Glycoproteins Having Lipid Mobilising Properties and Therapeutic Applications Thereof

Abstract

A biologically active lipid mobilising agent for use in therapy is disclosed which has the properties and characteristics of a Zn-α 2 -glycoprotein, or of a fragment thereof having an apparent molecular mass M r greater than 6.0 kDa as determined by gel exclusion chromatography. Methods of isolation and purification from biological material are also disclosed together with uses of the material for making up pharmaceutical compositions, especially pharmaceutical compositions useful for treating mammals to achieve weight reduction or for controlling obesity. In addition, uses of the material for developing diagnostic agents and for identifying inhibitors of lipolytic activity for therapeutic purposes are disclosed.

1 . A diagnostic method for detecting the presence of a tumor in a mammal and/or for monitoring the progress of treatment of such a tumor, comprising taking from said mammal a sample of urine, blood serum or other body fluid, and testing to detect the presence of and/or to measure the amount therein of Zn-α 2 -glycoprotein. 
     
     
         2 . The diagnostic method of  claim 1 , wherein the testing comprises contacting Zn-α 2 -glycoprotein with a biochemical reagent that specifically recognizes and binds to Zn-α 2 -glycoprotein. 
     
     
         3 . The diagnostic method of  claim 2 , wherein the biochemical reagent is a monoclonal or polyclonal antibody. 
     
     
         4 . The diagnostic method of  claim 1 , which is applied to a sample of urine. 
     
     
         5 . A diagnostic kit for carrying out the method of  claim 1 , said kit comprising a receptacle for receiving the sample of body fluid, a biochemical reagent for detecting Zn-α 2 -glycoprotein, and instructions for use of said kit. 
     
     
         6 - 27 . (canceled)