RecruitingPhase 2

Lactoferrin Supplementation in Diabetic Nephropathy

Egypt60 participantsStarted 2025-08-01

Plain-language summary

Multiple pathways and mediators, including oxidative stress, inflammation, and the over-activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system are involved in the development of albuminuria and progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN), of which oxidative stress is the most prominent. Previous research has shown that lactoferrin (LF) has multi-pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anticancer, antibacterial, antifibrotic and immunogenic properties . Lactoferrin was reported to be a useful nutritional supplement to support immunity and antioxidant status and suppress systemic inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers ( ↓ TNF-α, ↓ IL-6, ↓ IFN-γ, ↓ IL-1β, ↑ IL-10) in previous studies. Lactoferrin, in vitro, has been reported to reduce oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis and fibrosis in acute and chronic kidney disease. Moreover, different rat models with kidney injury have proven the nephroprotective effect of LF through decreasing the levels of urinary albumin to creatinine ratio, serum creatinine, serum urea, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and also through reducing the expression of kidney damage markers; osteopontin, renin and IL-6. Furthermore, LF improved glycemic control and lipid markers through significant improvement of HbA1c, FBG, insulin resistance, body mass index and lipid markers. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the effect of LF on the clinical outcomes of type 2 diabetic patients with DN.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 75 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥ 18 years * Type II diabetic patients with CKD stage 3 (eGFR = 30 - 59 ml/min/1.73m2) or stage 4 (eGFR 15-29 ml/min/1.73m2) * Urinary albumin/Creatinine ratio (UACR): moderately and severely increased albuminuria (\> 30 mg/g) * Stable standard therapy for at least three months prior to inclusion in the study. * Life expectancy \>12 months. Exclusion Criteria: * Participation in other interventional trials * Current or previous treatment with LF supplements at least three months before inclusion. * Kidney donor or recipient * Pregnancy or breastfeeding * Active malignancy * Poor adherence potential (e.g. cognitive impairment, psychiatric instability) * Known intolerance or allergy to lactoferrin

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Urinary albumin/creatinine ratio

Timeframe: Baseline and after 12 weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07764991

SponsorAin Shams University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-02

Contact for this trial

Nihal Halawa, MSc in Clinical Pharmacy

00201009716047 nihal.halawa3@pharma.asu.edu.eg

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Diabetic Nephropathy trials