Use of recombinant human uteroglobin in treatment of inflammatory and fibrotic conditions

Abstract

Method for treatment of inflammatory and fibrotic conditions in vivo using pure rhUG is disclosed. Method for treating or preventing inflammatory or fibrotic conditions characterized by a deficiency of endogenous functional UG is also disclosed. Compositions containing pure rhUG, optionally also containing lung surfactant, and assay procedures for detection of UG-fibronectin complexes, are also provided.

1 - 32 . (canceled)  
     
     
         32 . A method for treating a fibrotic condition characterized by deposition of fibronectin, said method comprising administering native or recombinant uteroglobin to a patient in need of such treatment, wherein said fibrotic condition is cystic fibrosis.  
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein said UG has a purity of between about 75% to about 100%.  
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein said UG has a purity of between about 90% to about 100%.  
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein said UG has a purity of at least 95%.  
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein said UG is recombinant (rhUG) and has the same sequence as native human uteroglobin.  
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein said native or recombinant UG is administered in a dose of 20 ng/kg of body mass to 500 mg/kg of body mass.  
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein said UG is administered in association with a lung surfactant.  
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein a lung surfactant is present in an amount of about 20% to about 80% by weight of a treatment dosage wherein said treatment dosage comprises uteroglobin and lung surfactant.  
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein said UG is administered by intratracheal or intravenous routes.  
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein said UG is administered as a liquid or semi-aerosol via an intratracheal tube.  
     
     
         42 . A method for preventing a fibrotic condition characterized by deposition of fibronectin, said method comprising administering a compensating amount of native or recombinant uteroglobin to a patient in need of such treatment, wherein said fibrotic condition is cystic fibrosis.  
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 42 , wherein said UG has a purity of between about 75% to about 100%.  
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 42 , wherein said UG has a purity of between about 90% to about 100%.  
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 42 , wherein said UG has a purity of at least 95%.  
     
     
         46  The method of  claim 42 , wherein said UG is recombinant (rhUG) and has the same sequence as native human uteroglobin.  
     
     
         47 . The method of  claim 42 , wherein said native or recombinant UG is administered in a dose of 20 ng/kg of body mass to 500 mg/kg of body mass.  
     
     
         48 . The method of  claim 42 , wherein said UG is administered in association with a lung surfactant.  
     
     
         49 . The method of  claim 42 , wherein a lung surfactant is present in an amount of about 20% to about 80% by weight of a treatment dosage wherein said treatment dosage comprises uteroglobin and lung surfactant.  
     
     
         50 . The method of  claim 42 , wherein said UG is administered by intratracheal or intravenous routes.  
     
     
         51 . The method of  claim 42 , wherein said UG is administered as a liquid or semi-aerosol via an intratracheal tube.