Methods and compositions for stimulating tissue growth and epithelial moisturization

摘要

The invention herein encompasses methods effective to stimulate epithelial cell proliferation and/or enhance epithelial moisturization and lubrication in a mammalian subject utilizing a composition comprising one or more inhibitors of beta -glucosidase activity or beta -glucocerebrosidase activity. The composition of the method may alternatively comprise a glycosphingolipid, particularly glucocerebroside, or a combination of the above inhibitor(s) and a glycosphingolipid. The method is effective to enhance the cosmetic appearance of skin and promote healing of skin and mucous membranes damaged or deficient from aging, traumatic wounds, photo-aging and a variety of atrophic conditions. The method may be applied to cells in culture. Also included in the invention is a composition comprising one or more inhibitors of beta -glucosidase and a glycosphingolipid useful to stimulate cell proliferation and enhance tissue moisturization and lubrication.