Formation of bone

Abstract

Compositions and methods for inducing or promoting repair of a bone fracture.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A method of treating low bone density in an individual suffering therefrom, the method comprising administering to said individual a therapeutically effective amount of uncrosslinked tropoelastin, wherein the tropoelastin is administered by injection, and further wherein the tropoelastin promotes formation of bone, thereby increasing bone tissue volume in said individual. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the tropoelastin is administered directly to bone at the site of low bone density. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the tropoelastin is administered directly to the bone callus. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 21  wherein the tropoelastin is administered in the form of a gel, putty or paste. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the tropoelastin is administered to a periosteal surface. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the tropoelastin is administered to an endosteum region. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the tropoelastin is administered by micro-drilling of cortical bone. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the low bone density is caused by osteoporosis. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the low bone density is caused by osteoarthritis. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the tropoelastin is a SHELδ26A having SEQ ID NO:1. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein a portion of the tropoelastin is crosslinked. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the tropoelastin has at least 75% purity. 
     
     
         33 . A method for increasing bone density in an individual, the method comprising administering to said individual a therapeutically effective amount of uncrosslinked tropoelastin, wherein the tropoelastin promotes formation of bone, thereby increasing bone density in said individual. 
     
     
         34 . A method for treating a bone degenerative disorder in an individual suffering therefrom, the method comprising administering to said individual a therapeutically effective amount of uncrosslinked tropoelastin, wherein the tropoelastin promotes formation of bone, thereby increasing bone density in said individual. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the bone degenerative disorder is selected from osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and osteochondritis dessicans. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the tropoelastin is administered to one or more of the bone callus, periosteal surface, and endosteum region. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the tropoelastin is a SHELδ26A having SEQ ID NO:1.