hg decrease in mean arterial pressure, a peak methemoglobin of less 3% and no other 
significant effects(51). Note this dose is 3.75 times the dose we plan to use in this trial.  
 
In an open-label three-way crossover study, 9 healthy adult subjects received two single high 
dose oral sodium nitrite aqueous solutions (0.12 and 0.06 mmol NaNo2/mmol Hb, equivalent to 
290-380 mg and 140-190 mg sodium nitrite, respectively, depending on the total body 
hemoglobin level of the person) and one intravenous sodium nitrite dose (0.12 mmol 
NaNo2/mmol Hb)(53). Mild headache occurred in 44-55% of subjects and was the most frequent 
complaint during each treatment session, which the authors ascribed to the sodium nitrite, not 
methemoglobinemia, as the percentage of methemoglobinemia stayed below clinically toxic 
levels (<15%). By report, up to 22% experienced nausea, which subsided within half an 
hour(53). The pharmacokinetic analysis of this study indicated similar bioavailability of oral and 
IV delivery of nitrite, as well as similar side effect and safety profiles. 


 
 
28 
 
 
Nitrate 
For nitrate, some toxicity studies suggest a positive association with risk of non-Hodgkin 
lymphoma, gastric and colon cancers with years of exposure. However, these were mostly studies 
with weak study design and limited strength of evidence. Other case-control studies and cohort 
studies, which provide stronger evidence, have found no increased risk of human cancer with 
increasing nitrate intake from diet or drinking water after multivariate adjustment. Taking all 
studies together, the CONTAM panel (Contaminants in the Food Chain) of the European Food 
Safety Authority (EFSA) reports evidence does not suggest that nitrate intake from diet or drinking 
water is associated with increased cancer risk.  In addition, there is no clear evidence of an effect 
of nitrate or nitrite on non-cancer human health effects(43).  
In the current study, we will use much lower doses of nitrite and nitrate than used safely in any 
of these studies. Our sodium nitrite dose of 20 mg per day is <30% of the dose used on the 
cardiovascular IND and <7% of the dose used for cyanide poisoning. Our sodium nitrate of 
1,000 mg represents a nitrate ion dose (i.e. 744 mg) that is less than the nitrate ion dose (i.e. 
933 mg) associated with 1,488 mg of potassium nitrate used by Webb and colleagues(39) 
To summarize, We anticipate the following symptoms by organ system and likely frequency of 
risk during the 6 week treatment in this study: 
Gastrointestinal 
 
Common: none 
 
Frequent: none 
 
Rare: nausea, abdominal pain and vomiting 
Hematologic 
 
Common: none 
 
Frequent: none 
 
Rare: methemoglobinemia 
Cardiovascular 
 
Common: none 
 
Frequent: none 
 
Rare: flushing, tachycardia, hypotension 
Neurologic 
 
Common: none 
 
Frequent: none 
 
Rare:  headache, dizziness, seizure, coma 


 
 
29 
 
Respiratory 
 
Common: none 
 
Frequent: none 
 
Rare: tachypnea, dyspnea, cyanosis 
Prednisone Burst  
Oral prednisone may cause nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, heartburn, trouble sleeping, and 
rise in blood sugar or increased sweating.  
 
9.2   Plan for Patient Safety 
Study population: To enhance safety we will exclude patients with: a) history of ICU 
admission/intubation due to asthma; b) More than three systemic corticosteroid requiring 
asthma exacerbations in the past year; c) an asthma exacerbation requiring systemic 
corticosteroids within 30 days preceding study enrollment; d) systemic steroid dependent 
asthma and e) FEV1 < 50 % predicted.   
 
9.3   Routine Safety Monitoring 
Potential risk mitigation will be achieved through monitoring including study visits and telephone 
contacts every 2 weeks will help identify participants who experience worsening of control or 
have an asthma exacerbation during the study. Between in-person study visits, participants will 
be contacted by telephone by the clinic coordinator to ensure appropriate compliance with the 
study protocol, to answer any questions, and to ensure their asthma is not worsening, as 
assessed by the participant. We will follow criteria established by Asthmanet, which proposes 
and algorithm based on measures of asthma control and healthcare utilization, to determine 
whether a participant’s asthma is worsening or he/she is experiencing an asthma exacerbation 
(REF). The PI or investigator will determine whether the participant is showing signs of 
treatment failure using criteria identified below. If it is determined that the participant fulfills 
criteria for treatment failure or an asthma exacerbation, they will be advised to visit the study 
center within 24 hours for evaluation and initiation of treatment as specified herein. In the 
absence of these criteria, arrangements will be made for the participant to have telephone 
contact or return to the clinic at the next regularly scheduled interval.  
 
If, between phone contacts or in-person visits, an asthma exacerbation occurs, the participant 
should be evaluated at the nearest medical emergency facility as quickly as possible. 
Participants will be instructed to call the coordinator or the investigator within 24-48h of 


 
 
30 
 
receiving care for an exacerbation. The PI may determine whether a participant needs to be 
seen at the study center following an exacerbation.   
 
