Adenovirus AD36 E4ORF1 Protein For Prevention and Treatment of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Abstract

This invention generally relates to methods for treating or preventing the symptoms of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, methods for reducing excessive fat from the liver, methods of improving glycemic control, and methods for treating or preventing liver dysfunction, that comprise administering a therapeutically effective amount of Adenovirus 36 E4orf1 protein or functional variant thereof.

1 - 12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . A method of improving glycemic control in an individual, said method comprising administering to said patient a therapeutically effective amount of Ad36 E4orf1 protein ur functional variant thereof, wherein insulin sensitivity is increased following said administration, 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein an Adenovirus-36 E4orf1 protein is administered and the amino acid sequence of the Adenovirus-36 E4orf1 protein is SEQ ID NO:2 or functional variant thereof. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein a nucleic acid encoding Adenovirus-36 E4orf1 protein is administered by introducing into the mammal a nucleic acid sequence encoding the Adenovirus-36 E4orf1 protein, in a manner permitting expression of the Adenovirus-36 E4orf1 protein. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the nucleic acid sequence is introduced by a method selected from the group consisting of electroporation, DEAF Dextran transfection, calcium phosphate transfection, cationic liposome fusion, proptoplast fusion, creation of an in vivo electric field, DNA-coated microprojectile bombardment, injection with recombinant replication-defective viruses, homologous recombination, in vivo gene therapy, ex vivo gene therapy, viral vectors, and naked DNA transfer. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the nucleic acid sequence comprises SEQ ID NO:1 or functional variant thereof. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein said individual is a human. 
     
     
         19 - 32 . (canceled)