Methods for Modulating Macrophage Proliferation Using Polyamine Analogs

Abstract

Methods for modulating macrophage proliferation in an individual afflicted with or at risk for a macrophage-associated disease are provided. The methods employ a polyamine analog, or salt or protected derivative thereof. Macrophage proliferation has been implicated in a number of serious disorders, including AIDS (HIV)-associated dementia, AIDS-associated non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and Alzheimer's disease. The invention also provides methods for aiding diagnosis and monitoring therapy of a macrophage-associated non-HIV associated dementia, especially Alzheimer's disease. The invention also provides methods of delaying development of macrophage-associated non-HIV associated dementias, including Alzheimer's disease, which entail administration of an agent which modulates macrophage proliferation.

1 .- 44 . (canceled) 
     
     
         45 . A method of treating a subject afflicted with, or at risk for, atherosclerosis or glomerulosclerosis, or delaying development or onset of atherosclerosis or glomerulosclerosis in said subject comprising administering to said subject effective amount of a composition comprising mitoguazone or a salt of mitoguazone. 
     
     
         46 . The method of  claim 45 , wherein the composition comprises mitoguazone dihydrochloride. 
     
     
         47 . A method of modulating macrophage proliferation in an individual afflicted with, or at risk for, a macrophage-associated disorder comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of a composition comprising mitoguazone or a salt of mitoguazone, wherein the disorder is atherosclerosis or glomerulosclerosis. 
     
     
         48 . The method of  claim 47 , wherein the composition comprises mitoguazone dihydrochloride. 
     
     
         49 . A method of treating a subject afflicted with, or at risk for, a macrophage-associated disorder or delaying onset or development of a macrophage-associated disorder in said subject comprising administering to said subject an effective amount of a composition comprising mitoguazone or a salt of mitoguazone to reduce macrophage proliferation in said subject, wherein the disorder is atherosclerosis or glomerulosclerosis. 
     
     
         50 . The method of  claim 49 , wherein the composition comprises mitoguazone dihydrochloride.