NCT06871904

Fibrosis-Modulating Effects of Metformin and Pirfenidone in Oral Submucous Fibrosis

Exploring the Fibrosis-Modulating Potential of Metformin and Pirfenidone in Oral Submucous Fibrosis: Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Applications

• Status: Completed
• Phase: Phase 1 / Phase 2
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 45 (actual)
• Sponsor: Ziauddin University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 45 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if metformin and antifibrotic drugs (pirfenidone) can modulate fibrosis and improve treatment outcomes in patients with oral submucous fibrosis (OSF). The study also aims to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying their effects on exosome secretion and protein expression. The main questions it aims to answer are: Do metformin and antifibrotic drugs alter exosome secretion and biological activity in OSF cell lines? What molecular pathways are influenced by these drugs in modulating fibrosis? Does treatment with metformin and antifibrotic drugs improve clinical outcomes in OSF patients? Researchers will compare metformin and antifibrotic drug treatment groups to a control group to see if these drugs lead to significant changes in fibrosis-related exosomal protein expression and clinical improvement in OSF patients. Participants will : Undergo in vitro experiments on OSF cell lines to analyze drug effects using qPCR, Western Blot, and LCMS for protein profiling. Participate in a randomized, double-blind clinical trial where they receive metformin, antifibrotic drugs, or a placebo. Undergo clinical evaluations and laboratory tests to assess treatment efficacy. This study aims to develop an affordable and effective fibrosis-targeted therapy for OSF by repurposing metformin, potentially improving patient outcomes and reducing the risk of malignant transformation.

Detailed description

Oral submucous fibrosis stands as a persistent inflammatory and potentially malignant condition affecting the oral cavity, marked by progressive fibrosis of the oral mucosa. Existing therapies, such as corticosteroids, are costly and merely treat the symptoms without addressing the molecular pathways that cause fibrosis, which results in limited efficacy, relapse, and side effects. Given the financial constraints of affected communities, there is a desperate need for affordable and accessible treatments. This research project aims to investigate the effects of metformin and antifibrotic drugs on the secretion and biological activity of exosomes in oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) cell lines. The study will explore how these treatments impact morphological changes, exosomal gene expression, and protein profiles in OSF cell lines compared to control and vehicle-controlled groups. Additionally, the project will identify molecular pathways influenced by metformin and antifibrotic drugs, with a focus on their modulation of exosomal protein content and functional profiles. The clinical relevance of exosomal protein profiles in OSF treatment, particularly through the repurposing of metformin, will also be evaluated. Methodologically, the study involves in vitro experiments on OSF cell lines, employing techniques such as qPCR, Western Blot, and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LCMS) for protein profiling, alongside a clinical trial to assess therapeutic efficacy. The project is structured around several key objectives: 1. Impact Assessment: Evaluate how metformin and antifibrotic drugs affect exosome secretion and activity in OSF cell lines. 2. Morphological and Gene Expression Analysis: Analyze morphological changes and exosomal gene expression profiles in OSF cell lines post-treatment compared to control groups. 3. Molecular Pathways: Identify and analyze the molecular pathways modulated by metformin and antifibrotic drugs that influence exosomal protein content and functions. 4. Exosome Characterization: Characterize exosomes isolated from different treatment groups using advanced techniques such as dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Western Blot (WB) and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LCMS). 5. Clinical Relevance: Explore the potential clinical applications of the exosomal protein profiles for OSF treatment, focusing on the repurposing of metformin. 6. Methodology: The study includes both in vitro and clinical components, with the in vitro studies involving dose-response experiments, microscopy, gene expression analysis, and exosome isolation and characterization. The clinical trial will assess the efficacy of metformin and antifibrotic drugs in patients with OSF through randomized double-blind controlled trials. This research has the potential to uncover new therapeutic strategies for OSF, particularly through the repurposing of metformin, which could lead to better clinical outcomes for patients suffering from this precancerous condition.

Conditions

• Oral Submucous Fibrosis

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DRUG	Metformin Hydrochloride 500Mg Tablet	Metformin 500 mg is being tested for its potential role in treating oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) due to its antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects. This intervention will be administered orally at a dose of 500 mg twice daily (OD) for a specified 6 months treatment period for Group 2 . Metformin activates AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase), which inhibits TGF-β signaling and collagen deposition, reducing fibrosis and inflammation. Distinction from Other Arms: Unlike Pirfenidone, which directly targets profibrotic cytokines, Metformin modulates metabolic pathways to exert antifibrotic effects. The Control Group will receive supportive care for OSF.
DRUG	Pirfenidone (PFD)	Pirfenidone 200 mg (Pirfibet by Mactor Pharma, Pakistan) is an antifibrotic drug being tested for its potential role in treating oral submucous fibrosis (OSF). This intervention will be administered orally at a dose of 200 mg, twice daily for a specified treatment period which will be 6 months for Group 3 . Pirfenidone modulates fibrotic pathways by inhibiting TGF-β and collagen synthesis, reducing fibrosis progression. Distinction from Other Arms: Unlike Metformin, which has antifibrotic effects via AMPK activation, Pirfenidone specifically targets profibrotic cytokines. The Control Group will receive either a supportive care for OSF
DRUG	Beclomaethasone and Vitamin E	The Supportive Care Group will receive Beclomethasone mouthwash (three times daily) and Vitamin E 400 mg (once daily) as part of supportive care for oral submucous fibrosis . This intervention serves as a comparison group to evaluate the efficacy of Metformin and Pirfenidone. Beclomethasone is a topical corticosteroid that reduces inflammation and provides symptomatic relief in OSF. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that may help reduce oxidative stress and improve tissue healing. Distinction from Other Arms: Unlike Pirfenidone and Metformin, which target fibrosis at the molecular level, Beclomethasone + Vitamin E primarily focus on symptom relief. This arm will serve as an active comparator to determine whether the antifibrotic effects of Metformin and Pirfenidone provide superior therapeutic benefits.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-04-07
• Primary completion: 2025-12-30
• Completion: 2025-12-30
• First posted: 2025-03-12
• Last updated: 2026-02-03

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Pakistan