METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR THE TREATMENT OF FIBROTIC CONDITIONS AND IMPAIRED LUNG FUNCTION AND TO ENHANCE LYMPHOCYTE PRODUCTION

摘要

The present invention provides methods and compositions to treat fibrotic conditions, to increase lymphocyte production in vivo , and to improve and/or normalize lung function, pulmonary compliance, blood oxygenation, and blood pH to inhibit inflammatory processes to stimulate or inhibit pro-inflammatory and immune cells, and to inhibit migration of vascular endothelial cells. The invention contemplates the administration of human uteroglobin, native or recombinant, as a means of achieving these ends. Specifically, it has been found that uteroglobin inhibits cell adhesion to fibronectin, increases lymphocyte production in vivo , and improves and/or normalizes lung function, pulmonary compliance, blood oxygenation, and blood pH, and inhibits inflammatory process. In addition it has been found that uteroglobin can stimulate or inhibit pro-inflammatory and immune cells and inhibitor migration of vascular endothelial cells.