Glycoproteins Having Lipid Mobilizing Properties an Therapeutic Uses Thereof

Abstract

The invention provides formulations and methods for ameliorating symptoms associated with metabolic disorders, such as cachexia, hypoglycemia, obesity, diabetes, and the like by administering Zn-α2-glycoproteins or a functional fragment thereof, alone or in combination with additional agents, such as β adrenergin receptor agonists, β adrenergin receptor antagonists, and / or glycemic control agents.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates generally to medicinal formulations and supplements, and more particularly, to formulations and methods for altering the metabolism of a subject, as well as ameliorating disorders such as cachexia, obesity, diabetes and insulin resistance.[0003]2. Background Information[0004]The prevalence of obesity in adults, children and adolescents has increased rapidly over the past 30 years in the United States and globally and continues to rise. Obesity is classically defined based on the percentage of body fat or, more recently, the body mass index (BMI), also called Quetlet index (National Task Force on the Prevention and Treatment of Obesity, Arch. Intern. Med., 160: 898-904 (2000); Khaodhiar, L. et al., Clin. Cornerstone, 2: 17-31 (1999)). The BMI is defined as the ratio of weight (kg) divided by height (in meters) squared.[0005]Overweight and obesity are associated with increasing the risk of de...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent is based on the discovery that a protein called Zinc-α2-glycoprotein affects body weight and insulin responsiveness in mice and rats. The patent proposes the use of anti-ZAG antibodies to prevent weight loss in situations of cachexia (an extreme form of weight loss). The patent also suggests that these formulations, kits, and methods can be used to improve human health, promote weight loss, or treat diseases associated with obesity and hyperglycemia.

Problems solved by technology

Although about 30 to 40% claim to be trying to lose weight or maintain lost weight, current therapies appear not to be working.

While cachexia may be mediated by certain cytokines, especially tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-1b, and IL-6, which are produced by tumor cells and host cells in the tissue mass, there is currently no widely accepted treatment for cachexia.

Diabetes mellitus is a major cause of morbidity and mortality.

Chronically elevated blood glucose leads to debilitating complications: nephropathy, often necessitating dialysis or renal transplant; peripheral neuropathy; retinopathy leading to blindness; ulceration of the legs and feet, leading to amputation; fatty liver disease, sometimes progressing to cirrhosis; and vulnerability to coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction.

Treatment consists primarily of multiple daily injections of insulin, combined with frequent testing of blood glucose levels to guide adjustment of insulin doses, because excess insulin can cause hypoglycemia and consequent impairment of brain and other functions.

Eventual islet failure results in decompensation and chronic hyperglycemia.

Despite the existence of such drugs, diabetes remains a major and growing public health problem.

Late stage complications of diabetes consume a large proportion of national health care resources.

There remains a lack of effective and safe alternatives for altering metabolism and treatment of metabolic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes and cachexia.

Images