Proof-of-concept trial on the efficacy of sodium tungstate in human obesity.
OBJECTIVE
Considering the poor long-term success of current dietary and pharmacological interventions, we aimed to evaluate the potential effect of sodium tungstate in the treatment of grade I and II obesity (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00555074).


METHODS
Prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, proof-of-concept study was carried out. Following a 2-week lead-in period, 30 obese (body mass index, BMI 30.0-39.9 kg/m(2)), non-diabetic subjects were randomized to receive either sodium tungstate (100 mg bid) or placebo for 6 weeks. The primary study endpoint was the absolute change in body weight relative to the time of randomization.


RESULTS
Treatment with sodium tungstate [-0.135 ± 0.268 kg (95% CI -0.686 to +0.416 kg)] was not associated with a significant weight loss compared to placebo [-0.063 ± 0.277 kg (95% CI -0.632 to +0.507 kg)] (p = 0.854). Likewise, treatment with sodium tungstate was not associated with significant changes in fat mass (DEXA), resting energy expenditure (indirect calorimetry) or caloric consumption (3-day food records).


CONCLUSIONS
Our data do not support sodium tungstate as a pharmacological agent in the treatment of human obesity.
Hanzu
F
F
Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, Barcelona University, Barcelona, Spain.
Gomis
R
R
Coves
M J
MJ
Viaplana
J
J
Palomo
M
M
Andreu
A
A
Szpunar
J
J
Vidal
J
J
D000328:Adult; D019440:Anti-Obesity Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology; D015992:Body Mass Index; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010919:Placebos / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D017973:Tungsten Compounds / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000187:drug effects*
D019440:Anti-Obesity Agents; D010919:Placebos; D017973:Tungsten Compounds; C025399:sodium tungstate(VI)