The investigators propose to conduct a multi-center Phase II study to test the efficacy of oral collagen in systemic sclerosis (SSc). The primary outcome is change in Modified Rodman Skin Score. Other outcomes include pulmonary function tests, creatinine levels, and scleroderma questionnaires. In addition, studies are proposed to explore the underlying mechanisms that mediate a potential effect of oral collagen peptides in the immune pathogenesis of SSc.

Project Start
1999-09-29
Project End
2004-09-29
Budget Start
2000-09-27
Budget End
2001-09-29
Support Year
Fiscal Year
2000
Total Cost
$591,808
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
941884009
City
Memphis
State
TN
Country
United States
Zip Code
38163
Postlethwaite, Arnold E; Shigemitsu, Hidenobu; Kanangat, Siva (2004) Cellular origins of fibroblasts: possible implications for organ fibrosis in systemic sclerosis. Curr Opin Rheumatol 16:733-8