Treatment failure (defined for safety purposes) or significant worsening of asthma status will be 
defined as the identification of the occurrence of one or more of the following while enrolled in 
the study (these parameters do not apply to the 72 hour post-bronchoscopy period when these 
may be an expected adverse event following the procedure):  
1. An increase in PRN albuterol/levalbuterol use of ≥ 6 puffs (1 neb equals 4 puffs) per 24 
hours over baseline use for 48 hours;  
2. Scheduled or unscheduled visit to the study center for worsening of asthma symptoms 
with a change in pre-bronchodilator FEV1 ≤ 80% of the baseline on 2 consecutive 
measurements; 
3. Additional inhaled (doubling or more) of baseline dosing or oral corticosteroids for more 
than 3 consecutive days, or more than one parenteral corticosteroid dose due to asthma; 
4. Need for emergency treatment at a medical facility that is related to asthma, or results in 
hospitalization for an acute asthma exacerbation; 
5. Participant refusal to continue study drugs because of lack of satisfaction with treatment; 
or  
6. An increase of the ACQ score of 1.5 from pre-treatment, or an absolute score of 2.5. 
Participants will be provided with action plans to communicate with the study investigators if any 
of these events occur. The study investigator will determine whether the participant should 
follow up with a visit after patient has received care for an exacerbation in a healthcare facility. 
 
10   DATA AND SAFETY MONITORING PLAN 
10.1 Data Safety and Monitoring Board 
A Data Safety and Monitoring Board (DSMB) will be created to review this study. The DSMB will 
contain at least 3 members or experts in pulmonary diseases. None of the DSMB members will 
be affiliated with this study or have a conflict of interest.  
 
10.2  Data Safety and Monitoring Plan 
The DSMB will meet at periodic intervals during the course of the study. The DSMB will be 
expected to convene as needed, but not less than every 6 months to review the progression of 
the study including subject enrollment, protocol compliance, and adverse event reports. The 
DSMB will conduct interim monitoring of accumulating data from research activities to assure 


 
 
31 
 
the continue safety of human subjects, relevance and appropriateness of the study, and the 
integrity of research data. 
 
The study Principal Investigator has primary responsibility for the oversight of the data and 
safety monitoring. The Investigator will review subject safety data as it is generated.  The 
Investigator, sub-investigators, and the research staff will meet on a four week interval to re-
evaluate study goals, subject recruitment, data coding and retention, documentation and 
identification of adverse events, complaints and confidentiality of subjects. There will be an 
evaluation of the progress of the research study, including assessments of data quality, time 
lines, participant recruitment, accrual, and retention. The Investigator will also review the 
outcome and adverse event data to determine whether there is any change to the anticipated 
benefit-to-risk ratio of study participation and whether the study should continue as originally 
designed or should it be re-evaluated and changed.  
 
The study investigators will evaluate all adverse events (AEs).  All subjects who have AEs, 
whether considered associated with the use of the study medication or not, must be monitored 
to determine the outcome.  The clinical course of the AE will be followed up according to 
accepted standards of medical practice, even after the end of the period of observation, until a 
satisfactory explanation is found or the Principal Investigator considers it medically justifiable to 
terminate follow-up. 
 
10.3  Reporting of Serious Adverse Events and Unanticipated Problems 
Investigator’s Reporting Requirements to the IND Sponsor 
Investigator will report all serious, unexpected, and study-related adverse events to the IND 
Sponsor within 24 hours. The investigator will then submit a detailed written report to the IND 
Sponsor. The DSMB, all investigators, and IRB will also be promptly notified in accordance with 
the respective policies and procedures. 
 
IND Sponsor Reporting Responsibilities 
The IND sponsor is required to report certain study events in an expedited fashion to the FDA. It 
is the responsibility of the IND Sponsor to notify all investigators, in a written IND Safety Report, 
of any adverse event associated with the use of the drug that is both serious and unexpected. 
Additionally, Sponsors are also required to identify in IND safety reports all previous reports 


 
 
32 
 
concerning similar adverse events and to analyze the significance of the current event in light of 
the previous reports.  
 
The following outlines the safety reporting requirements by timeline for reporting associated type 
of events: 
 
 
 
Within 7 Calendar Days 
Any suspected adverse reaction that is: 
– associated with the use of the investigational drug and 
– unexpected, and 
– fatal or life-threatening 
 
Within 15 Calendar Days 
Any suspected adverse reaction that is: 
– associated with the use of the investigational drug and 
– unexpected, and 
– serious, but not fatal or life-threatening 
 
Any significant risk findings from other clinical studies or animal or in vitro studies that 
– suggests a significant risk would ordinarily result in a safety-related change in the protocol, 
informed consent, or other aspects of the overall conduct of the clinical investigation. 
 
Additional IND Reporting Requirements 
The IND Sponsor will report any clinically important increase in the rate of a serious suspected 
adverse reaction over that listed in the protocol. A baseline incidence rate may not always be 
available, but when one is available, a clinically important increase from that rate will be 
reported. The decision about when to report is a matter of judgment based on a variety of 
factors including the study population, the nature and seriousness of the reaction, and the 
magnitude of the observed increase in the rate. 
 
The IND Sponsor will submit annually an Annual Report to the FDA. The Annual Report will 
include a written summary of the status of all clinical studies being conducted under the IND 


 
 
33 
 
application. The IND Sponsor will work with the reporting investigators to prepare a detailed 
written summary of serious, unexpected, and treatment related adverse events, and will 
compare, and contrast the event with prior events. The detailed written summary will also be 
provided to the DSMB and the IRB. 
 
 
 
 
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