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Discover 23,284 clinical trials near Maryland. Find research studies in your area.
Showing 22641-22660 of 23,284 trials
NCT00062465
Various forms of the plant extract Tripterygium wilfordi Hook F (TwHF) have been used in China as a remedy for inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis. The purpose of this study is to investigate how tolerable, safe, and effective TwHF is for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Investigators will compare the therapeutic effects of TwHF with Sulfasalazine, an FDA-approved drug for arthritis. Participants in this 24-week study must have had active rheumatoid arthritis for at least six months. Approximately 120 patients will participate. Participants will be assigned to one of two drug-treatment groups, TwHF or Sulfasalazine. They will be given the study drug at each of six clinic visits and will be asked to take two capsules three times each day with meals and water. During the clinic visits, investigators will obtain multiple blood samples; give physical exams; assess swollen, tender, and painful joints; and administer x-rays. Study participants will be compensated up to $260 for their involvement in this study.
NCT00001368
Early studies have shown that the immune system may play a role in the development of strokes. Conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and old age can activate the immune system and increase the risk of developing hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) and damaged blood vessels. Researchers will attempt to characterize factors that may contribute to atherosclerosis and stroke by measuring certain components of the immune system, cytokines and leukocyte activation. Measurements will be taken from patients that are considered to be stroke prone and from patients without risk factors for the development of stroke. Researchers will measure the immune system components at the beginning of the study, at six months, and at the one-year completion of the study. The study will attempt to determine; I) If patients with risk factors for stroke have an increased activation of the immune system II) If patients with risk factors for stroke that are symptomatic have higher levels of immune system activation compared to patients who do not have symptoms III) If patients with increased activation of the immune system have accelerated hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis)