| abstract |
The invention provides novel methods for treating disease based upon the medicinal use of lipids and phospholipids covalently bound to physiologicall y acceptable monomers or polymers. Phosphatidylethanolamine moieties conjugate d to physiologically acceptable monomers and polymers (PE conjugates) manifest an unexpectedly wide range of pharmacological effects, including stabilizing cell membranes; limiting oxidative damage to cell and blood components; limiting cell proliferation, cell extravasation and(tumor) cell migratory behavior; suppressing immune responses; and attenuating physiological reactions to stress, as expressed in elevated chemokine levels. The surprisingly manifold pharmacological properties of the PL-conjugates allow for the invention, disclosed herein, of novel methods for the treatment of a diverse range of disease states, including obstructive respiratory disease, including asthma; colitis and Crohn's disease; central nervous system insult , including blood brain barrier compromise, ischemic stroke, and multiple sclerosis; contact dermatitis; psoriasis; cardiovascular disease, including ischemic conditions and prophylaxis for invasive vascular procedures; cellul ar proliferative disorders, including anti-tumor vasculogenesis, invasiveness, and metastases; anti-oxidant therapy; hemolytic syndromes; sepsis; acute respiratory distress syndrome; tissue transplant rejection syndromes; autoimmune disease; viral infection; and hypersensitivity conjunctivitis. Th e therapeutic methods of the invention include administration ofphosphatidylethanolamine bound to carboxymethylcellulose, heparin, hyaluronic acid, polyethylene glycol, and hemaccel. Disclosed herein are als o new compounds comprised of phospholipid moieties bound to low molecular weig ht monomers and dimers, including mono- and disaccharides, carboxylated disaccharides, mono- and dicarboxylic acids, salicylates, bile acids, and fatty acids. |