Anti-inflammatory bioactive glass particulates

Abstract

Compositions and methods for systemically minimizing the inflammatory effects of TNF-α are disclosed. The compositions include particles of bioactive glass with a particle size less than about 20 μm, alone or in combination with anti-inflammatory agents and other therapeutic agents. The compositions can include an appropriate carrier for oral, intramuscular, intraperitoneal or intravenous administration. When administered to a patient, the particles bring about elevated levels of IL-6 and do not cause elevated levels of TNF-α.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A composition comprising particles of bioactive glass with a particle size less than about 20 μm in diameter and a suitable carrier for oral, intramuscular, intraperitoneal or intravenous administration.  
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the carrier is suitable for intravenous administration.  
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the carrier is suitable for intramuscular or intraperitoneal administration.  
     
     
         4 . The composition of  claim 1 , additionally comprising one or more therapeutic agents.  
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claim 4 , wherein one or more therapeutic agents are selected from the group consisting of healing promotion agents, growth factors, anti-inflammatory agents, and anesthetics.  
     
     
         6 . The composition of  claim 1  wherein the glass includes between about 40 and 86 percent by weight of SiO 2 , between about 0 and 30 percent by weight of Na 2 O, between about 4 and 46 percent by weight of CaO and between about 1 and 15 percent by weight of P 2 O 5 .  
     
     
         7 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the bioactive glass has a particle size range less than about 2 microns.  
     
     
         8 . A method for systemically increasing IL-6 levels in a patient, comprising administering to the patient an effective, IL-6 increasing amount of bioactive glass particles with a size less than about 20 μm.  
     
     
         9 . A composition comprising particles of a material with a particle size less than about 20 μm which biodegrades, produces elevated serum concentrations of calcium and phosphorous ions, does not cause elevated plasma TNF-αconcentrations, and does cause elevated plasma IL-6 concentrations, in combination with a suitable carrier for oral, intramuscular, intraperitoneal or intravenous administration.  
     
     
         10 . A method for increasing IL-6 levels in a patient, comprising administering to the patient an effective, IL-6 increasing amount of bioactive glass particles with a size less than about 20 μm.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the bioactive glass particles are administered locally.  
     
     
         12 . A method for increasing IL-6 levels in a patient comprising administering locally a locally effective IL-6 increasing amount of bioactive glass particles with a size less than about 20 μm to the patient.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the locally effective IL-6 increasing amount of bioactive glass particles is administered by intraperitoneal injection.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the locally effective IL-6 increasing amount of bioactive glass particles is administered prophylactically or therapeutically to prevent or treat peritoneal adhesions.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the locally effective IL-6 increasing amount of bioactive glass particles is administered by peritoneal injection of a composition comprising the bioactive glass particles, a suitable carrier for intraperitoneal injection, and one or more therapeutic agents.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the one or more therapeutic agents are selected from the group consisting of healing promotion agents, growth factors, anti-inflammatory agents, and anesthetics.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the bioactive glass particles have a size less than about 2 microns.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the locally effective IL-6 increasing amount of bioactive glass particles is administered by inhalation.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the locally effective IL-6 increasing amount of bioactive glass particles is administered by subcutaneous injection.  
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19  wherein the locally effective IL-6 increasing amount of bioactive glass particles is mixed with a biocompatible hydrogel.  
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 19  wherein the locally effective IL-6 increasing amount of bioactive glass particles is administered at a site at which surgery is to be performed.  
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21  wherein the locally effective IL-6 increasing amount of bioactive glass particles is mixed with an anesthetic.